Overview
Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery
BUMS (Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery) is a specialized 5-year medical degree that opens doors to a unique healthcare career rooted in traditional Islamic and Greco-Arabic medicine systems. Graduates are recognized practitioners with government licensure in India, making them eligible to establish private clinics, work in government hospitals with Unani departments, and contribute to the growing wellness industry that values traditional medicine alternatives.
The course develops expertise in diagnosis, pharmaceutical formulation, and patient management using classical Unani principles and modern clinical practices. With increasing national focus on AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy) healthcare, demand for qualified Unani physicians is rising across hospitals, wellness centers, and pharmaceutical companies that manufacture Unani medicines.
Admission Process
BUMS Admission Process 2026
BUMS admission is conducted through NEET UG, the mandatory national entrance exam for all undergraduate medical and AYUSH programmes in India.
Entrance Exams
Top BUMS Entrance Exams 2026
Admission to BUMS colleges in India is primarily through entrance examinations. Here are the major exams accepted for BUMS admission:
National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate)
| Exam | Level | Conducting Body | Colleges Accepting |
|---|
| NEET UG National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) | National | National Testing Agency (NTA) | 8 |
Fees Range
BUMS Fee Structure Comparison
BUMS is among the most affordable medical degrees in India, with government college fees lower than most other medical programmes.
Fee Range by College Type
| College Type | Annual Fee | Total (5.5 Years) |
|---|
| Government (AMU, NIM) | ₹5,000-₹20,000 | ₹25,000-₹1 Lakh |
| Other Government | ₹10,000-₹30,000 | ₹50,000-₹1.5 Lakh |
| Private Colleges | ₹50,000-₹3 Lakh | ₹2.5-₹15 Lakh |
BUMS vs Other AYUSH Degrees - Fee Comparison
| Programme | Govt College Fees | Private Fees |
|---|
| BUMS | ₹25K-₹1.5L | ₹2.5-₹15L |
| BAMS | ₹25K-₹1.5L | ₹5-₹40L |
| BHMS | ₹15K-₹1.25L | ₹2.5-₹25L |
| MBBS | ₹50K-₹5L | ₹15-₹75L |
Top Colleges
Top BUMS Colleges in India (2026)
Here are the most popular colleges offering BUMS based on student interest.
New Delhi, Delhi
Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh
| # | College | Type | Fees | Rating |
|---|
| 1 | Jamia Hamdard New Delhi, Delhi | Deemed | ₹662,000 | - |
| 2 | Aligarh Muslim University Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh | Government | - | - |
Syllabus
BUMS Syllabus & Subjects
The BUMS syllabus is prescribed by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) and covers Unani medical science alongside modern medical subjects. The programme spans 5.5 years (4.5 years academic + 1 year internship).
Career Scope
Why Choose BUMS?
BUMS (Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery) is a specialized 5-year medical degree that opens doors to a unique healthcare career rooted in traditional Islamic and Greco-Arabic medicine systems. Graduates are recognized practitioners with government licensure in India, making them eligible to establish private clinics, work in government hospitals with Unani departments, and contribute to the growing wellness industry that values traditional medicine alternatives.
The course develops expertise in diagnosis, pharmaceutical formulation, and patient management using classical Unani principles and modern clinical practices. With increasing national focus on AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy) healthcare, demand for qualified Unani physicians is rising across hospitals, wellness centers, and pharmaceutical companies that manufacture Unani medicines.
Graduates earn competitive salaries (₹2.5-10 LPA depending on specialization and location), with opportunities for private practice generating significantly higher income. The course also appeals to entrepreneurs interested in launching Unani medicine-based wellness brands or pharmaceutical products in India's growing ₹4,000+ crore traditional medicine market.
Skills Required Before Joining
- Biology: Strong 12th-level biology (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- Urdu/Arabic (Helpful): Classical texts are in Urdu, Arabic, and Persian
- Interest in Traditional Medicine: Understanding of Unani philosophy
- Empathy & Communication: Patient-centric approach essential
- Memorisation: Learning 400+ Unani drugs and formulations
- Manual Skills: For regimental therapy procedures (Hijama, cupping)
Counselling Process
AACCC conducts centralized counselling for 15% seats in government BUMS colleges. Register online, fill college preferences, and participate in seat allotment rounds.
State-level counselling bodies handle 85% of seats. Major states with BUMS colleges include Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana. Domicile certificate required.
Special Consideration
Urdu Proficiency: While not mandatory for admission, knowledge of Urdu is highly beneficial as many classical Unani texts are in Urdu/Arabic/Persian. Some colleges may offer basic Urdu language courses during the programme. Candidates with prior Urdu knowledge may find the coursework more accessible.
Language Studies
BUMS includes study of classical languages for reading original Unani texts:
- Arabic: For reading classical texts like Al-Qanoon fil Tib (Canon of Medicine by Ibn Sina)
- Persian/Urdu: Many important Unani texts and formularies are in Persian/Urdu
BUMS Year-wise Curriculum
BUMS is structured across 4 professional years (4.5 academic years) + 1 year compulsory rotatory internship, with progressive transition from foundational to clinical subjects.
Compulsory Rotatory Internship (1 Year)
12-month internship rotating through Moalejat (Medicine), Ilmul Jarahat (Surgery), Qabalat (Obstetrics), Amraz-e-Atfal (Paediatrics), Ilaj Bit Tadbeer (Regimental Therapy), and Community Medicine departments.
Key Takeaway
Choose BUMS if you are interested in the Unani system of medicine, particularly regimental therapies like Hijama (cupping) which are gaining global popularity. BUMS has a niche but loyal patient base and strong demand in regions with significant Muslim populations. The smaller number of colleges means less competition for government jobs. Choose BAMS if you prefer a broader job market and stronger government support ecosystem.
BUMS Scope & Future Trends
The Unani system of medicine is experiencing renewed interest, driven by the global popularity of cupping therapy (Hijama), growing preference for natural medicine, and government support through the AYUSH Ministry.
Growth Drivers
Cupping therapy has gained global attention - used by Olympic athletes and celebrities. The WHO has recognized cupping as a therapeutic technique. BUMS graduates are the most qualified practitioners for Hijama in India, creating a niche market advantage.
The Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) is conducting clinical trials and standardizing Unani drugs. Pharmacopoeia development and GMP standards are improving the scientific credibility and export potential of Unani medicines.
Middle Eastern countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman), Central Asian nations, and North African countries have strong demand for Unani practitioners. Medical tourism from these regions to India for Unani treatment is growing.
Unani medicine has a rich tradition in dermatology and cosmetology (Ilmul Jamal). The growing demand for natural skincare and cosmetic products creates opportunities for BUMS graduates in the beauty and wellness industry.
Higher Studies After BUMS
BUMS graduates can pursue MD/MS (Unani) specialisations, research programmes, and cross-discipline postgraduate options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Candidates must have completed 12th grade (any stream) and qualify in entrance exams such as NEET-UG conducted by NTA. Some state universities have their own entrance exams. A minimum score in NEET is required by most AYUSH-affiliated colleges. Age limit is typically 17-25 years.
Yes, BUMS graduates are recognized as qualified Unani physicians in India under the AYUSH Ministry. They can legally practice, prescribe medicines, diagnose patients, and establish clinics. However, they cannot practice allopathic medicine or surgery without additional qualifications.
The job market is growing due to India's focus on traditional medicine. Opportunities exist in government AYUSH hospitals, private clinics, pharmaceutical companies, wellness centers, research institutions, and teaching positions. Many graduates also establish successful private practices. The ₹4,000+ crore AYUSH market offers additional entrepreneurial opportunities.
Post-graduation specializations include Ilmul Advia (Unani Pharmacology), Tahzib-ul-Amraz (Unani Medicine), Jarahiyat (Unani Surgery), Sareeri Tathreeb (Unani Anatomy), and Kulliyat-e-Unani (Unani Philosophy). Students can pursue MD (Unani) or diplomas from AYUSH-accredited institutions.
Starting salaries range from ₹2.5-5 LPA in government positions and private clinics. Graduates in metros like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore earn ₹4-7 LPA initially. Private practitioners can earn significantly higher (₹8-15+ LPA) depending on location and patient base.
BUMS offers a unique niche in India's healthcare ecosystem with less competition than MBBS. The growing AYUSH sector and increasing acceptance of traditional medicine provide stable career growth. It's ideal for students interested in traditional medicine, holistic healing, and entrepreneurship, with lower entry competition than MBBS while maintaining respectable earning potential.
Sources and Verification
Information last reviewed on 25 Jun 2026.
Fees, cutoffs, admission steps, placements, and programme details can change. Always cross-check the latest institutional or authority notice before acting.