BAMS vs. MBBS: Which Medical Course Should You Choose?

When it comes to choosing a medical profession, the process can be daunting and overwhelming, especially for students who are either pursuing 12th grade or have just completed it and wish to enroll in a medical program such as MBBS or BAMS. However, the medical profession is one of the best and most significant career choices a student can make after completing 12th grade. Two medical programs are regarded as the most sought-after courses in India: MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) and BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery). Both are esteemed degrees in the medical field, but follow very distinct methods of healing and treating patients.

You may wonder which is better and opens up respected, highly recognised, stable, well-paid, and remarkable career opportunities. Both have advantages and disadvantages, depending on your interests, career objectives, and needs. If you are passionate about becoming an Ayurvedic doctor, then the BAMS admission is the perfect career choice for you; however, if you are interested in becoming a surgeon, general physician, gynaecologist, or paediatrician, MBBS is the best career option for you. In this article, we will help you determine which course in the medical field is better: MBBS or BAMS by highlighting the key distinctions.

Let’s break down the key differences between BAMS and MBBS to help you decide which course aligns better with your goals.

Introduction: Understanding BAMS and MBBS

The MBBS program is the most sought-after medical degree and trains students in modern medicine. It includes subjects like human anatomy, pharmacology, pathology, general medicine, and surgery. MBBS graduates become certified doctors who treat patients using scientific, evidence-based medicine.

The BAMS course, however, stresses Ayurveda—a form of natural and holistic medicine practised for millennia in India. BAMS students are educated in herbal preparations, diet and lifestyle, detoxification therapies, and yoga, as well as a little modern medicine.

Course Duration and Curriculum Comparison

The course duration of both MBBS and BAMS is the same. They are as follows:

1. The MBBS program lasts 5.5 years, including a one-year internship. Students attend a structured program with clinical rotations, surgeries, diagnostics, and hospital training.
2. The duration of BAMS is 5.5 years, including an internship that lasts one year. BAMS students learn Ayurvedic classics, herbal medicine, physiology, pathology, surgery (Ayurvedic and minor allopathic), and gain experience in therapeutic techniques such as Panchakarma.

Whereas MBBS is technology-oriented and science-based, BAMS is more holistic and natural in its approach to disease treatment.

Eligibility Criteria for BAMS and MBBS Admissions

The eligibility criteria for both MBBS and BAMS are very much the same:

• Students must have done their 10+2 with physics, chemistry, and biology.
• They should have at least 50% marks (some relaxation for reserved classes).
• Some universities may ask for a qualifying score in the NEET-UG entrance test.

It's also important to note that competition for MBBS seats is far more severe, and the minimum NEET score needed is usually higher than that for BAMS.

Career Opportunities After BAMS vs. After MBBS

An MBBS graduate can be employed as:

• General Physician
• Surgeon
• Pediatrician
• Gynecologist
• Hospital Administrator
• Medical Researcher

A BAMS graduate can establish a career as:

• Ayurvedic Doctor
• Wellness Consultant
• Panchakarma Therapist
• Herbal Pharmacist
• Ayurveda Researcher
• Yoga and Lifestyle Coach

With increasing global interest in Ayurveda and natural medicine, BAMS graduates have numerous new opportunities unfolding, particularly in wellness resorts, health tourism, and herbal product businesses.

Salary Expectations: BAMS vs. MBBS

If we discuss the salary expectation of BAMS and MBBS, then it varies according to work designation, skills, organisation, and many other factors. However, the basic pay a BAMS graduate or an MBBS graduate can get in India is mentioned below:

1. MBBS doctors typically begin with a better salary than BAMS practitioners. A new MBBS graduate can expect ₹5 to ₹10 LPA, depending on the city and hospital.
2. BAMS graduates generally start in the range of ₹3 to ₹6 LPA, but those who open their clinics, work in wellness chains, or head overseas can take their earnings to much higher levels.

Both careers have potential for advancement with experience, expertise, and specialisation.

Which Course Is Better for You? Final Verdict

If you are keen on contemporary medicine, hospital-based medicine, surgery, and accident/emergency care, then MBBS is probably more suitable for you.

But if you are a believer in natural healing, prevention, and holistic health and wish to spread wellness through ancient wisdom and contemporary methods, BAMS could be the ideal career.

Both professions demand commitment, empathy, and a true passion to serve others. Ultimately, your values and interests should determine your decision.

Why Mangalayatan University, Aligarh, for BAMS?

If you are looking for BAMS admission, then Mangalayatan University Aligarh, is the best choice for you. It provides a great platform to begin your medical journey. Here's why MUA is better for the BAMS course:

1. Approved Courses: MUA offers approved and accredited courses of BAMS that are valid in India and abroad.
2. State-of-the-art Infrastructure: The institution has all the learning infrastructure needed, from the most modern laboratories to herbal gardens and Ayurvedic research centres.
3. Veteran Faculty: The institution consists of highly experienced and qualified medical professionals and Ayurvedic doctors as faculty. 
4. Hands-On Training: MUA practices practical exposure through internships, hospital visits, and wellness camps.
5. Career Guidance: A strong placement cell offers the confidence of providing students with good job opportunities after graduation.
6. Research Opportunities: Students have the chance to engage in new research work and publish medical articles.
7. Overall Development: MUA not only develops intellectual abilities but also soft skills, ethics, and leadership qualities.

The BAMS is an honourable and fulfilling profession in their right. If you're seeking a university that favours both courses with quality education, great infrastructure, and attention to your professional and personal development, Mangalayatan University, Aligarh, is a name you can rely on.