MBBS vs BAMS — Which is Better in India? Salary, Syllabus, Scope & Difficulty (2025)
MBBS vs BAMS — Which is Better in India? Salary, Syllabus, Scope, and Career in 2025
If you’re confused between MBBS vs BAMS and wondering which is better in India, how their salary, syllabus, or scope differ, or if BAMS is tougher than MBBS — this detailed comparison answers everything in simple terms. Let’s decode the difference between these two medical degrees and find out which suits you best.
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MBBS vs BAMS — Quick Overview
MBBS stands for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, while BAMS stands for Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery. Both are undergraduate medical degrees, but they follow completely different systems of medicine — Modern Allopathy vs Ayurveda.
| Criteria | MBBS | BAMS |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery | Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery |
| Field of Study | Modern Allopathic Medicine | Ayurvedic and Traditional Medicine |
| Duration | 5.5 years (including 1-year internship) | 5.5 years (including 1-year internship) |
| Admission Exam | NEET-UG | NEET-UG |
| Regulatory Body | National Medical Commission (NMC) | Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) |
| Average Course Fee | ₹10–₹80 lakhs | ₹1–₹5 lakhs |
| Average Starting Salary | ₹6–₹12 LPA | ₹3–₹6 LPA |
BAMS vs MBBS Salary in India
Salary is one of the most searched comparisons — BAMS vs MBBS salary in India. Here's how they differ in 2025:
| Category | MBBS Doctor | BAMS Doctor |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Salary (Private) | ₹6 – ₹8 LPA | ₹3 – ₹5 LPA |
| Government Sector Salary | ₹8 – ₹15 LPA | ₹4 – ₹8 LPA |
| With Specialization (MD/MS or MD Ayurveda) | ₹12 – ₹30 LPA | ₹6 – ₹15 LPA |
Conclusion: MBBS doctors earn higher average salaries, but BAMS practitioners have lower costs and growing opportunities in the Ayurvedic and wellness industry.
BAMS vs MBBS Syllabus Comparison
Both programs are rigorous, but the subjects differ as they focus on different systems of medicine.
| Subject Category | MBBS | BAMS |
|---|---|---|
| Core Focus | Human Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Surgery, Pharmacology | Ayurvedic Concepts, Sanskrit, Dravyaguna, Charaka Samhita, Panchakarma |
| Clinical Exposure | Modern Hospitals and Surgeries | Ayurvedic Dispensaries and Panchakarma Centres |
| Internship | Government / Private Hospitals | Ayurvedic Hospitals / Research Centres |
Is BAMS More Tough than MBBS?
This is a popular question on Quora and Reddit. In terms of academic load and competition, MBBS is considered tougher due to its vast syllabus and NEET cutoff levels. However, BAMS requires deep understanding of Sanskrit-based Ayurvedic texts and traditional practices — making it intellectually challenging too.
- NEET Cutoff: MBBS seats are harder to get.
- Study Pressure: MBBS syllabus is more clinical and technical.
- BAMS Difficulty: Sanskrit and Ayurvedic theory add a unique layer of difficulty.
Is BAMS and MBBS Equivalent?
No, BAMS and MBBS are not equivalent. MBBS doctors are trained in modern allopathic medicine and can perform surgeries and prescribe allopathic drugs. BAMS doctors practice Ayurvedic medicine, but with new policies (like integrated AYUSH programs), BAMS graduates can also perform minor surgical and emergency procedures within their scope.
Which is Better: MBBS or BAMS in India?
Choosing between MBBS vs BAMS depends on your career goals and interest:
- If you aim for a **high-paying hospital or global medical career**, choose MBBS.
- If you believe in **natural healing, Ayurveda, or want to open your own clinic**, BAMS is ideal.
- For **job stability in government AYUSH departments**, BAMS has great prospects.
Career Scope Summary
| Parameter | MBBS | BAMS |
|---|---|---|
| Career Options | Doctor, Surgeon, Researcher, Professor | Ayurvedic Doctor, Panchakarma Specialist, Wellness Consultant |
| Postgraduate Studies | MD/MS (Medicine, Surgery, etc.) | MD Ayurveda, MSc Yoga, Public Health |
| Government Opportunities | AIIMS, Railways, Defense, State Hospitals | AYUSH Hospitals, Research Boards, Health Missions |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. MBBS vs BAMS — Which is better in India?
MBBS offers better salary and global recognition. BAMS provides better scope in Ayurveda, yoga, and wellness. Choose based on interest and aptitude.
Q2. BAMS vs MBBS Salary in India?
MBBS doctors earn ₹6–₹15 LPA, while BAMS doctors earn ₹3–₹8 LPA on average.
Q3. Is BAMS tougher than MBBS?
No, MBBS is academically tougher, but BAMS requires mastery of Ayurveda and Sanskrit-based concepts.
Q4. Are BAMS and MBBS equivalent?
They are not equivalent — both are medical degrees, but under different systems of medicine (Allopathy vs Ayurveda).
Q5. Which has more government job opportunities?
MBBS has more clinical jobs; BAMS has stable AYUSH and wellness-related government posts.
Conclusion
Both MBBS and BAMS are respected medical degrees. MBBS provides international recognition and higher pay, while BAMS gives you authority in India’s traditional Ayurvedic healthcare system. In short, if your interest lies in modern medicine, go for MBBS; if you are passionate about Ayurveda and holistic healing, BAMS can be equally rewarding in the long run.
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