Want to study Ayurveda in India? Read this

Ayurveda has become a choice of cure for many in India and abroad as this form of alternative medicine is chemical-free and doesn't involve allopathy. Students are also opting to formally study this form of science to provide treatment using the best of what nature has to offer. If you are also planning to make a career in Ayurveda, read this insightful article. 

Ayurveda (Ayur = life, Veda = knowledge) is a science of healing that treats an illness using herbs and resources that nature has to offer. This form of medicine has been there for years, but now with the changing times and people moving away from an allopathic form of healing, formal education in Ayurveda has gained ground in the country and abroad. Students across the globe are opting for a course in Ayurveda to bring to use thousands of years old medicinal techniques derived from nature.

Ayurvedic programmes in India incorporate the philosophical, practical and spiritual features of Ayurveda that help you become capable of serving people and making them realise the essence and value of nature and its usage in everyday life. 

Why should I opt for Ayurveda?

The main advantages of studying Ayurveda are personal, professional, familial and communal. Regardless of where your objectives lay, we should start the way with healing ourselves. The realisation of self-healing known as Swasthavritta is the first step to heal other illnesses. 

With continuous introspection over a period of time, you will find new and transformative manners in yourself. Consequently, you will learn to determine how to apply the Ayurveda teachings in empowering and directing others on their way to health. Helping others to live a healthy life is truly humbling and powerful. The more we do this for others the more valuable our life experiences become. 

Like any Vedic study, the Ayurvedic study also seems difficult at first. Basically, you are learning a new language- the language of true nature, the nature of the body, and the mind as a natural living being. Overtime, Ayurvedic studies uncover deep experiences about you, about others, and about human existence. It ends up instinctive and simpler to apply. These experiences into how life functions are rarely known and clarify the reason why so many people choose to endure. Holding an exact perspective on nature and of our body's innate characteristic insight can be a ground-breaking source of recuperating inspiration for ourselves and for others. 

Specialisations in Ayurveda

• Internal Medicine- Kaya Chikitsa  
• Paediatrics - Bala Chikitsa 
• Surgery- Shalya Chikitsa
• Psychiatry -Graha Chikitsa 
• Toxicology- Damstra Chikitsa 
• Treatment of head, eyes, nose, throat and ears - Urdhvanga Chikitsa 
• Aphrodisiacs - Vrishya Chikitsa
• Gerontology - Jara Chikitsa 

Top Ayurveda Colleges

Let’s have a look at the top colleges of Ayurveda schools in India where you could study Ayurvedic courses:

• National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur
• Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences, Vijayawada
• Ashtang Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Pune
• Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore
• Mahatma Gandhi Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya, Chitrakoot
• Dhanwantari Ayurved Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh
• Himalaya Ayurvedic Medical College, Dehradun
• RA Podar Ayurved Medical College, Mumbai
• Gujarat Ayurveda University, Jamnagar, Gujarat
• Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Nanded

Ayurvedic courses in India have been gaining popularity all over the world. There are several other Ayurvedic Colleges in India which offer Diploma courses, Degree courses and Certificate courses in Ayurvedic Science. 

Eligibility for Admission in Ayurvedic Courses

The eligibility criteria are the minimum conditions required for admission, and every individual has to fulfil them. Ayurveda eligibility criteria comprise education qualification, an entrance test, and age. The eligibility criteria will vary for each institution. We have mentioned the common eligibility criteria for Ayurveda admission. 

• Passed 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics from a recognized board.
• Obtained 50% marks (40% for reserved category) in the qualifying exam. 
• Appear and qualify NEET UG exam.
• Candidates must be at least 17 years old during the admission process

Admission Process for Ayurveda

Admission to Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) program is based on entrance exam followed by counselling process. Students need to appear and qualify the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG. National Testing Agency conducts the NEET UG once a year. To appear for the test, they have to fulfil the eligibility criteria and apply online before the deadline. The qualifying students have to participate in the AYUSH counselling for admission to the government, government aided, deemed university, central universities, and national institutes. The counselling is conducted by Ayush Admissions Central Counseling Committee (AACCC). For the schedule of NEET UG and AYUSH counselling, check the official website. 

However, the main entrance exams to join a Bachelor's degree in Ayurveda incorporate All India Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Entrance Exam conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on a national level to select students from all over India. There are some other institutions available that give admissions on the basis of merit in Higher Secondary examination or conduct their own entrance exams for admission to BAMS study programmes.

Fees & Course Duration 

Scope for Growth in Ayurveda

We are living in an era where sicknesses are the consequence of our unhealthy lifestyle and habits. Ayurvedic Sciences and courses are gaining popularity all around, be it the Panchkarma therapy, massages or medicines. The luxurious Ayurvedic SPAs trend and the Ayurvedic doctor’s counseling has become the need of the hour. India has a culture and history incorporated in Ayurveda which is not only helping mankind enhance its well being but also contributing a major part to the tourism sector because of the underlying therapies, medicines, and massages. With the increase in Ayurvedic Centers and luxury SPAs, the demand for Ayurvedic doctors for counseling and treatment will be on the rise.

Job Opportunities & Salary of Ayurvedic Doctors

Ayurvedic graduates are hired in several sectors such as Medical Representative, Ayurvedic Doctor, Product Manager, Category Manager, Sales Representative, Business Development Officer, Area Sales Executive/Manager, Pharmacist, etc. Employment areas for such professionals also include insurance, healthcare community, pharma industry, life sciences industry, spas, Ayurvedic centers and more.

In Government Ayurveda Hospitals and Clinics, the starting salary ranges between Rs 8,000 and Rs 14,000 for BAMS-qualified doctors. Teachers in Ayurveda colleges earn more than Rs 8,000 per month. But, in private hospitals and clinics, the income completely depends on the experience and efforts you put into your job.