The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) has issued a gazette notification allowing MPharma (Ayurved), MSc (Medical Plants) and PG Diploma holders to pursue PhD in Ayurved [1]. This is a significant change, as previously only holders of MD/MS in Ayurved were eligible for PhD programs.
The new notification is expected to increase the number of PhD seats in Ayurved across the country. There are currently around 400 PhD seats available in 125 institutes, and an additional 300 seats are expected to be added in the 2025 session [1].
Benefits of the New Eligibility Rules
The new eligibility rules are expected to have several benefits, including:
- Increased research opportunities in Ayurved: By allowing more people to pursue PhDs in Ayurved, the new rules are expected to lead to an increase in research activity in the field. This could lead to the development of new and improved Ayurvedic treatments.
- Improved quality of Ayurvedic education: A larger pool of PhD graduates could lead to an improvement in the quality of Ayurvedic education in India. This is because PhD graduates are qualified to teach at the postgraduate level.
- More qualified Ayurvedic practitioners: With more PhD graduates, there will be a larger pool of qualified Ayurvedic practitioners who can provide evidence-based care to patients.
Eligibility Requirements and Selection Process
The eligibility requirements for PhD programs in Ayurved may vary slightly from institute to institute, but generally, students will need to have a master’s degree in Ayurved or a related field, such as MPharma (Ayurved) or MSc (Medical Plants). Students will also need to qualify for an entrance exam, which is typically held in October or November of each year. The qualifying marks for the entrance exam are 50% for general category students and 45% for SC/ST students [1].
How to Apply
Students who are interested in pursuing a PhD in Ayurved should contact the admissions office of the institute they are interested in attending for more information on the application process. The application process typically involves submitting an application form, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a research proposal.
Overall, the new eligibility rules for PhD programs in Ayurved are a positive development that is expected to lead to an increase in research activity, improved quality of education, and a larger pool of qualified Ayurvedic practitioners.
Source: Dainik Bhaskar, Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), March 30, 2024