BAMS Course, Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery
The history of Ayurveda dates back to civilization in the Indian subcontinent context. It is one such medicinal practice which is developed in ancient times and practiced in the modern era.
Even though Ayurveda is considered pseudoscientific it is still relevant. There are even institutes providing Ayurvedic teaching. This form of alternative medicine is popular and used even today by common people who believe in Ayurvedic healing powers and benefits to human health and lifestyles. There are already Ayurvedic Campuses in Nepal that have started Bachelor level programs like Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery.
Overview
For those students who are eager to study Ayurveda medical Science and Surgery in Ayurvedic practices now they can look forward to a program in Nepal called Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery. It is a five and half year program with one year rotating internship for students who want to attain degree and pursue career in this field of practice. It is created in such a way that it familiarises students with the integrated principles of Modern Medical Science and Traditional Medicines.
Those individuals who are interested in natural and ancient system medicine can pursue the BAMS course. The career paths open as Ayurveda Doctor, Medical transcription, journalism and photography etc. This degree is also suited for one who wants to start their own Ayurvedic practice and healing in Nepal. Further the paths in advanced study like MD, PhD or even researches are open for the students of Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery in Nepal.
BAMS Course in Nepal
Nepal is embedded deep into Hindu traditions and beliefs. Because of this, the nation has played a significant role in the preservation, practice and development of Ayurveda. Since Nepal is home to various medicinal and herbal plants it is the perfect place for Ayurvedic practitioners.
According to history, Rajakiya Ayurveda Vidhyalaya was the first in the country to begin technical education in 1993 BS.
The Government of Nepal founded the National Academy of Ayurveda in 1952 intending to offer advanced education and training in the subject. Ayurveda Campus was later formed by the merging of the Government of Nepal’s Ayurved Vidyalaya and Chikitsalaya with the Institute of Medicine in 1972 AD.
The ayurvedic education has ever since developed in Nepal. The Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery was introduced. In Ayurveda Campuses the Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery programs are taught from courses offered either by Tribhuvan University or Nepal Sanskrit University.
The list of university:
- Tribhuvan University
- Nepal Sanskrit University
General Information
BAMS course in Nepal is an undergraduate degree of five and a half years. The program is divided into 3 professional courses, each of 18 months. It is followed by a year of required internship.
Currently, there are only 2 universities that have BMS courses. The available seats are also comparatively low. Let us look at the table below to see about the total available seats and number of colleges.
University |
No. of Seats |
No. of Colleges |
NSU |
40 |
3 |
TU |
40 |
2 |
The BMS course syllabus is designed to produce skilled individuals in the field of Ayurveda. Students learn about the Ayurvedic principles, treatments, teachings, and holistic approaches towards healthcare.
The curriculum covers the history of Ayurved, its principles and techniques. Students are provided with valuable knowledge of the ancient text. They will also learn about the modern sciences with integration into Ayurveda.
Let us look into some topics that the course covers during its span.
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Pharmacognosy and Pharmacology
- Yoga and Naturopathy
- Pharmacy and Pharmaceutics
- Forensic medicine and Toxicology
- Pathology
- Ophthalmology
- Surgery
After graduating with the course students will gain comprehensive theoretical knowledge as well as hands-on experience through lab work and projects and a compulsory internship. They will be capable individuals in the field of Ayurveda ready to pursue their careers.
Objective of BAMS
Bachelor of Ayturvedic Medicine and Surgery provides students about knowledge of the history and the modern practices of Ayurveda Science in patient healing and medical care.
The primary purpose of the BAMS course is as follows:-
- Study to provide long term cure for medical ailments with applied knowledge of Ayurveda.
- Take up government and private sector jobs in Ayurvedic clinics and hospitals, industries.
- Take up researcher roles in private and government medical institutions.
- Become a teacher in Ayurveda medical Colleges after earning Medical Doctor in the relevant field.
- Work in area of medicinal farming by cultivating endangered medicinal plants recognized by Ayurveda for treatment and surgery.
- Can get into work of medical manuscripting, translations.
- Study further post graduate study in Ayurvedic Medicine.
Eligibility for BAMS
Students should meet the following criteria to be eligible to study the BAMS course:-
- The candidate must have passed proficiency or Plus 2 level with Biology, English, Chemistry, and Physics with 50 percent marks in aggregate at minimum.
- Pass the common entrance exam with 50 marks minimum conducted by BAMS offering Universities in Nepal in merit order.
Scope of BAMS
In Nepal the career paths from Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery are flourishing. It opens avenues of jobs in teaching, medical practicioners, researchers, pharmacies and restoration areas in professional aspects:-
Career options are:
- At Ayurvedic Hospitals: After successful completion of BAMS course and getting registered in Nepal Ayurveda Medical Council after passing license exam, you can work in Ayurvedic hospitals as Ayurveda Officers, Ayurveda Doctor, Medical Officer etc.
- Private clinics: There are private clinics and one can start their own starting point with clinics and consultation services for Ayurvedic medicine and therapy.
- Wellness Centres: Throughout the BAMS course, the students learn about different ayurvedic therapies to keep the body in the possible perfect conditions. After passing out students can work in the wellness centers to provide their knowledge to the public. They can also open their own well-being company.
- Nutritionist: Those with BAMS degrees are knowledgeable about the nutritional value that food carries. They can work as nutritionists in the ayurvedic hospitals. They can even start their own business in the related field.
- Research Officer: Ayurvedic medicine and practices are hugely based on complex herbal compounds obtained from herbs and medicinal plants. The graduates of BMS courses can work as the researchers to find new ways of practices or combinations.
- Pharmaceuticals: One can even become an Ayurveda pharmacist to dispense Ayurvedic drugs at dispensaries.
- Academia: The scholars of the BAMS course can pursue their education to receive a master’s degree in ayurvedic medicine and practices. They can also work as teachers.
Admission Requirement for BAMS
The universities providing the BAMS course open an application for the program. The students however have to attend the entrance examination to be able to study the program. The notice regarding the admission test is posted on the official website.
Some key details about the entrance examination
- Multiple choice questions are asked in the entrance examination.
- The total marks of the entrance is 100.
- There will be 4 choices in one question.
- To secure a seat, students must score at least 50% of the full marks.
- There might be negative markings. It depends upon the policy of the university.
- The marks obtained by students on the test will be considered while preparing the merit list for scholarships.
If you pass the admission test and are about to be admitted to your preferred college, the following documents might be required.
- Marksheet, character, and proof certificate of SEE/ SLC
- Transcript, mark sheet and migration, and character certificate of 10+2 or any equivalent course
- Copy of citizenship
- Admit card for entrance exam
Fee Structure
Ayurveda is a subject of the medical field. Studying it might be expensive when compared with other courses. The BAMS course fees in Nepal depends upon the university.
However, the BAMS course fees in Nepal is between NPR 10,50,000 to 12,00,000.
Scholarships
Among the total scholarship seats for the BAMS course, 55% is separated for general while the remaining 45% is for the reservation. The reservation seats are further divided into different groups according to the student’s background.
Please note that students must have studied in Governmental school from class 6 to 10 to apply for the quota scholarships.