How to become an ayurvedic doctor? What is the procedure? I tried to find in videos and consulted people didn't got clear idea - #32790
I have checked with 2 to 3 doctors but I didn't got clear idea about what is the difference between MBBS and BAMS and how to apply for them? What is the procedure for it. What is the course duration? Is there any government hospital & colleges are there for the same?iff what are they? How to apply for them? Can you please explain this to me.


Doctors’ responses
Here is a detailed explanation of the differences between MBBS and BAMS, including the admission process and a list of government colleges.
1. Key Differences Between MBBS and BAMS The primary difference between MBBS and BAMS lies in the system of medicine they follow.
MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery): This is the standard, modern allopathic medicine degree. The curriculum focuses on modern medical sciences, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and surgery. Graduates are trained to diagnose and treat illnesses using modern techniques, medications, and surgical procedures. They are recognized as “allopathic” doctors.
BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery): This degree is based on the traditional Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda. The course curriculum blends ancient Ayurvedic principles with some aspects of modern medicine. Subjects include Ayurvedic principles (like the study of doshas and herbal medicine), as well as modern anatomy, physiology, and surgery, but from an Ayurvedic perspective. Graduates are considered “Ayurvedic” doctors.
2. Course Duration and Eligibility Both MBBS and BAMS have a similar duration and a common eligibility criterion.
Course Duration: Both courses are 5.5 years long, consisting of 4.5 years of academic study and a 1-year compulsory rotating internship.
Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for either course, you must have passed your 10+2 (or equivalent) examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) as core subjects and a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (40% for SC/ST/OBC categories). You must also be at least 17 years old by December 31st of the admission year.
3. Admission Procedure The admission process for both MBBS and BAMS is centralized and based on a single national-level entrance exam.
Entrance Exam: Admission to both courses is exclusively based on the rank obtained in the NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-Undergraduate) exam, which is conducted annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA). You must appear for and qualify for this exam to be eligible for admission.
Application and Counseling: After the NEET-UG results are declared, you must participate in the counseling process. For MBBS, this is handled by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) for All India Quota seats and by state-level authorities for state quota seats. For BAMS, the counseling for All India Quota seats is conducted by the Ayush Admissions Central Counseling Committee (AACCC), with state-level authorities handling the state quota seats. You will register online and choose your preferred colleges based on your NEET score, and seats will be allotted based on merit.
4. Government Colleges Yes, there are many government colleges for both MBBS and BAMS in India. Here are some examples:
Government MBBS Colleges All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC), New Delhi
Vardhman Mahavir Medical College (VMMC), New Delhi
King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow
Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh
Madras Medical College, Chennai
Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru
Government BAMS Colleges National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur
Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
Government Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Lucknow
R.A. Podar Ayurved Medical College, Mumbai
Government Ayurveda Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram
Ayurveda and Unani Tibbia College, Karol Bagh, New Delhi
HELLO ARCHANA,
1. Difference Between: MBBS and BAMS MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery): Comparing it to modern (allopathic) medicine – surgeries, medicines, evidence-based practice. Once you do MBBS, you are a doctor of modern medicine.
BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery): Specializes in Ayurveda (herbal medicine, natural treatments, Panchakarma, preventive medicine). BAMS physicians are known physicians in India and may practice Ayurveda. They even study some fundamentals of allopathy (such as anatomy, physiology, pathology).
Both are MBBS-level undergraduate medical courses but with varying streams of medicine.
2. Eligibility Criteria You should have passed 12th with Physics, Chemistry, Biology. Minimum marks: typically 50% (40% for reserved). NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is mandatory for MBBS as well as BAMS admissions in India.
As you are 26 years old: For general category, the maximum age limit for NEET UG is 25 years (relaxed by 5 years for SC/ST/OBC). But in 2022, the upper age limit was canceled for NEET UG, so you are still eligible.
3. Course Duration MBBS: 5.5 years (4.5 years study + 1 year internship). BAMS: 5.5 years (study for 4.5 years + internship for 1 year).
4. How to Become an Ayurvedic Doctor (BAMS) Prepare for the NEET-UG exam. – Apply online (typically in the month of March/April every year). – Exam conducted around the month of May/June. Clear NEET with prescribed cut-off. Counseling & Admission: – After announcing the results, you undergo AYUSH counseling (for BAMS, BHMS, BUMS courses). – Seats are available in government and private colleges of India. Get enrolled in a recognized institute of BAMS. – Learn Ayurveda + a few modern medicine topics. – 1 year compulsory internship (usually in Ayurvedic hospitals, government establishments, or attached teaching hospitals). Get registered with State/AYUSH council → You can practice as an Ayurvedic physician officially.
5. Government Colleges & Hospitals Yes, there do exist Government Ayurvedic Colleges & Hospitals in nearly every state. Example: National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur Government Ayurvedic College, Thiruvananthapuram Tilak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Pune Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi (very well known for Ayurveda) These are in Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.
6. Post-BAMS – Career Opportunities Practice as an Ayurvedic physician (clinic, hospital). Work in Government Ayurvedic hospitals. Pursue MD/MS in Ayurveda (postgraduate specialization). Research, teaching, or wellness industry (Ayurveda resorts, pharma, yoga centers).
Summary for you: At your age, you are still in the running. To become an Ayurvedic doctor, you have to prepare for NEET UG, get qualified, apply through AYUSH counseling, and get admitted for a BAMS course (5.5 years with internship) in a recognized government or private college. Then, you’ll be a licensed Ayurvedic doctor.
THANK YOU
Post 12th having group PCB from science side with minimum 50% marks in PCB and after clearing NEET exam you can get admission for BAMS and MBBS
Duration 4 n half years plus one year of internship in both courses
HELLO ARCHANA JI,
1.Both are 5.5-year-long undergraduate degrees, including a 1-year compulsory internship. Admission for both courses is primarily based on the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG).
IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBT, FEEL FREE TO ASK.
Take care😊
Kind Regards, Dr.Isha Ashok Bhardwaj.
MBBS is a modern medicine degree while BAMS is a Ayurveda both are find of year courses including internship and both are available either in government or private colleges across India to get seats you have to attend NEET exam, and based upon your score, you will get admission And in 11/12 th you have to take PCB
BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) is a professional degree focused on Ayurveda, the ancient system of Indian medicine, while MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) is a degree in allopathic medicine. They differ fundamentally in approach and philosophy.
In BAMS, the emphasis is on understanding traditional Ayurvedic texts, principles, and treatment methods, like herbal remedies, massage, and yoga. On the other hand, MBBS centers around modern medical practices, diagnostics, and surgical procedures.
As for applying, both typically require you to successfully pass the entrance exams conducted at the national or state level, like NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) in India. Those who qualify based on their NEET scores are eligible to apply for the respective courses in government and private institutions. The detailed application procedure for each would typically involve submitting your educational documents, scores from entrance tests, and other required information to the appropriate college or university portal.
Course duration for BAMS is usually about 5.5 years, which includes a one-year internship, while MBBS spans over about 5.5 years as well, also inclusive of an internship period. There are government colleges for both pathways. For BAMS, institutions like the National Institute of Ayurveda in Jaipur or Shree Ayurved College, Nagpur offer government-funded education. For MBBS, colleges such as AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) or government medical colleges across various states are renowned.
Access to these courses in government colleges usually depends heavily on the performance in entrance examinations as seats are limited and reserved based on various categories like merit, quotas etc. Once you have a qualifying score, go through counseling sessions where seat allocations are done based on your rank and preference.
Before applying, make sure to research the eligibility criteria carefully, as there might be specific requirements related to subjects studied in higher secondary education, typically focusing on biology, chemistry, and physics.
For precise and detailed guidelines, I recommend visiting the official website of the examination board or specific colleges for updated information on applications and cut-offs.
To become an Ayurvedic doctor, you would pursue a BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) degree. The BAMS program focuses on Ayurveda, India’s ancient healing science, and covers a blend of traditional disciplines along with modern medical sciences. By contrast, MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) is the standard degree for allopathic medicine, which is what we consider mainstream Western medicine.
Both courses are considerably demanding and are undergraduate degrees. BAMS typically takes around five and a half years to complete, which includes a year-long internship, emphasing practical exposure to Ayurvedic treatments and therapies. MBBS also lasts about five and a half years, including a similar internship period focusing on modern medical practice.
For entry into either BAMS or MBBS, you’ll generally need to clear a national level entrance examination. In India, NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is required for admission into BAMS courses just like MBBS. Preparation for NEET requires a solid foundation in 12th grade science subjects—particularly biology, chemistry, and physics.
Government and private colleges across India offer these courses. Some well-known government BAMS colleges include the National Institute of Ayurveda in Jaipur and Government Ayurveda College in Kerala. For MBBS, institutions like All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) or Maulana Azad Medical College are known prestigious. You’d apply through a counseling process coordinated by the NEET, where seat allocation is based on your ranking and preferences.
This kind of career path requires commitment to understanding patient care through holistic perspectives for Ayurveda or an evidence-based approach for allopathy. So, both have unique pathways but , ultimately, your preference and interest in either healing tradition will guide your choice.

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