BSMS (Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery)
BSMS is a comprehensive four and a half-year undergraduate program dedicated to the traditional practice of Siddha medicine, offering an alternative to allopathic treatments. The curriculum delves into the principles of this ancient healing system and its applications in addressing various health issues.
Career prospects for BSMS graduates include roles such as Clinical Researcher, Dermatologist, Medical Consultant, Siddha Pathologist, Pediatrician, Physiologist, Pharmacologist, and more. The establishment of the Ministry of AYUSH by the Indian government in 2014 has opened up numerous career paths in alternative medicine.
The Siddha system’s Materia Medica is extensive, utilizing herbs, metals, minerals, and organic substances, with advanced metal and mineral usage. Surgical techniques like incision, heat application, and bloodletting are used alongside purgation, fasting, and various therapies.
Siddha medicine attributes body functions to seven elements: plasma (growth and nourishment), blood (muscle nourishment and intellect), muscle (body shape), fatty tissue (joint lubrication), bone (structure and movement), bone marrow (blood formation), and semen (reproduction). Like Ayurveda, it classifies physiological components as Vaadham (air), Pittham (fire), and Kapam (earth and water).
Originating from Tamil culture, the Siddha system is a traditional treatment method documented in ancient palm leaf manuscripts. It is said that Lord Shiva shared this knowledge with Parvati, who passed it to their son Lord Muruga, and he taught sage Agasthya. Agasthya then instructed 18 Siddhas, who disseminated this wisdom. Siddha focuses on ‘Ashtamahasiddhi,’ or eight supernatural powers, achieved by the Siddhas.
This ancient South Indian healing system views individuals as microcosms of the universe, comprising five elements: earth, fire, water, air, and space.
Siddha is often mistaken for Ayurveda due to their shared conceptual framework of the three humours:
- Vatha – Linked to ‘space’ and ‘air’, governs sensory, motor activities, and movements in the body and mind.
- Pitta – Connected to ‘fire’, responsible for regulating body heat.
- Kapha – Related to ‘earth’ and ‘water’, provides strength and endurance.
As of June 15, 2024, in India, there are 15 Siddha medical colleges offering the BSMS course approved by NCISM with an annual intake of 980 BSMS seats. These include 3 government Siddha medical colleges with 260 seats and 12 private Siddha medical colleges with 720 seats.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
|
Course Name |
Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery
|
|
Type |
Degree |
|
Level |
Undergrade |
|
Field |
Healthcare |
|
Eligibility |
10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
|
|
Course Duration |
Course Duration |
|
Average Fee |
Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 6 Lakhs |
|
Average Salary |
Rs. 3L to 15L per Year |
|
Career Opportunities |
Clinical Researcher, Dermatologist, Medical Consultant, Siddha Pathologist, Paediatrician, Physiologist, Pharmacologist. Graduates can work in hospitals, research centres, pharmaceutical companies, and private practice. |
|
Top Recruiters |
AVN Ayurveda Formulations Pvt. Ltd, Arya Vaidya Sala (Kottakkal), Dabur India Ltd, Himalaya Wellness
|
Tuition fees vary across accredited institutions. Government institutions typically charge lower fees, while private institutions are higher. On average, annual fees for BSMS range from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 3,00,000.
- Comprehensive understanding of Siddha medicine, an ancient Indian healthcare system.
- Diverse career opportunities in healthcare, research, education, and consultancy.
- Preserving and promoting traditional medicinal practices and cultural heritage.
- Blend of traditional wisdom with modern medical knowledge.
- Rewarding career prospects in alternative medicine.
- Completion of 10+2 or equivalent with minimum 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry & Biology for Unreserved candidates; 40% for reserved categories.
- Must be at least 17 years old by 31 December of the admission year.
- Must clear the NEET entrance exam.
- No maximum age limit.
- Must have studied Tamil in 10th or during the first professional course.
- Must fulfill additional NCISM requirements.
The BSMS course duration is 5 years and 6 months, consisting of 4.5 years of academic study followed by a 1-year compulsory internship. The internship includes rotations at hospitals, health centres, and camps.
- Strong foundation in biology and chemistry.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Attention to detail in diagnostic and treatment methods.
- Empathy and compassion towards patients.
- Good communication skills.
- Ethical awareness.
- Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic field.
Admission requires passing the NEET exam, which is the standard entrance test for BAMS.
The cut-off is the minimum NEET score needed for admission, varying by year and college. It depends on factors like the number of applicants, exam difficulty, and seat availability.
BSMS projects are assigned to students to deepen their comprehension of the subject matter, potentially serving as a springboard for diverse and prosperous careers in Siddha Medicine. Below are listed some popular BSMS project topics.
- Lifestyle management and the improvement provided through yoga practices
- Impact of Ayurveda on maintaining occupational hazards and Ailments
- Pathyapathya’s impact in containing various ailments and diseases
- Ayurvedic formulation and its increase with the help of biotechnology: An analysis
The BSMS reference materials aid candidates in expanding their comprehension of Siddha medicine course principles. Students receive comprehensive insights into the course to foster their own interpretations and methodologies.
| Name of the Books | Authors |
|---|---|
|
Siddhas: Masters of Nature |
R Palpandian
|
|
Herbs of Siddha Medicine |
J Ramachandran
|
|
Sound Medicine |
Kulreet Chaudhary
|
|
Siddha Medicine |
Ramon Martinez Lopez
|
|
Indian Systems of Medicine |
Vohora and Hameed
|
Any aspirants wanting to take BSMS admission in any colleges offering BSMS course in India will be done only through NEET Score. Since National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET) is the only entrance examination across India, no other exam is conducted for admission to BSMS course in India. NEET is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). To get the BSMS admission, aspirants should appear for NEET.
- Registration for Entrance: Aspirants should register by logging into the web portal, entering personal details like applicant name, date of birth, mobile number, email ID, etc.
- Form Filling and Documents Upload: After registration, candidates fill the application form online providing personal and academic details and upload required documents.
- Payment of NEET Application Fee: Candidates pay the application fee after form submission.
- Download Confirmation Page: Printout of the application form and confirmation page is taken once the status is confirmed.
- Admit Card: Admit cards are issued to eligible candidates based on submitted records.
- Entrance Exams: Candidates appear for the entrance exams and qualify to get a merit rank.
- Counselling: Conducted by AYUSH Admissions Central Counselling Committee (AACCC) for All India Quota and other seats as per state authorities. Candidates choose colleges based on rank.
The BAMS degree program offers diverse specializations to students. Some of these options include:
- Maruthuvam
- Gunapadam
- Kuzhandhai Maruthuvam
- Noi Naadal
- Nanju Maruthuvam
- Pura Maruthuvam
- Varma Maruthuvam
- Siddhar Yoga Maruthuvam
What after BSMS?
Individuals holding a BSMS degree are recognized as doctors and eligible to establish private practices. After completing exams and a 12-month internship, graduates receive the Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery degree.
What Comes Next After BSMS?
After internship, graduates can begin practicing as doctors. BSMS opens doors to government and private sector jobs, or further studies such as MD (Siddha), postgraduate diplomas, or doctorate programs. Opportunities also include clinical research and public health master’s degrees.
Career Opportunities Beyond Borders
Graduates find jobs in India and abroad, especially in manufacturing, research, government hospitals, retail Siddha medicine outlets, teaching, and clinics. Popular job titles include Siddha Drug Specialist, Medical Representative, Pharmacist, and more.
Job Opportunities Abroad for BSMS Graduates
Many foreign countries are adopting alternative medicine including Ayurveda and Siddha. This expands opportunities for BSMS graduates internationally. With the right skills, they can find success in nations embracing non-allopathic medicinal practices.
BSMS Doctors Salary: What to Expect
BSMS is a relatively new course in India gaining prominence, with increasing candidates every year. The average salary of BSMS graduates ranges between INR 3-5 LPA (Source: Payscale). Below are some common job roles and their average annual salaries:
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
|
Drug Safety Officer |
INR 4.6 LPA
|
|
Medical Consultant |
INR 7.2 LPA
|
|
Research Assistant (Medical) |
INR 3.5 LPA
|
|
Clinical Research Associate |
INR 3.4 LPA
|
|
Pathologist |
INR 10 LPA
|
Government roles in various sectors offer lucrative salary packages for BAMS graduates. Hiring typically involves entrance exams and interviews. Common employers include National Ayush Mission, National Rural Health Mission, public hospitals, and academic institutions.
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
|
Drug Safety Officer |
INR 4.6 LPA
|
|
Medical Consultant |
INR 7.2 LPA
|
|
Research Assistant (Medical) |
INR 3.5 LPA
|
|
Community Health Worker |
INR 2.3 LPA
|
The private sector offers diverse opportunities, including healthcare, blogging, social media, and drug control sectors. The average salary is between INR 3-5 LPA. Some common job roles include:
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
|
Medical Consultant |
INR 7.2 LPA
|
|
Medical Assistant |
INR 3.5 LPA
|
|
Clinical Research Associate |
INR 3.4 LPA
|
|
Pathologist |
INR 10 LPA
|
- Vicco Laboratories
- National Rural Health Mission
- Charak Pharma
- National Ayush Mission
- Himalaya Wellness
- Patanjali
- Dabur Ltd
- Baidyanath
This list is based on student priority in AACCC counselling from recent years.
| Rank | College Name | Established Year |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Government Siddha Medical College, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu |
1964 |
|
2 |
Government Siddha Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
1985 |
|
3 |
National Institute of Siddha, Tambaram Sanitorium, Chennai |
2004 |
|
4 |
RVS Siddha Medical College & Hospital, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu |
1998 |
|
5 |
Akila Thiruvithamcore Siddha Vaidya Kalloory, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu |
2001 |
|
6 |
Sri Sai Ram Siddha Medical College and Research Centre, Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
2002 |
|
7 |
Velumailu Siddha Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
1967 |
|
8 |
Annai Medical College of Siddha and Research Centre, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu |
2002 |
|
9 |
Maria Siddha Medical College, Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu |
2015 |
|
10 |
Sivaraj Siddha Medical College, Salem, Tamil Nadu |
2009 |
Need More Information?
You can download the official BSMS course guidelines as a pdf.
📄 Download BSMS PDF Guide