BAMS vs BUMS - Which is better BAMS or BUMS?

BAMS and BUMS 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 BUMS is an undergraduate medical degree in Unani medicine and surgery. Both programs span five and a half years, including a one-year internship.

Read the article below that provides a detailed comparison between both the major courses opted by students under AYUSH covering aspects like the differences between BAMS and BUMS, full form, eligibility criteria, admission process, and more.

BAMS vs BUMS - Highlights

Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS)

BAMS is one of the most opted courses among the other AYUSH courses. As the name suggests, it deals in the field of Ayurvedic medicine and Ayurvedic surgery. NEET UG scores are considered for granting admission to various BAMS institutes across India. However, many institutes also accept state-level entrance examination scores like NEET UG, KEAM, 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 is a list of eligibility criteria that need to be fulfilled by the candidates for 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 for 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 in India. 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 an ancient form of medicine practised in India with an upsurge in health issues and limitations of allopathy, it has gained more popularity. Ayurveda is spreading its roots all across the globe and not just in India. Therefore, it makes BAMS a good course to pursue.

After the completion of the BAMS course, students can either opt for practising or 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 BUMS colleges in India

Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS)

Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery is a professional undergraduate degree. Unani medicine, with its roots in ancient Greece, is based on the principles of balancing the body's four humours. The course duration is 5.5 years which helps the students study the use of herbal medicines, dietary regulations, and surgery techniques in treating various ailments.

Eligibility criteria - BUMS

• Candidates should have passed the 10 + 2 or its equivalent from a recognised board in the 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.

BUMS admission process

Admission to the BUMS course will be granted through the most common medical entrance examination National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, NEET UG followed by the process of counselling. Top colleges that take BUMS admissions are Ayurveda and Unani Tibbia College, Karol Bagh, Delhi, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi and more.

What after BUMS?

The scope of BUMS is not only limited to India it is widely popular in other countries as well. BUMS degree holders can get involved in research work conducted by various organisations in India and abroad in the field of Unani. Candidates with the BUMS degree are qualified as Hakeems or Doctors and can do private practice as well as, they can join any healthcare facilities. There is always a chance to get into academics, therefore BUMS degree holders can also get jobs in academics, and they can join private medical colleges.

Career opportunities after BUMS
BUMS is a widely chosen course among students. Listed below are the career opportunities one can pursue after completing their graduation in the course:

• Hakeem or doctor

• Unani therapist

• Unani Chemist

• Lecturer

Differences Between BAMS and BUMS

BAMS is grounded in Ayurveda, emphasising the balance of the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and the use of natural remedies. It includes subjects such as Ayurvedic anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, surgery, and Panchakarma therapies. It deals with treatments like Panchakarma, yoga, herbal medicines, and dietary guidelines.

However, BUMS is rooted in Unani medicine, which focuses on balancing the four humours (Blood, Phlegm, Yellow Bile, Black Bile) and has a combination of natural substances for healing. It covers Unani concepts, clinical diagnosis, pharmacology, surgery, and therapies like Ilaj-bil-Tadbeer (regimental therapy) and Ilaj-bil-Ghiza (diet therapy). It utilises Unani medications, cupping therapy (Hijama), and dietary regulations for healing.