BAMS Full Form in English
BAMS full form in English stands for Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery. This undergraduate degree offers formal education in the field of Ayurveda, also known as the traditional system of medicine in India.
Overview of BAMS Course Details
The Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery is a course designed especially for students who wish to acquire the knowledge of herbal medicine, panchakarma, nutrition, yoga, anatomy, physiology, pathology and pharmacology.
This exposure will enable them to provide comprehensive patient care in today's integrated health care model.
This course is mostly taught in countries such as India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and a few other countries where Ayurveda is practised.
The BAMS course duration is 5.5 years of which 4.5 years are dedicated to theoretical education and 1 year for compulsory internship with real-time practical exposure.
The BAMS syllabus covers the detailed study of the basic principles of Ayurveda, which are the traditional diagnostic methods, herbal therapeutics, and preventive lifestyle practices.
The BAMS subject list also includes topics that teaches you the basics of contemporary medicine and diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic diseases according to the principles and methods of Ayurveda.
The table below summarizes BAMS course details:
| Particulars |
Ayurvedic Course Details |
| BAMS Course Type |
Full-time undergraduate professional degree |
| BAMS Full Form in English |
Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) |
| BAMS Course Level |
Undergraduate (UG) |
| BAMS Course Duration |
5.5 years (4.5 years of academic study + 1-year compulsory internship) |
| BAMS Eligibility Criteria |
Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) and the minimum qualifying marks prescribed by the authorities |
| BAMS Entrance Exam |
NEET |
| BAMS Approval & Recognition |
Regulated by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) and recognised by the Government of India |
| BAMS Skills Developed |
Clinical diagnosis, patient care, Ayurvedic treatment planning, herbal medicine preparation, communication, research, and healthcare management |
| BAMS Higher Education Options |
- Doctor of Medicine in Ayurveda (MD Ayurveda)
- Master of Surgery in Ayurveda (MS Ayurveda)
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Master of Business Administration in Hospital and Healthcare Management (MBA in Hospital and Healthcare Management)
- Master of Science (MSc) in related disciplines
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
|
| BAMS Career Opportunities |
- Ayurvedic Doctor
- Medical Officer
- Panchakarma Specialist
- Clinical Research Associate
- Healthcare Administrator
|
| BAMS Top Recruiters |
- Patanjali Ayurved
- Dabur India
- Himalaya Wellness
- Hamdard Laboratories
- Baidyanath
- Jiva Ayurveda
- Kerala Ayurveda Ltd.
|
How to Become Ayurvedic Doctor?
Ayurvedic practitioners are licensed healthcare professionals who are qualified in both diagnosis and management using alternative medicine. These professionals not only cure ailments but specialize in providing long-term healing methods for chronic ailments.
If you are curious to know how to become Ayurvedic doctor in India, you can follow the steps outlined below:
| Step |
Details |
| Step 1: Meet the Educational Eligibility |
- Pass Class 12 (10+2) from a recognised board with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) as core subjects.
- Candidates must also obtain the minimum qualifying marks prescribed by the admission authorities (generally 50% for the General category, subject to prevailing regulations).
|
| Step 2: Qualify for the NEET-UG Exam |
- Admission to all BAMS colleges in India is based on the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG).
- Candidates must qualify for the exam and obtain the required cut-off score to participate in the admission process.
|
| Step 3: Participate in AYUSH Counselling |
- After the NEET-UG results are announced, candidates must register for AYUSH counselling. This counselling is conducted by the Ayush Admissions Central Counselling Committee (AACCC) for All India Quota seats or by the respective state counselling authorities for state quota seats.
- Seats are allotted based on NEET rank, category, and candidate preferences.
|
| Step 4: Complete the BAMS Course and Internship |
- Candidates must successfully complete the 5.5-year BAMS programme, which includes 4.5 years of academic study followed by a 1-year compulsory rotating internship in recognized hospitals or healthcare institutions.
|
| Step 5: Register as an Ayurvedic Practitioner |
- After completing the degree and the compulsory internship, graduates must register with the relevant State Board or Council of Indian Systems of Medicine, as per the applicable regulations, to become legally eligible to practise Ayurveda in India.
|
| Step 6 (Optional): Pursue Higher Education |
- Graduates interested in advanced clinical practice, research, or academics can pursue postgraduate programmes such as MD Ayurveda, MS Ayurveda by qualifying for the All India AYUSH Post Graduate Entrance Test (AIAPGET).
- Other options include research, public health, healthcare management, and doctoral studies.
|
BAMS Syllabus
The BAMS syllabus combines the principles of Ayurveda with the fundamentals of modern medical science. It covers subjects such as Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, and the Principles of Medicine.
The BAMS subject list in the first year includes basic concepts of Ayurveda, and as course progresses, the syllabus includes specialized subjects such as Kriya Sharir, Vyadhi Vigyan, Swasthavritta, Panchakarma, Dravyaguna, Roga Nidana, and Shalya Tantra.
The table below gives a general overview of the BAMS curriculum; the actual list may vary, depending on the institute offering the course.
BAMS 1st Year Syllabus
| Subject |
Core Topics |
| Padartha Vigyan and History of Ayurveda |
- Ayurveda Nirupana
- Ayurveda Darshana Nirupana
- Dravya Vigyaniyam
- Gunavigyaniyam
- Karma Vigyaniyam
- Samanya, Vishesha, Samavaya, and Abhava Vigyaniyam
- Pramana and Pariksha Vigyaniyam
- Karya-Karana Siddhanta (Cause and Effect Theory)
- History and evolution of Ayurveda
- Classical Ayurvedic scholars, texts, and institutions
|
| Sanskrit |
- Sanskrit grammar (Vyakarana)
- Sandhi, Samasa, Dhatu, and Pratyaya
- Translation (Sanskrit ↔ English/Hindi)
- Grammatical error correction
- Study of Sushruta Samhita (Sharira Sthana)
- Vaidyakeeya Subhashita Sahityam
- Panchatantra (Apareekshitakarakam)
|
| Kriya Sharir (Physiology) |
- Panchamahabhuta, Tridosha, Triguna, and Srotas
- Vata, Pitta, and Kapha physiology
- Prakriti and Kriyakala
- Ahara, Aharapaka, Agni, and Koshtha
- Dhatu, Upadhatu, Mala, and Ojas
- Manas, Atma, Nidra, and Indriya physiology
- Modern physiology (Respiratory, Nervous, Digestive, Cardiovascular, Endocrine, Reproductive, and Urinary systems)
- Laboratory experiments and physiological practicals
|
| Rachana Sharir (Anatomy) |
- Shariropkramaniya Sharira
- Garbha Sharira
- Asthi Sharira
- Sandhi Sharira
- Sira, Dhamani, and Srotas Sharira
- Peshi Sharira
- Koshtha, Ashaya, and Kala Sharira
- Marma Sharira
- Indriya Sharira
- Modern anatomy and embryology
- Osteology, Arthrology, Myology, and Lymphatic system
- Respiratory, Digestive, Urinary, Reproductive, Endocrine, and Nervous systems
- Surface anatomy, radiological anatomy, histology, and cadaver dissection
|
| Maulik Siddhant and Ashtanga Hridaya |
- Ashtanga Hridaya Sutrasthana (Adhyaya 1–30)
- Ashta Prakriti
- Shastra Lakshan (Tantra)
- Tantraguna and Tantradosha
- Tachitalya, Arthasraya, and Kalpana
|
BAMS 2nd Year Syllabus
| Subject |
Core Topics |
| Dravyaguna Vigyana (Ayurvedic Pharmacology) |
- Dravya, Guna, Rasa, Veerya, Vipaka, and Prabhava
- Classification of medicinal plants
- Identification of herbs and plant morphology
- Pharmacological properties and therapeutic uses of medicinal plant
- Important Ayurvedic formulations
- Herbal drug collection, preservation, and standardization
- Medicinal plant practicals and herbarium preparation
|
| Roga Nidana and Vikriti Vigyana |
- Dosha Dushyadi Vigyana
- Vyadhi Vigyana
- Basic Pathology
- Nidana Panchaka Vigyana
- Pariksha Vigyana
- Diseases of Rasavaha, Raktavaha, Mamsavaha, Medovaha, Asthi-Majjavaha, Shukravaha, Pranavaha, Annavaha, Mutravaha, Swedavaha, and Manovaha Srotas
- Upasargajanya Vyadhi (Communicable Diseases)
- Krimi Vigyana
- Laboratory investigations (Haematology, Urine, Stool, Sputum, Semen, Biochemistry, Microbiology)
- Clinical examination, ECG, USG, X-ray, CT Scan, and MRI basics
|
| Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana |
- History and principles of Rasashastra
- Parada (Mercury) and Parada Samskara
- Yantra, Musha, Koshthi, and Puta
- Maharasa, Uparasa, Sadharana Rasa, Dhatu, Ratna, Uparatna, Sudha, Sikata, and Kshara Varga
- Visha and Upavisha
- Ayurvedic formulations (Rasaushadhi)
- Quality control, Standardization, GMP, and Pharmacovigilance
- Bhaishajya Kalpana principles
- Panchavidha Kashaya Kalpana
- Sneha Kalpana, Sandhana Kalpana, Kritanna Kalpana
- Bahyopacharartha Kalpana
- Netra, Nasya, Dhoomapana, Mukhaprayoga, and Basti Kalpana
- Drug manufacturing, GMP, Drug and Cosmetics Act, 1940
- Pharmaceutical practicals and formulation preparation
|
| Charaka Samhita (Purvardha) |
- Sutrasthana
- Nidanasthana
- Vimanasthana
- Sharirasthana
- Indriyasthana
- Interpretation of classical Ayurvedic principles from Charaka Samhita and their clinical significance
|
BAMS 3rd Year Syllabus
| Subject |
Core Topics |
| Agadatantra, Vyavahar Ayurveda Evum Vidhivaidyaka (Toxicology, Forensic Medicine and Medical Jurisprudence) |
- Definition, scope, and principles of Agadatantra
- Visha Utpatti, Visha Guna, Visha Gati, Visha Vega, and Vishopakrama
- Plant, animal, mineral, and chemical poisons
- Garavisha, Dooshivisha, Viruddhahara, and food poisoning
- Snake bite, insect, scorpion, dog bite, and other animal poisons
- Acid, alkali, metal, non-metal, alcohol, narcotic, and household poisoning
- Environmental toxicology and chemical warfare
- Principles of poison detection and management
- Medical jurisprudence and forensic medicine
- Indian Penal Code, Indian Evidence Act, and Criminal Procedure Code
- Personal identity, forensic serology, DNA profiling, autopsy, injuries, and sexual offences
- Medical ethics, professional negligence, consumer protection, medical records, and medico-legal responsibilities
|
| Swasthavritta (Preventive and Social Medicine, Yoga & Naturopathy) |
- Definition and principles of Swasthavritta
- Dinacharya, Ratricharya, Ritucharya, and Sadvritta
- Trayopastambha (Ahara, Nidra, and Brahmacharya)
- Pathya-Apathya Ahara, balanced diet, nutrition, and food hygiene
- Vegetarian and non-vegetarian diet, food adulteration, and lifestyle disorders
- Rasayana, Roganutpadaniya, Vega Dharana, and menstrual hygiene
- Yoga philosophy and Astanga Yoga
- Asanas, Pranayama, Shatkarma, Bandha, Mudra, Dhyana, and Samadhi
- Naturopathy (Hydrotherapy, Mud therapy, Sun therapy, Massage, Fasting therapy, Diet therapy)
- Environmental health (Air, Water, Soil, Housing, Waste management, Pollution)
- Epidemiology, communicable and non-communicable diseases
- Primary Health Care, Family Welfare, National Health Programmes, WHO, Health Administration, Biostatistics, and Community Health
|
| Prasuti Tantra Evum Stri Roga (Obstetrics and Gynaecology) |
- Stri Sharira Vijnana and female reproductive anatomy
- Raja Vigyana and menstrual physiology
- Garbha Vigyana (Embryology and Foetal Development)
- Garbhini Paricharya and antenatal care
- Garbha Vyapada and Garbhini Vyapada
- Normal pregnancy, labour, and puerperium
- Prasava Vigyana and Prasava Vyapada
- Sutika Paricharya and postpartum care
- Artava Vyapad and menstrual disorders
- Yoni Vyapad and gynaecological disorders
- Infertility (Vandhyatwa), menopause, breast diseases (Stana Roga)
- Sthanika Chikitsa, Uttarabasti, Ksharakarma, and Shastra Karma
- Family planning, reproductive health programmes, MTP Act, PNDT Act, HIV/AIDS, PAP smear, and diagnostic procedures
|
| Kaumarbhritya (Ayurvedic Pediatrics) |
- Introduction and scope of Kaumarbhritya
- Kashyapa Samhita and principles of child healthcare
- Neonatal care (Navajata Shishu Paricharya)
- Neonatal resuscitation and newborn examination
- Breastfeeding, lactation, and infant nutrition
- Child growth, development, dentition, immunity, and Samskaras
- National Child Health and Immunization Programmes
- Pediatric examination and treatment principles
- Panchakarma in children
- Birth injuries, congenital and genetic disorders
- Neonatal, nutritional, infectious, respiratory, digestive, blood, liver, kidney, neurological, and behavioural disorders in children
- Pediatric emergencies, life-saving measures, and Balagraha disorders
|
| Charaka Samhita (Uttarardha) |
- Chikitsa Sthana
- Kalpa Sthana
- Siddhi Sthana
- Clinical application of therapeutic principles and Panchakarma as described in the Charaka Samhita
|
BAMS 4th Year Syllabus
| Subject |
Core Topics |
| Kayachikitsa (General Medicine) |
- Jwara, Raktapitta, Kasa, Shwasa, Rajayakshma, and Hikka
- Chhardi, Trishna, Madatyaya, Murchha, and Sanyasa
- Amlapitta, Grahani, Atisara, Arsha, Bhagandara, and Udara Roga
- Pandu, Kamala, Prameha, and Medoroga
- Vatarakta, Amavata, Sandhivata, and Gridhrasi
- Apasmara, Unmada, Vata Vyadhi, and neurological disorders
- Hridroga, Mutravaha disorders, and endocrine diseases
- Ayurvedic diagnosis, Panchakarma, and Chikitsa Siddhanta
- Clinical case discussion and patient management
|
| Panchakarma |
- Principles and importance of Panchakarma
- Purva Karma, Pradhana Karma, and Paschat Karma
- Snehana and Swedana
- Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Nasya, and Raktamokshana
- Indications, contraindications, complications, and management
- Panchakarma instruments, procedures, and clinical applications
- Practical training in Panchakarma therapies
|
| Shalya Tantra (Ayurvedic Surgery) |
- Shastra Karma, Anushastra Karma, Kshara Karma, Agnikarma, and Raktamokshana
- Vrana, Vrana Chikitsa, Dagdha Vrana, and wound healing
- Bhagna (Fractures) and Sandhimoksha (Dislocations)
- Arbuda, Granthi, Galaganda, Varicose veins, Gangrene, and Tumours
- Diseases of the breast, chest, oesophagus, stomach, intestines, rectum, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, urinary bladder, prostate, urethra, penis, scrotum, and hernia
- Surgical instruments, sterilization, anaesthesia, wound management, suturing, and parasurgical procedures
- Clinical training in surgery, orthopaedics, trauma, radiology, and anaesthesia
|
| Shalakya Tantra (ENT & Ophthalmology) |
- Netra Roga Vigyana (Diseases of the Eye)
- Sandhigata, Vartmagata, Shuklagata, Krishnagata, Sarvagata, and Drishtigata Roga
- Eye examination, Kriya Kalpa, ocular trauma, cataract, glaucoma, refractive errors, diabetic retinopathy, and preventive ophthalmology
- Shiro Roga, Karna Roga, Nasa Roga, and Mukha Roga
- Diseases of the ear, nose, oral cavity, tongue, palate, pharynx, and larynx
- ENT examination, surgical and parasurgical procedures, sterilisation, and clinical management
|
| Research Methodology and Medical Statistics |
- History, scope, and importance of research in Ayurveda
- Types of research (Qualitative, Quantitative, Mixed, Observational, and Interventional)
- Research process, hypothesis, literature review, and study design
- Research ethics, Evidence-Based Medicine, and scientific writing
- IT tools and research databases (DHARA, PubMed, AYUSH Research Portal, etc.)
- Basics of Medical Statistics, data collection, presentation, sampling, variables, and normal distribution
|
Final Thoughts
Students with a passion for Ayurveda would find a BAMS degree to be a great career option.
It offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares them for success in the contemporary healthcare environment.
For those interested in the healthcare field, BAMS and various other Allied Health Sciences courses offer opportunities in hospitals, wellness centres, research institutions, and public healthcare.
You can now check all the details on our website to take the first step towards a rewarding career in the healthcare industry.
FAQs
Q1: What is BAMS degree?
A1: BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) is a 5.5-year undergraduate medical degree that focuses on the principles and practices of Ayurveda.
The course combines traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with modern medical sciences and includes a one-year compulsory internship.
Q2: What are the subjects in the first year of BAMS?
A2: The first-year BAMS syllabus includes Padartha Vigyan and History of Ayurveda, Sanskrit, Kriya Sharir, Rachana Sharir, and Maulik Siddhant and Ashtanga Hridaya. These subjects build a strong foundation in Ayurvedic principles, anatomy, physiology, and classical texts.
Q3: Is the BAMS syllabus easy?
A3: The BAMS syllabus is comprehensive and requires consistent study, as it covers both Ayurvedic concepts and modern medical sciences. Students with an interest in Biology and traditional medicine generally find it manageable with regular preparation.
Q4: Is BAMS hard or easy?
A4: BAMS is neither too hard nor too easy. Like other medical courses, it demands dedication, practical training, and a thorough understanding of theoretical and clinical subjects throughout the programme.
Q5: Is BAMS possible without NEET?
A5: No. Qualifying NEET-UG is mandatory for admission to BAMS courses offered by recognized colleges in India, as per the current admission guidelines.
Q6: Is BAMS better than BHMS?
A6: Neither course is universally better than the other, as both have distinct approaches to healthcare. BAMS focuses on Ayurveda, while BHMS is based on Homeopathy, so the right choice depends on your career interests and preferred system of medicine.
Q7: BAMS is how many years course?
A7: The BAMS course duration is 5.5 years, comprising 4.5 years of academic study followed by a 1-year compulsory rotating internship. This internship provides practical clinical training before students can register as practitioners.
