Ayurvedic Training in India: BAMS, MD (Ayurveda) and AYUSH Regulation

What this page covers

In India, Ayurveda is taught and regulated within a formal system of colleges, degrees and registers. This page describes that system as it appears on the pages of India's National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) and in the law it publishes. It is general information, not legal advice, and we could not read every regulation in full, so confirm details with NCISM or the relevant State board.

Who regulates education

NCISM describes itself as the statutory body constituted under the NCISM Act, 2020. [1] Its objectives, as listed on its introduction page, include setting minimum standards of education for Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Sowa Rigpa, maintaining a Central Register of Indian Medicine, and setting standards of professional conduct and a code of ethics for practitioners. [2] [3] [4] NCISM's site lists regulations for Ayurveda education, including minimum standards from 2022. [5]

NCISM's own Ayurveda page says that Ayurveda, once taught in the gurukula system, has evolved into undergraduate and postgraduate courses at institutions. [6]

The degrees: BAMS and postgraduate study

The undergraduate degree is the Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS). NCISM lists a 2023 regulation on a Pre-Ayurveda Program for BAMS. [7] Admission notices on its site refer to minimum percentile criteria in the national entrance tests NEET UG and AIAPGET for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses. [8] Postgraduate degrees such as MD or MS (Ayurveda) follow BAMS; the UK APA, for example, describes its top category as people holding a BAMS MS/MD or higher Ayurvedic degree from a recognized Indian or Sri Lankan university. [9] We did not read the official length of the BAMS course or internship, so we do not state it here.

Registration and the right to practice

The Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970, as published on NCISM's site, says a "State Register of Indian Medicine" is a register kept under State law for practitioners of Indian medicine. [10] Section 17 says that, save as provided elsewhere, no person other than a practitioner who possesses a recognized medical qualification and is enrolled on a State Register or the Central Register may practice Indian medicine in any State. [11] [12] The Act also lists exceptions, for example for people already practicing when it began. [13] NCISM's site has a registration section, a list of State boards, a list of degrees recognized under the Act and a National Register section. [14]

We did not verify how strictly each State enforces this, or how it applies to unregistered people who work as wellness therapists or sell products. Do not assume that a person in India described as a "vaidya" is registered; ask for the registration number and check it with the State board.

Checking a college

NCISM publishes permission status lists for Ayurveda colleges. [15] At the time we read the home page it carried an advisory about colleges denied permission by NCISM but permitted by interim court orders. [16] If you are asking whether a degree is recognized, check the current NCISM lists rather than a college's own brochure.

International benchmarks

WHO has published benchmarks for the training of Ayurveda (2022), an update of a 2010 version. It sets minimum criteria for establishing Ayurveda training in WHO member states and is meant as a reference for national authorities building regulatory standards. [17] [18] It covers practitioners and associate service providers. [19]

What a degree does not tell you

A recognized degree shows a person completed a recognized program. It does not guarantee skill, and it does not mean a treatment works. Evidence for specific treatments is covered on our Ayurveda vs biomedical evidence page. For the wider setting see Ayurveda in modern India and titles explained.

If you travel for treatment

See Ayurveda retreats and travel for treatment. Do not stop prescribed medicines because of any advice; tell your regular doctor about your plans.