BAMS vs BDS – Differences, Eligibility, Syllabus, Jobs, Salaries, and More!
National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test 2026 ( NEET )
BAMS and BDS, being undergraduate professional courses in medical field, are diversified in terms of practice. While Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) focuses on Ayurveda approach, Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) focuses on dental science and surgery.
Another similar thing is that admission to both courses depend on NEET UG score. And both courses need their students to complete a 1 year internship during program.
If you have doubts about selection of course for your career, give this article a read. By end, you’ll have clear perspective on eligibility criteria, entrance, syllabus, and other plethora of information about both options.
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- BAMS vs BDS: Course Highlights
- BAMS vs BDS: Definition
- BAMS vs BDS: Eligibility Criteria
- BAMS vs BDS: Entrance Exams 2024
- BAMS vs BDS: Syllabus
- BAMS vs BDS: Top Colleges
BAMS vs BDS: Course Highlights
This section offers some key highlights of both courses for easy understanding. Read this table to have an overview of significant details related to them.
| Parameters |
BAMS |
BDS |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form |
Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery |
Bachelor of Dental Surgery |
| Course Level |
Undergraduate |
Undergraduate |
| Duration |
5.6 Years (4.6 Years + 1 Year of Mandatory Internship) |
5 Years (4 Years + 1 Year of Mandatory Internship) |
| Entrance Exam |
NEET UG |
|
| Average Course Fee |
INR 20,000 – 3,00,000 |
INR 50,000 – 12,00,000 |
| Average Salary |
INR 10,000 – 50,000 |
INR 4,00,000 – 10,00,000 |
| Specialisations |
Ayurvedic Medicine |
Dental Science |
| Top Recruiters |
Patanjali Ayurveda Limited, Vicco Laboratories, Dabur India Ltd, Surya Herbal Ltd, etc. |
Cipla, Dr Reddys Laboratories, Lupin, and so on. |
BAMS vs BDS: Definition
What is BAMS?
To start with BAMS, Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery is one of most popular courses among AYUSH courses. It is 5.6-year course that includes a 1 year of compulsory internship. In this study program, an integrated system of modern medicine and traditional Ayurveda is covered.
No, candidates will not be allowed to appear for the examination without a valid photo ID. Candidates were advised to keep the following three things ready with them, a day before the examination; a valid photo ID proof, NEET admit card, and a recent passport-sized photograph. These are the mandatory documents to be produced during entry to the NEET exam centre. The valid photo identity card which will be allowed at the NEET exam centre include Aadhaar card/ Driving Licence/ PAN Card/ Passport/ Voter Id, etc. The NEET admit card is also required to have the passport and postcard-sized photographs pasted on it.
According to the reports, this year saw the highest number of NEET applications and appearance for the exam. A total of 24,06,079 candidates applied for the exam, out of which 23,33,297 candidates appeared. The exam was originally conducted on May 5, 2024, in 571 cities across India and abroad. A re-test for 1,563 candidates who were awarded grace marks on May 5, was conducted on June 23, 2024. In this exam, 813 candidates had appeared.
Generally, scores of NEET UG are considered to grant admission across various BAMS institutes in India, some institutions also accept state level entrance exam scores that include KEAM, IPU CET, etc.
What is BDS?
BDS, i.e., Bachelor of Dental Surgery is one of most prominent courses after MBBS. Students who wish to see themselves as a Dentist in future opt for this course. It is 5 year bachelor's program, including 1 year of compulsory internship.
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Admission to any BDS institute is based on NEET UG scores only. And Dental Council of India (DCI) regulates curriculum of this course.
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BAMS vs BDS: Eligibility Criteria
See below table
| Parameters |
BAMS |
BDS |
|---|---|---|
| Education |
Passed Class 12th from a recognized board |
Passed Class 12th from a recognized board |
| Compulsory Subjects |
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English. |
PCB in Class 12th |
| Minimum Percentage |
Minimum of 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in 12th. |
Minimum of 60% in Class 12th. |
| Minimum Age |
Must be 17 years old. |
NA |
BAMS vs BDS: Entrance Exams 2024
To get admission to the top BAMS and BDS schools, students must go through the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) exam.
See below for more details about both courses.
| Parameters |
BAMS |
BDS |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Body |
National Testing Agency (NTA) |
National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Mode of Exam |
Offline |
Offline |
| Entrance Exams |
NEET UG, KEAM, IPU CET, Merit-Based |
NEET UG |
| Entrance Exams Syllabus |
Botany, Physics, Chemistry, and Zoology |
Botany, Physics, Chemistry, and Zoology |
BAMS vs BDS: Syllabus
BAMS is a 5.6 year course that includes 1 year of internship and BDS is 5 year course that includes 1 year mandatory internship as well. So, let’s get a general overview of BAMS and BDS syllabus in India
Students cannot do Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) without qualifying the NEET UG exam. Clearing the NEET exam is the minimum eligibility requirement to pursue the MBBS course in India.
Candidates can apply for NEET 2026 exam after the release of application form. The NTA is likely to start the NEET registration in February 2026. The link will be active for around a month.
Yes, AIIMS Raipur accepts NEET scores. There is no other entrance exam conducted by AIIMS Raipur or AIIMS institutes for MBBS admission. Although earlier AIIMS used to conduct its own entrance exam, but it was scrapped in 2020. The admission to AIIMS Raipur takes place through NEET counselling, conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee. AIIMS Raipur seats are a part of the 15 per cent All India Quota (AIQ) seats. Candidates must secure a NEET score above 700 in order to have a chance to get admission to the MBBS course in this coveted medical institute of India.
BAMS Syllabus
The syllabus of BAMS course covers a wide range of subjects in Ayurveda. The whole syllabus is divided into 4 professionals which includes subjects like Padartha Vigyan and Ayurved Itihasa, Rog-Nidan, Kayachikitsa, and more.
| BAMS Syllabus Year 1 | |
|---|---|
| Padartha Vigyan And Ayurved Itihas | Sanskrit |
| Kriya Shareera | Rachana Shareera |
| BAMS Syllabus Year 2 | |
| Dravyaguna Vigyan | Roga Nidan |
| Rasashastra Evam Bhaishajyakalpana | Bhaishajyakalpana |
| BAMS Syllabus Year 3 | |
| Agadtantra | Swasthavritta |
| Prasooti Tantra And Stri Roga | Kaumarbhritya Parichaya |
| BAMS Syllabus Year 4 | |
| Kayachikitsa | Panchakarma |
| Shalya Tantra | Shalakya Tantra |
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Admission to AYUSH courses through NEET 2024
The BDS syllabus consists of General Human Physiology and Biochemistry, Nutrition and Dietetics, General and Dental Pharmacology. The theoretical subjects are divided into 8 semesters and for practical knowledge, 1 year of paid internship is provided.
| BDS Syllabus Semester 1 | |
|---|---|
| General Human Anatomy including Embryology and Histology | General Human Physiology and Biochemistry, Nutrition, and Dietetics |
| Dental Anatomy, embryology, and Oral Histology | - |
| BDS Syllabus Semester 2 | |
| Dental Materials | Preclinical Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge |
| BDS Syllabus Semester 3 | |
| General Pathology and Microbiology | General and Dental Pharmacology and Therapeutics |
| Preclinical Conservative Dentistry | - |
| BDS Syllabus Semester 4 | |
| Preclinical Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge | Oral Pathology & Oral Microbiology |
| BDS Syllabus Semester 5 | |
| General Medicine | General Surgery |
| Oral Pathology & Microbiology | Conservative Dentistry And Endodontics |
| BDS Syllabus Semester 6 | |
| Oral And Maxillofacial Surgery | Oral Medicine And Radiology |
| Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics | Pediatric & Preventive Dentistry |
| BDS Syllabus Semester 7 | |
| Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics | Oral Medicine and Radiology |
| Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry | Periodontology |
| BDS Syllabus Semester 8 | |
| Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge |
| Conservative Dentistry And Endodontics | Conservative Dentistry And Endodontics |
BAMS vs BDS: Top Colleges
There are around 323 BDS and 227 BAMS colleges in India, out of which, 178 are private BAMS colleges. Students who wish to pursue their career with a good institution can look at list of top BAMS and BDS colleges in India mentioned below.
Top BAMS Colleges in India
Here is list of top BAMS colleges in India for students interested in pursuing their career in the Ayurveda field.
| Top BAMS Colleges in India |
Fees in INR |
|---|---|
| Institute of Medical Sciences |
2.5 Lakh |
| Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences |
18.75 Lakh |
| Parul University Vadodara |
14.20 Lakh |
| Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University |
12.60 Lakh |
| Banaras Hindu University |
51,845 |
| Gujarat Ayurveda University |
1.5 Lakh |
| Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University |
14.25 Lakh |
| Kerala University of Health Sciences |
2.75 Lakh |
| Baba Farid University of Health Science |
1.48 Lakh |
Top BDS Colleges in India
see list below to find best BDS colleges in India.
| Top BDS Colleges in India |
Fees in INR |
|---|---|
| King George’s Medical University - Lucknow |
5.5 Lakh |
| Maulana Azad Institute of Medical Sciences |
- |
| Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences |
8.5 Lakh/Per Year |
| Manipal College of Dental Sciences |
19.7 Lakh |
| A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences |
20 Lakh |
| SRM Dental College, Ramapuram Campus, Chennai |
17.6 Lakh |
| Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research |
24 Lakh |
| Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital |
22 Lakh |
Relevant Links for BAMS vs BDS:
Ayurveda courses gained prominence post Covid-19; Know Career options after BAMS
People undoubtedly are turning to Ayurveda for so many reasons. This opens plenty of career prospects in the field. Similarly, with changing lifestyles, the demand for oral health will also increase. Therefore, let’s take a quick look at future possibilities in both the Dental and Ayurveda fields of healthcare.
What After BAMS?
After completing the BAMS course, students can opt for higher studies or take up specialized practice such as the therapy of skin diseases, spinal disorders, etc.
Some of the career opportunities include:
| Top BAMS Job Profiles |
Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Ayurveda dietician |
2.2 Lakh – 3.9 Lakh |
| Ayurveda Teacher |
4 Lakh – 6 Lakh |
| Ayurveda Practitioner |
7.2 Lakh |
| Ayurveda Pharmacist |
2.8 Lakh |
| Ayurveda Counsellor |
3.5 Lakh |
| Ayurveda Therapist |
3.5 Lakh |
| Ayurveda Nutritionist |
3.9 Lakh |
What After BDS?
After BDS students can go for higher degrees such as MDS, MHA (Master in Hospital Administration), MPH (Masters in Public Health) and so on.
Some of the career opportunities include:
| Top BDS Job Profiles |
Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Dentist |
6 Lakh |
| Lecturer |
3.5 – 4.4 Lakh |
| Dental Cosmetology |
15 – 40.8 Lakh |
| Forensic Dentistry |
9.56 Lakh |
| Consultant |
5 Lakh |
BAMS vs BDS Topics you may be interested in:
Career after BDS: Scope, Job Opportunities, and Salary
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