MBBS Vs BAMS: Which is Better? Course Highlights, Eligibility, Course Fees, and Average Salary
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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.
MBBS vs BAMS
BAMS and MBBS are two of many renowned courses that one can pursue to begin their career as a medical professional. In 2025, approximately 22.09 Lakh candidates appeared for NEET, out of which 12.36 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, which will help you to select the right one for you!
- MBBS Vs BAMS: Course Overview
- MBBS vs BAMS: Definition
- MBBS Vs BAMS: Eligibility Criteria
- MBBS Vs BAMS: Admission Process
- MBBS Vs BAMS: Top Colleges
- MBBS Vs BAMS: Career Prospects, Job Profiles and Salary
- MBBS vs BAMS FAQs
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 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 |
Govt. colleges: INR 10,000 - INR 30,000 |
| 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 |
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List of colleges accepting NEET scores for BDS courses (North India)
Commonly asked questions
The exact numbers of NEET 2026 exam centres will be announced by NTA along with the result details. It is expected that the total number of NEET 2025 exam centres will be around 5,000. In 2024, the number was 4,750.
There is no paper 1 or paper 2 in KEAM anymore. As per the revised KEAM exam pattern, KEAM will not have two papers anymore. There will be one paper. The KEAM 2026 engineering candidates have to attempt a total of 150 questions. Mathematics will have 75 questions, Physics will have 45 questions, and Chemistry will have 30 questions to be answered in 180 minutes. For KEAM 2026 BPharm ONLY candidates, the Entrance Examination will have a total of 75 questions; 45 questions in Physics and 30 questions in Chemistry to be answered in 90 minutes. For each correct response, candidates will be awarded FOUR marks, and for each incorrect response, ONE mark will be deducted.
The full form of NEET is National Eligibility cum Entrance Test. It is a national-level entrance exam for admission to undergraduate medical and para-medical courses in India. The exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency. It is held once a year in a paper-pencil based mode.
There is no paper 1 or paper 2 in KEAM anymore. As per the revised KEAM exam pattern, KEAM do not have two papers anymore. There is only one paper. The KEAM 2026 engineering candidates have to attempt a total of 150 questions. Mathematics will have 75 questions, Physics will have 45 questions, and Chemistry will have 30 questions to be answered in 180 minutes. For KEAM 2026 BPharm ONLY candidates, the Entrance Examination will have a total of 75 questions; 45 questions in Physics and 30 questions in Chemistry to be answered in 90 minutes. For each correct response, candidates will be awarded FOUR marks, and for each incorrect response, ONE mark will be deducted.
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?
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) is undergraduate degree required to become an Allopathic doctor. It is most popular degree among PCB students. To secure admission students need to qualify NEET UG. Students will study subject like Pharmacology, Pathology, Physiology, Anatomy and Community Medicine. Students having MBBS degree need to get a license from NMC to practice medicine legally in India.
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 12th standard having PCM/PCB with an average of 50% or more. |
Must have completed 12th standard having PCB with an average of 50% - 60%. |
| Requirement of English |
Must have studied English as a compulsory subject in 12th 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. |
Commonly asked questions
KEAM full form is Kerala Engineering, Agricultural and Medical Entrance Exam, it is an entrance exam that is conducted in Kerela, Mumbai, New Delhi and Dubai. The entrance test is held for admission to engineering courses at various colleges in Kerela that are approved by the Central and State Regulatory Bodies, Universities and Government. The candidates who qualify in KEAM have to then appear for the centralised admission process (CAP), conducted by CEE. Via CAP, admission will be also provided in medical, agriculture, forestry, veterinary, fisheries, architecture, and pharmacy courses. However, for admission to these courses candidates do not need to appear for KEAM they need NEET / NATA scores as applicable. KEAM engineering rank is prepared by giving an equal weightage of 50:50 to the score obtained in the Entrance Examination conducted by CEE for Engineering and the marks obtained in the final year of the qualifying examination for Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry put together, after effecting the standardization procedure.
The total number of exam cities for NEET is 566. The number of NEET exam cities in India are 552 and in abroad are 14. The number of exam cities in India changes every year. The exact number is known through the notification PDF.
Although earlier NTA was mulling the idea of conducting NEET twice a year, now it has been confirmed that the exam will be held only once a year in a paper-pencil based mode. NTA communicated this information through an RTI response where it was stated that NEET will be conducted once a year. This has quashed the possibility of conducting NEET twice a year. However, the NTA expert committee headed by ISRO Chief K. Radhakrishnan has recommended conducting NEET twice a year, but there has not been any official confirmation on it yet.
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MBBS Vs BAMS: Admission Process
Admission to MBBS and BAMS courses is done through an entrance exam. National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is conducted for MBBS and BAMS admission in India. Interested candidates to appear and qualify the exam. The qualifying students need to participate in the counselling process for admission to the MBBS colleges in India.
NEET UG counselling is conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) for admission to central universities offering the MBBS course. While AYUSH counselling is held by AACCC for BAMS admission to the central university, the deemed university, national institutes, and government-aided.
Admission Process:
| 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 |
|---|---|
| INR 6100 |
|
| INR 12,400 |
|
| INR 7300 – INR 30,500 (Based on 2 courses) |
|
| INR 1.5 lakhs |
|
| INR 68,000 |
|
| INR 2.1 lakhs |
|
| INR 24,100 |
|
| INR 2.2 lakhs |
|
| INR 1.9 lakhs |
|
| INR 75,000 |
|
| 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 |
|---|---|
| INR 13,410 per year |
|
| INR 10.3 lakhs |
|
| INR 13.7 lakhs |
|
| INR 4.8 lakhs |
|
| INR 5.5 lakhs per year |
Commonly asked questions
The KEAM exam has moved on to the online CBT mode from 2024 onwards. The Commissioner of Entrance Examinations has received approval from the government of Kerala to conduct KEAM in CBT mode. KEAM exam pattern has been changed, and KEAM 2026 will be held in computer-based test mode, and there will be one paper.
Seat matrix for NEET counselling is important for choice filling process. Before filling and locking seat choices for each round of NEET counselling, candidates must go through seat matrix or seat vacancy and then enter their choices. MCC releases seat matrix prior to commencement of counselling process. This is overall seat matrix for all four rounds of counselling. Candidates participating in Round 1 NEET counselling will have to choose from entire gamut of seats. From second round onwards, seat matrix is released in terms of newly added seats and clear and virtual vacancies. With each round of counselling, number of available seats or vacant seats reduces.
The NEET OMR sheet is the sheet on which responses are marked by candidates on the exam day. The OMR stands for Optical Mark Recognition. The sheet contains the bubbles against each question numbers. Candidates need to fill the bubble of the correct option. The answers marked on the OMR sheet are checked digitally so candidates must fill the sheet carefully.
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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 |
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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
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