BAMS vs MBBS: Which Medical Career Path is Right for You?

Vaishali Pandey
September 30, 2024

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BAMS vs MBBS: Which Medical Career Path is Right for You?

Choosing between BAMS vs MBBS is a critical decision for students aspiring to pursue a career in medicine. While BAMS focuses on Ayurvedic medicine, MBBS is rooted in modern medical practices. Both offer unique advantages, career prospects, and educational experiences. 

This article will provide a detailed comparison between BAMS vs MBBS, including their eligibility criteria, syllabus, job opportunities, and colleges, to help you make an informed choice about your medical career.

BAMS vs MBBS: Course Overview

BAMS vs MBBS: Course Overview

Both BAMS and MBBS are professional medical degrees but focus on different healthcare systems. BAMS centres on Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medical system, while MBBS is focused on modern, allopathic medicine. 

Below is a detailed comparison of the BAMS vs MBBS course overview to highlight the key differences.

Aspect BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)
Duration 5.5 years (4.5 years academic study + 1-year internship) 5.5 years (4.5 years academic study + 1-year internship)
System of Medicine Ayurveda – holistic, natural, herbal treatments Allopathy – modern medical science, surgery, pharmacology
Core Subjects Ayurveda Itihas, Dravyaguna (Pharmacology), Kayachikitsa (Internal Medicine), Panchakarma (Detox) Anatomy, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Pathology, Surgery
Focus Preventive care, natural remedies, body balance, herbal medicine Clinical diagnosis, surgeries, pharmacological treatments, modern healthcare
Specialisations Panchakarma, Kayachikitsa, Shalya Tantra (Ayurvedic Surgery), etc. Cardiology, Neurology, Pediatrics, General Surgery, etc.
Internship 1 year in Ayurvedic hospitals and wellness centers 1 year in multi-specialty hospitals, clinics, and healthcare centers
Licensing Recognised by Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) Recognised by Medical Council of India (MCI)
Postgraduate Options MD in Ayurveda, Panchakarma, etc. MD, MS, various super-specialisations in medical fields

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What is BAMS?

BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) is a professional degree in Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine. It combines the traditional practices of Ayurveda with modern medical sciences. The program lasts 5.5 years, 4.5 of which are academic and 1 year of internship.

BAMS is holistic in its approach to healthcare, but its scope differs from MBBS, which we will see next.

What is MBBS?

MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) is an undergraduate degree that teaches you everything about modern medicine, surgery, and healthcare. It's 5.5 years long, 4.5 of which are academic, and 1 year of internship in a hospital.

Now that you understand both courses' core concepts, let's delve into their eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Criteria for BAMS vs MBBS

To get admitted to either BAMS or MBBS, students must meet certain eligibility criteria, including passing the NEET exam. Here’s a difference between MBBS and BAMS:

Criteria BAMS MBBS
Minimum Education 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology
Minimum Marks 50% in PCB 50% in PCB
Age Requirement Minimum 17 years Minimum 17 years
Entrance Exam NEET NEET

Both courses require candidates to have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) and cleared the NEET exam for admission.

With similar eligibility criteria, it’s important to examine the syllabus to understand how the courses differ in content.

Also read: BAMS Course Fees 2024: Syllabus, Admission & Top Colleges

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Syllabus Comparison: BAMS vs MBBS

The core difference between MBBS and BAMS lies in their syllabus. BAMS focuses on Ayurveda, while MBBS covers modern medical sciences.

Course Year BAMS Subjects MBBS Subjects
1st Year Ayurveda Itihas, Physiology, Anatomy Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology
2nd Year Pharmacology, Toxicology, Ayurvedic Surgery Pathology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine
3rd-4th Year Charak Samhita, Internal Medicine (Kayachikitsa) Surgery, Medicine, Pediatrics

While BAMS emphasises Ayurvedic texts like Charak Samhita, MBBS includes subjects like Surgery and Pediatrics, essential for modern healthcare.

With apparent differences in the syllabus, it's time to explore the career opportunities available for BAMS vs MBBS graduates.

BAMS vs MBBS: Job Profile and Salary

The difference between MBBS and BAMS job profiles is pretty significant, as do their respective salaries. Here’s a comparison:

Job Profile BAMS Graduates MBBS Graduates
Primary Role Ayurvedic Doctor, Researcher, Ayurvedic Therapist General Physician, Surgeon, Medical Specialist
Government Jobs Ayurvedic Doctors in Government Hospitals Doctors in Government Hospitals
Private Sector Opportunities Wellness Clinics, Private Ayurvedic Clinics Private Hospitals, Specialised Medical Clinics
Average Starting Salary ₹3-4 Lakhs per annum ₹6-8 Lakhs per annum
High-End Salary ₹6-10 Lakhs per annum ₹10-15 Lakhs per annum

BAMS graduates often find roles as Ayurvedic doctors or researchers in Ayurvedic centres, while MBBS graduates have broader opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and as medical specialists. The starting salary for MBBS doctors is typically higher, but BAMS offers solid growth potential, especially in the wellness and alternative medicine sectors.

Now that we've explored job opportunities and salaries let's focus on the top colleges offering BAMS and MBBS courses in India.

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Top Colleges for BAMS vs MBBS in India

Choosing the right college is crucial for both BAMS and MBBS aspirants. Leading institutions like BHU and Dr. DY Patil College excel in Ayurvedic studies, while AIIMS and CMC Vellore top the rankings for modern medical education in MBBS. 

The difference between MBBS and BAMS may be significant; below is a detailed comparison of the top colleges for each.

Top MBBS Colleges in India

College Name Location State NIRF Score Rank
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi Delhi 91.60 1
Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) Chandigarh Chandigarh 79.00 2
Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore Tamil Nadu 72.84 3
National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) Bangalore Karnataka 71.56 4
Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University (IMS BHU) Varanasi Uttar Pradesh 68.12 5
Jawaharlal Institute of Post-Graduate Medical Education & Research (JIPMER) Puducherry Pondicherry 67.64 6
Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI) Lucknow Uttar Pradesh 67.18 7
Amrita School of Medicine Kochi Tamil Nadu 66.49 8
Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology Thiruvananthapuram Kerala 65.17 9
Kasturba Medical College Manipal Karnataka 63.89 10

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Top BAMS Colleges in India

College Name Location State
Faculty of Ayurveda, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Varanasi Uttar Pradesh
Dr DY Patil College of Ayurved & Research Institute & Hospital Pune Maharashtra
Madhav Ayurveda Medical College Rajasthan Rajasthan
Parul Institute of Ayurved Vadodara Gujarat
Rajiv Gandhi Ayurveda Medical College & Hospital Mahe Pondicherry
Patanjali Ayurved College Haridwar Uttarakhand
Sumatibhai Shah Ayurved Mahavidyalaya Pune Maharashtra
SCSVMV University Kanchipuram Tamil Nadu

There is a significant difference between MBBS and BAMS, but both offer excellent educational opportunities. Top institutions like BHU and AIIMS lead in their respective fields. These colleges are ranked based on their infrastructure, faculty, research output, and overall reputation in the medical community.

After considering the top colleges, let's review the scope of these courses in India and abroad.

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Scope of BAMS vs MBBS in India and Abroad

The scope of BAMS is primarily concentrated within India, whereas MBBS offers wider global opportunities.

Field BAMS MBBS
Job Market Primarily in India, Ayurveda clinics, and wellness centers Global demand, high-paying jobs, hospitals
Abroad Opportunities Limited outside India, unless in Ayurveda-centric countries High demand for doctors and specialists in developed countries
Future Growth Rising interest in Ayurveda, wellness tourism Strong demand for medical professionals globally

While BAMS graduates may find more opportunities in India, MBBS offers greater global scope, especially in countries with high demand for modern healthcare.

Understanding the scope is essential, but let's now break down the admission process for both courses.

Also read: MBBS Subjects For 2024: Year-Wise Syllabus And Structure.

Admission Procedure for BAMS vs MBBS

Here’s how the admission procedure for BAMS vs MBBS compares:

Admission Step BAMS MBBS
Entrance Exam NEET (Conducted by NTA) NEET (Conducted by NTA)
Counselling Conducted by AYUSH (State & Central Counseling) Conducted by Medical Council of India (MCI)
Seat Allocation Based on NEET rank and state quota Based on NEET rank and national quota
Final Admission Merit-based, subject to document verification Merit-based, subject to document verification

Both BAMS vs MBBS lead to fulfilling careers, but the choice depends on your interests. BAMS suits those drawn to holistic and natural medicine, while MBBS is for those interested in modern medical practices and surgery. As wellness tourism and Ayurveda grow, BAMS graduates find increasing opportunities. Meanwhile, MBBS offers broader global prospects, higher salaries, and specialisation options. Both paths contribute significantly to healthcare.

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FAQs About BAMS vs MBBS

What is the salary difference between MBBS and BAMS graduates?

MBBS graduates generally earn higher salaries, starting at ₹6-8 Lakhs per annum, while BAMS doctors start at around ₹3-4 Lakhs per annum.

Is BAMS equal to MBBS?

No, BAMS and MBBS are not the same. BAMS focuses on Ayurvedic medicine, while MBBS deals with modern allopathic medicine and surgery.

Can BAMS doctors perform surgery?

BAMS doctors are not authorised to perform surgeries. They can prescribe Ayurvedic treatments and manage patients holistically.

Which course is better for international careers?

MBBS offers more opportunities globally, especially in developed countries, whereas BAMS has limited international scope in Ayurveda-centric regions.

What is the future scope of BAMS in India?

The demand for BAMS graduates is growing, especially in wellness tourism and Ayurveda, making it a viable career option within India.

What is the NEET cutoff for BAMS vs MBBS?

The NEET cutoff for MBBS is typically higher than for BAMS, as the demand for MBBS seats tends to be more competitive. However, both courses require candidates to score well in NEET to secure admission.

Can I pursue higher studies after BAMS?

After completing BAMS, students can pursue postgraduate courses like M.D. in Ayurveda or specialised fields such as Panchakarma or Kayachikitsa.

How many years does it take to complete BAMS and MBBS?

Both BAMS and MBBS take 5.5 years to complete, including a 1-year mandatory internship.

Which course is better for those interested in natural medicine?

BAMS is the better option if you are interested in natural or holistic medicine as it focuses on Ayurvedic practices, whereas MBBS is rooted in modern allopathic medicine.

Can BAMS doctors work in hospitals?

BAMS doctors can work in Ayurvedic hospitals, clinics, or wellness centers. Some may also work in government Ayurvedic hospitals.

Do MBBS doctors have more specialisation options than BAMS doctors?

Yes, MBBS graduates can specialise in various medical fields, including cardiology, neurology, surgery, and more, whereas BAMS offers specialisations primarily in Ayurvedic medicine.

Is there demand for BAMS doctors outside India?

The demand for BAMS doctors outside India is limited to countries where Ayurveda is practiced or gaining popularity, such as Sri Lanka, some parts of Europe, and the U.S.

What is the difference in career growth between MBBS and BAMS?

MBBS graduates tend to have more career growth opportunities, especially with specialisations in high-demand fields like surgery or internal medicine. BAMS graduates can expect growth in Ayurvedic practices, wellness centers, and alternative medicine sectors.

Can I switch from BAMS to MBBS after completing BAMS?

No, you cannot switch from BAMS to MBBS directly. You should start immediately if you wish to pursue an MBBS after completing BAMS.

What is the starting salary for MBBS graduates in India?

The starting salary for MBBS graduates in India is typically around ₹6-8 Lakhs per annum, with potential for growth based on specialisation and experience.

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