BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery)

Last Updated on July 28, 2023 by Vishnu Nambiar

BHMS stands for Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery. The course focuses on the alternative medical system of homeopathy. It is a 5½ years long professional course. In this article, you will be reading about BHMS course details, eligibility criteria, admission process, course content, PG courses, career prospects and job scope in India and abroad.

Homeopathy: Introduction

BHMS course focuses on the alternative medical system of homeopathy. Homeopathy medical system was developed in Germany, at the end of 18th century. This medical system revolves around concepts like- like cures like and law of minimum dose.

This medical system uses diluted solutions made from natural sources such as plants, animals and minerals for healing. Depending on the disease, the cure is extracted from the source and diluted (keeping in mind the law of minimum dose). The diluted remedy aids the body in self healing and thus relieves symptoms and restores good health.

Diluted remedy is usually provided in the form of sugar pellets. Some other forms in which remedies get provided to patients are- tablets, fluids and ointments. Since the remedies are derived from natural sources, the medical system of homeopathy is said to be side effect free to a large extent. This claim is disputed though!

Homeopathy as a career: In India, there are various certificate as well as Diploma Homeopathy courses available. But the most widely available and recognized course is BHMS. After completing this undergraduate course, graduates are eligible to use the title of Doctor!

BHMS course details

It is a 5½ years long undergraduate course. 4½ years are dedicated towards academic program. After completing the academic program, one must also go through 1 year internship. Thus, in total, the course takes 5½ years to complete!

The academic program of BHMS can be divided into 4 parts. The 1st part is 1½ years long. 2nd, 3rd and 4th parts are 1 year long each. This, as mentioned above, will be followed by the internship period.

The course has been designed to train a student and make him/her a qualified Homeopathic Physician capable of practicing independently or under a hospital/governing body. Adequate importance is given to theoretical part of learning as well as hands on practical sessions.

Some key topics and techniques taught in BHMS program are as follows- Homeopathy medicine foundation, analysis, evaluation, medicine, surgery etc. In short, it covers a collection of clinical and pre clinical subjects. To get a better idea about the course structure and nature, let us take a look at the course content. Below, I’ve listed some of the important subjects present in BHMS academic program-

Course content

• Anatomy
• Histology
• Embryology
• Biochemistry
• Physiology
• Homeopathic Pharmacy
• Homeopathic Materia Medica
• Organon of Medicine
• Psychology
• Principles of Homeopathic Philosophy
• Pathology
• Microbiology
• Forensic Medicine and Toxicology
• Homeopathic Therapeutics
• Surgery
• Obstetrics and Gynaecology
• Paediatrics
• Community Medicine

Note: Only important subjects have been listed above. Most subjects also bring with them practical classes along with regular theory sessions.

Eligibility criteria

Science stream Biology Group (PCB subjects) students, who have passed 12th Science board examination from a recognized board are eligible to pursue this course. Candidate must also have scored a minimum score of 50% marks in PCB subjects (most institutes do have minimum marks criteria).

Admission process

If a candidate satisfies the above mentioned eligibility criteria, then he/she may take part in the admission process. Admission process follows the merit system. Merit marks are calculated taking into consideration marks scored by a student in 12th board exam and state entrance test. Based on the merit marks, seats are allotted to deserving candidates.

Reservation and relaxations may exist, based on caste, NRI quota, donation quota etc. One will have to enquire with the state wise admission authority and/or institute to get details about reservation status.

Postgraduate courses

When it comes to PG courses, BHMS graduates have a handful of choices available in front of them. The most commonly pursued PG course is MD (Doctor of Medicine). Postgraduate MD Homeopathy course is 3 years long. After completing BHMS course and internship, graduates may do MD in any one of the following subjects-

• MD in Homeopathy- Materia Medica
• MD in Homeopathy- Homeopathic Philosophy
• MD in Homeopathy- Repertory
• MD in Homeopathy- Paediatrics
• MD in Homeopathy- Organon of Medicine
• MD in Homeopathy- Pharmacy
• MD in Homeopathy- Psychiatry

One may choose an area of specialization and pursue PG course of MD accordingly. Other than MD, another relevant PG course available in front of Graduates is- M.Sc. (2 years long academic program). Some of the well known relevant M.Sc. programs are as follows-

• M.Sc. Psychiatry
• M.Sc. Regenerative Medicine
• M.Sc. Endocrinology
• M.Sc. Epidemiology

Certificate courses are also available, which graduates may pursue after completing BHMS course. Some such certificate courses are-

• Clinical Homeopathy
• Homeopathic Dispensing
• Electro Homeopathy

Another excellent course available in front of graduates is MBA! This 2 years long management course can be used to acquire key management and administrative skills. Choosing a management course related to the healthcare industry will prove to be beneficial.

BHMS colleges in India

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

• Dr Padiyar Memorial Homeopathic Medical College, Ernakulam, Kerala
• Government Homeopathic Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala
• ANSS Homeo Medical College, Kottayam, Kerala
• Shree Vidyadhiraja Homeopathic Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
• Government Homeopathic Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
• Government Homeopathic Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka
• BB Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka
• Father Mullers Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Mangalore, Karnataka
• Ahmedabad Homeopathic Medical College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Career prospects and job opportunities

The medical system of homeopathy still has takers! Homeopathic remedies are known to be well diluted and made from natural resources. This has led to them being labelled as side effect free medications! This label has attracted lots of people towards homeopathic healing! Another reason behind its rising popularity is the fact that homeopathy helps avoid surgery and cure without invasive measures! This means that qualified homeopathic doctors are still in demand!

You may also check –

MBBS course

Medical entrance tests in India

Alternative Medicine programs in India

After completing BHMS course, one may start practice as a Homeopathy Doctor in Government hospitals, private hospitals/clinics or community health centres. One may also start private practice.

Since BHMS graduates possess knowledge about homeopathic medications, they get hired by pharmaceutical firms producing homeopathic dilutes and medications. BHMS graduates may work in areas such as manufacturing, quality control and marketing in such companies.

Some common job profiles available in front of graduates are-

• Homeopathic Doctor
• Homeopathic Consultant
• Junior Lecturer (teaching job)
• Scientist/Research professional
• Pharmacist (Homeopathic Medicine)
• Marketing specialist (Pharmaceutical Industry/Independent marketing)
• Insurance Officer (Insurance sector)
• Quality control Officer (Pharmaceutical Industry)

Places/areas where graduates may find job are-

• Government hospitals
• Private hospitals/clinics
• NGOs
• Insurance companies
• Colleges
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Research labs and bodies

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.