Ayurveda Courses: Eligibility, Syllabus, Colleges, Admission

Ayurveda is the earliest form of medicine to have originated on Earth. The origin of Ayurveda as a method of prevention and treatment of diseases can be traced back to over 5000 years ago in the subcontinent of India. The Ayurvedic practice is said to have started during the ancient Vedic civilisation, and the knowledge obtained through these practices was passed down orally from accomplished scholars to their disciples over time. 

The core concepts of Ayurvedic science include the history and philosophy of Ayurveda, the five major elements, and the theory of the three doshas. 

Expertise in Ayurvedic science has a rich scope across the globe when it comes to career opportunities and salaries in both the private and public sectors. In India, many well-established educational institutes are offering Ayurvedic courses after 12th to help aspiring professionals achieve their dreams.  

Ayurvedic courses after 12th: 

The Ayurveda philosophy believes in treating the underlying causes of illness by following certain lifestyle changes and natural therapies. Ayurvedic medicine encompasses herbal remedies, massage therapy, mindfulness, and meditation. Students who wish to pursue a career in Ayurveda can enrol in a variety of Ayurvedic courses after 12th. Regardless of the specific choice in the field, the prowess of its pursuers depends on their foundation in Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Currently, there are three undergraduate Ayurvedic degree courses available and an option to pursue a diploma course in the same field after 12th. Candidates aiming to become super-specialists in Ayurveda have the option of chasing a postgraduate programme such as Ayurveda Vachaspati (MD), Ayurveda Dhanvantari (MS)or a PG Diploma in various specialisations. 

Bachelor in Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) is one of the best Ayurveda courses in India available for aspirants after completing 10+2 or its equivalent. The curriculum of this 5.5-year course covers many topics like the different kinds of diseases, the root causes of those illnesses, the various ayurvedic treatment options that are available to cure those ailments and the preventive measures which must be followed to avoid falling ill again.  

Nowadays, most reputed pharmacy chains and medical stores sell both Ayurvedic medicines and Allopathic medicines. Thereby, developing a need towards understanding Ayurvedic dependency on Pharmaceuticals. In order to quench this need, a Bachelor’s in Pharmacy (B.Pharm) in Ayurveda degree is available for aspirants in our country. This four-year course covers the fundamentals of Ayurvedic Therapy as well as the formulation of Ayurvedic Medicines. 

Candidates interested in instilling Ayurveda through the Nursing profession can also have a bright career in the same. This is possible if you pursue the B.Sc. Nursing (Ayurveda) course. The course curriculum will consist of topics ranging from Anatomy, Physiology, and Paediatrics all the way to learning about the methods required for patient healthcare through Ayurveda. This course can be completed in a duration of 3 to 4 years and the graduates of this course will get opportunities to work in hospitals and healthcare facilities as an Ayurvedic nurse after obtaining their degree.  

Post a BAMS, candidates can also pursue a postgraduate programme to gain in-depth knowledge and expertise in the field of Ayurveda. These postgraduate courses are taught for a duration of 3 years and are segregated into a Doctor of Medicine (MD)/ Ayurveda Vachaspati and a Master of Surgery (MS)/ Ayurveda Dhanvantari. Candidates who wish to conduct medical diagnosis without the implication of surgical treatments under Ayurveda can opt for the Ayurveda Vachaspati (MD) branch that consists of numerous specialisations such as Ayurveda Kayachikitsa (internal medicine), Shalya Tantra (surgery), Shalakya Tantra (ENT and Ophthalmology), Panchakarma, etc. However, if one is more inclined towards learning about the surgical aspects and techniques in Ayurvedic science, they can opt for the Ayurveda Dhanvantari (MS)branch that consists of specialisations such as Ayurveda Shalya Tantra, Shalakya Tantra, etc. 

Apart from the post-graduate courses, candidates also have the option of selecting a PG-Diploma course which is taught for a duration of 2 years. These courses offer a great opportunity to learn about the different detoxification and rejuvenation treatments available in Ayurveda.  

It is important to note that the scope of Ayurveda has been immense and valuable throughout India for ages. In the present day, many well-established hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and even the educational sector are hiring candidates with a background in Ayurveda. Additionally, the market for ayurvedic products looks very promising since herbal wellness and skincare products manufactured in India are becoming popular throughout the globe.