Are you thinking about making a career in Ayurveda? If yes, the Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) could be a great choice for you. This 5.5 year degree, recognised by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) under the Ministry of AYUSH, mixes traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with modern medical training.
In this guide, you’ll find everything about BAMS in India from course details, admission process, and top colleges to scholarships, syllabus, scope, and salary prospects in 2025 and beyond.
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BAMS in India Course Overview
Here’s a quick look at the key facts you need to know before you take the next step.
What is the BAMS Course?
The full form of BAMS is Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery. BAMS in India is a professional degree that is approved by the NCISM (under the Ministry of AYUSH). This programme follows a standardised syllabus across all recognised colleges, ensuring students gain a balanced understanding of traditional and contemporary healthcare practices.
BAMS in India: Eligibility & Admission Process
To join BAMS in India, you must meet the required academic criteria and qualify for NEET‑UG. Admissions are handled through AACCC (Ayush Admissions Central Counseling Committee) under the All‑India Quota and by state AYUSH counselling authorities for state‑quota seats.
Admission Timeline
Here's the standard schedule for the BAMS admission process in 2025–26:
The AYUSH Central Counselling Committee generally starts registration within 6 to 8 weeks of the NEET results. State counselling authorities may follow similar or later timelines depending on their schedules.
Seat Allocation & Document Verification
Once counselling begins, seats are allocated as follows:
All‑India Quota (AIQ) = 15 % of government AYUSH seats; includes seats in Central Universities, Deemed and National Institutes.
State Quota = balances (typically 85 % of seats), managed by each state’s AYUSH counselling authority.
You must present the following documents in original + photocopies during verification:
- NEET UG Admit Card & Scorecard
- Class 10th & 12th mark sheets and passing certificates
- Category Certificate (if claiming a reservation)
- Domicile Certificate (for state quota seats)
- Passport‑size photographs
Other documents like Transfer Certificate, Medical Fitness, Bond/Anti‑ragging affidavits, if required
After the counsellor verifies all documents, your seat is confirmed, and you’re required to report to the college within the specified deadline.
Still confused between Ayurveda and Homeopathy? Read our detailed comparison: BAMS vs BHMS: Which Alternative Medicine Path is Right for You?
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BAMS Syllabus & Specialisations
The BAMS Syllabus, as established by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM), extends over 5.5 years, comprising four professional years, each lasting 1.5 years (academic), followed by a 12‑month compulsory internship.
Professional I‑II (First & Second Years)
These foundational years introduce students to Ayurvedic philosophy alongside basic medical sciences:
History of Ayurveda and Sanskrit & Samhita, covering texts like the Charaka Samhita (Purvārddha).
Rachana Sharira (Anatomy) and Kriya Sharira (Physiology), often taught in parallel with embryology and radiological anatomy.
Padārtha Vijñāna, Dravyaguṇa Vijñāna (Ayurveda Materia Medica), and Rasa‑Śāstra and Bhaishajya Kalpana (Ayurvedic Pharmaceutics).
Roga Nidāna (Ayurvedic diagnostics and laboratory patterns) and advanced Charaka Samhita (Purvārddha section)
These subjects equip students with a secure footing in both ancient wisdom and modern clinical thinking.
Professional III‑IV (Third & Fourth Years)
This advanced phase blends clinical Ayurveda with modern systems:
Prof III (Second Semester of 3rd Year):
Swasthavṛtta (Preventive & Social Medicine, Dinacharya, Ritucharya)
Kauṃarabhṛtya Paricaya (Pediatrics & Neonatology), Aġadtantra (Toxicology & Forensic Medicine)
Prasūti Tantra evam Strī‑Roga (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
Charaka Samhita (Uttarārddha section)
Prof IV (Final Year):
Kayachikitsā (Ayurvedic Internal Medicine)
Pañcakarma (Therapeutic Detox Techniques)
Shalyatantra (Ayurvedic Surgery and Basic Parasurgery)
Shalakya Tantra (ENT, Ophthalmology, Dentistry)
Research Methodology & Medical Statistics (evidence-based training)
By this stage, students can choose to specialise, such as Shalya, Kauṃarabhṛtya, or Pañcakarma through electives or postgraduate paths.
Internship (12 Months Rotational Placement)
After clearing all exams, students enter a Compulsory Rotatory Resident Internship (CRRI):
- One year of clinical training in AYUSH-approved hospitals, with at least 6 months in Ayurveda settings and 6 months possibly in government allopathy or community health centres, depending on state norms.
- Interns rotate across departments, Medicine, Surgery, OBG, Panchakarma, Emergency, and perform procedures, patient counselling, and document case histories.
- Completion of CRRI is essential for provisional registration and independent Ayurvedic practice.
Top BAMS Colleges in India: Fee Structure
Here’s a table of some of the top BAMS colleges in India, along with the course fees.
Top Government Institutes
These colleges are directly regulated by the Ministry of AYUSH or the Central/State governments and offer highly affordable tuition for BAMS in India:
National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur (Rajasthan)
A prestigious Deemed-to-be-University established in 1976, offering BAMS with a small fee and strong emphasis on research.
All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Delhi
Central AYUSH institution under the Government of India, known for modern labs and clinical exposure.
Institute of Teaching & Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), Jamnagar (Gujarat)
Recognised as an Institute of National Importance, with excellent Panchakarma training and research facilities.
North-Eastern Institute of Ayurveda & Homeopathy (NEIAH), Shillong (Meghalaya)
Offers focused BAMS education in the northeast with very low annual fees and integrated clinical care.
Top Private Institutes
Regions such as Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu host the majority of AYUSH colleges, and home-state candidates often benefit from lower state-quota fees and higher seat-allocation chances. Therefore, preferring in-state colleges often yields better value.
Curious about the top options in Pune? Check out our detailed guide on Top BAMS Colleges in Pune – Government & Private Colleges, Fees, and Admissions to compare colleges and make an informed choice.
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Scholarships & Allied Paramedical Courses List
Pursuing BAMS in India brings opportunities beyond academics. Numerous BAMS scholarships help ease tuition costs, while short paramedical diplomas offer practical skills to boost career options alongside an Ayurveda degree.
Scholarships Available for BAMS Aspirants
AYURGYAN Scheme:
A central education grant from the Ministry of AYUSH offers financial aid to students enrolling in AYUSH programmes, including BAMS. This includes fee coverage, training support, and research fellowships through official portals for eligible candidates.
Short-Term Research Studentship (STSP):
Awarded by AYUSH research councils (e.g., CCRH), this provides ₹30,000 to final-year BAMS students who complete academic research projects as part of their internship.
State AYUSH Board Scholarships:
Many state boards (e.g., Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan) offer need-based or meritorious scholarships covering 25–75% of tuition fees. Application links are available on the respective AYUSH board websites.
These options help reduce financial barriers to studying BAMS in India.
List of Allied Paramedical Courses Complementing BAMS
Adding a paramedical diploma alongside your BAMS degree enhances your skillset and employability in wellness, diagnostics, or hospital setups:
Scope & Salary After BAMS in India: Government, Private & Self-Practice Opportunities
Graduating with a BAMS in India opens doors to multiple career pathways. From stable government jobs and research roles to private practice and entrepreneurship, the opportunities are expanding as Ayurveda gains wider acceptance in healthcare and wellness.
Government Jobs
One of the most reliable options after BAMS in India is joining as a Medical Officer (Ayurveda) in government hospitals. These roles fall under Pay Level 10 (₹15,600–39,100) with a Grade Pay of ₹5,400, along with allowances like DA and HRA. Over time, promotions can take professionals up to Pay Level 13, with monthly salaries reaching ₹70,000 or more.
Other available roles include Public Health Officer, Research Officer, and Pharmacovigilance Inspector under the Ministry of AYUSH and state health departments. These positions come with job security, pensions, and post-retirement benefits, making them highly preferred among graduates.
Academic & Research Roles
For those who wish to explore academia, higher qualifications such as an MD/MS in Ayurveda or an M.Sc./Ph.D. in fields like pharmacognosy or clinical research open doors to teaching positions in Ayurvedic colleges and central universities.
Entry-level Assistant Professors earn around ₹55,000–₹60,000 per month, with opportunities for growth into senior academic roles. Research positions in CCRAS, CCRH, or projects funded by AYUSH grants provide additional income, often in the range of ₹50,000-75,000 per month for consultants.
Private Sector & Clinical Practice
The private sector offers competitive opportunities for BAMS doctors. Entry-level salaries in AYUSH hospitals and wellness centres range between ₹3–5 LPA, with experienced practitioners (3–5 years) earning ₹6–8 LPA, especially in metro cities.
Specialists in Panchakarma, Shalya Tantra, or integrative therapies often earn more, with consultation fees ranging from ₹700–1,500 per session. Additionally, pharmaceutical companies and wellness chains hire BAMS graduates for product development and consultancy, often with performance-based incentives.
Self-Practice & Wellness Tourism
Many graduates opt for self-practice by opening their clinics or joining Ayurveda-based wellness resorts. Practitioners with established clinics in urban areas can earn ₹8–12 LPA within 3–5 years.
The booming wellness tourism industry, including Panchakarma centres, luxury spas, and Ayurveda resorts, offers excellent opportunities for higher earnings. Franchise models or partnerships with reputed brands can significantly increase annual income.
As Ayurveda continues to integrate with modern wellness and preventive care, BAMS graduates enjoy expanding career opportunities. Whether you prefer the stability of government roles or the flexibility and higher earning potential of private practice, this field promises a rewarding career with scope for growth.
Is BAMS Worth It? Student Queries on Admission, Fees & Career Growth
Many students talk about their worries about getting BAMS admission on forums, sharing real challenges and possible solutions.
One user on r/indianmedschool posted:
“Career prospects after BAMS?
My younger sibling is studying BAMS in a state Government college. (PLEASE SPARE ME THE FAKE DOCTOR JABS). I had a few questions, and I would be grateful if you could answer them:
- What is the median income of a BAMS graduate?
- What master's degrees can they do?
- Can she get admission into master's like cardio, or gynac etc, ie, master's level courses which generally MBBS graduates appear in?”
Insight:
Median Income: Fresh BAMS graduates earn ₹20,000–₹40,000/month, increasing to ₹50,000–₹1 lakh/month with experience or private practice.
Postgraduate Options: They can pursue a 3-year MD/MS in Ayurveda with specialisations such as Kayachikitsa, Panchakarma, Dravyaguna, Rasashastra, and Shalya Tantra.
MBBS-equivalent Master's: They are not eligible for MD/MS in modern medicine (like cardiology or gynaecology) and can only specialise within Ayurveda or integrative medicine.
Another user on r/Neet_india shared:
"Doing bams from a private college is worth??”
Insight: It can be worth it if the college has good clinical exposure, experienced faculty, and CCIM recognition. However, private BAMS courses often cost ₹8–15 lakhs, while starting salaries are around ₹20k–₹40k/month, so ROI takes time. It makes sense if you plan to pursue MD/MS Ayurveda or set up your practice, but for those expecting quick, high-paying jobs, it may feel less rewarding.
What do you infer?
- Many students share these concerns about BAMS admissions and career prospects on forums like Reddit, especially when weighing the high costs of private colleges (₹8–15 lakhs) against future earnings. This is where education loans play a practical role.
Tip: Before finalising any college for BAMS admission without NEET, cross‑check its recognition on the NCISM website.
Pursuing BAMS in India opens doors to careers in government healthcare, private practice, research, and the growing wellness industry. With thousands of seats and a curriculum combining Ayurveda and modern medicine, it offers stability and long-term growth.
For students planning this journey, financial planning is key, and Propelld helps with flexible and hassle-free education loans and guidance through the admission process so you can take confident steps toward a fulfilling medical career.
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