BAMS — Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery — is a 5.5-year regulated Indian medical degree (4.5 academic + 1 year internship) under NCISM (National Commission for Indian System of Medicine). It's NEET-driven, has a structured counselling system, and produces medical professionals licensed to practice Ayurveda. This guide walks through BAMS admissions in 2026.
Eligibility for BAMS in 2026
- 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology / Biotechnology + English
- Minimum 50% aggregate in PCB (40% for SC/ST/OBC, 45% for PwD)
- Minimum age 17 years as of 31 December of admission year
- Valid NEET-UG 2026 score
Counselling structure
BAMS counselling runs through state authorities (state government colleges + private state quota) and AIQ via AYUSH counselling (15% of government BAMS seats). Deemed universities offering BAMS run their own counselling. NRI quota seats are available in select deemed and private BAMS colleges.
BAMS fee bands in 2026
| Route | Annual Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Government BAMS | ₹25k – ₹65k | State domicile, high NEET |
| Private state quota | ₹3 – ₹8 L | State domicile |
| Private NRI / Management | ₹6 – ₹15 L | All-India, fewer colleges |
| Deemed BAMS | ₹8 – ₹18 L | MCC-based, NRI quota available |
BAMS career pathway
BAMS graduates can practice as registered Ayurvedic medical practitioners, pursue MD/MS in Ayurveda (3-year PG via AIAPGET), join government Ayurveda hospitals, set up independent practice, or pursue research and teaching. Growing acceptance of integrative medicine has expanded BAMS career options into wellness, lifestyle medicine, and pharmaceutical research.
Top BAMS colleges in our network
Strong BAMS programmes run at deemed universities (Bharati Vidyapeeth, DY Patil) and state Ayurvedic colleges across Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. SG's BAMS desk handles college shortlisting and NRI quota documentation.
BAMS vs MBBS — picking the right one
Students passionate about Ayurveda, integrative medicine, or careers in wellness should consider BAMS seriously. BAMS is not a 'backup' for MBBS-aspirants — it's a different professional path with its own strong outcomes.
Talk to a BAMS counsellor: free 30-min call or WhatsApp +91 9706650555.
Frequently asked questions
Is NEET-UG mandatory for BAMS?
Yes. NEET-UG 2026 qualification is mandatory for all BAMS admissions in India under NCISM rules.
Can I do MBBS after BAMS?
No. BAMS and MBBS are separate professional degrees. After BAMS, you can pursue MD/MS in Ayurveda but not MD/MS in allopathic specialties.
What's the lowest NEET score that gets BAMS admission?
Cutoffs vary by state and college. Government BAMS seats typically require 250+ NEET; private/NRI quota cutoffs can go significantly lower. We share current-year ranges during counselling.
