December 06, 2025
Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery: Course, Fees, and Career
Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery is a prestigious undergraduate course that combines the traditional method of healing with the latest aspects of medical science. If one looks for a promising career in the AYUSH sector and has a special liking for holistic health and naturopathy, then this course is a doorway to such aspirations. The origin of Unani medicine, taught by Hippocrates and improved later by Galen, is based on keeping the four humors—the blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile-balanced in the body for maintaining health.
In this post, we delve deeper to explore BUMS in depth regarding eligibility, admission, colleges, and the future scope of this unique discipline.
Overview and Details of BUMS Course
The course of Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery is an undergraduate medical course undertaken to produce competent Unani physicians. The curriculum is a rigorous combination of traditional Unani philosophy with modern clinical practices. Students are trained in regimental therapy-Ilaj-bit-Tadbeer, dietotherapy-Ilaj-bit-Ghiza, and pharmacotherapy-Ilaj-bit-Dawa.
The course duration is 5.5 years, of which academic studies take up 4.5 years, inclusive of a compulsory 1-year rotatory internship. The internship is fundamental for receiving clinical exposure in the recognized hospitals through the application of theoretically gained knowledge into practice.
The syllabus encompasses subjects such as Kulliyat, Tashreeh, Munafeul Aaza, and Ilmul Advia. Students also study modern pathology, preventive medicine, and surgery to make them well-versed in integrated practices. Thus, the Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery is a holistic medical degree course.
BUMS Full Form in Medical Context
What does bums stand for in medical terminology? A question many students ask themselves. It stands for Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery. Though the abbreviation is short, the degree holds much substance in the Indian healthcare system and has been recognized by the Central Council of Indian Medicine and the Ministry of AYUSH.
The word "Surgery" itself is essential, as it shows that the graduates are not only trained in herbal medicines but also in minor surgical procedures and para-surgical techniques like Cupping (Hijama) and Leeching. This dual capability helps a Unani graduate handle a wide array of acute and chronic ailments with efficacy.
Is NEET necessary to get admitted to BUMS?
One of the most asked questions is: Is NEET required for BUMS? Yes, it is. The Ministry of AYUSH has made it necessary, since the 2018-19 academic session, to clear the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-Under Graduate NEET-UG for admission.
State-level entrance tests or direct admissions based on merit are things of the past now. It doesn't matter if it's a Government prestigious university or a private one; your NEET score is going to be your main entrance ticket. This standardization ensures that only meritorious candidates enter the field, thus maintaining the high quality of education associated with the Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery.
Minimum Marks Required in NEET for BUMS Eligibility
Qualifying for NEET is a must, but what is the minimum mark in NEET for BUMS? The cut-off differs every year. The candidates must generally get the 50th percentile to be eligible for counselling in case of General and the 40th percentile in case of SC/ST/OBC.
This generally corresponds to raw scores in the range of 117-137 marks out of 720. The word "Qualifying", however, does not mean you will get admission into a good government college. Seats in top institutes like AMU or Jamia Hamdard are fiercely competed for, and their cut-off marks lie between 400 and 500. AYUSH Admissions Central Counseling Committee updates also need to be followed.
BUMS Course Fees Structure
Students need financial planning; the course fees for BUMS vary from institution to institution.
- Government Colleges: Highly subsidized, the annual fees can range from ₹5,000 to ₹50,000. These seats are highly competitive.
- Private and Deemed Universities: Tuition fees are higher, starting from ₹1,50,000 to ₹3,50,000 per year. Premium colleges charge considerably more-₹5,00,000 plus.
Also, add hostel fees and the cost of examinations, along with the planning of the Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery. Usually, scholarships are provided for the merit holders.
Top BUMS College Options in India
India is the global hub for Unani education. The selection of a proper BUMS college is essential. Here is a list of top institutions known for their excellence:
- Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh: A prestigious center for Unani medicine.
- Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi - World-class infrastructure and research facilities
- National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bangalore, is a premier institution for postgraduate teaching and research.
- Govt. Nizamia Tibbi College, Hyderabad, is a Historic institution with a massive patient flow.
- Ayurvedic and Unani Tibbia College, New Delhi: Situated in Karol Bagh, this college is renowned for clinical training.
The selection of students to these best colleges is purely based on the NEET merit lists and subsequent rounds of counseling conducted by AACCC or different state authorities.
BUMS Course Detail: Syllabus and Core Subjects
The syllabus is vast. First-year studies the basics, including Arabic/Urdu, Logic, and Anatomy, while the second year studies Physiology and Pathology.
These final years are clinically intensive, covering Moalajat, Jarahat, Amraz-e-Niswan, and Ilmul Atfal, but the inclusion of modern subjects makes them well-rounded.
Scopes and Future of the Career
Once one has finished a Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery, they can explore several job opportunities. Clinical practice is quite common; one can start a private clinic or work as a Hakim in government dispensaries.
Other growing sectors include research. Institutions like the CCRUM employ researchers for clinical trials. Experts in the production of herbal drugs are also needed in the pharmaceutical industry.
Conclusion
The course is an undertaking towards a system of healing that has been able to benefit humanity for centuries. With the government's focus on AYUSH and the world gradually shifting to natural living, the relevance of Unani medicine is at its peak.
The day you get through NEET and choose the right college is the start of your journey where history meets modern healthcare. Ready to secure your seat in medical school? Then, join PrepMed today: expert guidance, mock tests, and a community that guarantees success.
Also check:
What Is BHMS Course, Fees, Colleges, Duration, Job, and Salary?
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