The BSMS course is a five-and-a-half-year undergraduate programme in the ancient Siddha medical system. The BSMS full form stands for Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery. Regulated by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) under the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, it includes 4.5 years of education and 1 year of mandatory internship.
Admission into this course is regulated through the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG), conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), followed by AYUSH counselling processes. The average BSMS fees range from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 3 lakhs.
Read on to find India’s top BSMS colleges, fees, updated BSMS syllabus, eligibility, jobs and more.
Here is a quick overview of the Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery programme:
Particulars
Description
BSMS Full Form
Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery
BSMS Average Fees
Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 3 lakhs
BSMS Entrance Exam
NEET
Subjects Required
Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Botany and Zoology
BSMS Admission Process
Entrance score + college/university guidelines
BSMS Top Job Roles
Siddha practitioner, pathologist, researcher, nutritionist, drug safety officer, teacher
BSMS Top Colleges
KUHS, Sri Sairam Medical College, ATSVS Siddha Medical College
BSMS Average Starting Salary
Rs. 3-5 LPA
BSMS Course Eligibility Criteria
Candidates seeking entry into the BSMS course must fulfil the following eligibility criteria:
Minimum age of 17 years by December 31 of the admission year.
Successful completion of 10+2 with minimum required percentage in Physics, Chemistry, Botany or Physics, Chemistry, Biology with any other subject.
Passing Tamil as a subject at Class 10 level or higher secondary, or studying Tamil during the first professional year in applicable institutions.
Qualification in NEET-UG as the sole basis for merit-based selection.
BSMS Admission Process
Medical students seeking admisison into BSMS course must follow the steps listed below:
Qualify the NEET-UG exam with minimum marks required for a candidate’s respective category.
Qualified candidates must participate in AYUSH or AACCC counselling for allotment of seats based on NEET score, rank and preference.
Register with the allotted college and complete admission formalities to secure the seat.
Based on past trends, the NEET exam 2026 is expected to be scheduled for May 3, 2026. Official notification is yet to be released. Eligible candidates can apply for the NEET exam via the NTA’s official website.
NEET Cut-off for BSMS Admissions
The NEET cut-off for BSMS admissions is the same as for MBBS, BAMS, BHMS, BDS and other medical exams. Here is an overview of NEET cut-offs from the last two years.
Category
2025 Cut-off
2024 Cut-off
Qualifying Percentile
General (UR)
686–144
720–162
50th
OBC
143–113
161–127
40th
SC
143–113
161–127
40th
ST
143–113
161–127
40th
General PWD
143–127
161–144
45th
OBC PWD
126–113
145–127
40th
SC PWD
126–113
145–127
40th
ST PWD
126–113
141–127
40th
EWS
686–144
720–162
50th
Top Colleges for BSMS Course in India
BSMS programme is offered in private as well as government colleges in India. Some notable institutions include:
College
BSMS Course Fees
Total Seats
Top Facilities
KUHS, Thrissur
Rs. 2,48,000
50
Sports facilities, literary events, cultural programmes
Sri Sairam Medical College, Chennai
Rs. 3,50,000
50
Smart board classrooms, central library, hostel, gym, bank
Library with 13,000+ books, catalogues Siddha literature
Government Siddha Medical College (Chennai/ Palayamkottai)
Rs. 48,000-65,000
NA
Library, herbal garden, hostel
Velumailu Siddha Medical College & Hospital, Chennai
Rs. 5,00,000 – 6,00,000
40
Hostel, transport, e-library, canteen
Maria Siddha Medical College & Hospital
NA
60
Transportation, library, field visits
Curriculum and BSMS Syllabus
The BSMS syllabus is built around the core philosophies of the Siddha medical system, revolving around seven elements – plasma, blood, muscle, fat, bone, nerve and semen/ovum. BSMS students learn to treat patients using herbal, mineral, dietary and other practices. The traditional Siddha system has proven effective in treating arthritis, joint diseases, skin diseases, UTIs, liver problems, neurological disorders and hemiplegic conditions.
Most BSMS courses are divided into three parts – First Professional, Second Professional and Third Professional:
First Professional Year (18 months)
History and Fundamental Principles of Siddha Medicine
Human Physiology
Biochemistry
Microbiology
Tamil/English
Second Professional Year (18 months)
Medicinal Botany and Pharmacognosy
Materia Medica – Pharmaceuticals
Materia Medica – Pharmacology
Forensic Medicine and Toxicology
Principles of Modern Pathology
Siddha Pathology
Principles and Disciplines of Disease Prevention and Public Health
Third Professional Year (18 months)
General Medicine
Paediatrics
Varmam Therapy, External Therapies and Special Medicine
Surgery including Ophthalmology, ENT, Dentistry and Dermatology
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Research Methodology and Medical Statistics
BSMS vs Other Courses
Medical students in India also opt for other popular courses such as MBBS, BAMS and BHMS among others. Here is a detailed comparison of BSMS with other medical courses, including top colleges, average packages and more.
Parameter
BSMS
BAMS
BHMS
MBBS
Full Form
Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery
Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery
Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
Course Duration
5.5 years
5.5 years
5.5 years
5.5 years
Entrance Exam
NEET
NEET
NEET
NEET
Course Description
Trains students in Siddha system, the most ancient Indian medical system.
Focuses on Ayurvedic medical practices
Specialises in homeopathic medical treatments.
Flagship degree offering expertise in allopathic and clinical science.
Course Fees
Rs. 45,000 to Rs. 6,00,000
Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 50,00,000
Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 10,00,000
Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 60,00,000+
Top Colleges in India
ATSVS Siddha Medical College Munchirai, National Institute of Siddha Chennai, GSMC Chennai/Palayamkottai
IMS-BHU Varanasi , AIIA Delhi, DPU Pune
NIH Kolkata, DPU Pune, GMCH Chandigarh
AIIMS Delhi, CMC Vellore, BHU Varanasi
Average Package
INR 3-5 LPA
INR 3-5 LPA
INR 3.5-5 LPA
INR 5-6 LPA
Scope & Employment Opportunities
Graduates of the BSMS course get access to opportunities in government (National Ayush Mission, National Rural Health Mission, public hospitals etc.) and private institutions (pharma firms, diet planning, wellness centres, etc.). Top job roles include:
Job Role
Description
Average Starting Salary (INR)
Siddha Practitioner
Registered doctors who diagnose and treat ailments using Siddha principles.
3–6 LPA
Research Associate / Officer
Conduct clinical studies, test Siddha formulations and support research projects.
3.5–6 LPA
Teaching Faculty / Lecturer
Teach Siddha principles, clinical practices, and guide students in medical colleges (requires further MD qualification).
4–7 LPA
Siddha Pathologist
Apply Siddha techniques along with lab methods to identify and diagnose diseases.
4–7 LPA
Nutritionist
Design diet and lifestyle plans based on Siddha principles for patients and clients.
3.5–8 LPA
Drug Safety Officer
Monitor safety of Siddha medicines, ensure regulatory compliance, and handle adverse event reporting in pharma companies or AYUSH bodies.
4.5–8 LPA
Medical Officer (Government AYUSH)
Work in public hospitals, PHCs, or AYUSH missions by providing Siddha care under government schemes.
5–8 LPA
FAQs
Is NEET required for a BSMS course?
Yes, NEET-UG is mandatory for admission to a BSMS course. All seats in the undergraduate Siddha programmes are filled solely through NEET-UG qualification followed by AACCC counselling. No direct college-level admission is allowed.
What do BSMS doctors practice?
BSMS graduates practise as registered Siddha physicians, diagnosing and treating diseases using traditional Siddha methods. They employ herbal, mineral, and animal-based medicines, varmam therapy and other traditional procedures for holistic treatment.
What is the salary after doing BSMS?
Entry level BSMS salary ranges typically from Rs. 3-5 LPA, with higher levels going up to Rs. 8 LPA. Further, BSMS salary varies based on experience, opportunity, additional certifications and other factors.
Which college is best for BSMS?
National Institute of Siddha, Sri Sairam Medical College, ATSVS Siddha Medical College and Government Siddha Medical College are some prominent Siddha medical institutions in India offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Is BSMS a good career option?
BSMS is a good career option for medical professionals looking to specialise in the niche domain of Siddha studies. BSMS graduates can earn an average salary of 3-5 LPA, with government and private job opportunities.
Aayush is a writer and content strategist who turns personal stories into brand narratives. With an experience spanning diverse industries, rely on his writing for simplifying complex subjects & get in-depth insights - always with sharp wit.
