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
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.
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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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