MBBS Comparison with other courses

Updated on May 22, 2025 04:14 IST

Parul ThapaAssistant Manager

With the growing relevance of medicine, and how fruitful medicine is as a career, the number of people pursuing it is increasing exponentially. This brings a question in every candidate’s mind, about which course to pursue.

BAMS and MBBS are one of many renowned courses that one can pursue to begin their career as a medical professional. In 2023 only, approximately 20.3 Lakh candidates appeared for NEET out of which 11.46 Lakh (approx) qualified to get admission in these courses.

Apart from recognition and respect, remuneration is another important aspect that attracts a large number of students to these courses as the average salary after pursuing an MBBS is INR 7.1 LPA. On the other hand, the average salary of a BAMS professional is INR 4.4 LPA.

In this article, we will look into the various facets of these courses, that will help you to select the right one for you!

MBBS Vs BAMS: Course Overview

Before we dive deep into the details of MBBS and BAMS courses and understand them thoroughly let’s first understand the basics of them.

Through the table given below, we will understand the basics of both the courses and the future opportunities. We will understand this through an analysis of a couple of things, which include the duration, eligibility criteria, average fees, top recruiting firms, and average salary.

Particulars	MBBS	BAMS
Full Form	Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery	Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine, and Surgery
Course Level	Undergraduate degree	Undergraduate degree
Duration	5.5 years (including one year of internship)	4.5 years - 5.5 years (depending on the university)
Admission Criteria	Through NEET exam	Through NEET exam
Eligibility	Should have studied PCM/PCB in 12th standard with an average of 50% or more.	Should have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in 12th standard with an average of 50-60%.
Subjects	Medicine, Microbiology, Anatomy	Medicinal Plants, Pharmacology, and Ayurvedic Surgery
Course Fees (in INR)	Govt. colleges: INR 8,000 - INR 35,000 Private colleges: INR 10 LPA - INR 45 LPA	Govt. colleges: INR 10,000 - INR 30,000 Private Colleges: INR 4 LPA - INR 25 LPA
Top Colleges	AIIMS Medical College, Maulana Azad College, and BHU Varanasi	BHU Varanasi, IMS BHU, DY Patil University Pune
Top Recruiters	Apollo Hospitals, Max Healthcare, and Fortis Healthcare	The Himalayan Drug Company, Dabur India Ltd., and Surya Herbal Limited
Average Salary (in INR)	2.5 LPA- 15 LPA	1 LPA- 8 LPA

MBBS vs BAMS Topics you may be interested in:

List of colleges accepting NEET scores for BDS courses (North India)

Colleges accepting NEET for BDS courses (South India)

MBBS vs BAMS: Definition

Till now, one might have known what is the purpose of applying for MBBS, or BAMS. Now, it's time to understand the courses in depth to recognize which course aligns with an individual's interest and how can one choose the right course for themselves. We will start by understanding the meaning of MBBS and BAMS, then move to the eligibility criteria, and finally look into the future opportunities with these courses.

What is MBBS?

MBBS full form is Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery. It is one of the most sought-after careers for individuals who wish to pursue a career in allopathy, or modern medicine. One can get ample job opportunities in hospitals for domains like General Physician, Dietician, Gynaecologist, and Dermatologist.
The course thoroughly studies subjects like Microbiology, Physiology, Anatomy, and Radiology.

What is BAMS?

Coming to BAMS, it is completely different and meant for people who want to pursue their medical career in Ayurveda and modern medicine altogether. With the passing of time and the changes in people’s lifestyles, we have eventually reached a point where people started realizing the importance of old age medicines and their healing powers.
BAMS includes an integrated study of modern medicine and Ayurveda. BAMS full form is Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery. The course involves an extensive study of traditional concepts like Sharir Kriya, Ayurveda Itihas, Roga Vigyaan, and Rasa.

MBBS Vs BAMS: Eligibility Criteria

To pursue a career in medicine through BAMS, or MBBS one has to fulfill some requirements. Let’s go through this table and understand them.

Particulars	MBBS	BAMS
Age	Candidate must be of 17 years	Candidate must be of 17 years
Academic Background	Must have completed 12^th standard having PCM/PCB with an average of 50% or more.	Must have completed 12^th standard having PCB with an average of 50% - 60%.
Requirement of English	Must have studied English as a compulsory subject in 12^th standard.	No such requirement is there.
Entrance Exam	Candidates must have cleared the NEET exam, and have the scorecard alongside.	Candidates must have cleared the NEET exam, and have the scorecard alongside.

MBBS Vs BAMS: Admission Criteria

To get into MBBS or BAMS you need to follow these certain steps:

Particulars	Admission to MBBS Course	Admission to the BAMS Course
Entrance Exam	To be eligible to enroll in the MBBS course, one must have the NEET scorecard.	To be eligible to enroll in the BAMS course, one must have the NEET scorecard.
Counseling	To get admission in the MBBS course, the candidate needs to undertake Ayush NEET counseling conducted by the AYUSH Department of the respected state.	For admission to the BAMS course, the candidate needs to undertake NEET counseling conducted by the Medical Counseling Committee.

MBBS Vs BAMS: Top Colleges

Till now, since we have discussed so much about the course one might be curious to know about the colleges that offer these courses and the salaries they offer.
In this section, we will discuss top government and private institutions where candidates can enroll and pursue their dream of being a medical professional.

Top MBBS Colleges in India
After the NEET scores are out, candidates tend to apply for medical colleges with an awareness of the top medical colleges. Here is a list of top medical universities, both public and private wherein you can apply to take admission to the MBBS course.

Top MBBS Colleges/Universities	Total Tuition Fees
AIIMS, New Delhi	INR 6100
Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi	INR 12,400
JIPMER, Puducherry	INR 7300 – INR 30,500 (Based on 2 courses)
Institute of Medical Sciences BHU, Varanasi	INR 1.5 lakhs
Madras Medical College, Chennai	INR 68,000
King George's Medical University	INR 2.1 lakhs
AIIMS Jodhpur	INR 24,100
Aligarh Muslim University Medical College	INR 2.2 lakhs
PGIMS Rohtak	INR 1.9 lakhs
University College of Medical Sciences, University of Delhi	INR 75,000
Vardhaman Mahavir Medical College	INR 2.6 lakhs

Top BAMS Colleges in India

After the NEET scores have arrived, the process of applying to colleges and counseling begins altogether. But before one starts applying, or even before the counseling begins one must be aware of them. So, here are a few top public and private institutions where you can apply.

Top BDS Colleges/Universities	Total Tuition Fees
Institute of Medical Sciences BHU, Varanasi	INR 13,410 per year
PDEA College of Ayurveda Research Centre	INR 10.3 lakhs
Dev Bhoomi Group of Institute	INR 13.7 lakhs
GGISPU, New Delhi	INR 4.8 lakhs
Dr. DY Patil Vidyapeeth - Pune	INR 5.5 lakhs per year

MBBS Vs BAMS: Career Prospects, Job Profiles and Salary

Your future holds numerous well-paying opportunities for you after pursuing either of the two courses. These are some of the top professional careers one can undertake, along with the remuneration you will receive.

MBBS Career Scope

Being so well-versed with what MBBS is, and how it can make you stand out in your medical career if done from a renowned university we should next know about the highest paying jobs one can get after MBBS. This table has a list of all high-paying professions one can pursue after doing MBBS.

Highest Paying Jobs (MBBS)	Average Salary (in INR)
Medical Surgeon	15 LPA
Medical officer	10.6 LPA
Psychiatrists	9.8 LPA
Dermatologists	87.7 LPA
Obstetricians and gynecologists	12.9 LPA

BAMS Career Scope

Here is a list of the top professional positions one can undertake after completing their BAMS.

Highest Paying Jobs (BAMS)	Average Salary (in INR)
BAMS Doctor	7.4 LPA
Clinical Research Associate	4.3 LPA
Medical Officer	6.15 LPA
Scientist	6.45 LPA
Sales Representative	2.73 LPA

Students also liked topics on MBBS Vs BAMS:

Ayurveda courses gained prominence post Covid-19; Know Career Options after BAMS

Students have multiple opportunities after BAMS: GS Ayurveda Medical College and Hospital Principal

Though both the courses are highly recognized and well-paid in the field of medicine entailing their pros and cons, the choice of pursuing one of them depends on humungous factors ranging from one’s interest to the salary it pays. We hope this helps in finding what’s best for you and making a decision thereafter.

MBBS vs BAMS FAQs

Is a BAMS Doctor equal to an MBBS?

BAMS and MBBS are two different degrees that a student can pursue after 12th standard. MBBS involves a thorough study of modern medicine and surgery, and BAMS on the other hand covers the traditional aspects of medicine i.e. treatment and healing through Ayurveda. Though both the courses offer a promising career to the candidate by offering well-paid opportunities.

Does BAMS require NEET?

It used to be true earlier, Yes a lot of colleges require NEET scores to admit candidates in their BAMS course. But nowadays, there are a few colleges where candidates can apply directly after 12th through Management Quota or marks they have scored in board examinations. Students need to register on the official websites of colleges, and based on the availability of seats colleges will coordinate with respective candidates.

Which MD is best after BAMS?

Earlier the career opportunities related to Ayurvedic medicine were limited, but with time they have changed. After pursuing BAMS, to increase one's knowledge one can pursue a post-graduate course opening doors for a bright career ahead. Here are the top 6 programs a candidate can pursue after BAMS.
• MD in Ayurveda
• MS in Ayurveda
• MBA in Hospital Healthcare Management
• M.Sc Nutrition and Dietetics
• M.Sc Health Sciences
• M.Sc Clinical Research

What surgeries BAMS can do?

As per the guidelines published a few years back, Ayurvedic Doctors are allowed to perform medical surgeries only after completing their Post-Graduation. During this tenure, they were being taught to perform surgeries within the Ayurvedic paradigm. They can do various Ayurvedic surgeries such as Kshatra Sutra Therapy, Rakta Mokshana, General Surgery, Cataract Surgery, and Dental Surgeries with utmost precision and skill.

Is MBBS better than BAMS?

Both MBBS and BAMS are recognized and sought-after courses, though one can make a decision based on their interests and preferences. MBBS focuses more on allopathic medicines, and BAMS on the other hand focuses on natural treatment and herbal medicines.

Which Doctor has the highest salary in India?

Being a doctor is not an easy task, but it comes with its own set of perks and advantages when we talk about the salary and recognition a Doctor gets. A certified MBBS Doctor has multiple avenues to earn. By working in a recognized hospital, or opening their clinic. There are a few specializations where Doctor receives more money than others, which are Surgeons, Gynaecologists, and Prosthodontist with their salaries being INR 1.91 crore, INR 1.77 crore, and INR 1.67 crore respectively.

What is a 9-year rule MBBS?

As per the latest guidelines issued by the National Medical Commission, a candidate needs to complete their MBBS within 9 years from the date of admission. The guidelines further state the number of attempts given to candidates to clear their first year, i.e. 4.

Which is easy BAMS or MBBS?

Though both the courses require commitment and hardwork on the candidate's end, BAMS is still considered to be a little easier than MBBS because of the day-to-day advancements that come in modern medicine. Hence, an MBBS candidate needs to be very much in touch with the latest healthcare technologies which requires extra effort.

Can I do an MBBS in INR 10 lakhs?

In India, one can pursue an MBBS under 10 lakhs in different government colleges. But if you haven’t scored well you can still pursue MBBS abroad and seek quality education. A few countries that offer such programs are Germany, Ukraine, the Philippines, and Russia.

What is MBBS salary?

MBBS has always been a very lucrative and well-paying career for candidates. Talking about the salary part, as per AmbitionBox's latest survey MBBS Doctors' average salary ranges from INR 7.1 lakhs - INR 12.6 lakhs

Table of content

Popular MBBS Colleges in India
Popular Private MBBS Colleges in India
Popular MBBS Specializations
Most Popular Courses

Popular MBBS Colleges in India

Following are the most popular MBBS Colleges in India. Learn more about these MBBS colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.

All India Institute of Medical Sciences, DelhiDelhi

Admission '25 Placement Cutoff

MBBS Courses

1 Course (132+ Seats)

Exams

NEET

Total Tuition Fees

₹6.08 K

Placement Rating

4.7

Course Rating

4.673