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BAMS · Ayurveda

BAMS books, subject by subject.

Every subject in the NCISM curriculum, with the classical text and the modern textbook that go with it — and the translator named, because with a Samhita the edition you buy is the whole difference.

20Subjects covered
109Titles listed
3+1Professional years plus internship
5½Years in all
How the course runs

The shape of BAMS

NCISM competency-based Ayurveda undergraduate curriculum, issued under the Minimum Standards of Education (MSE) Regulations notified in 2021 and applied from the 2021-22 admission batch onwards (Second Professional applying from the 2023-24 academic year). Every subject carries an NCISM code prefixed 'AyUG-' (e.g. AyUG-PV, AyUG-KS, AyUG-DG) and is written as course outcomes, competencies, learning objectives, notional teaching hours and prescribed practical/elective activity rather than as a bare topic list. Two structural changes matter for book buying: (a) 'Ayurveda Itihasa' is no longer paired with Padartha Vigyan - it now sits with Sanskrit as AyUG-SN & AI; (b) 'Ayurveda Maulika Siddhanta' is no longer a separate examinable subject - its content is absorbed into AyUG-PV (Padartha Vijnana) and into the Samhita Adhyayana papers.

StageSanskrit nameSubjectsLength
First professionalPrathama Varsha518 months
Second professionalDwitiya Varsha618 months
Third (final) professionalTritiya Varsha918 months
Compulsory rotatory internship——12 months
Total205 years 6 months
Three professional years, then the internship. BAMS runs 4½ years of teaching in three professional years of 18 months each — Prathama, Dwitiya and Tritiya Varsha — followed by a 12-month compulsory rotatory internship, 5½ years in all. So the third professional year is the final taught year, and the fourth stage of the course is the internship. If you have been told to look for a "fourth year" syllabus, the third professional plus the internship is what you want.
Reading a Samhita

Why the translator matters

For a modern textbook the author is the book. For a Samhita the text is fixed and what you are really choosing is a commentary and a translation — Vidyotini or Ayurveda Dipika on Charaka, Ayurveda Tattva Sandipika or Nibandha Sangraha on Sushruta, Nirmala or Sarvanga Sundara on Ashtanga Hridaya. Departments teach from a particular edition and examiners expect its numbering, so every classical title below names the translator or commentator that Indian colleges work from.

Titles are tagged classical text or textbook so you can see at a glance which is which.

Prathama Varsha (Prathama Vyavasayika Varsha)

First professional — 5 subjects

18 months of teaching, then the university examination for the year.

Sanskrit and History of Ayurveda2 papers

Samskritam evam Ayurveda Itihasa (AyUG-SN & AI)

Paper I is pure Sanskrit; Paper II is mostly Sanskrit with a smaller Ayurveda Itihasa component, so the grammar half is what carries the marks. Students drill sandhi, samasa, karaka, shabda-roopa and dhatu-roopa from a workbook-style grammar text and translate the prescribed Panchatantra section, while the history portion is read once for the sequence of Samhitas, commentators and institutions and then revised from notes rather than re-read.

  1. Ayurveda Ka Vaijnanika Itihasa (Scientific History of Ayurveda)textbookAcharya Priyavrat Sharma · ChaukhambhaThe standard Hindi history of Ayurveda; the source for the Itihasa portion of Paper II and for period-wise author/commentator lists.
  2. Panchatantram (Aparikshitakarakam)classical textVishnu Sharma; Hindi edition by Dr. S. K. Tripathi and Dr. R. S. Tripathi (English edition by Prof. Sathyanarayana Bhat A.) · ChaukhambhaThe prescribed Sanskrit prose text; read cover to cover with translation because passages are set for unseen translation in the paper.
  3. Handbook on Sanskrit (Part 1-2)textbookProf. M. N. Panduranga and Vd. Shrinath M. Vaidya · ChaukhambhaGrammar-and-exercise handbook written for BAMS students; used as the working drill book for sandhi, samasa and karaka.
  4. Ayurvediya ShabdavabodhatextbookDr. B. L. Gaur · ChaukhambhaSanskrit reader oriented to Ayurvedic terminology; bridges plain grammar and the vocabulary of the Samhitas.
  5. History of Ayurveda (Ayurveda Ka Itihasa)textbookDr. B. Rama Rao and Dr. J. L. N. Sastry · ChaukhambhaEnglish-medium alternative for the Itihasa component, used by students in non-Hindi states.
  6. Luminaries of Indian MedicinetextbookDr. K. R. Srikantha Murthy · ChaukhambhaReference for biographical questions on Acharyas and commentators; consulted rather than read through.

Padartha Vijnana (Fundamental Principles of Ayurveda and Quantum Mechanics)2 papers

Padartha Vijnana (AyUG-PV)

This is the subject that carries what older syllabi called Ayurveda Maulika Siddhanta - Dravya-Guna-Karma-Samanya-Vishesha-Samavaya, Panchamahabhuta, Tridosha, Dhatu, Mala, Agni, Srotas - alongside Darshana (Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Sankhya, Yoga) and Pramana. Students read one Hindi or English textbook cover to cover and memorise the definitional Sanskrit sutras verbatim, since answers are expected to open with the lakshana and its source reference.

  1. Padartha Vijnana (Basic Principles of Ayurveda)textbookProf. Dr. Yogesh Chandra Mishra · Chaukhambha Sanskrit BhawanOne of the most widely used single-volume texts for the subject; covers Darshana and Ayurvedic Padarthas in one sequence.
  2. Padartha VijnanatextbookAcharya Ramraksha PathakLong-standing Hindi text named in the NCISM AyUG-PV reference list; strong on the Darshana chapters.
  3. Ayurvediya Padartha VijnanatextbookVaidya Ranjitrai DesaiClassic Hindi treatment of Ayurvedic fundamental principles; still the departmental reference for Dosha-Dhatu-Mala theory.
  4. Ayurvediya Padartha Vijnana (with illustration)textbookDr. Shailaja Srivastava · ChaukhambhaIllustrated Hindi text popular for revision because concepts are tabulated and diagrammed.
  5. Ayurvediya Maulika SiddhantatextbookDr. V. J. ThakkarNamed in the NCISM reference list; used specifically for the Maulika Siddhanta content now folded into this paper.
  6. Sankhyatattva Kaumudiclassical textVachaspati Mishra; Hindi commentary by Gajanan ShastriThe prescribed classical Sankhya text; consulted for Satkaryavada, the 25 tattvas and the Purusha-Prakriti section.

Kriya Sharira (Human Physiology)2 papers

Kriya Sharira (AyUG-KS)

Taught in two halves - Ayurvedic physiology (Dosha-Dhatu-Mala-Agni-Ojas-Prakriti-Srotas) and contemporary human physiology - and examined across two papers, so most students carry one Ayurvediya text plus one modern physiology text. The Ayurvedic half is memorised with its Sanskrit sutras; the modern half is studied like an MBBS first-year physiology subject and used again later in Roga Nidana.

  1. Ayurvediya Kriya ShariratextbookVaidya Ranjitrai Desai · Shri Baidyanath Ayurved BhavanThe classic Hindi text on Ayurvedic physiology; the departmental standard for Dosha, Dhatu and Agni chapters.
  2. A Textbook of Ayurvedic Physiology (Vol. 1-2) / A Text Book of Ayurvedic Human PhysiologytextbookVd. Pratibha V. Kulkarni and Vd. S. M. Vaidya · ChaukhambhaThe most commonly bought English-medium Kriya Sharira set; written to the two-paper split.
  3. Human Physiology in Ayurveda (Hindi edition: Ayurveda Me Kriya Sharir)textbookDr. Kishor Patwardhan · ChaukhambhaConcise, well-regarded text that maps Ayurvedic physiology onto modern concepts; favoured for viva preparation.
  4. A Textbook of Kriya Sharira (Vol. 1-2, NCISM edition)textbookDr. Babita Sharma and Dr. APS Chauhan · Chaukhambha OrientaliaHindi text written to the NCISM syllabus with Unit A (Ayurveda Kriya Sharir) and Unit B (modern physiology) in each volume.
  5. A Textbook of Ayurvedic Practical PhysiologytextbookProf. S. B. Kotur and Dr. Shashikala Kotur · ChaukhambhaPractical/journal companion for the haematology, Prakriti assessment and Sara-pariksha exercises.
  6. Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical PhysiologytextbookJohn E. Hall and Michael E. Hall · ElsevierUsed as the reference for the contemporary physiology component; consulted chapter-wise, not read cover to cover.

Rachana Sharira (Human Anatomy)2 papers

Rachana Sharira (AyUG-RS)

Runs on two tracks that students study from different books: Ayurvedic Sharira (Garbha, Marma, Asthi-Sandhi-Snayu counts, Srotas, Kosthanga) memorised with the Sanskrit enumerations from Sushruta Sharirasthana, and gross anatomy learned in the dissection hall from a standard modern anatomy text. Osteology and Marma are the highest-yield memorisation blocks.

  1. Sushruta Samhita - Sharirasthana, with Ayurveda Rahasya Dipika Hindi commentaryclassical textSushruta; commentary by Dr. Bhaskar Govind GhanekarThe classical source text for Ayurvedic anatomy; read chapter by chapter for Garbhavakranti, Marma and the Sharira enumerations.
  2. Pratyaksha Shariram (Sachitra Hindi Pratyaksha Sharira, Vol. 1-2)textbookVaidya Gananath Sen · Chowkhamba Sanskrit Series OfficeThe landmark Sanskrit-Hindi Ayurvedic anatomy treatise; still the departmental authority for reconciling classical and modern anatomical terms.
  3. Ayurvediya Rachana ShariratextbookDr. D. G. Thatte · ChaukhambhaWidely used Hindi text; the companion volumes on Asthi Vijnana and Marma are used for those specific units.
  4. A Text Book of Ayurvedic Human AnatomytextbookDr. Giridhar M. Kanthi · ChaukhambhaNamed in the NCISM AyUG-RS reference list; the usual English-medium choice for the Ayurvedic half.
  5. B. D. Chaurasia's Human Anatomy: Regional and Applied Dissection and Clinical (Vols. 1-4)textbookB. D. Chaurasia · CBS Publishers & DistributorsThe gross anatomy text actually used for dissection and for the modern anatomy questions in Paper II.
  6. Cunningham's Manual of Practical Anatomy (Vols. 1-3)textbookG. J. Romanes (ed.) · Oxford University PressDissection manual named in the NCISM reference list; carried into the dissection hall rather than read at home.

Samhita Adhyayana 1 (Study of Ayurveda Classical Text)1 paper

Samhita Adhyayana 1 (AyUG-SA1)

A single 100-mark paper covering Ashtanga Hridaya Sutrasthana chapters 1-15 and Charaka Samhita Sutrasthana chapters 1-12. This is the one subject read strictly cover to cover in the original: students learn the shlokas verbatim with a Hindi or English commentary alongside, and most keep a shlokavali or shloka-recitation booklet for daily memorisation.

  1. Ashtanga Hridayam of Vagbhata, with Sarvangasundara commentary of Arunadatta and Ayurvedarasayana of Hemadriclassical textVagbhata; edited by Dr. Anna Moreshwar Kunte and Krishnashastri Navre, collated by Pt. Hari Sadashiva Shastri Paradakara · Chaukhambha Surbharati PrakashanThe standard Sanskrit edition with both commentaries; the text departments teach from and cite in answers.
  2. Ashtanga Hridayam (Sutrasthana) - Hindi commentaryclassical textVd. B. L. Gaur · ChaukhambhaHindi-medium reading edition named in the NCISM reference list; the everyday study copy for Hindi-belt students.
  3. Ashtanga Hridayam of Vagbhata - English translationclassical textProf. K. R. Srikantha Murthy · Chowkhamba Krishnadas AcademyThe default English translation for students outside the Hindi belt; the version most often quoted in English answers.
  4. Illustrated Ashtanga HridayatextbookDr. R. Vidyanath · Chaukhambha Surbharati PrakashanChapter-wise explanatory companion with tables and diagrams; used to understand before memorising.
  5. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesha, with Ayurveda Dipika commentary of Chakrapanidattaclassical textAgnivesha; commentary by Chakrapanidatta; edited by Vaidya Yadavji Trikamji Acharya · Chaukhambha Surbharati PrakashanThe authoritative Sanskrit text of Charaka; the edition all Charaka citations are taken from through the whole course.
  6. Charaka Samhita, with Vidyotini Hindi commentaryclassical textPt. Kashinath Shastri and Dr. Gorakhnath Chaturvedi · Chaukhambha Bharati AcademyThe most commonly purchased Hindi Charaka; the two-volume set students actually read from for Sutrasthana 1-12.

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Dwitiya Varsha (Dwitiya Vyavasayika Varsha)

Second professional — 6 subjects

18 months of teaching, then the university examination for the year.

Dravyaguna Vijnana (Pharmacology and Materia Medica - Herbal)2 papers

Dravyaguna Vijnana (AyUG-DG)

Paper I is Fundamental Dravyaguna (Rasa-Guna-Virya-Vipaka-Prabhava, Karma, pharmacognosy, drug evaluation) and Paper II is Applied Dravyaguna, which is essentially a large drug-by-drug memorisation list - Latin name, family, synonyms, Rasapanchaka, karma, prayoga and matra for roughly 200 plants. Students read one textbook for Paper I and then work Paper II as flashcards, cross-checking each drug against a Nighantu; the herbarium and drug-identification practical runs alongside.

  1. Dravyaguna Vijnana (Vol. 1-5; Vol. I Basic Principles, Vol. II Vegetable Drugs)textbookAcharya Priyavrat Sharma · Chaukhambha Bharati AcademyThe definitive Hindi work on the subject; Vol. II is the drug monograph volume departments treat as the standard.
  2. A Text Book of Dravyaguna Vijnana (Vol. 1-2)textbookDr. J. L. N. Sastry and Dr. Tanuja M. Nesari · Chaukhambha OrientaliaThe usual English-medium textbook; the five-volume Dravyaguna Vijnana by the same author is the fuller reference set.
  3. Bhavaprakasha Nighantu of Sri Bhavamisra, with Hindi commentaryclassical textBhavamisra; commentary by Padmashri Prof. K. C. Chunekar; edited by Dr. G. S. Pandey · Chaukhambha Bharati AcademyThe Nighantu every Dravyaguna student owns; the source of the Sanskrit synonym and guna-karma verses quoted in answers.
  4. Dhanvantari Nighantuclassical textedited by Prof. Priyavrat Sharma · Chaukhambha OrientaliaOlder Nighantu used as a second classical authority when synonyms or properties differ between texts.
  5. Some Controversial Drugs in Indian MedicinetextbookDr. Bapalal G. Vaidya · Chaukhambha OrientaliaThe standard reference on Abhava-pratinidhi and disputed plant identities; a recurring source of long-answer questions.
  6. A Text Book of Practical Dravyaguna VijnanatextbookDr. Dhulappa Mehatre · ChaukhambhaPractical manual for herbarium preparation, macroscopic/microscopic identification and the drug spotting exercise.

Rasashastra evam Bhaishajya Kalpana (Materia Medica - Minerals and Metals, and Pharmaceutical Science)2 papers

Rasashastra evam Bhaishajya Kalpana (AyUG-RB)

Paper I is Ayurvediya Aushadhi Nirmana Vigyana (pharmaceutics - shodhana, marana, the kalpanas, Bhasma preparation) and Paper II is Ayurvediya Aushadhi Prayoga Vigyana (clinical use of formulations). Students read one modern textbook for the process descriptions and then memorise formulation compositions, anupana and matra straight from Rasatarangini, Sharangadhara and the Ayurvedic Formulary; the pharmacy practical and the formulation-preparation record run in parallel.

  1. Ayurvediya RasashastratextbookAcharya Siddhinandan Mishra · Chaukhambha OrientaliaThe standard Hindi textbook of Rasashastra; the reference for Parada samskara, Bhasma pariksha and the Rasa-aushadhi chapters.
  2. Bhaishajya Kalpana VijnanamtextbookProf. K. Rama Chandra Reddy · Chaukhambha Sanskrit BhawanThe usual textbook for the Bhaishajya Kalpana half - the panchavidha kashaya kalpana and derived dosage forms.
  3. Rasataranginiclassical textSadananda Sharma; Hindi commentary editionThe core classical Rasashastra text; students work through it taranga by taranga for shodhana-marana methods and Bhasma tests.
  4. Rasaratna Samuccayaclassical textVagbhata; Hindi commentary by Dr. Indradev TripathiSecond classical authority, used for Rasashala design, yantra-musha-puta descriptions and mineral classification.
  5. Sharangadhara Samhita, with Dipika of Adhamalla and Gudhartha Dipika of Kashiramaclassical textSharangadhara; edited by Pt. Parashurama Shastri Vidyasagar · Chaukhambha OrientaliaThe classical source for Bhaishajya Kalpana proportions, mana-paribhasha and the standard kalpanas; heavily quoted in answers.
  6. The Ayurvedic Formulary of India (Parts I, II and III)textbookGovernment of India, Ministry of Ayush (Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Committee)The official formulary named in the NCISM syllabus; used to look up compositions and to standardise practical records.

Roga Nidana evam Vikriti Vigyana (Methods of Diagnosis, Diagnostic Procedures and Pathology)2 papers

Roga Nidana evam Vikriti Vigyana (AyUG-RN)

Paper I covers the fundamental principles of Vikriti Vigyana (Nidana Panchaka, Shatkriyakala, Ama, Srotodushti, the pariksha methods) and Paper II is Vyadhi Vigyana - disease-by-disease nidana with its contemporary correlate. Madhava Nidana is the text read cover to cover and largely memorised; a modern pathology text is used alongside for the laboratory and general-pathology component, and the practical is haematology plus clinical case-taking.

  1. Madhava Nidanam of Sri Madhavakara, with Madhukosha Sanskrit commentary of Vijayarakshita and Srikanthadatta and Vidyotini Hindi commentary (Vol. 1-2)classical textMadhavakara; Hindi notes by Shri Sudarshana Shastri; revised and edited by Prof. Yadunandana Upadhyaya · Chaukhambha Sanskrit BhawanThe central classical text of the subject; students read all 69 chapters and memorise the purvarupa/rupa/samprapti verses.
  2. Madhava Nidanam of Madhavakara - English translationclassical textProf. K. R. Srikantha Murthy · Chaukhambha OrientaliaThe English reading edition of Madhava Nidana for students who do not study in Hindi.
  3. Roga Nidana evam Vikriti Vigyana (Vol. 1-2), as per NCISM syllabustextbookDr. B. K. Sevatkar and Dr. Prabhjot Kaur · ChaukhambhaCurrent NCISM-aligned textbook split to match Paper I and Paper II; the most commonly bought new text for this subject.
  4. Ayurvediya Vikriti Vigyana and Roga Vigyana (Vol. 1-2)textbookProf. P. S. Byadgi and Prof. A. K. Sharma · ChaukhambhaLong-established two-volume text; the departmental standard for Shatkriyakala, Ama and Srotas pathology.
  5. A Textbook for Roga Nidana evam Vikriti Vijnana (Vol. 1-2)textbookDr. Nisha Kumari · ChaukhambhaEnglish-medium NCISM-syllabus textbook, widely used in southern and western colleges.
  6. Textbook of PathologytextbookHarsh Mohan · Jaypee Brothers Medical PublishersThe modern pathology reference for inflammation, neoplasia, haematology and the lab-investigation component; used chapter-wise.

Agada Tantra, Vyavahara Ayurveda evam Vidhi Vaidyaka (Clinical Toxicology and Medical Jurisprudence)1 paper

Agada Tantra, Vyavahara Ayurveda evam Vidhi Vaidyaka (AyUG-AT)

One 100-mark paper covering three distinct blocks: classical Agada Tantra (Visha, Dushivisha, Sthavara/Jangama visha, agada formulations), modern clinical toxicology, and forensic medicine plus medical jurisprudence and the law relating to practice. The classical half is memorised from the Sushruta Kalpasthana and Charaka Chikitsa 23 verses; the forensic half is studied from a standard MBBS forensic text, and the medical-jurisprudence sections (consent, negligence, medical records, Ayush-specific Acts) are the reliable scoring block.

  1. A Textbook of Agada Tantra evam Vidhi Vaidyaka (NCISM Syllabus)textbookDr. Sudheendra V. Honwad · ChaukhambhaWritten to the current single-paper NCISM structure; the usual primary text for the whole subject.
  2. Illustrated Agada Tantra (Handbook of Ayurvedic Toxicology)textbookDr. Mallikarjuna Rao · ChaukhambhaIllustrated treatment of the classical toxicology half; popular for revision and for the practical/spotting component.
  3. A Textbook of Vyavaharayurveda evam VidhivaidyakatextbookDr. D. Anil Kumar and Dr. Mallikarjuna Rao · ChaukhambhaCovers the jurisprudence and legal-practice block - consent, negligence, medical records, Acts relevant to Ayurvedic practice.
  4. The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and ToxicologytextbookDr. K. S. Narayan Reddy · Jaypee Brothers Medical PublishersNamed in the NCISM AyUG-AT reference list; the standard forensic medicine text used for autopsy, injuries and identification.
  5. Textbook of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology: Principles and PracticetextbookDr. V. V. PillayThe second forensic text named in the NCISM reference list; stronger on the clinical toxicology and poisons sections.
  6. Sushruta Samhita, with Ayurveda Tattva Sandipika Hindi commentaryclassical textSushruta; commentary by Kaviraj Ambikadutta Shastri · Chaukhambha Sanskrit SansthanRead for Kalpasthana, the classical Agada Tantra source; students memorise the visha vega, agada yoga and Dushivisha verses from it.

Samhita Adhyayana 2 (Study of Ayurveda Classical Text)1 paper

Samhita Adhyayana 2 (AyUG-SA2)

A single 100-mark paper on the Charaka Samhita Purvardha - the remainder of Sutrasthana beyond the chapters done in AyUG-SA1, plus Nidana, Vimana, Sharira and Indriya Sthana. Like SA1 it is read in the original cover to cover with a commentary alongside, and shlokas are memorised verbatim; students usually keep the Sanskrit edition for citation and a Hindi or English commentary for meaning.

  1. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesha, with Ayurveda Dipika commentary of Chakrapanidattaclassical textAgnivesha; commentary by Chakrapanidatta; edited by Vaidya Yadavji Trikamji Acharya · Chaukhambha Surbharati PrakashanThe authoritative Sanskrit text with Chakrapani's commentary; the edition answers are expected to cite.
  2. Charaka Samhita, with Vidyotini Hindi commentary (Vol. 1-2)classical textPt. Kashinath Shastri and Dr. Gorakhnath Chaturvedi · Chaukhambha Bharati AcademyThe single most purchased Hindi Charaka; the working reading copy for the whole Purvardha.
  3. Charaka Samhita, with Charaka Chandrika Hindi commentaryclassical textDr. Brahmanand TripathiAlternative Hindi commentary named in the NCISM reference list; preferred by some departments for its explanatory notes.
  4. Agnivesa's Caraka Samhita - text with English translation and critical exposition based on Chakrapanidatta's Ayurveda Dipika (7 volumes)classical textDr. Ram Karan Sharma and Vaidya Bhagwan Dash · Chowkhamba Sanskrit Series OfficeThe standard English translation-with-commentary; the default for English-medium students and for quoting in English answers.
  5. Caraka Samhita (Vol. 1: Sutrasthana to Indriyasthana) - text with English translationclassical textProf. Priyavrat Sharma · Chaukhambha OrientaliaCompact English edition covering exactly the Purvardha; commonly used as the portable study copy for this paper.
  6. The Caraka Samhita (Illustrated) - Jamnagar Editionclassical textShree Gulabkunverba Ayurvedic Society, JamnagarThe classic six-language Jamnagar edition; kept as a departmental reference for comparative readings.

Swasthavritta evam Yoga (Lifestyle Management, Public Health and Yoga)2 papers

Swasthavritta evam Yoga (AyUG-SW)

Often overlooked in older subject lists but it is a full 2-paper, 400-mark Second Professional subject under NCISM. Paper I is classical Swasthavritta (Dinacharya, Ritucharya, Sadvritta, Ahara-vidhi, Nidra, Brahmacharya) and Paper II is community medicine and yoga; students read one Swasthavritta textbook cover to cover for Paper I, use Park for the epidemiology, nutrition, sanitation and national health programme content of Paper II, and practise the prescribed asana-pranayama set for the practical.

  1. Svasthavrtta (Swasthavritta Vijnana), New EditiontextbookDr. Mangalagowri V. Rao · Chaukhambha OrientaliaThe most widely used English-medium Swasthavritta textbook; covers both the classical and community-health halves.
  2. A Textbook of Swasthavritta and Yoga (NCISM Syllabus)textbookDr. Beena M. D. and Dr. P. Sudhakar Reddy · ChaukhambhaWritten to the current two-paper NCISM structure; the usual primary text for students admitted from 2021-22 onwards.
  3. Swasthavritta evam YogatextbookDr. Sarvesh Kumar Agrawal · ChaukhambhaHindi-medium standard for the subject; the companion Swasthavritta Sutra Samgraha is used for shloka revision.
  4. Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social MedicinetextbookK. Park · Banarsidas Bhanot Publishers, Jabalpur · 28th edition, 2025 editionThe public health text for Paper II - epidemiology, nutrition, sanitation, immunisation and national health programmes.
  5. Hathayoga Pradipika of Svatmarama (Hindi)classical textSvatmarama; edition by Dr. Sarvesh Kumar Agrawal · ChaukhambhaThe classical yoga text prescribed for the yoga component; asana, pranayama, shatkarma and mudra descriptions are memorised from it.
  6. The Essence of YogatextbookDr. Mangalagowri V. Rao · ChaukhambhaUsed alongside the classical text for the practical yoga record and for applied/therapeutic yoga questions.

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Tritiya Varsha

Third (final) professional — 9 subjects

18 months of teaching, then the university examination for the year.

Kayachikitsa (Internal Medicine, including Manasa Roga, Rasayana and Vajikarana)3 papers · 500 marks

Kayachikitsa
AyUG-KC

The biggest subject of the course - three theory papers of 100 each, plus 100 practical, 70 viva and 30 internal assessment. Students work it as a two-track subject: Charaka Chikitsa Sthana chapter by chapter for the Ayurvedic disease framework (nidana-samprapti-chikitsa of Jwara, Grahani, Prameha, Kushtha, Vatavyadhi, Pandu and the rest), and a modern medicine text alongside it for the same diseases in contemporary terms, because case presentation, differential diagnosis and investigations are examined in the clinical viva. The classical text is read for the samprapti and the yoga (formulation) lists; the modern text is read for pathophysiology and bedside method.

  1. Charaka Samhita (Chikitsa Sthana), with Vidyotini Hindi commentaryclassical textAgnivesha; commentary by Pt. Kashinath Shastri and Dr. Gorakhnath Chaturvedi · Chaukhambha Bharati AcademyThe core text of the subject; Volume 2 (Uttarardha) carries the whole of Chikitsa Sthana, which is what the three papers are built on.
  2. Charaka Samhita with the Ayurveda Dipika commentary of Chakrapanidattaclassical textAgnivesha; edited by Vaidya Jadavji Trikamji Acharya · Chaukhambha Surbharati PrakashanThe Sanskrit-only critical edition with Chakrapani's commentary; kept for exact quotations, references and elective/seminar work rather than for first reading.
  3. Ashtanga Hridayam, with Nirmala Hindi commentaryclassical textVagbhata; commentary by Dr. Brahmanand Tripathi · Chaukhamba Sanskrit PratishthanRead in parallel with Charaka for the compact Chikitsa Sthana verses that are easier to memorise and quote in answers.
  4. Bhaishajya Ratnavali, with Vidyotini Hindi commentaryclassical textKaviraj Govind Das Sen; commentary by Kaviraj Ambikadatta Shastri · Chaukhambha PrakashanThe formulary students actually prescribe from - disease-wise yoga lists used for the treatment half of every long answer and for internship prescriptions.
  5. Kayachikitsa (multi-volume)textbookProf. Ajay Kumar Sharma · Chaukhambha Publications, New DelhiThe standard Hindi-medium Kayachikitsa textbook set, written to the CCIM/NCISM syllabus sequence; the usual first-reading book before going back to Charaka.
  6. API Textbook of MedicinetextbookAssociation of Physicians of India; edited by Sandhya A. Kamath · Jaypee Brothers Medical PublishersThe modern medicine reference paired with Kayachikitsa for pathophysiology, investigations and emergency management asked in the practical and viva.

Panchakarma and Upakarma (Therapeutic Procedures and Bio-purification)1 paper · 300 marks

Panchakarma evam Upakarma
AyUG-PK

One theory paper of 100 but 100 practical, 70 viva and 30 IA - the marks sit in the procedure room, not the paper. Students learn it by doing: Snehana, Swedana, Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Nasya and Raktamokshana are memorised as poorva-karma / pradhana-karma / paschat-karma sequences with their yogya-ayogya, vyapad and their management, and the classical basis (Charaka Siddhi Sthana and Kalpa Sthana, Sushruta Chikitsa Sthana) is quoted for doses, matra and kala.

  1. Charaka Samhita (Kalpa Sthana and Siddhi Sthana), with Vidyotini Hindi commentaryclassical textAgnivesha; commentary by Pt. Kashinath Shastri and Dr. Gorakhnath Chaturvedi · Chaukhambha Bharati AcademyThe primary classical source for Vamana/Virechana kalpas and for the whole of Basti karma and its vyapad.
  2. Sushruta Samhita (Chikitsa Sthana), with Ayurveda Tattva Sandipika Hindi commentaryclassical textSushruta; commentary by Kaviraj Ambikadatta Shastri · Chaukhambha Sanskrit SansthanUsed for the Sushruta view of Snehana, Swedana, Basti and Raktamokshana, which is examined alongside the Charaka version.
  3. Ayurvediya Panchakarma VigyantextbookVaidya Haridas Shridhar Kasture · Shri Baidyanath Ayurved BhavanThe long-standing Hindi Panchakarma textbook; the reference most departments still teach from for procedure detail and complications.
  4. Principles and Practice of PanchakarmatextbookDr. S. Suresh Babu · Chaukhambha OrientaliaEnglish-medium reference covering principles, indications and the practical conduct of each karma; common in non-Hindi states.
  5. Principles and Practice of Pancakarma (A Comprehensive Book for U.G., P.G., Researchers and Practitioners)textbookVaidya Vasant C. PatilIllustrated English text used for practical write-ups, therapist technique and the Panchakarma record book kept during postings.
  6. Textbook of Panchakarma and Upakarma (NCISM Syllabus)textbookDr. Chetan Madhukar GulhaneWritten to the AyUG-PK competency list, so it maps directly onto the current single-paper syllabus.

Shalya Tantra (General Surgery, including Anushastra Karma and Ksharasutra)2 papers · 400 marks

Shalya Tantra
AyUG-ST

Two theory papers of 100 each plus 100 practical, 70 viva and 30 IA. The Ayurvedic half is Sushruta - Sutra Sthana for surgical principles, yantra-shastra, sandhana and vrana, and Chikitsa Sthana for Arsha, Bhagandara, Ashmari and Bhagna - while the modern half is a standard Indian surgery text read for asepsis, wound care, hernia, abdominal conditions and surgical instruments, all of which come up in the OT practical and instrument viva. Ksharasutra and Agnikarma are the signature practical skills and are learned in the OPD.

  1. Sushruta Samhita, with Ayurveda Tattva Sandipika Hindi commentary (2 volumes)classical textSushruta; commentary by Kaviraj Ambikadatta Shastri · Chaukhambha Sanskrit SansthanThe set every Shalya student buys; Purvardha for Sutra and Nidana Sthana, Uttarardha for Chikitsa and Uttara Tantra.
  2. Sushruta Samhita with the Nibandhasangraha commentary of Dalhanaclassical textSushruta; edited by Vaidya Jadavji Trikamji Acharya · Chaukhambha Surbharati PrakashanSanskrit critical edition with Dalhana's commentary; the reference used for exact citations in electives and dissertation-style work.
  3. A Textbook of Shalya Tantra (Volumes 1-2)textbookDr. Mohasin Kadegaon · Chaukhambha OrientaliaColour illustrated two-volume set written for BAMS Third Professional; the usual classroom textbook for the two papers.
  4. A Concise Textbook of SurgerytextbookDr. S. DasThe modern surgery text paired with Shalya Tantra; read for systemic surgery, wound management and pre/post-operative care.
  5. A Manual on Clinical SurgerytextbookDr. S. DasThe clinical-examination companion - how to elicit signs, present a surgical case and handle instruments and specimens in the practical exam.
  6. SRB's Manual of SurgerytextbookSriram Bhat M. · Jaypee Brothers Medical PublishersHeavily illustrated surgery manual used for instruments, X-rays and the picture-based spotting section of the practical.

Shalakya Tantra (Ophthalmology, Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Oro-Dentistry and Shiro Roga)2 papers · 400 marks

Shalakya Tantra
AyUG-SL

Two papers of 100 each plus 100 practical, 70 viva and 30 IA, and it splits cleanly in two - Paper I is Netra Roga (eye), Paper II is Karna, Nasa, Mukha, Danta and Shiro Roga. Students read Sushruta Uttara Tantra and Ashtanga Hridaya Uttara Sthana for the classical disease lists and the Kriyakalpa procedures (Tarpana, Putapaka, Anjana, Seka, Nasya, Karnapurana, Gandusha), and pair each with a modern ophthalmology and an ENT text because the practical exam involves refraction, ophthalmoscopy and ENT instrument identification.

  1. Sushruta Samhita (Uttara Tantra), with Ayurveda Tattva Sandipika Hindi commentaryclassical textSushruta; commentary by Kaviraj Ambikadatta Shastri · Chaukhambha Sanskrit SansthanUttara Tantra is the classical seat of Shalakya - the 76 netra rogas, karna, nasa and mukha rogas are all read from here.
  2. Ashtanga Hridayam (Uttara Sthana), with Nirmala Hindi commentaryclassical textVagbhata; commentary by Dr. Brahmanand Tripathi · Chaukhamba Sanskrit PratishthanVagbhata's Uttara Sthana is the more compact Shalakya source and the version most often quoted in answers.
  3. A Text Book of Shalakya Tantra, Volume I (Netra Roga) and Volume IItextbookDr. Adikanda Biswal · Chaukhambha Sanskrit SansthanThe standard English two-volume Shalakya textbook, split exactly along the Paper I / Paper II line.
  4. Shalakya Tantra, Volume 1 (Ophthalmology) and Volume 2 (Otorhinolaryngology and Headache)textbookProf. Anil Verma · ChaukhambhaWidely used alternative textbook set; also available as a shorter handbook version for revision.
  5. Comprehensive OphthalmologytextbookA. K. Khurana · Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers · 10th edition (2025) editionThe modern eye text paired with Netra Roga; used for refraction, clinical methods and the eye instruments in the practical.
  6. Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat and Head and Neck SurgerytextbookP. L. Dhingra and Shruti Dhingra · ElsevierThe modern ENT text paired with Karna-Nasa-Mukha Roga; read for examination technique and instrument identification.

Prasuti Tantra evam Stri Roga (Obstetrics and Gynaecology)2 papers · 400 marks

Prasuti Tantra evam Stri Roga
AyUG-PS

Two papers of 100 each plus 100 practical, 60 viva, 10 elective and 30 IA. Paper I is Prasuti Tantra (garbha, garbhini paricharya, prasava, sutika, and the modern obstetric content) and Paper II is Stri Roga (artava vyapad, yonivyapad, and modern gynaecology). This is the most labour-room-dependent subject of the year: students carry one Ayurvedic text - almost always Premvati Tewari - alongside a standard Indian obstetrics and a standard gynaecology text, because antenatal examination, partograph, and instrument and specimen spotting are all examined.

  1. Ayurvediya Prasuti-Tantra evam Stri-Roga (Part 1: Prasuti Tantra; Part 2: Stri Roga)textbookProf. (Km.) Premvati Tewari · Chaukhambha OrientaliaThe definitive BAMS text for this subject; Part 1 and Part 2 correspond to Paper I and Paper II, and almost every department teaches from it.
  2. Charaka Samhita (Sharira Sthana, and Yonivyapat Chikitsa of Chikitsa Sthana), with Vidyotini Hindi commentaryclassical textAgnivesha; commentary by Pt. Kashinath Shastri and Dr. Gorakhnath Chaturvedi · Chaukhambha Bharati AcademyThe classical basis for garbha-utpatti, garbhini paricharya and the twenty yonivyapads, quoted directly in theory answers.
  3. Sushruta Samhita (Sharira Sthana and Nidana Sthana), with Ayurveda Tattva Sandipika Hindi commentaryclassical textSushruta; commentary by Kaviraj Ambikadatta Shastri · Chaukhambha Sanskrit SansthanRead for garbha-vikranti, masanumasika vriddhi and the Sushruta account of prasava and its complications.
  4. DC Dutta's Textbook of Obstetrics, including Perinatology and ContraceptiontextbookD. C. Dutta; edited by Hiralal Konar · Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers · 10th edition editionThe modern obstetrics standard in India; used for antenatal care, labour management and obstetric emergencies in Paper I and the labour-room posting.
  5. DC Dutta's Textbook of GynecologytextbookD. C. Dutta; edited by Hiralal Konar · Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers · 9th edition (2024) editionThe modern gynaecology pairing for Paper II - menstrual disorders, infections, infertility and the gynaecology instruments in the viva.
  6. Shaw's Textbook of GynaecologytextbookV. G. Padubidri and Shirish N. Daftary (eds.) · ElsevierAlternative modern gynaecology text; kept by students who want a second explanation of operative and oncology topics.

Kaumarabhritya (Ayurvedic Paediatrics, Balaroga)1 paper · 300 marks

Kaumarabhritya (Balaroga)
AyUG-KB

One theory paper of 100 plus 100 practical, 60 viva, 10 elective and 30 IA. The Ayurvedic spine is Kashyapa Samhita - navajata paricharya, ksheerapa/ksheerannada stages, dantotpatti, stanya and stanyadushti, and the Balagraha chapters - and it is paired with a modern paediatrics text for growth and development charts, immunisation schedule, nutrition and neonatal care, all of which are examined in the practical. Students are expected to be able to take a paediatric history and do an anthropometric assessment.

  1. Kashyapa Samhita (Vriddhajivakiya Tantra), with Vidyotini Hindi commentaryclassical textVriddha Jivaka; commentary by Ayurvedalankar Shri Satyapala Bhishagacharya · Chaukhambha Sanskrit SansthanThe classical text of the subject; the Hindi edition every Kaumarabhritya student buys for stanya, navajata and balagraha topics.
  2. Kashyapa Samhita (Vriddhajivakiya Tantra), text with English translation and commentaryclassical textVriddha Jivaka; translated by Prof. P. V. TewariThe English edition, bought in place of the Hindi one in non-Hindi-medium colleges.
  3. Child Health Care in AyurvedatextbookProf. Abhimanyu KumarEnglish reference on Ayurvedic paediatric care; used for suvarnaprashana, balya rasayana and the preventive-paediatrics portion.
  4. Ayurvediya KaumarbhrityatextbookProf. D. N. MishraHindi-medium Kaumarabhritya textbook covering the syllabus disease list in the classical order.
  5. Principles and Practice of Pediatrics in AyurvedatextbookDr. C. H. S. ShastryEnglish textbook that puts the classical material and modern paediatric practice side by side, which is how the paper is set.
  6. Ghai Essential PediatricstextbookO. P. Ghai; edited by Vinod K. Paul and Arvind Bagga · CBS Publishers and Distributors · 10th edition (2025) editionThe modern paediatrics standard in India; the source for growth charts, the immunisation schedule and neonatal care in the practical and viva.

Samhita Adhyayana 3 (Charaka Samhita Uttarardha - Chikitsa, Kalpa and Siddhi Sthana)1 paper · 200 marks

Samhita Adhyayana - 3
AyUG-SA3

One theory paper of 100, with 75 viva/practical, 10 elective and 15 IA, over 150 notional hours - the syllabus is the 54 chapters of Charaka Samhita Uttarardha (Chikitsa Sthana, Kalpa Sthana, Siddhi Sthana). It is studied as a Sanskrit-text paper, not a clinical one: students read the mula shloka with a Hindi or English commentary, memorise the key sutras and definitions, and are examined on the meaning of verses and on Chakrapani's explanation, so the same Charaka volumes bought for Kayachikitsa do double duty here.

  1. Charaka Samhita, Uttarardha (Volume 2), with Vidyotini Hindi commentaryclassical textAgnivesha; commentary by Pt. Kashinath Shastri and Dr. Gorakhnath Chaturvedi · Chaukhambha Bharati AcademyExactly the AyUG-SA3 syllabus in one volume - Chikitsa, Kalpa and Siddhi Sthana with running Hindi commentary; the single most-bought book for this paper.
  2. Charaka Samhita with the Ayurveda Dipika commentary of Chakrapanidattaclassical textAgnivesha; edited by Vaidya Jadavji Trikamji Acharya · Chaukhambha Surbharati PrakashanThe Sanskrit critical edition; needed because the paper asks for Chakrapani's interpretation of set verses.
  3. Caraka Samhita (text with English translation)classical textAgnivesha; translated by Prof. Priyavrat Sharma · Chaukhambha OrientaliaThe concise English translation used in English-medium colleges as the working reading text.
  4. Agnivesa's Caraka Samhita, text with English translation and critical exposition based on Chakrapanidatta's Ayurveda Dipikaclassical textR. K. Sharma and Vaidya Bhagwan Dash · Chowkhamba Sanskrit Series OfficeThe multi-volume English set with commentary exposition; the reference for elective work and for students who want Chakrapani in English.

Research Methodology and Medical Statistics1 paper · 50 marks

Anusandhana Vidhi evam Ayurvijnana Sankhyiki
AyUG-RM

A single 50-mark theory paper - the smallest subject of the year, and the one students read last. It covers research design, sampling, literature search, ethics, and basic biostatistics (mean, SD, tests of significance, p-value), and it exists mainly to prepare students for the internship logbook, for the elective/project work and for MD/MS research later, so most students study it from one slim methodology book plus one biostatistics book rather than from the classical literature.

  1. Research Methodology: Methods and TechniquestextbookC. R. Kothari and Gaurav Garg · New Age International PublishersThe standard Indian research-methodology text; used for research design, sampling and report writing.
  2. Methods in Biostatistics for Medical Students and Research WorkerstextbookB. K. Mahajan · Jaypee Brothers Medical PublishersThe medical-statistics half of the paper - sampling, tests of significance and interpretation, worked with medical examples.
  3. Research Methodology and Medical Statistics (NCISM Syllabus)textbookDr. Nasreen Hanifa, Dr. P. Hemantha Kumar and Dr. SatyavatiWritten directly to the AyUG-RM competency list, so it matches the 50-mark paper without extra reading.

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How many years is BAMS?

Five and a half years in total — three professional years of 18 months each, which is four and a half years of teaching, followed by a 12-month compulsory rotatory internship.

Does BAMS have a fourth year?

The taught course runs to three professional years — Prathama, Dwitiya and Tritiya Varsha. The third professional is the final taught year, and the stage after it is the 12-month internship.

Which edition of Charaka Samhita should I buy?

Departments in India generally teach from the Vidyotini Hindi commentary by Kashinath Shastri and Gorakhnath Chaturvedi, published by Chaukhambha Bharati Academy. Check what your own department uses first, because examiners expect that edition's numbering.

Do BAMS students read modern medical textbooks too?

Yes, from the second year onward and heavily in the third. Shalya Tantra is paired with a surgery text, Prasuti Tantra with an obstetrics text, Kaumarabhritya with a paediatrics text, and Swasthavritta with Park. Both are on this list for each subject.

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