BAMS vs MBBS: Which Medical Path is Right for You After 12th Science?

Are you planning to enter the medical field after completing your 12th? A medical path is one of the most sought-after career fields after completing the 12th grade. To enter the medical path, you must appear for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Your scores shall determine which college and course you can be admitted to. There are various courses that you can pursue, such as BDS, MBBS, BAMS, BVSc&AH, BHMS, BSMS, and more.

In this blog, we provide a comprehensive comparison of BAMS and MBBS. Both courses offer great learning opportunities. However, if you don’t know which course to choose after 12th science, this blog has got you. From understanding the courses to future career scope, the blog covers it all. Want to make an informed decision for your future? Let’s get, set, and go.

What is BAMS?

The full form of BAMS is Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery. This is a five-and-a-half-year course. After completing the course, it is mandatory to complete a one-year internship. It is one part of alternative medicine that focuses on the holistic well-being of an individual. BAMS equips you with the knowledge and skills of the Ayurvedic principles. The programme provides a diverse range of subjects, exploring different aspects of Ayurveda and the human body. It is essential to note that India is rapidly becoming a wellness capital, offering a range of career opportunities following the completion of a BAMS degree.

What is MBBS?

The full form of MBBS is Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. It is also a five-and-a-half-year undergraduate course. The course includes a 12-month mandatory internship. This course offers both academic knowledge and hands-on training in various medical specialities. The MBBS curriculum includes three phases: pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical subjects. It shall equip you with the skills necessary for diagnosing and conducting surgery.

Also read: MBBS Explained: Full Form, Details, Fee, Specialisations, and more

Key Highlights: BAMS vs. MBBS

Both MBBS and BAMS are two different branches of the medical field. BAMS is an alternative form of medicine deep-rooted in Ayurvedic principles. Whereas, MBBS specialises in Western medicine. One uses age-old principles with a mix of contemporary practices to diagnose, identify, and treat your bodily issues. Whereas the other uses modern techniques and equipment to diagnose the ailments. In this section, we are going to compare the key features of the BAMS and MBBS degrees.

If you want, you can also read: Courses Under NEET Other Than MBBS

BAMS vs MBBS: Understanding Course Overview

The BAMS course focuses on the principles and teachings of Ayurveda. This five and a half years long programme, 4.5 years of studies and one year of internship. It covers a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. It provides a diverse range of subjects, exploring different aspects of Ayurveda and the human body. The programme allows you to pursue specialisations like sharir kriya, rasa shastra, agad tantra, swastha britta, and more.

MBBS is a blend of modern Western medical knowledge and practical experience. It typically lasts for five years. This is an intense course which begins with building a foundation in biomedical science subjects. In the following years, you cover many specialities and different medical procedures. In the final year, you have to work as an intern in different departments.

Comparing the Eligibility Criteria: BAMS vs MBBS

To be suitable for BAMS, you must meet the eligibility requirements. As per the minimum eligibility criteria, you should have cleared your 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology from a recognised board. A minimum score of 50-60% in the 12th grade is required to meet the course qualifications. Mandatory qualifying marks in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG.

Most medical institutions require high marks in the NEET UG exam. Moreover, you must have completed your 12th grade with a focus on physics, chemistry, biotechnology, and biology. In addition to your NEET scores, you must have good grades in the 12th grade to qualify for the top MBBS institutions in India.

BAMS vs MBBS: Career Scope

After completing the BAMS, you can explore a wide range of career opportunities. From building a private practice to joining a private company, you just need to find the right fit for you. Some of the industries you can check out are healthcare, drug manufacturing, education, and wellness.

MBBS makes you a qualified physician in a variety of medical specialities. Upon completion of the course, you can pursue higher education to develop a niche in the field. Once specialisation is completed, you can enter diverse career fields, such as surgery, general medicine, medical assisting, psychiatry, and more.

What are the Job Profiles and Salary Range?

In this section, we cover the top job roles and salary range in the field of Ayurveda. Salary range would help you make an informed decision for your future. Here is a list of the job roles and salary ranges you can pursue after completing a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery.

Source: Glassdoor

Upon completing your MBBS, you have a window of opportunity for various career paths. In this section, we explore various job roles along with their corresponding salary ranges. Explore the list of job roles you can pursue after completing your MBBS, along with their corresponding salary ranges. 

Source: Glassdoor

Also read: Top 10 Professional Courses After 12th: 2025 Edition

Takeaway: Which to Choose, BAMS or MBBS?

By now, you know the importance of both courses in the medical field. BAMS takes you into the field of Ayurveda. MBBS explores the allopathic path in identifying and diagnosing a disease. However, both fields are dedicated towards helping fellow human beings lead a quality and healthy life.

So, to answer your question, you need to understand what is more important for you. What kind of medicine do you wish to practise? Once you find your answer, you know which programme to choose after your 12th. If you have already made the decision, then you know what to do now. Start preparing for your dream career.