Is NEET required for BAMS​ - know the truth

If you're a NEET aspirant aiming to build a career in the field of medicine, you've probably had a  doubt: Is NEET required for BAMS? The answer is a Yes! There are so many articles which might suggest that based on 12th board score or some other exams, you might get admission, but it’s not at all true. In this article we will answer several questions, clear some of the most common doubts of the aspirants, and tell you what you really should know in case you are planning to pursue a degree in Ayurvedic medicine.

What is BAMS in medical?

To begin with, what is BAMS in medical? BAMS is a short form of Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery. It is a 5 and a 1/2-year undergraduate degree (with internship) that prepares students in Ayurvedic science, surgery, herbal medicine and traditional Indian systems of medicine. In case you have ever been drawn to Ayurveda, herbs, holistic healing and would like to pursue a career in this domain, BAMS is the perfect one. Many students who appear for NEET but do not get MBBS or BDS seat, can choose BAMS as an alternative career path 

What is NEET UG exam?

The next big question now is what is NEET UG exam? NEET UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate) is an all-India medical entrance examination that will be used to determine eligibility for most undergraduate medical courses in India, such as MBBS and BDS, as well as undergraduate AYUSH courses, such as BAMS, BHMS etc. In brief: crack NEET, get a good score, and according to your rank and category, you can take part in counselling for various courses. So, yes NEET UG is also a key factor in AYUSH admissions.

Is NEET required for BAMS?

So, Is NEET required for BAMS? The short answer is yes. According to the existing regulations, to be eligible to get admission in BAMS, you will have to qualify NEET UG. To illustrate: As per recent reports, the regulatory body National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) has clearly said that although the requirement of 50% of marks in PCB in Class 12 has been withdrawn, on behalf of many students, since 2025, the requirement to pass NEET UG is still necessary for the admission in BAMS. Therefore, when someone says without NEET you can get admission to BAMS--be careful.

How many marks are required in NEET for BAMS?

Next up: how many marks are required in NEET for BAMS? This is more nuanced because the marks required vary by category, state, college (government vs private) and year. But to give you some ballpark figures:

• According to recent analysis, minimum marks required in NEET for BAMS for general category are in the range of 720-162 marks for qualifying percentile (50th) in 2024.
   
• Another source gives expected marks for 2025: General (UR) around 450-500+ marks; OBC around 400-450+; SC around 350-420+; ST around 330-400+.

So, aim high, but remember: even if you score modestly, depending on state quotas and private seats you might still secure a seat.

BAMS NEET marks for government college

And now let’s find out BAMS NEET marks for government college. Government AYUSH colleges tend to be more competitive. For instance, data for 2024 shows closing ranks for some government Ayurvedic colleges: e.g. general category closing rank around 90,000-100,000 at certain colleges. That means that you will need a decently good NEET score to stand a competitive chance in government BAMS seats--especially in popular states or reputed colleges. And, in case you want to join a government college make sure to prepare well in NEET.

Minimum marks required in NEET for BAMS private college

Have you ever thought about what will be the minimum marks required in NEET for BAMS in private college? BAMS cut-offs will be relatively lower in private colleges (however, fees can be higher). You may secure seats even with low NEET scores when you apply under private quota, or management quota. While no fixed universal figure exists, the earlier "expected marks" range (OBC ~400-450, SC ~350-420) gives an idea. When it comes to private colleges, passing the qualifying percentile (although not top rank) is enough. Always verify certain state-wise and college-wise data.

So let’s break it down: why this matters for you

You’re prepping for NEET, dreaming of medicine. Perhaps MBBS is the first choice — but BAMS is a strong, real alternative. Here’s the big picture:

• NEET is mandatory for BAMS, that is ,you cannot pursue the course without qualifying the NEET exam.
• The higher your NEET score, the better will be your choice: the best AYUSH colleges, government seats, better quotas.
• In case you miss MBBS cut-offs, you can still pursue BAMS if you are always interested in Ayurveda.
• In the case of private BAMS colleges, you have a better chance of securing seats even with a lesser score - but fees will be much higher as compared to the government colleges.
• It is important to keep up with changing standards: e.g. the recently updated NCISM dropped the 50% PCB requirement in Class 12 for BAMS as of 2025- however, qualifying EET is still  mandatory.

Tips to keep in mind as a NEET aspirant eyeing BAMS

• Begin the NEET preparation early. 
• Learn about your state’s  AYUSH counselling process - your quota, domicile rules , private vs government seats.
• Even if you score just enough for BAMS, do your research on the college, reputation, infrastructure, placements, scope.
• The holistic approach of Ayurveda should not be overlooked: in case you are fond of traditional medicine, traditional herbs, wellness, Ayurveda research, you will thrive in BAMS.
• Keep your doors open: In case of a high NEET score, choose MBBS without any doubt - otherwise, BAMS can be a very flourishing career in the medical field.

Conclusion

So yes — in clear terms: Is NEET required for BAMS? Absolutely. If you’re serious about pursuing BAMS, you must prepare for and qualify NEET UG. The mark you need depends on your category, state, college type (government vs private). But the door is open, and with good preparation you’ve got real opportunity. For NEET aspirants, especially those interested in Ayurvedic medicine, BAMS offers a meaningful, respected medical career path. So don’t think of it as a “lesser” option—it’s a different path, one filled with its own strengths. Stay focused, plan smart, and you’ll be ready for whatever the counselling map brings you.

FAQs

Q1: What was the last-year NEET cut-off for BAMS?

A: The qualifying marks for NEET for BAMS in 2024 for general category were around 162 marks (out of 720) at the 50th percentile. For admission (closing cut-offs) marks/ranks vary widely by college and state.

Q2: What is the NEET eligibility for BAMS?

A: You must pass the NEET UG exam, be at least 17 years old by December 31 of admission year, and have completed Class 12 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry and Biology (or Biotechnology). Note: From 2025 onward, the 50 % PCB aggregate requirement has been removed for BAMS in many cases—but NEET still remains mandatory. 

Q3: What about BAMS private college fees without NEET?

A: Without qualifying NEET, you cannot secure admission in a BAMS course in India, even in private colleges (since NEET is mandatory).. If you qualify NEET but aim for a private college, fees in private AYUSH colleges may range from ~₹1.5 lakh to ₹3 lakh or more per year depending on state and institution. Always verify college accreditation and admission procedure.

Also read:

Top Best BAMS College in India

BAMS NEET marks for government college: marks, seats and fees

How to Crack NEET in First Attempt with PrepMed?