The Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) is an undergraduate degree program focused on Ayurvedic medicine, which is a traditional system of medicine that originated in India over 3,000 years ago. Here are the key details about the BAMS course:
Overview
Duration: The BAMS course typically spans 5.5 years, which includes 4.5 years of academic study and 1 year of compulsory internship.
Eligibility:
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have completed 10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as mandatory subjects.
- Minimum Marks: A minimum aggregate score of 50% in the qualifying examination is generally required, though this can vary by institution.
- Entrance Examination: Admission is often based on performance in national or state-level entrance exams, such as NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test).
Curriculum:
- First Professional: Basic principles of Ayurveda, anatomy, physiology, and Sanskrit.
- Second Professional: Pathology, pharmacology, toxicology, and diagnostic procedures.
- Third Professional: Internal medicine, gynecology, pediatrics, ENT, ophthalmology, and principles of surgery.
- Final Professional: Advanced topics in medicine, surgery, Panchakarma (a detoxification process), and research methodology.
Internship: The 1-year internship is divided into clinical training in different departments such as Panchakarma, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and General Medicine.
Career Opportunities
- Clinical Practice: Graduates can start their own practice or join existing clinics as Ayurvedic doctors.
- Hospitals: Employment opportunities in Ayurvedic hospitals and wellness centers.
- Research: Engage in clinical research to contribute to the development of Ayurvedic medicine.
- Teaching: Academic positions in Ayurvedic colleges as lecturers or professors.
- Pharmaceuticals: Roles in Ayurvedic drug manufacturing companies in areas like quality control, production, and research and development.
- Public Health: Positions in government and non-governmental organizations focusing on health and wellness.
Professional Associations
- Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM): Regulates Ayurvedic education and practice in India.
- Ayurvedic Medical Association of India (AMAI): Works for the promotion and welfare of the Ayurvedic profession and practitioners.
Licensing
Upon completion of the BAMS degree, graduates must register with the respective state Ayurvedic boards to practice legally as Ayurvedic doctors.
Global Perspective
While Ayurveda is most popular in India, it is gaining recognition worldwide. Many countries now offer certification courses and have Ayurvedic wellness centers, expanding the scope for BAMS graduates internationally.
The BAMS course blends traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with modern medical practices, providing a holistic approach to healthcare.