The Ayurveda & Pharmacy Masterclass
On the other hand, when students venture beyond allopathic medicine (MBBS), two colossal and well organized and fast developing areas are found, namely Ayurvedic Medicine (BAMS) and Pharmaceutical Sciences (B.Pharm/Pharm.D).
But if you're a doctor of traditional Indian medicine, or if you're a part of the multi-billion dollar drug manufacturing and clinical pharmacy industry, what's the choice? This guide becomes your decision engine and dissects the exams, the regulatory bodies, the real jobs that can be obtained, and the pitfalls to steer clear of.
2. Difference between Ayurveda and Pharmacy – The core difference
- BAMS - Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery: You are a Doctor in Ayurveda. You diagnose patients, have the authority to prescribe traditional, herbal, and holistic remedies and in some states basic allopathy. You work in a clinic or hospital, or in private practice.
- Pharmacy (B.Pharm / Pharm.D): You are a Medicine Expert. You are not a patient diagnostician. Rather, you create, produce, evaluate, distribute, and make sure drugs are safe. You are employed in large corporate Pharma, Research Labs or Retail/ Hospital Pharma.
2. Comparison of Entrance Exams.2. Comparison of Entrance Exams.
| Course | Primary Entrance Exam | Alternative Exams | Admitting Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAMS (Ayurveda) | NEET UG (Mandatory) | None. Strictly, NEET is a must! | AACCC Counseling |
| B.Pharm | Gujarat CET / MHT-CET / KCET / WBJEE | NMIMS / BITSAT / State DTE / Universities | Government / CET |
| Pharm.D (Doctorate) | State CETs / University Exams | NEET (accepted by some private univs) | Colleges / State Bodies |
The eligibility and regulatory approvals are as follows:
The Eligibility for BAMS is PCB in Class 12 with 50% and above marks. You must qualify NEET UG. The NCISM (National Commission for Indian System of Medicine) is the governing body.
The eligibility criteria for the Pharmacy course is either passed Class 12 with PCM or PCB. Yes, Pharmacy is possible for Math students! Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) is the governing body. The warning is that if you enroll in an institution that does NOT have an approved program from the PCI, you will NOT be able to attend to open a pharmacy or practice as a pharmacist.
4. The Admission Process
- For BAMS: After NEET result, you are NOT going to apply via MCC (which deals with MBBS). The 15% All India Quota is to be applied through AACCC (Ayush Admissions Central Counseling Committee) while your respective State AYUSH counseling for the 85% state quota.
- For Pharmacy: There is a high level of decentralisation in admissions. Applicants have to appear in the CAP (Centralized Admission Process) rounds conducted by the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE) of the State on their respective State CET score and apply on its portal.
The 5th session focuses on career opportunities and the future demand of the field.
The Pharmacy Sector
India is the "Pharmacy of the World. Opportunities are endless:
- Manufacturing, Quality Assurance (QA), Quality Control (QC), and Regulatory Affairs (ensuring drugs meet FDA guidelines).
- Clinical: Pharm.Clinical Pharmacists work with doctors in hospital settings, and are a part of the D graduates.
- Business: Starting a retail chain of pharmacies or pharmaceutical marketing (MR).
The Ayurveda Sector
There has been a tremendous surge in the acceptance of holistic well-being throughout the world since the COVID outbreak.
- Clinical Practice: Opening a private clinic/AYUSH hospital in the government.
- FMCG & Wellness: High demand for Ayurvedic doctors in wellness resorts around the world, as well as in business entities such as Patanjali, Dabur & Himalaya.
- Research: Normative Standardisation of herbal formulation and clinical trials of Ayurvedic drugs.
6. Salary Expectations
B.Pharm/M.Pharm: Freshers in manufacturing or QC earns on monthly basis of ₹20,000 - ₹30,000. The roles in Regulatory Affairs and Pharmacovigilance in the big companies, however, rapidly scale up to ₹1-2 Lakhs/month in the experience.
BAMS: Government Medical Officers salary ranges from ₹50,000 - ₹70,000/month. Incomes in private practice can be quite variable and depend entirely on your reputation and clinical success.
8. Review Questions for Practice
- Selecting BAMS as a "backup" degree to MBBS, without recognizing the science of Ayurveda. If you don't believe in the system, you will have a hard time being a practitioner.
- Doing B.Pharm from a college where there is no laboratory facilities. Pharmacy is a very practical subject and without lab skills, knowledge is worthless in the industry.
- Failure to obtain NCISM (for BAMS) or PCI (for Pharmacy) approval before paying college fees.
8. Final Decision Guide
- If you are looking for the prestige of being a doctor who diagnoses illness, you prefer to heal the body as a whole before resorting to chemicals and you're willing to manage the intense NEET competition, then BAMS is for you.
- If you are interested in chemistry and enjoy corporate/industrial settings, are looking for job stability and international opportunities or would like to join the medicine business, select Pharmacy.
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