BAMS vs BDS - Eligibility, Difference, Admission, Careers Opportunities

BAMS and BDS are two undergraduate professional courses in the field of healthcare, but they differ in terms of focus and practice. BAMS is a bachelor’s degree that focuses on the study of Ayurveda, whereas BDS deals with dental science and surgery. Admission to both courses is given based on NEET UG score.

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This article provides details on BAMS vs BDS, including the eligibility criteria, admission process, options after completing BAMS and BDS, and career opportunities both these courses offer. Read the article below to learn more about BAMS vs BDS.

BAMS vs BDS - Highlights

About Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS)

BAMS is one of the topmost courses among the other AYUSH courses. As the name suggests, it deals in the field of ayurvedic medicine and ayurvedic surgery. Usually the NEET UG scores are considered for granting admission to various BAMS institutes across India. Besides this, many institutes also accept state-level entrance examination scores like KEAM, IPU CET, OJEE, etc for granting admission to BAMS courses.

The counselling for the 15% All India Quota is done through centralised counselling of Ayush Admissions Central Counselling Committee (AACCC) and the 85% state quota seats are filled by various state institutes approved by the authority.

Eligibility criteria - BAMS

There are certain eligibility criteria that need to be fulfilled by the candidates for getting admission to BAMS courses. These eligibility criteria are as follows -

• Aspirants should have passed the 10 + 2 or its equivalent examination with science subjects (physics, chemistry and biology) and English as a core subject.

• Candidates should have completed the age of 17 years at the time of admission.

• The candidate should have scored an aggregate of a minimum of 50% marks in 10 + 2 standard (40% for the reserved category students).

• Candidates need to have qualified either NEET UG or any other state-level entrance exam by securing a minimum qualifying cutoff percentile to get admission to the BAMS course.

BAMS admission process

Admission to BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) courses are given based on NEET UG score and the corresponding rank. Candidates who qualify for the NEET UG conducted by the NTA are eligible for admission to BAMS courses. For admission to AYUSH courses, the Central Counselling Committee plays a crucial role in the allotment process of seats in Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Siddha, and Homeopathy colleges.

What after BAMS?

Ayurveda has been practised in India for a long time and with an upsurge in health issues and limitations of allopathy, ayurveda has gained immense popularity. With almost zero side effects, not only in India but across the globe, ayurveda is spreading its roots. Therefore, it makes BAMS a good course to pursue.

After the completion of the BAMS course, students can either opt for practising or may pursue higher studies and specialise in a particular branch of Ayurveda. Along with regular practice, a BAMS graduate can also take up specialised practice after pursuing higher education in the discipline, such as the therapy of skin diseases, spinal disorders, ophthalmologic conditions, and anorectal diseases.

Careers Opportunities after BAMS

With the increasing demand for Ayurveda all over the world, BAMS provides ample career opportunities. Some of these are as follows -

• Ayurveda panchakarma practitioner

• Ayurveda pharmacist

• Ayurveda teacher

• Ayurveda counsellor

• Ayurveda dietician

• Ayurveda therapist

• Ayurveda nutritionist

• Ayurveda herbalist

Also read -

• Top BAMS colleges in India

• Top BDS colleges in India

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is a professional undergraduate degree in dentistry, pursued by students who want to make a career as a dentist. BDS is an undergraduate course of five years duration, of which four years are for theory, while one year is for a rotatory internship. The admission to BDS course is given on the basis of NEET UG scores. The curriculum of BDS is regulated by the Dental Council of India (DCI).

Eligibility criteria - BDS

• Candidates should have passed the 10 + 2 or its equivalent from a recognised board in PCB stream with a minimum of 50% marks. (40% for the reserved category).

• Students must have completed 17 years at the time of admission or before December 31 of the year of admission.

• The aspirant should have appeared and qualified in the NEET UG exam.

BDS admission process

The admission to all India quota seats for BDS courses is done through the counselling of the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), whereas for the state quota seats, the state counselling authorities are responsible. This counselling is based on the marks scored in the NEET UG exam and no other entrance exam is conducted for granting admission. Candidates who fulfil the eligibility criteria and secure the qualifying marks in NEET UG are eligible to sit for the counselling rounds.

What after BDS?

In today's world, where oral health is one of the primary concerns for everyone, the scope of BDS in India and abroad is very high. The scope of a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) in India is very vast and increasing at a rapid speed day by day. It depends on the respective aspirant’s skills, knowledge, calibres, and the place they are practising.

Many students opt for MDS after completing their BDS. But MDS is not just the only option that is open for students. Dentists can also pursue a management course like MHA (Masters in Hospital Administration) or MPH (Masters in Public Health). This will allow them to step into the management side of health organisations or hospital chains. BDS graduates can easily earn a handsome salary by working in both private or government organisations.

Career opportunities after BDS

BDS has a great career scope and with the busy lifestyle of people and ignorance towards oral hygiene, its demand is only going to increase. Here are some of the career opportunity after BDS -

• Dentist

• Lecturer

• Dental cosmetology

• Forensic dentistry

• Dental consultant

• Army dental corps

BAMS vs BDS - Which is better?

Many students who face the dilemma of “Which course is better BAMS or BDS?” should know that it is difficult to determine which is better between BAMS vs BDS as it depends on aspirants preferences, career goals, and personal interests. Both fields have their own merits and offer different career opportunities in the medical field.

Where BAMS course focuses on ayurvedic medicine and surgery, providing knowledge and skills in traditional Indian medicine, BDS course focuses on dental surgery and oral health care. BAMS graduates can work as ayurvedic doctors, researchers, academicians, or open their own ayurvedic clinics, whereas BDS graduates can become general dentists, orthodontists, or oral surgeons.

Ultimately, the decision between BAMS vs BDS should be based on the students interests, strengths, and long-term career goals. Before opting for any of the courses, it is important to thoroughly research about both fields. The students should consider their personal preferences, and should consult with professionals or individuals already working in these fields to make an informed decision.