BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery)

Last Updated on July 28, 2023 by Vishnu Nambiar

In this article, we will analyze the professional course called BAMS. BAMS stands for Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery. This is a professional course that 12th Science students belonging to Biology group (Physics, Chemistry and Biology subjects) may pursue. We will check out basic details of the course, syllabus & important subjects, its value in the job market and career prospects.

First of all, let us check out the basic details associated with the course. We will check out what Ayurveda is all about.

BAMS: Basic details

Ayurveda is a branch of alternative medicine. The term ‘Ayurveda’ stands for Science of life! It is a mode of treatment that is inspired by natural cure for ailments.

This science actually originated in India. Its roots can be traced back to the Vedas! BAMS course is designed to train students get familiar with concepts of Ayurveda and make use of them to treat patients.

Ayurveda mostly focuses on natural cures as well as lifestyle changes to cure ailments. The course covers those topics in detail and helps train students to use those very solutions to solve modern day diseases also!

In the first year, non-clinical subjects are taught. In second year, subjects like Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Charaka and Toxicology are taught. Some important subjects taught during third year are- Pathology, Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Pediatrics. Some important subjects taught during last one and a half year are- Ayurvedic Surgery, Panchkarma and General Medicine. The last year is dedicated towards Internship.

Course duration

BAMS is a five and a half years long course. The last one year is dedicated towards Internship.

BAMS syllabus and important subjects

• Sanskrit
• Ashtang Hridayam
• Padartha Vigyan
• Kriyasharir
• Rachanasharir
• Ayurveda Ithihas
• Charaksamhita
• Dravyaguna Vigyan
• Rasa Shastra
• Roga Vigyan
• Vyavhar Ayurved
• Kayachikitsa
• Shalya
• Shalakya
• Stri Roga
• Prasuti Tantra
• Panchkarma

The above mentioned subjects form an Integral part of BAMS program. Note that not all subjects have been mentioned in the above list.

Eligibility Criteria

Only 12th Science stream, Biology group students are eligible to apply for this course. In most cases, the minimum marks criteria for admission is 50% marks in the 12th Board examinations.

Advantages of pursuing BAMS

First of all, getting admission in a BAMS college is relatively easier, when compared to other medicine course like MBBS! When it comes to MBBS seats, the competition is cut throat and there are limited number of Government College seats available.

In case of BAMS, the competition is not too high. So, even above average students may get admission in a Government College and thus pursue this medicine course without having to spend much money! Sure, BAMS is not as valuable as MBBS. But please read the next paragraph to get a glimpse of the changing trend!

BAMS, as a medical system, is approved in India and is recognized all over the World. It has gained much popularity in the recent times. As a branch of alternative medicine, Ayurveda treatment is well known for its lack of side effects. Thanks to this lack of side effects, it has become quite popular in the west! More and more people are taking resort of Ayurveda to cure diseases. Especially people suffering from lifestyle diseases such as diabetes are making use of Ayurveda to cure their illnesses! This has resulted in a huge rise in the demand for trained BAMS Doctors! Not only in India, BAMS Doctors are in demand in Western Countries too! You may also check – Medical entrance tests in India.

What after BAMS?

After completing the five and a half year long course, Graduates may either start practicing or may study further. They may pursue PG courses or may even go for research after graduation.

BAMS colleges in India

Here’s a list of popular BAMS colleges in India –

• Ayurveda College, Pariyaram, Kannur, Kerala
• Vaidyaratnam PS Varier Ayurveda College, Malappuram, Kerala
• Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda College, Thrissur, Kerala
• Ayurveda College, Ernakulam, Kerala
• Ayurveda College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
• Government Ayurveda Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka
• Indian Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine and Research, Bangalore, Karnataka
• Government Akhandanand Ayurveda College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
• Netra Chikitsa Ayurveda College, Amreli, Gujarat
• Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
• Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh
• State Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
• Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishwa Vidyalaya, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
• Gopabandhu Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Puri, Odisha
• KATS Ayurveda College, Berhampur, Odisha
• Government Ayurveda College, Bolangir, Odisha
• Mayurbhanj Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Mayurbhanj, Odisha

Job opportunities

After BAMS, a number of job opportunities are available in front of Graduates! They may start up own clinic and start private practice. One may even join Private or Government Hospitals also, after graduation.

Research is also a sector where BAMS graduates may build a good career. After PG or research programs, they may take up a job in the research sector.

Teaching profession is also a well paying job that graduates may look up to! For that, one must go through PG course too!

For a long time, BAMS course was overlooked by students, who rated it well below MBBS! But thanks to recent developments, Ayurveda has been gaining much popularity. This has resulted in huge demand for qualified BAMS Doctors. This medical system is approved and accepted all over the world, giving it a global presence! Value of BAMS course sure has increased a lot!

Vishnu Nambiar

I am Vishnu Nambiar a career and educational blogger from India. I am also a full time educational consultant having more than 12 years of experience in the educational sector.

I share articles related to courses, colleges, careers, exam tips and more here.