If you are interested in pursuing a career in medicine, you may have come across the term BAMS. BAMS stands for Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery, and it is one of the recognised medical degrees in India. But what exactly is BAMS, and how does it differ from other medical degrees such as MBBS, BDS, or BHMS?
In this blog, we will explain the basics of this course at BAMS College in Madhya Pradesh, and compare BAMS with other medical degrees to help you make an informed decision.
What is BAMS?
BAMS is a five-and-a-half-year undergraduate degree program that integrates the principles of Ayurveda with modern medical science. Ayurveda – the ancient system of medicine that originated in India based on the concept of balance among the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether) and the three doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha) in the human body. It aims to prevent and cure diseases by using natural remedies, dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, yoga, meditation, and other holistic methods.
Graduates of BAMS College in Madhya Pradesh are trained to diagnose and treat various diseases using both Ayurvedic and allopathic methods. They also learn about anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, ENT, ophthalmology, and other subjects that are common to other medical degrees. However, the emphasis is on the Ayurvedic perspective and approach to health and disease.
To get a quick overview of this course at Ayurvedic College in MP and elsewhere, refer to the table below.
| Course Name | Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Duration | 4.5 + 1 years |
| Eligibility Criteria | 50% in 10+2 with PCB/M + entrance exam (other criteria differ from one college to another) |
| Common Entrance Exams | NEET, IPU CET, KEAM, BVP SET, etc. |
| Average Fee | INR 2+ lakhs |
| Average Salary | INR 2 – 15 LPA |
Eligibility for BAMS
To be eligible for admission to BAMS College in Madhya Pradesh, or anywhere else in India, you need to fulfil the following criteria:
- Passed 10+2 or equivalent examinations with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English as compulsory subjects.
- Scored at least 50% marks in aggregate in PCB (40% for SC/ST/OBC candidates).
- Qualified in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) or any other entrance exam accepted by the respective state or university.
The admission process for BAMS varies from state to state and university to university. Some states conduct their own counseling based on NEET scores while some universities conduct their own entrance exams or interviews. The fee structure for BAMS also differs depending on the type of college (government or private) and the location.
Curriculum for BAMS
The duration of BAMS is five-and-a-half years, which includes four-and-a-half years of academic study and one year of compulsory internship. The academic study at BAMS College in Madhya Pradesh is divided into three professionals of 12 months each and a fourth professional of 18 months.
The internship is a mandatory part of the BAMS degree, where the students get hands-on experience in various departments of Ayurveda and allopathy under the supervision of senior doctors. Internships are usually done in the college hospital or any other recognized hospital or Ayurvedic research centre.
Scope of BAMS
BAMS is a recognised medical degree in India and abroad. Graduates of BAMS College in Madhya Pradesh can practice as licensed Ayurvedic doctors in India and can also pursue higher studies such as MD or MS in Ayurveda or other related fields. They can also opt for postgraduate diplomas or certificates in various specialities such as Panchakarma, Ksharasutra, Rasayana, etc.
Graduates from a BAMS College in MP or anywhere else can work in various sectors such as government hospitals, private clinics, Ayurvedic pharmacies, research institutes, academic institutions, wellness centres, spa resorts, etc. They can also start their own practice or consultancy as independent practitioners or entrepreneurs. Some of the job profiles for BAMS graduates from Sri Sai Institute of Ayurvedic Research and Medicine are:
- Ayurvedic Physician
- Medical Officer
- Lecturer/Professor
- Researcher/Scientist
- Consultant/Advisor
- Therapist/Counselor
- Pharmacist/Drug Manufacturer
- Health Writer/Editor
- Health Educator/Promoter
Comparison of BAMS with Other Medical Degrees
BAMS is one of the several medical degrees available in India. Some of the other popular medical degrees are:
- MBBS: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
- BDS: Bachelor of Dental Surgery
- BHMS: Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery
- BUMS: Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery
- BNYS: Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences
How does BAMS differ from these medical degrees? Here are some of the key differences:
- BAMS is based on Ayurveda, which is a holistic system of medicine that considers the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health. Other medical degrees are based on allopathy, which is a system of medicine that focuses on the symptoms and causes of diseases.
- Graduates of BAMS College in Madhya Pradesh and elsewhere can practice both Ayurveda and allopathy, while other medical graduates can only practice their respective systems of medicine. However, BAMS graduates need to obtain a bridge course certificate to prescribe allopathic medicines legally.
- BAMS covers a wider range of subjects than other medical degrees, as it includes both ancient and modern knowledge. Other medical degrees have a more focused curriculum that covers only their specific fields.
- BAMS has a longer duration than other medical degrees, as it takes five-and-a-half years to complete. Other medical degrees take four-and-a-half to five years to complete.
Conclusion
BAMS is a unique medical degree that combines the wisdom of Ayurveda with the advancements of modern medicine. It offers a comprehensive and holistic approach to health and disease while opening up various career opportunities for those who are passionate about Ayurveda and want to serve humanity.
However, BAMS is not for everyone, as it requires a lot of dedication, hard work, and interest in learning both ancient and contemporary subjects. If you are interested in pursuing BAMS, you should do your research well and choose a reputed BAMS College in Madhya Pradesh that offers quality education and facilities. Also, don’t forget to prepare well for the entrance exams and interviews!
FAQs
- How many seats are there for the BAMS program at Sri Sai Institute of Ayurvedic and Medicine?
100 seats are available for the candidates of the BAMS program at Sri Sai Institute of Ayurvedic and Medicine.
- What is the minimum age for BAMS eligibility?
Candidates aspiring for the BAMS course must have attained a minimum of 17 years before or by the 31st of December of the year of admission.
- Will I learn how to make ayurvedic drugs in BAMS?
Yes, you’ll definitely learn all about making your own ayurvedic drugs, potions, teas, oils, etc., in a BAMS program.
- Can I pick a specialisation in BAMS?
No, however, you can pick a specialisation you prefer in advance and look for internships in that area for your final year. With practical experience, you’ll be able to find jobs in that specialisation easily or go for an MD or MS.
