BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) and MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) are two distinctive undergraduate degrees in the field of medicine that offer contrasting paths for aspiring healthcare professionals. BAMS focuses on Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine that prioritizes holistic healing, natural remedies, and lifestyle adjustments. Graduates of BAMS become Ayurvedic practitioners, equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide treatments based on Ayurvedic principles and therapies. On the other hand, MBBS follows the allopathic system of medicine, emphasizing modern medical science, evidence-based practices, and rigorous clinical training. MBBS graduates become doctors capable of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases using Western medical interventions. The curriculum and duration of these degrees differ, with BAMS typically spanning around five and a half years and MBBS generally lasting five to six years.
When it comes to career opportunities, BAMS graduates have the option to work in Ayurvedic hospitals, clinics, research institutions, or even pursue teaching positions in Ayurvedic colleges. They can also engage in research endeavors or specialize in specific areas within the field of Ayurveda. On the other hand, MBBS graduates have a broader range of career prospects, as they can work in various medical settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or healthcare institutions. Through further education and training, MBBS graduates can specialize in specific medical disciplines like surgery, pediatrics, gynecology, or internal medicine. Furthermore, the MBBS degree enjoys global recognition, enabling graduates to practice medicine in different countries upon meeting the necessary licensing requirements.
Highlights
| Aspect | BAMS | MBBS |
| Focus | Emphasizes Ayurveda, holistic healing, and traditional practices | Centers around modern medicine and evidence-based practices |
| Duration | Typically lasts for approximately 5.5 years | Generally spans 5-6 years |
| Curriculum | Covers Ayurvedic principles, herbal medicine, yoga, and holistic approach | Includes modern medical sciences and clinical training |
| Career Opportunities | Offers opportunities as Ayurvedic practitioners, employment in Ayurvedic hospitals, clinics, research institutions, and teaching in Ayurvedic colleges | Provides pathways to work as doctors in hospitals, clinics, healthcare institutions, and specialization in various medical fields |
| Licensing and Recognition | Regulated by the Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) | Globally recognized and regulated by medical councils |
| Cultural Philosophy | Rooted in traditional Indian culture and philosophy | Adheres to a scientific and evidence-based approach |
| Specialization Opportunities | Enables specialization within Ayurveda | Offers specialization in diverse medical disciplines such as surgery, pediatrics, and more |
| Global Scope | Primarily focused on Ayurvedic practices in India | Recognized globally, facilitating practice worldwide |
Why Choose BAMS?
BAMS is an undergraduate degree programme that trains individuals in Ayurveda and Ayurvedic medicine. The BAMS programme lasts 5.5 years, with a one-year internship required. Over the course of 5.5 years, the course is broken into four professionals. Ayurveda’s reach is increasingly overlapping with other medical systems in India and around the world. In many cases, patients have relied on their personal experiences to determine the efficacy of the Ayurvedic system and medications for chronic and incurable conditions. When the allopathic system fails to treat a certain condition and surrenders, Ayurvedic treatment has a magical impact to revitalize the ailment or the patient.
Why Choose MBBS Course?
MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) graduates are properly trained to handle diseases such as colds. Cough, stomach discomfort, bruising, and so on. They can begin their practise and begin treating people. After completing the MBBS, graduates can pursue MS or MD degrees with specialisations such as Cardiology, Neurology, Gynaecology, Endocrinology, Immunology, Radiology, Psychiatry, and so on, and you can expect to find employment in areas such as private hospitals and government hospitals. These graduates are also in high demand in sports medicine, health research journalism, hospital administration, medical academics, public health policy-making, and other fields. One can also choose to participate in clinical trials or pursue a career in any of the following fields:
BAMS Vs MBBS Eligibility Criteria in India
| Eligibility Criteria | BAMS | MBBS |
| Educational Qualification | Completion of 10+2 (or equivalent) with Science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) | Completion of 10+2 (or equivalent) with Science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) |
| Minimum Marks | Typically requires an aggregate of 50% to 60% marks in 10+2 | Generally requires an aggregate of 50% to 60% marks in 10+2 |
| Entrance Exams | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) or State-level Ayurvedic entrance exams | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) or State-level medical entrance exams |
| Age Limit | Usually a minimum age of 17 years and maximum age of 25 years | Generally a minimum age of 17 years and maximum age of 25 years |
| Domicile Requirement | May have specific state or regional domicile requirements | May have specific state or regional domicile requirements |
| Reservation Policy | Adheres to the reservation policy set by the respective state or central government | Adheres to the reservation policy set by the respective state or central government |
Difference between BAMS and MBBS Syllabus in India
When you check the admission procedure and eligibility criteria for MBBS or BAMS, it’s time to review the difference between the BAMS and MBBS syllabus; the curriculum of the courses you should study while studying. Let’s check out.
| Year | BAMS Syllabus | MBBS Syllabus |
| 1st Year | Padartha Vigyan Evum Ayurveda Itihas Sanskrit Kriya Sharir (Physiology) Rachana Sharir (Anatomy) Maulik Siddhant Avum Ashtang Hridya (Basic Principles and Ashtang Hridaya- An ancient text of Ayurveda) | Anatomy Biochemistry Physiology |
| 2nd Year | Dravyaguna Vigyan (Pharmacology and Materia Medica) Agadantra, Vyavahar-Ayurved Evum Vidhivaidyak (Toxicology, Forensic Medicine and Medical Jurisprudence) Rasashatra Evam Bhaishajyakalpana (Iatrochemistry and Ayurvedic Pharmaceutics) Charak Samhita -Purvardha (Sutrasthana, Nidanasthana, Vimanasthana, Sharirasthana and Indriyasthana) | Community Medicine Pharmacology Pathology Microbiology Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Clinical postings inwards OPD |
Comparison of BAMS and MBBS
The comparison between BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) and MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) in terms of education and training, practice and specialization, recognition and licensing, as well as cultural and philosophical differences:
Education and Training:
BAMS: BAMS education and training revolve around Ayurvedic principles, focusing on holistic healing, natural remedies, and traditional practices. The curriculum includes subjects such as Ayurvedic anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, diagnosis, and therapeutic techniques. Practical training in Ayurvedic therapies and Panchakarma procedures is an integral part of the program.
MBBS: MBBS education and training emphasize modern medical science, evidence-based practices, and clinical training. The curriculum encompasses subjects like anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, and various clinical disciplines. Practical training includes rotations in different clinical departments and exposure to diverse medical specialties.
Practice and Specialization:
BAMS: Graduates of BAMS become Ayurvedic practitioners and can practice in Ayurvedic hospitals, clinics, or establish their own Ayurvedic practice. They have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as Panchakarma, Ayurvedic pharmacology, gynecology, or other specific aspects of Ayurveda.
MBBS: MBBS graduates can practice as doctors in hospitals, clinics, or healthcare institutions. They have the option to specialize in various medical disciplines, such as surgery, pediatrics, gynecology, orthopedics, and more, through postgraduate studies and further training.
Recognition and Licensing:
BAMS: BAMS is recognized by the Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) and enables graduates to practice Ayurvedic medicine in India. Licensing and registration with the state Ayurvedic board are necessary for professional practice.
MBBS: MBBS is globally recognized and regulated by medical councils. In India, it is recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI) or the National Medical Commission (NMC). Graduates need to clear licensing exams, such as the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) or the National Exit Test (NEXT), to obtain a license for medical practice.
Cultural and Philosophical Differences:
BAMS: BAMS is deeply rooted in traditional Indian culture and philosophy. It embraces the holistic principles of Ayurveda, which emphasize the balance of mind, body, and spirit. Ayurvedic practices consider the individual’s unique constitution and focus on personalized treatments and preventive measures.
MBBS: MBBS follows a scientific and evidence-based approach to medicine, emphasizing diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases using modern medical interventions. It aligns with Western medical practices and scientific research.
Top BAMS Colleges in India
- National Institute Of Ayurveda
- Jayoti Vidyapeeth Women’s University,Jaipur
- The Glocal University, Saharanpur
- Tantia University
- Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Viswa Mahavidyalaya (SCSVMV),Kanchipuram
- Institute of Medical Sciences – Banaras Hindu University,Varanasi
- Aryabhatta Knowledge University,Patna
- RK UNIVERSITY,Rajkot
- Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur
- SANSKRITI UNIVERSITY Mathura Uttar Pradesh
- SGT University
- Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University,Dwarka
- Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune
- Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University
- Abhilashi University
Top MBBS colleges in India
- Grant Government Medical College, Mumbai
- King George’s Medical University, Lucknow
- CHRISTIAN MEDICAL COLLEGE, Vellore
- University College Of Medical Sciences, Delhi
- Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, New Delhi
- Madras Medical College, Chennai
- Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal
- St. John’s Medical College, Bengaluru
- Aligarh Muslim University,Aligarh
- Banaras Hindu University,Varanasi
- Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi
- Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai
- Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune
- Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow
- Christian Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana
Job Profile for BAMS
The following are the job profiles for the BAMS course:
| Ayurvedic Doctor | Ayurvedic Physician |
| Lecturer | Research Assistant |
| Scientist | Professor |
| Pharmacist | Therapist |
| – | Medical Officer |
Average Salary for BAMS
The following is the average salary for BAMS
| Salary | Average Salary |
| Lowest Salary | INR 1.6 LPA |
| Highest Salary | INR 10 LPA |
| Average Salary | INR 3.1 LPA |
Job Profile for MBBS
The following are the job profiles for the MBBS course:
| General Physician | Medical Professor/ Teacher |
| Medical Officer | Researcher |
| Dermatologist | Public Health Care Worker / Public Servant |
| Medical Coder | Dietician |
Average Salary for MBBS
The following is the average salary for MBBS:
| Sector | Average Salary |
| Government Sector | INR 20,000- 80,000 |
| Private Sector | INR 20,000-50,000 |
Frequently Asked Question
Q1: How are BAMS and MBBS different from each other?
A1: BAMS focuses on Ayurvedic principles and traditional practices, while MBBS follows a modern medical science approach.
Q2: Can BAMS graduates become doctors?
A2: Yes, BAMS graduates can work as Ayurvedic practitioners, but their scope of practice is specific to Ayurvedic medicine.
Q3: What career options are available for MBBS graduates?
A3: MBBS graduates can work as doctors in hospitals or clinics, specialize in various medical disciplines, pursue research, or teach.
Q4: Are BAMS and MBBS degrees equally recognized?
A4: BAMS is recognized by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine, while MBBS is globally recognized by medical councils.
Q5: Can BAMS graduates specialize in modern medicine?
A5: BAMS graduates primarily specialize in Ayurvedic disciplines, but they may need to pursue additional qualifications for modern medical specialties.
Q6: Which program offers a broader scope of practice?
A6: MBBS offers a broader scope of practice with access to various medical disciplines and healthcare settings.
Q7: Can BAMS graduates pursue postgraduate studies in modern medicine?
A7: Generally, direct admission to modern medicine postgraduate programs is not available for BAMS graduates, but there may be bridge courses or conversion programs.
Q8: What are the cultural and philosophical differences between BAMS and MBBS?
A8: BAMS is rooted in traditional Indian culture and embraces holistic principles, while MBBS follows a more scientific approach.