When pursuing a career in alternative medicine, two popular courses often come to mind BAMS and BHMS. BAMS stands for Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery, while BHMS stands for Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery. BAMS and BHMS are undergraduate courses recognised by the Government of India and the Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM), and the Central Council of Homeopathy (CCH), respectively.
BAMS is a 5.5-year program that includes theoretical and practical aspects of Ayurvedic medicine, while BHMS is a 5.5-year program that covers Homoeopathy's theoretical and practical aspects. Both courses are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to practice alternative medicine and provide holistic healthcare services to patients.
Choosing the right course is crucial as it can impact the career path and opportunities available in alternative medicine. Students should consider their interests, strengths, and career aspirations before deciding.
Researching the course syllabus, faculty, infrastructure, and placement opportunities is important before selecting a course. In this article, we will compare BAMS and BHMS on various parameters such as eligibility criteria, fees, job scope, and salary to help you make an informed decision.
Eligibility criteria
Before applying for BAMS or BHMS, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria set by the respective institutions and regulatory bodies. The eligibility criteria for BAMS and BHMS are as follows:
To pursue BAMS or BHMS, the candidate must have completed 10+2 or equivalent with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Some colleges may also require candidates to have studied Sanskrit in class 10 or 12.
The minimum age limit to apply for BAMS or BHMS is 17 years. There is no upper age limit for these courses. As for the nationality criteria, Indian nationals and foreign nationals of Indian origin can apply for BAMS and BHMS. However, foreign nationals who wish to apply for BAMS or BHMS must fulfill the eligibility criteria set by the respective institutions and the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
It is important to note that the eligibility criteria for BAMS and BHMS may vary depending on the institution offering the course. Before applying, candidates should check the institution's official website for detailed eligibility criteria.
Fees
The fee structure for BAMS and BHMS courses can vary depending on the institution offering the course. In general, private institutions charge higher fees than government institutions. The fee structure for BAMS and BHMS courses can be divided into tuition and other fees.
Average fee structure of BAMS and BHMS:
The average tuition fee for BAMS and BHMS courses in India ranges from INR 2 lakhs to INR 6 lakhs per year in private institutions, while government institutions charge comparatively lower fees.
The other fees may include examination fees, registration fees, hostel fees, and other miscellaneous expenses. The cost of pursuing BAMS or BHMS can range from INR 10 lakhs to INR 30 lakhs, depending on the institution.
Factors affecting the fee structure:
Several factors can affect the fee structure of BAMS and BHMS courses, such as:
Type of institution: Private institutions charge higher fees than government institutions.
Location: Institutions in metropolitan cities may charge higher fees than those in smaller cities or towns.
Infrastructure: Institutions that provide better infrastructure and facilities may charge higher fees.
Faculty: Institutions with highly experienced and qualified faculty members may charge higher fees.
Demand: The demand for the course can also affect the fees. If the demand for the course is high, the fees may increase.
Scholarships: Institutions that offer scholarships and financial aid may have a lower fee structure for eligible candidates.
Job scope
After completing a BAMS or BHMS course, several career opportunities are available in alternative medicine. The demand for Ayurvedic and Homeopathic medicine is increasing globally, and as a result, the job scope for BAMS and BHMS graduates is expanding. Some of the opportunities in the field of Ayurveda and Homeopathy are as follows:
Opportunities in the field of Ayurveda and Homeopathy:
Government sector: BAMS and BHMS graduates can work in government hospitals, dispensaries, and healthcare centres.
Private sector: They can also work in private hospitals, clinics, and wellness centres.
Research and development: They can work in research and development labs to develop new drugs and therapies based on Ayurveda and Homeopathy.
Education sector: They can pursue teaching jobs in Ayurvedic and Homeopathic colleges and universities.
Entrepreneurship: BAMS and BHMS graduates can start their own Ayurvedic or Homeopathic clinics and wellness centres.
Career options after BAMS and BHMS:
Ayurvedic or Homeopathic Doctor: BAMS and BHMS graduates can work as Ayurvedic or Homeopathic doctors to provide holistic healthcare services to patients.
Researcher: They can work as researchers to develop new drugs and therapies based on Ayurveda and Homeopathy.
Healthcare Administrator: They can work as healthcare administrators in hospitals and clinics to manage the facility's overall operations.
Medical Writer: BAMS and BHMS graduates can work as medical writers to write articles and research papers on Ayurveda and Homeopathy.
Job profiles and responsibilities:
Some of the common job profiles for BAMS and BHMS graduates are:
Ayurvedic or Homeopathic Doctor: They diagnose and treat patients using medicines and therapies.
Researcher: They conduct research and experiments to develop new drugs and therapies based on Ayurveda and Homeopathy.
Healthcare Administrator: They manage the operations of hospitals and clinics, including staffing, budgeting, and scheduling.
Medical Writer: They write articles, research papers, and books on Ayurveda and Homeopathy for publication.
Salary
The salary range for BAMS and BHMS graduates can vary depending on various factors such as the job profile, industry, location, and experience. Here we will discuss the salary range for BAMS and BHMS graduates, factors affecting the salary package, and future job market trends.
In India, the starting salary for BAMS and BHMS graduates can range from INR 2.5 lakhs to INR 4.5 lakhs per annum. However, with experience, the salary can increase up to INR 10 lakhs per annum or more. The salary may also vary based on the industry and job profile.
Job profile: The salary package may differ based on the job profile. For example, a doctor may earn more than a researcher or a medical writer.
Industry: The salary may vary based on the industry, such as government, private, or research and development.
Location: The salary may differ based on the location of the job. For example, salaries may be higher in metropolitan cities than in smaller towns.
Experience: The salary package may increase with experience.
The demand for Ayurvedic and Homeopathic medicine is increasing globally, and as a result, the job market for BAMS and BHMS graduates is expanding. In addition, with the growth of the wellness and holistic healthcare industry, there will be more job opportunities for BAMS and BHMS graduates. The Indian government is also promoting alternative medicine, creating more job opportunities in the government sector.
Conclusion
In conclusion, BAMS and BHMS are two alternative medicine courses that offer graduates a range of career opportunities. We have discussed the eligibility criteria, fees, job scope, and salary range for BAMS and BHMS graduates. Let's summarise the key points discussed in this article:
- BAMS and BHMS are alternative medicine courses focusing on Ayurveda and Homeopathy, respectively.
- The eligibility criteria for BAMS and BHMS include educational qualifications, age limit, and nationality.
- The fees for BAMS and BHMS may vary depending on the institute, location, and other factors.
- The job scope for BAMS and BHMS graduates is expanding, and they can work in the government or private sector, research and development, education, and entrepreneurship.
- The salary range for BAMS and BHMS graduates may vary based on job profile, industry, location, and experience.
- The future job market for BAMS and BHMS graduates looks promising with the growing demand for alternative medicine and wellness services.
If you are considering pursuing a career in alternative medicine, here are some tips for making an informed decision:
- Research the course, its curriculum, and job prospects.
- Consider the fees, location, and reputation of the institute before enrolling.
- Talk to professionals in the field to gain insights into the job scope and culture.
- Keep yourself updated with the latest trends and developments in the field.
