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This is a science of life. It explains the relationship between the nature and the body. It explains the common factors between the outside and the inside and lays guidelines for maintaining a balance.

Ayurved is based on the principles of doshas, dhatu, and mala.
Doshas are the acting principles of the body. There are three doshas - vata, pitta, and kapha.
Dhatus are the tissues of the body, and malas are the waste products. The aim of ayurved is to maintain the balance of three doshas, dhatus, and mala.

Generally people who have been exposed to this medicine in their early life have faith in it. If you have seen this medicine work on you or someone close to you, then it acts as a catalyst in deciding your career option in medicine.

You have to take the common entrance tests after completing standard 12 with physics, chemistry and biology. There are a variety of entrance exams available, like the All India Pre medical entrance exam [at the national level], the individual state entrance exam [for domicile holders], entrance exams of central government colleges like AIIMS, and the entrance exams of private colleges and deemed universities.

Your rank can be less competitive if you want to opt for Ayurveda. This is because the dominance of modern medicine or allopathy is huge. Although there is a shift happening, it is quite gradual.

This Bachelor degree in Ayurvedic medicine and surgery [Ayurvedacharya] is of five and a half year duration, including a yearlong internship. The four and a half year of academics is divided into three years of one and a half year each. During these three years, one learns the basic MBBS subjects, as well as the specialised ayurveda subjects.

(A) For First year Ayurvedacharya - duration 1½ year

(a) Sanskrit
(b) Padartha Vigyan
(c) Ayurved Itihas
(d) Ashtang Hriday
(e) Sharir Rachana Vigyan
(f) Sharir Kriya Vigyan

(B) For Second year Ayurvedacharya - duration 1½ year

(a) Swasthavritta
(b) Dravyaguna Vigyan
(c) Rasashastra Bhaishaja – Kalpana
(d) Rogavigyan and Vikruti Vigyan
(e) Agadatantra and Vidhi Ayurved
(f) Charak Samhita (Purvardha)

(C) For Final year Ayurvedacharya - duration 1½ year

(a) Charak Samhita (Uttarardha)
(b) Kayachikitsa
(c) Streeroga &Prasuti Tantra
(d) Balroga (Kaumarbhritya)
(e) Shalya – Tantra
(f) Shalakya – Tantra

In the first year, as you have read, Sanskrit is also a subject. Actually Ayurved is completely written in Sanskrit. Of course there are books available in Marathi, Hindi, and English as well, but knowledge of Sanskrit always helps in unravelling the meanings on your own, rather than relying on translations.

A diploma in Ayurveda can be pursued. Many private institutes offer these diplomas of varying lengths.

There are 17 specialisations in ayurveda, including those of pharmacist, surgeon, dieticians, gynaecologist, teacher, panchkarma practitioner, etc. A BAMS student can opt for any of these areas of work.

The post graduation in Ayurveda is of three years, and further PHD is of two years.

Though Ayurveda is an ancient method of healing diseases, it's only in recent times that the demand has increased considerably. Also, Ayurveda is returning to India through its popularity abroad. Hence more and more students are now interested in taking up Ayurveda. Numerous colleges in India offer courses in Ayurveda both at undergraduate and post-graduate level.

As an Ayurvedic doctor you will base your diagnosis on darshan, prashnan, and naadi parikshan.
Darshan means observation. This includes the colour of the hair, the texture of the skin, the shape of the body, the lustre in the eyes, the manner of walking etc.
Prashnan means taking the medical history and current complaint. Here you will shoot a barrage of questions at the patient, which, when truthfully answered, will help you make the diagnosis.
Naadi Parikshan means checking the pulse. This is the most unique point of Ayurveda. From the pulse of the patient the doctor gauges the patient's characteristics, the body type, the constitution, and of course the ailment troubling him.

So the symptoms, the interrogation, and the pulse will help you make the correct diagnosis.

Your treatment will not only comprise of medicines [like rasayanas, churnas, tablets etc] but could also include therapies like massage, shiro dhara, music therapy, panchakarma treatment and so on.

Once you have acquired the BAMSS degree, you can join any private or government college as a Resident Medical Officer. You could also join a teaching institute for imparting the knowledge you have gained. Most of the doctors prefer setting up their own clinics in a populated locality. They diagnose the ailment and prescribe medicines. These medicines are available in ayurvedic chemist stores. Many private set ups have their own pharmacy for manufacturing ayurvedic drugs with their unique formulae.

The Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha (CCRAS), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, is engaged in research in various fundamental and applied aspects of ayurveda. Here Ayurveda qualified individuals can perform research work for further development in the field.

The earning is limited in a government or private hospital. But if it is your private practice, then your skill and treatments can earn you a reputation and money in due course of time. Besides, there are many Ayurvedic centres, which will be glad to hire your skills for a decent compensation.

Ayurveda not only focuses on healing illness, but it also works on prevention of diseases and longevity or age reversal. It is a timeless science which never has and never will turn archaic. Having no side effects, and working in harmony with human body and natural balance, Ayurveda is turning into the staff and support of human life.