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AYURVEDA
HEALING THE TRADITIONAL WAY

Ayurveda Course Review

Course Review Ayurveda

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

1.

Introduction03

2.

Relevance of Ayurveda

04

3.

Eligibility Norms for BAMS

06

4.

Course Structure

07

5.

International Appeal

09

6.

What after Graduation?

10

7.

Employment Potential

12

8.

Industry Talk 

14

9.

Course Content in Brief

15

Project Editor
Research
Art Director
Asst. Art Director

S. Rajaram
Shiphony Pavitran Suri, Prerna Singh
Anshul Sharma
Rajesh Chawla

Copyright Pathfinder Publishing Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi

A BACHELORS DEGREE TRAINS YOU FOR RESEARCH & CLINICAL

ROLES IN THE LIFESTYLE-CENTRIC SCIENCE OF AYURVEDA

he new mantra of urban living is go for

the herbal way. The cosmetic sections
at departmental stores display herbal,
Ayurvedic products that claim to not just cure
but also prevent any illnesses. Ayurveda or the
science of life has its roots in India. The system
cures and prevents diseases by eliminating their
root cause. According to Ayurveda, five basic
elements, namely, earth, water, air, fire, space
impact our wellbeing in more than one way.
A correct balance of the five is needed to restore
health. The Bachelors course in Ayurveda spanning five-and-a-half years trains you for research
and clinical roles in the lifestyle centric science
of Ayurveda.

All Rights Reserved

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or means electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of Pathfinder Publishing Pvt. Ltd.
Editor: B Mahesh Sarma
Cover Design: Rajesh Chawla

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FAST FACTS
Course Name: Bachelor of
Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery
(BAMS) Course Duration: 5 years
and six months (including one
year of internship) Eligibility: 10+2
with PCB Course Fee: Fee varies
at each institute. @ Rs. 30,000 at
government-run institutions. Rs. 1.3
lakh per annum at Amrita School of
Ayurveda Top Institutes for BAMS:
Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi,
Gujrat Ayurveda University, Gujarat,
Government Ayurveda Colleges
in Kerala, Podar Ayurved College,
Maharashtra, NT Ramrao Health
University, Andhra Pradesh

Ayurveda Course Review

RELEVANCE OF AYURVEDA
THE DEMAND FOR AYURVEDIC DOCTORS IS DUE TO THE
TRUST DEVELOPED BY THIS MEDICINE AS A HERBAL ROUTE
TO CURING DISEASES.

Dr. Manoj Nesari, Deputy Advisor, Dept. of AYUSH, Ministry of Health &
Family Welfare, Government of India, says, So far we have set up about 300
Ayurveda colleges, 2,000 hospitals, 13,000 dispensaries and 7,910 manufacturing units. The number is significantly larger than other traditional systems
of medicines like Unani, Sidha, Naturopathy and Homeopathy.

he Deputy Medical Superintendent of

Tibbia Hospital, Dr. K.K Sijoria, MS
(Ayu), reveals that almost 80 percent of
Indians uses Ayurvedic treatment either in its
entirety or combining it with allopathic medication. As lifestyle diseases grip urban population,
awareness about the worlds oldest medicine has
increased phenomenally.
Top Institutes for Masters: NIA,
Jaipur; IPGTR Jamnagar; BHU,
Varanasi; Government Ayurveda
College, Mumbai; Manipal
University, Manipal Top recruiters:
Government/private hospitals,
Dispensaries, Colleges, Research
institutes, Ayurveda health centres,
spas, resorts, pharmaceutical
companies Earning Potential
(Entry level): Government
hospitals: Rs. 20,000 to 30,000
per month; Resorts and spas:
Rs. 10,000 to 15,000 per month
Professional roles: Ayurveda
Doctor, Lecturer, Scientist,
Therapist

The increasing demand for Ayurvedic doctors

across pharmaceutical companies and government hospitals is due to the trust developed by
this alternative medicine as the herbal route
to curing diseases. In 2003, the Department of
Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha
and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) was established
by Government of India to support and promote
research and education in the field of Ayurvedic
science. There is a wide network of Ayurvedic
hospitals and colleges in the country.
4

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Ayurveda Course Review

Course Review Ayurveda

ELIGIBILITY NORMS
FOR BAMS

COURSE STRUCTURE

ADMISSIONS ARE DONE THROUGH ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS

CONDUCTED AT NATIONAL AND STATE-LEVEL

THE COURSE STRUCTURE IS AIMED TO PROVIDE THEORY

AS WELL AS PRACTICAL TRAINING IN THE HEALING SCIENCE.

fter successfully finishing class 10+2 in

PCB, students are eligible to take up
entrance examinations to various institutes. These examinations are conducted at
national and state-level. Admission to BHU,
Varanasi is based on the common entrance test
called BHU-PAT (Banaras Hindu University,
Pre-Ayurveda entrance Test. The admission procedure is carried as per the guidelines of Central
Council of Indian Medicine. The eligible candidates should have passed 10+2 in PCB with
English. Some states also conduct entrance
exams. For instance, Kerala conducts a common
entrance test for MBBS and BAMS. The selection depends on your choice and corresponding
performance in the entrance.

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he syllabus and curriculum is uniform

throughout the country. The course
structure is aimed to provide theory as
well as practical training in the healing science of
Ayurveda. The first year starts with the principle
learning of Philosophy and History of Ayurveda,
Physiology, Anatomy and Pharmaceutical Sciences as per the syllabus of Central Council of
Indian Medicine, statutory body (Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970). During the
second year of the course at Amrita School of
Ayurveda, an in depth knowledge in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toxicology and Medical Jurisprudence is developed. Pathology & Microbiology,
Gynaecology & Obstetrics and Paediatrics constitute the core of the third year of learning at
Amrita School of Ayurveda. The course modules
in General Surgery, ENT and dentistry and
Internal Medicine including Manas roga,

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Ayurveda Course Review

Course Review Ayurveda

Rasayan & Vajikarana are in focus in the final year of undergraduate course
The origin of Ayurveda dates back to Sanskrit speaking era. As a consequence, Sanskrit is taught as a part of the course, We are taught to read, write
and recite Ayurvedic texts in Sanskrit. Usually, teachers translate the text
into English or other language, shares Swati, a third professional year students at Tibbia College.

INTERNATIONAL APPEAL
A LOT OF FOREIGNERS ARE COMING TO INDIA TO TAKE AYURVEDIC
TREATMENT WHILE A NUMBER OF CLINICS ARE OPENING ABROAD

he efficacy of Ayurveda is well recognized

abroad. This is reflected in a delegation of
medical students and doctors from Japan
and USA visiting the Ayurveda Department at
Manipal University to expand their clinical
experience.
Gujarat Ayurveda University that is also a
WHO collaborative centre has been drawing
students from across the world. This was further developed into International Center for
Ayurvedic Studies to provide Ayurveda education for foreign nationals.

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Ayurveda Course Review

WHAT AFTER GRADUATION?

THERE ARE AT LEAST TWENTY SPECIALISATIONS FOR YOU
TO CHOOSE FROM AFTER GRADUATION.

raduate training prepares you for a

research career in institutions from
health, medicine, agricultural and
environmental sectors. Apart from that, pharmaceutical, food and beverage sectors also recruit
graduates in a big way.

1. Specialisation:
Students interested in postgraduate studies have
as many as 20 specialized fields to select from.
This can be attained by pursuing courses leading
to Masters of Medicine (MD-Ayu)/Master of
Surgery (MS-Ayu) degree. Ranjith Namboodri,
a student of Government Ayurveda College,
Thiruvananthapuram explains the diversity of
specialisations. I took up MD in Kaya Chikitsa
because it treats the body both internally and
externally. You learn diagnosis and treatment of
a variety of general diseases, such as skin disorders, diabetes, tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis
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and many other disorders, says Ranjith.

Some of the popular specialisations are Kaya Chikitsa (Internal medicine),
Panchakarma and Kshar Sutra. As per Dr. K.K Sijoria, MS (Ayu), Deputy
Medical Superintendent Tibbia Hospital, Kshar Sutra is extremely effective
in the treatment of fistula or conditions which demand gradual removal of
overgrown soft tissues like polyps, warts, non-healing chronic ulcers, sinuses
and papillae.
Apart from MD specialisations you can also go for PG Diploma Programmes. However, a two-year MD course is essential to improve career
prospects with prominent recruiters.

2. Research Scientist:
Research programmes like PhD is essential for taking up research at various companies and institutions. Some of the institutes that offer doctorate
programmes include Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha
(CCRAS), Tilak Ayurved Mahavidhyala and National Institute of Ayurveda
(Jaipur & Jamnagar).
Advanced degree holders (MD, PhD) and registered Ayurveda doctors
are regularly employed to supervisory/research/teaching positions with
educational and research institutions. Educational institutions have to be
motivated to train students to develop standard methods of research and
documentation skills, says Dr. Nesari from AYUSH.
Drug research supervision is prevalent in privately-held pharmaceutical
companies. Dr. Sanandan Thapliyal, Manager Scientific Services, Himalaya
Drug Co., Jobs at companies are highly rewarding. Unlike government jobs,
no corporate firm can tolerate lackadaisical approach towards work,

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Ayurveda Course Review

EMPLOYMENT POTENTIAL
THERE IS A HUGE DEMAND FOR AYURVEDIC DOCTORS WITH
THE RISING AWARENESS OF LIFESTYLE DISEASES.

overnment-hospitals and privatelyheld ones are endowed with wellequipped Ayurvedic Units. They provide treatments as well as therapies such as
Panchakarma and Kshar Sutra to patients. Ayurveda doctors also set up their independent clinics
along with retailing of Ayurvedic medicines.

recorded high market growth leading to a change in their market strategies,

The products for bulk sales have gone up in a substantial scale in the past ten
years. The highest point of growth occurred in 2002-03 due to an increased
demand for Ayurveda products in the US exports have shot up from 10% to
65%, says Harilal Madhavan, Postdoctoral Fellow in Pharmasud (Pharmaceutical programme) from National Research Agency, Paris.
Furthermore, Ayurveda doctors are employed for drug research. Various companies grant scholarships to deserving students. Himalaya offers
financial aid to over 150 colleges especially final year toppers, reveals Dr.
Sanandan Thapliyal, Manager Scientific Services, Himalaya Drug Company.
To be able to practice Ayurveda, BAMS degree holders must be registered at
the respective state council to abide with the Indian Medical Central Council
Act. The registration with Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) is
necessary for a nation-wide practice. Starting your own set-up unleashes
your creativity, feels Hitendra, BAMS graduate from Tibbia College who left
his pharmaceutical job to open his own clinic. He further advises You have to
mitigate risk, keep your chin up and think positive when times are tough.

With increasing health awareness amid rising

number of lifestyle diseases, Ayurveda doctors
are employed at various the wellness centres.
Integration of Ayurveda with wellness therapies
at resorts and spas has led to the development of
the practice of Ayurveda.
After specialisation undergraduates can
explore supervisory and research roles with
pharmaceutical companies. Prominent names
in pharmaceutical industry like, Dabur, Zandu,
Himalaya and Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal have
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Ayurveda Course Review

INDUSTRY TALK

Q. Do you think Ayurveda graduates should work with

Dr. Sanandan Thapliyal

Manager Scientific Services, Himalaya Drug Company

Q. Entering the leading pharmaceutical company

A. Scholarship from Himalaya gave me an edge over other students to inter-

act with the company representatives who frequently visited the college OPD
to inform about the latest initiatives. Various companies grant scholarships
to deserving students. Himalaya offers financial aid to over 150 colleges
especially final year toppers. First topper (Jivaka) and second topper (Ayur
Visharda) gets Rs. 10,000 & Rs. 7,500 respectively. Yet, another company,
Aimil Pharmaceuticals grants a monthly scholarship of Rs. 1000 to first and
second year toppers. I have also received it in two years, I earned around
Rs. 36,000.

Q. Share with us your interview experience

A. First stage: Checks your technical knowledge (Ayurvedic, modern medi-

cine), personality test (communication skills, leadership competencies).

Second stage: Delhi division head threw up questions related to pharmaceutical company (other typical interview question). Third stage: I was called to
Bangalore headquarters for HR round followed by training.
The one-week training was like a journey towards corporate work culture.
I trained in giving PowerPoint presentation, taken out for rounds to R&D,
production units. I met top officials and cleared my doubts What are the
procedures for purifying Ayurvedic drugs, clinical trials? Are we implementing the strategies made by WHO, Govt. of India? I was curious to know how
these pharmaceutical companies develop, produce and market drugs.

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pharmaceuticals?
A. Himalaya products are exported to over 80 countries. The company needs
good talent who can represent the company produce, research and sell the
product. How long shall we depend on allopathic pharmacies/doctors? They
can never understand the basics of Ayurveda. Only an Ayurveda student can
understand the utility. It is their duty to make their product socially and globally accepted. They can join R&D, regulatory, production, marketing department. There are BAMS graduates who work as Managers/Production Manager/Licence Authority Manager. But MDs (Ayur) have an edge over others.

Q. Describe your profile at Himalaya.

A. I conduct Continued Medical Education in colleges and hospitals across

the country. It is a platform to discuss burning issues (disorders, chronic

diseases) and what the company is providing to combat the problem scientifically.

Course content in brief

Ayurvedic as Modern Anatomy & Physiology, Ayurvedic Classical Texts, Sanskrit Language
Ayurvedic Classical Texts, Social and Preventive Medicine, Ayurvedic Toxicology,
Pharmacology and Pharmaceutics including herbal and herbo-mineral medicines,
essential modern pharmacology, diagnostics and clinical methods.
Ayurvedic as well as modern aspects of - general medicine, gynaecology and obstetrics,
general surgery, paediatrics, ENT, ophthalmology, Panchakarma (Bio-cleansing procedure),
Ayurvedic Classical Texts.

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DIRECTORY
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