Ayurveda, one of the world’s oldest systems of medicine, has gained renewed importance in modern healthcare. With increasing demand for natural, holistic, and preventive treatments, a career as an Ayurvedic doctor offers stability, respect, and wide career opportunities. In India, Ayurveda is regulated under the Ministry of AYUSH, making it a structured and recognized medical profession.

Eligibility to Become an Ayurvedic Doctor

To pursue a career in Ayurveda, students must complete 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) from a recognized board. A minimum of 50% marks is required for general category students, while reserved category students receive relaxation as per government norms. The candidate must be at least 17 years old at the time of admission.

Entrance Exam Process

Admission to the Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) program is primarily based on the NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test). NEET is a national-level entrance exam conducted once a year. Aspirants must register online, appear for the exam, and secure the minimum qualifying percentile to be eligible for counselling. NEET scores are mandatory for admission to both government and private Ayurvedic colleges across India.

Counselling Process

After the NEET results are declared, eligible candidates participate in the AYUSH counselling process, which is conducted at both All India Quota (AIQ) and State Quota levels. Students must register on the official counselling portals, fill in their choices of colleges, and lock preferences within the given time frame. Seat allotment is done based on NEET rank, category, reservation policy, and availability of seats. Multiple rounds of counselling are conducted, including mop-up rounds, to fill vacant seats.

Selection and Admission Process

Once a seat is allotted, candidates must report to the allotted college for document verification and fee submission. After successful verification, the final admission is confirmed. The BAMS course duration is 5.5 years, which includes 4.5 years of academic study and 1 year of compulsory internship.

Career Opportunities After BAMS

After completing BAMS, graduates are officially recognized as Ayurvedic doctors and can register with the state AYUSH council. Career options include working as a clinical practitioner, joining government hospitals, or opening a private Ayurvedic clinic. Graduates can also pursue higher education such as MD/MS in Ayurveda in specialized fields like Kayachikitsa, Panchakarma, or Dravyaguna.

Other career paths include roles in research organizations, pharmaceutical companies, Ayurvedic drug manufacturing, health and wellness centers, medical tourism, and teaching positions in Ayurvedic colleges. Opportunities are also available in public health programs and international wellness centers.

Scope and Future of Ayurveda

With global awareness of holistic health, yoga, and natural medicine, Ayurveda is expanding rapidly in India and abroad. Government initiatives, increased research funding, and integration with modern healthcare systems have further strengthened the field. A career in Ayurveda offers not only professional growth but also the satisfaction of healing through natural and time-tested practices.

Choosing Ayurveda as a career in the doctor field is ideal for students passionate about traditional medicine and holistic healthcare. With structured entrance exams, regulated counselling, and diverse career opportunities, Ayurveda stands as a strong and rewarding medical profession in today’s evolving healthcare landscape.