Last Updated on December 16, 2025 by Abhijeet chatterjee
The Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) is a 5.5-year undergraduate degree program that integrates ancient Ayurvedic principles with modern medical sciences. Regulated by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM), it trains students in holistic healthcare, focusing on natural therapies, preventive medicine, and surgical techniques rooted in Ayurveda.
BAMS graduates are equipped to diagnose, treat, and manage diseases using herbal medicines, yoga, diet, and lifestyle modifications. With India’s emphasis on traditional medicine, BAMS offers promising careers in clinical practice, research, and wellness industries.
BAMS Course Highlights
| Particular | Details |
| Full Form | Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery |
| Duration | 5.5 years (4.5 years academic + 1 year internship) |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology (minimum 50% aggregate for general, 40% for reserved) |
| Admission Process | Through NEET-UG scores and counseling |
| Average Course Fee | Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 5 lakhs per year (government vs private) |
| Entrance Exams | NEET-UG |
| Average Starting Salary | Rs. 3 to 6 lakhs per annum |
| Top Job Roles | Ayurvedic Doctor, Medical Officer, Researcher, Wellness Consultant |
| Regulatory Body | National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) |
The course promotes integrative medicine, blending Ayurveda with allopathy for comprehensive patient care.
Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery BAMS Eligibility Criteria
To pursue BAMS in 2026, candidates must fulfill academic, age, and entrance requirements set by NCISM and state councils. This ensures students have a strong science background for Ayurvedic studies.
- Educational Qualification: Pass 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as compulsory subjects. Minimum aggregate: 50% for general category (40% for SC/ST/OBC).
- Age Limit: Minimum 17 years as of December 31, 2026; upper limit 25 years (relaxable for reserved categories).
- Entrance Exam: Qualify NEET-UG with minimum percentile: 50th for general, 40th for reserved.
- Nationality: Indian citizens; NRIs/PIOs with equivalence certificates eligible in some states.
- Other Requirements: Medical fitness certificate; no color blindness. Provisional admission for Class 12 appearing students, subject to passing.
State variations may apply; e.g., Kerala requires KEAM scores alongside NEET. Over 1 lakh aspirants compete annually for 50,000+ seats.
BAMS Specialisations Details
BAMS is a general undergraduate program, but students gain exposure to various Ayurvedic branches. Specializations are pursued at postgraduate level (MD/MS Ayurveda) in 16 areas, allowing focused expertise.
| Specialization | Details | Key Focus Areas |
| Kayachikitsa (Internal Medicine) | Treatment of general diseases using herbs and therapies. | Chronic illnesses, metabolic disorders |
| Shalya Tantra (Surgery) | Ayurvedic surgical techniques and procedures. | Kshar Sutra, minor surgeries |
| Shalakya Tantra (ENT & Ophthalmology) | Diseases of head, neck, eyes, ears, nose, throat. | Netra Roga, Karna Roga |
| Prasuti Tantra & Stri Roga (Obstetrics & Gynecology) | Women’s health, pregnancy, reproductive disorders. | Garbbhini Paricharya |
| Kaumarbhritya (Pediatrics) | Child health and development in Ayurveda. | Bala Roga management |
| Panchakarma | Detoxification and rejuvenation therapies. | Vamana, Virechana |
UG BAMS introduces all Ashtanga (8 branches); PG specializations enhance career in specific fields.
Entrance Exams for BAMS
Admission to BAMS in 2026 is primarily through national and state-level entrance exams testing biology, physics, chemistry.
| Exam | Conducting Body | Pattern | Dates (Tentative 2026) |
| NEET-UG | NTA | 720 marks, 3 hours, MCQs (Physics 180, Chemistry 180, Biology 360) | May 2026 |
| AIAPGET (for PG) | NTA | 480 marks, 2 hours, MCQs on Ayurvedic subjects | July 2026 |
NEET is mandatory for all BAMS seats; state exams like KEAM for additional eligibility in some states.
Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery BAMS Admission Process
The admission process for Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) in 2026 is centralized and merit-based, primarily through the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) scores. Managed by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) and the Ayush Admissions Central Counseling Committee (AACCC), it ensures transparent allocation of seats across government, private, and deemed universities. With over 52,000 seats available nationwide, the process starts with NEET qualification and proceeds to counseling rounds.
The timeline for 2026 is expected to follow the 2025 pattern: NEET-UG in May, results in June, counseling from July to September. State-level variations exist, but NEET is mandatory for all seats, including management quota in some states. Private colleges may offer direct admissions based on NEET scores and 12th marks, but government institutions strictly follow counseling.
Step-by-Step BAMS Admission Process
- Eligibility Check: Ensure 10+2 with PCB (50% general, 40% reserved), age 17-25 years.
- Register and Appear for NEET-UG: Apply via nta.ac.in in February-March 2026; exam in May. Qualify with minimum percentile (50th general, 40th reserved).
- NEET Results and Merit List: Declared in June; download scorecard from neet.nta.nic.in.
- Register for Counseling: For All India Quota (15% seats), register on aaccc.gov.in. For state quota (85%), use state portals (e.g., cee.kerala.gov.in for Kerala).
- Choice Filling and Locking: Select colleges and courses; multiple rounds allow modifications.
- Seat Allotment: Based on NEET rank, preferences, and reservations; results online. Report to allotted college within deadline.
- Document Verification and Fee Payment: Submit originals (NEET scorecard, 12th marksheet, category certificate) at college; pay fees (Rs. 50k-5L/year).
- Commence Classes: Sessions start September-October 2026.
Special provisions: Stray vacancy rounds for unfilled seats; NRI quota in some colleges. Common challenges include high competition (1:10 ratio) and document discrepancies.
BAMS Syllabus
The BAMS syllabus spans 4.5 years, divided into three professionals, plus internship. It covers Sanskrit, Ayurvedic classics, modern anatomy, and clinical subjects.
| Professional/Year | Subjects |
| 1st Professional (1.5 years) | Padartha Vigyan, Sanskrit, Kriya Sharir, Rachana Sharir, Maulik Siddhant, History of Ayurveda |
| 2nd Professional (1 year) | Dravyaguna, Roga Nidan, Rasashastra, Charak Samhita (Purvardh) |
| 3rd Professional (1 year) | Agad Tantra, Swasthavritta, Prasuti Tantra, Kaumarbhritya, Charak Samhita (Uttarardh) |
| 4th Professional (1 year) | Kayachikitsa, Panchakarma, Shalya Tantra, Shalakya Tantra, Research Methodology |
Includes practicals, dissections, herbal identification. Internship: 1 year in Ayurvedic hospitals.
Top BAMS Colleges with Cut Off for 2026
India has over 400 BAMS colleges approved by NCISM, with top ones ranked by NIRF for faculty, infrastructure, and research. Cut-offs for 2026 are expected to be similar to 2025, based on NEET scores (out of 720). Government colleges have lower cut-offs for reserved categories and lower fees (Rs. 10k-1L/year), while private ones range Rs. 2-5L. Factors influencing cut-offs: NEET difficulty, applicants (over 20 lakh for NEET 2025), state quotas.
| College | Location | NIRF Rank (2025) | Expected NEET Cut-Off 2026 (General Category Score) | Fees (Annual) |
| Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh | Within 100 | 620+ | Rs. 50,000 |
| National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA) | Jaipur, Rajasthan | Top 10 AYUSH | 550+ | Rs. 40,000 |
| Gujarat Ayurved University | Jamnagar, Gujarat | Top 20 | 500+ | Rs. 30,000 |
| Government Ayurvedic College, Bengaluru | Bengaluru, Karnataka | State Top | 480+ | Rs. 25,000 |
| Dr. BRKR Government Ayurvedic College | Hyderabad, Telangana | State Top | 450+ | Rs. 20,000 |
| State Ayurvedic College and Hospital | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh | Top 50 | 450-500 | Rs. 35,000 |
| Government Akhandanand Ayurved College | Ahmedabad, Gujarat | State Top | 400-450 | Rs. 25,000 |
| Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh | Integrated with BHU | 600+ | Rs. 50,000 |
| All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) | New Delhi | Top 5 | 580+ | Rs. 40,000 |
| Rajiv Gandhi Government Post Graduate Ayurvedic College | Paprola, Himachal Pradesh | Top 30 | 470+ | Rs. 30,000 |
Cut-offs for reserved categories: 100-150 marks lower. For example, in 2025, BHU general cut-off was around 620, SC/ST 400-500. Private colleges like Jamia Millia Islamia may have 400-500 for general. Check aaccc.gov.in for round-wise cut-offs.
Placement & Opportunities After BAMS
BAMS graduates have diverse career paths in India’s expanding AYUSH sector, valued at Rs. 1.5 lakh crore in 2025. Starting salaries range Rs. 3-6 lakhs per annum (LPA), rising to Rs. 10-20 LPA with experience or PG. Placement rates in top colleges: 70-85%, with opportunities in clinical practice (50%), government (20%), research (15%), and industry (15%).
Key sectors: Private clinics, AYUSH hospitals, wellness resorts, pharma companies. Top recruiters: Patanjali, Himalaya, Dabur, AYUSH Ministry, NRHM. International scope in UAE, USA for wellness consultants (Rs. 8-15 LPA). Further studies: MD/MS Ayurveda via AIAPGET boosts salary to Rs. 8-12 LPA starting.
| Job Role | Description | Average Salary (LPA) | Top Employers |
| Ayurvedic Doctor/Physician | Diagnose and treat using Ayurvedic methods in clinics/hospitals. | 4-7 | Govt AYUSH Hospitals, Private Clinics |
| Medical Officer | Work in government health schemes like NRHM. | 5-8 | AYUSH Ministry, State Health Depts |
| Research Scientist | Conduct studies on Ayurvedic drugs and therapies. | 4-6 | CCRAS, CSIR Labs |
| Wellness Consultant | Advise on lifestyle, yoga in spas/resorts. | 3-5 | Patanjali, ITC Wellness |
| Lecturer/Academician | Teach in Ayurvedic colleges after PG. | 4-7 | BHU, NIA Jaipur |
| Drug Manufacturer | Oversee production in pharma firms. | 3-5 | Dabur, Himalaya |
| Clinical Research Associate | Manage trials for Ayurvedic products. | 3-5 | Quintiles, Parexel |
| Panchakarma Specialist | Specialize in detoxification therapies. | 4-6 | Ayurvedic Resorts |
In 2025, Ayurvedic doctors averaged Rs. 7.4 LPA, with government jobs offering stability and perks. Entrepreneurship: Open clinics (initial investment Rs. 5-10 lakhs, ROI in 2-3 years). Global demand rising with WHO’s traditional medicine focus.
BAMS Scholarships
Scholarships for BAMS students in India support meritorious and needy candidates, covering tuition, hostel, and stipends. In 2026, schemes from AYUSH Ministry, states, and private foundations are available via NSP or dedicated portals. Eligibility: Merit (NEET rank), income (< Rs. 2-8 lakhs), category (SC/ST/OBC/EWS).
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount | Provider |
| AYUSH Scholarship Scheme | International students for UG/PG Ayurveda | Full tuition + stipend Rs. 43,500/month | ICCR/MEA |
| Post-Matric Scholarship | SC/ST/OBC/EWS, income < Rs. 2.5 lakhs | Full tuition + maintenance | Ministry of Social Justice |
| AIMSET Scholarship | Medical/Paramedical aspirants, entrance-based | Up to Rs. 50,000 | AIMSET Foundation |
| AIPMST Secondary | Merit in test for MBBS/BAMS/BUMS | Scholarship + stipend | AIPMST |
| Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Means | Merit, minorities/general, 50%+ marks | Rs. 30,000/year | State Govts (e.g., WB) |
| Oasis Scholarship | SC/ST/OBC in WB, income criteria | Rs. 5,000-20,000 | WB Backward Classes |
| All India Pre-Medical Scholarship Test | For MBBS/BDS/BAMS/BHMS/BUMS | Up to full fee | Private Foundation |
Apply by December 2025 for 2026 session; e.g., ICCR AYUSH last date June 2025. State-specific like Suborno Jayanti for AYUSH courses. Over 10,000 scholarships awarded annually.
BAMS Vs Other Courses
BAMS, MBBS, and BHMS are all 5.5-year medical undergraduate programs, but they differ in philosophy, curriculum, career scope, and salary. BAMS focuses on holistic Ayurveda, MBBS on modern allopathy, and BHMS on homeopathy. Choosing depends on interest in traditional vs. conventional medicine.
| Aspect | BAMS | MBBS | BHMS |
| Full Form | Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery | Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery | Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery |
| Focus | Holistic, natural therapies, herbs, yoga, preventive care | Modern medicine, diagnostics, surgery, pharmaceuticals | Dilution principles, natural remedies, individualized treatment |
| Duration | 5.5 years (including internship) | 5.5 years (including internship) | 5.5 years (including internship) |
| Eligibility | 10+2 PCB 50%, NEET | 10+2 PCB 50%, NEET | 10+2 PCB 50%, NEET |
| Entrance Exam | NEET-UG | NEET-UG | NEET-UG |
| Curriculum | Sanskrit, Ayurvedic texts, anatomy, pharmacology, surgery | Anatomy, physiology, pathology, surgery, medicine | Homeopathic principles, materia medica, repertory |
| Career Scope | Ayurvedic clinics, wellness centers, research, govt jobs | Hospitals, specialization, high demand globally | Homeopathic clinics, alternative medicine |
| Average Starting Salary | Rs. 3-6 lakhs per annum | Rs. 6-10 lakhs per annum | Rs. 3-5 lakhs per annum |
| Global Recognition | Growing, especially in wellness tourism | High, universally accepted | Moderate, in alternative medicine |
| Challenges | Limited emergency care scope | High stress, long hours | Skepticism in mainstream |
BAMS suits those interested in natural healing, with growing integration in AYUSH ministry initiatives. MBBS offers broader clinical practice, while BHMS is for minimal intervention approaches. In 2025, BAMS demand rose due to post-COVID wellness focus.
FAQs
What is BAMS course?
BAMS is 5.5-year degree in Ayurveda, covering holistic medicine, internship included.
What is eligibility for BAMS?
10+2 PCB 50%, NEET qualified, age 17-25.
What are BAMS specializations?
Kayachikitsa, Shalya, etc., at PG level.
Which entrance exams for BAMS?
NEET-UG mandatory.
What is BAMS syllabus?
Sanskrit, Sharir, Dravyaguna, clinical subjects.
How is BAMS admission process?
NEET, AACCC counseling.
What are top BAMS colleges and cut-offs?
BHU (600+), NIA (550+).
BAMS vs MBBS?
BAMS traditional, MBBS modern; similar duration.
What placements after BAMS?
Doctor, researcher, 3-6 LPA.
What scholarships for BAMS?
AYUSH, post-matric.
Can I do MD after BAMS?
Yes, via AIAPGET.
What career scope after BAMS?
Clinics, hospitals, pharma, abroad. BAMS promotes sustainable healthcare, with growing global demand for Ayurveda.