Which is better: BAMS or BHMS​?

When it comes to selecting a career in the domain of alternative medicine, two most prominent choices come to the scene, namely BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) and BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery). They are both undergraduate courses providing medical education based on ancient Indian or alternative systems of healing. However, the question arises, which is better, BAMS or BHMS?

The purpose of this article is to offer a detailed analysis of the comparison to guide potential candidates on Which is better BAMS or BHMS, depending on several parameters such as course content, subject eligibility, career opportunities, and salary.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into the comparison, it is time to decode the meaning of each of these courses:

• BAMS full form: Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery
• BHMS full form medical: Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery

The two courses are under the ministry of AYUSH, which is regulated by respective councils. The full form of BAMS indicates its roots origin from Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine, whereas the BHMS full form in medical represents its roots in Homeopathy, a German-originated  system of alternative medicine.

Course Duration and Structure

BAMS:

• Duration: 5.5 years (including 1-year internship)
• Curriculum: Includes detailed study of Ayurvedic medicine, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and surgery from an Ayurvedic perspective.
   

BHMS:

• Duration: 5.5 years (including 1-year internship)
• Curriculum: Includes subjects like philosophy of homeopathy, materia medica, repertory, anatomy, pathology, and modern diagnostic tools.

So, Which is better BAMS or BHMS in terms of course structure? It depends on the student’s interest. 

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Process

Students need to have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology, to seek admission in either of the courses.

• BAMS BHMS admission through NEET: Yes, admission to both courses is conducted through the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) in India.
• The students have to pass NEET and go through the counseling process of AYUSH courses.
• Cut-offs differ according to state quotas and category of reservations.

It means that in case you have a question like how to get admission in BAMS and BHMS, the trick here is to study well and get a high rank in NEET.

Career Scope & Opportunities

Career scope of BAMS:

• Government/ Private Sector Ayurvedic Doctor
• Ayurvedic Consultant / Practitioner
• Jobs at Ayurveda Pharma Companies
• Researcher or Lecturer
• Panchakarma Therapist

Career Scope of BHMS:

• Homeopathy Practitioner
• Homeopathy Medicine researcher
• Homeopathy Consultant
• Work in Govt. Dispensaries or in Private Clinics
• Academics and Teaching

So, Which is better BAMS or BHMS in terms of career scope? The BAMS graduates tend to get more opportunities into the government sectors and hospitals whereas BHMS graduates would begin a new clinic or choose to work alongside NGOs and small private setups.

Salary Prospects

• BAMS or BHMS salary (Freshers): ₹20,000 to ₹40,000/month depending on location and type of practice
• With 5-10 years of experience: ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000+/month.
• Private practice, wellness centers, or Ayurvedic pharma business can provide much higher salaries.

Between BAMS or BHMS salary, BAMS generally offers a slightly better edge due to increasing popularity of Ayurvedic products and government-backed wellness programs.

Global Opportunities

Ayurveda has gained popularity in countries like the US, Germany, and UAE. Similarly, Homeopathy is well-accepted in Europe, South America, and parts of Asia. International licensing, however, may require additional certifications and exams.

So, Which is better BAMS or BHMS globally? BHMS has wider recognition in Western countries, while BAMS is gaining momentum in wellness tourism and herbal medicine sectors.

Advantages and Disadvantages

BAMS Advantages:

• Strong government support
• Integration with AYUSH wellness centers
• Wide range of job profiles in India
• Herbal medicine market growth

BAMS Disadvantages:

• Limited global acceptance
• Competition from modern medicine practitioners

BHMS Advantages:

• Popular in Western countries
• Gentle and safe treatment approach
• Strong base for private practice

BHMS Disadvantages:

• Slower treatment outcomes
• Limited scope in government setups in India

So again, Which is better BAMS or BHMS depends on whether you’re looking at national or global opportunities, and your personal belief in treatment approaches.

Public Perception and Market Trends

During the recent years, the Indian government had attempted to invest heavily in popularizing Ayurveda with such schemes as the National AYUSH Mission. FMCG companies based on Ayurveda such as Patanjali, Himalaya, and Dabur have also increased the number of career opportunities to the BAMS graduates.

In the meantime, Homeopathy has enjoyed traditionally-high levels of trust in the treatment of chronic disease and lifestyle diseases yet has not received aggressive government promotion like Ayurveda.

This takes us back to the main question, which is better BAMS or BHMS in terms of public and market perception? At the present time, BAMS possesses a slightly stronger market advantage in India.

Conclusion

To sum it up, answering Which is better BAMS or BHMS depends on multiple individual and professional preferences. If your inclination is towards holistic healing, government roles, and herbal science, BAMS could be your path. On the other hand, if you prefer trust-based treatment with global acceptance, BHMS might be the right choice.

Here’s a quick comparative table:

Ultimately, the answer to Which is better BAMS or BHMS is subjective. Choose the course that aligns with your career goals, passion for healing, and long-term vision.

FAQs

Q1: What is the criteria of BAMS and BHMS?

In order to pursue either of the courses, one needs to have 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology, as a qualification and have to qualify BAMS BHMS admission through NEET.

Q2: Which is the better one in salary, BAMS or BHMS?

Earning-wise both are good, yet BAMS is more preferred in India in terms of offering salary according to the BAMS or BHMS salary trend, because now there is an increased demand of Ayurvedic doctors in both government and private sectors.

Q3: Is it possible to practice outside India after BAMS or BHMS?

Depends. You may have to pass local exams to get certified. BHMS is better known in other countries, such as the UK and Germany, compared to BAMS, which is more famous in UAE and Sri Lanka.

Also read:

BAMS course fees​ in private and government colleges and scholarship

What are the careers in the medical field

How to Crack NEET in First Attempt with PrepMed