Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery (BSMS): Know Course Details, Fees, Colleges, Scope

The Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery (BSMS) is a comprehensive 5.5-year professional degree programme (including a one-year compulsory internship) that trains students in this ancient yet scientifically validated medical system.

With the global resurgence of alternative medicine and the Indian government's strong push through the AYUSH ministry, Siddha practitioners are increasingly in demand both nationally and internationally. This programme uniquely blends traditional wisdom with modern medical science, offering graduates diverse career pathways in clinical practice, research, pharmaceuticals, and public health.

The BSMS degree represents a unique convergence of tradition and modernity, offering stable career prospects in an era where holistic healthcare is gaining global prominence. With competitive NEET cutoffs (typically lower than MBBS), affordable fees in government colleges, and multiple career trajectories, it's an excellent choice for students interested in evidence-based traditional medicine.

BSMS Course Details

The programme typically lasts 5.5 years, including 4.5 years of classroom study and a one-year compulsory internship. Here are some detailed course highlights for better understanding.

BSMS Course Fees

The average fees for a BSMS degree programme vary depending on the university, and field of study. The Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery (BSMS) is a 5.5-year undergraduate programme (including a 1-year internship) offered mainly in India. The fees vary based on whether the college is government-funded, private, or deemed university-affiliated. The average fee for a BSMS degree starts from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 20,000 for government colleges and Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1.5 lakhs for private colleges.

• Management Quota in private colleges can cost 2-3x higher.
• Central Schemes like AYUSH scholarships for meritorious students.

The average fee for a BSMS degree starts from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 20,000 for government colleges and Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1.5 lakhs for private colleges.

Why Choose a BSMS degree?

If you have a strong interest in natural healing, Ayurveda/Siddha traditions, and a balanced medical career, BSMS is a great alternative to MBBS with good opportunities in the AYUSH sector, government jobs, and private practice.

Choosing a Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery (BSMS) degree can be a rewarding decision for students interested in traditional Indian medicine, holistic healing, and a career in alternative healthcare. Here are the key reasons to consider BSMS:

• Unique Blend of Traditional & Modern Medicine
• Growing Demand for AYUSH Doctors
• Holistic & Natural Healing Approach

BSMS Eligibility Criteria

To pursue a Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery (BSMS) degree in India, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria set by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) and respective state/central authorities. Some states (like Tamil Nadu) may have relaxed cutoffs for government quota seats.

• 10+2 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) as core subjects.
• NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is compulsory for BSMS admissions.
• Minimum Age: 17 years by December 31 of the admission year.
• Maximum Age: No maximum age, but some colleges may have restrictions.

BSMS Admission Criteria

The admission procedure for B.Sc is mostly based on entrance examinations. To secure admission into a BSMS programme in India, candidates must fulfil the following eligibility requirements, entrance exam criteria, and selection process as per NCISM (National Commission for Indian System of Medicine) and AYUSH Ministry guidelines.

• Must have passed 10+2 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB).
• Must qualify for NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test).
• Appear for NEET-UG (usually held in May).
• Central Counseling (AIQ): Conducted by AYUSH Admissions Central Counseling Committee (AACCC) for 15 per cent of All India Quota seats.
• Seats are allotted based on NEET rank + reservation criteria.
• Document Verification & Admission
• Pay fees to confirm admission.

BSMS Entrance Exam

To get admission into a Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery (BSMS) programme, candidates must qualify for the NEET-UG exam, as it is the only mandatory entrance test for BSMS in India. However, some states conduct additional counselling processes for seat allocation. There is no separate BSMS entrance test—only NEET-UG is required. Some states (like Tamil Nadu) have additional counselling, but admission is NEET-based.

• Mandatory Entrance Exam: NEET-UG
• State-Level Counseling (After NEET)

BSMS Degree Cut-off

To secure admission to a Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery (BSMS) programme, candidates must meet the NEET-UG cutoff set by the AYUSH Ministry and state authorities. Cutoffs vary yearly based on the number of applicants & seat availability. Government colleges have higher cutoffs than private ones. BSMS admissions are based on NEET scores, and the cutoff is generally lower than MBBS/BDS.

BSMS Degree Subjects And Syllabus

The BSMS programme is a 5.5-year degree (including a 1-year internship) that combines traditional Siddha medicine with modern medical sciences. The syllabus is regulated by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM).

The BSMS syllabus blends ancient Siddha wisdom with modern medical science, making it ideal for students interested in natural, holistic healing. Siddha is one of India's oldest traditional systems of medicine, originating in Tamil Nadu. It emphasises holistic healing using herbs, minerals, and animal products. Siddha courses are regulated by the Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) and offered at various universities.

Top Government Institutions for BSMS Degree

Government colleges are known for their quality education and nominal fees. Students can find some of the popular government colleges offering the BSMS degree along with their fees in the table below.

Top Private Institutions for BSMS Degree

Private colleges suit those seeking English-medium education or management quota. While government colleges offer BSMS at subsidised fees, several private Siddha medical colleges also provide quality education with modern facilities. Here are the best private institutions for Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery (BSMS) in India:

If you missed a govt. seat, these private colleges offer a good alternative with lower NEET cutoffs. Sri Sairam (Chennai) and RVS (Coimbatore) are among the best private options.

Career Prospects & Growth After BSMS Degree

BSMS (Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery) offers diverse career paths in government and private sectors, research, wellness, and entrepreneurship. BSMS ensures a stable, rewarding career with growing opportunities in India and abroad.

The BSMS degree offers diverse career opportunities in traditional medicine, healthcare, research, and wellness industries. With the AYUSH sector expanding rapidly, Siddha graduates have growing prospects in government jobs, private practice, and global wellness markets.

(source- ambition box)

Top Recruiters

• AYUSH Medical
• CCRIS
• ISRO/DRDO Ayurveda
• Himalaya
• Patanjali
• Herbal Pharma Companies

Salary After BSMS Degree

Salaries vary based on skills, demand, and AYUSH policy changes. Govt. jobs offer stability; the private sector has faster growth. A BSMS degree in India can offer a promising career with competitive salaries, but the specific salary varies greatly based on the field of study and other factors. BSMS offers strong earning potential with experience and specialisation.

Postgraduate Options After BSMS Degree

After completing a Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery (BSMS), students can pursue advanced studies for specialisation, research, or career growth. A PG degree enhances career growth, salary, and expertise in Siddha medicine.BSMS is often an integrated 5-year programme, so graduates may directly pursue a PhD (skipping a separate Master’s). Professional degrees (MBA, MPH, etc.) are ideal for shifting to applied fields. Research-focused paths (PhD/Postdoc) suit those interested in academia or high-level R&D.

Here are the top postgraduate (PG) options:

Industry Trends & Future Scope after BSMS Degree

The Siddha medicine industry is witnessing unprecedented growth due to rising global demand for holistic, traditional, and integrative healthcare. BSMS graduates who upskill in digital health, research, or business will dominate the future of traditional medicine. Here’s a detailed look at emerging trends and future opportunities for BSMS graduates:

• Market Growth: Global herbal medicine market
• Government Initiatives:
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  • AYUSH Visa for medical tourists
  • National Siddha Mission

The AYUSH sector's 17 per cent annual growth ensures that Siddha graduates will remain in high demand, particularly with India's push to become a global wellness hub. Whether aspiring to be clinicians, researchers, or entrepreneurs, BSMS provides the foundational knowledge and practical skills for a rewarding career in integrative medicine.

The BSMS is a 5.5-year UG programme in Siddha, an ancient Tamil healing system blending herbs, yoga, and diagnostics. Recognised by AYUSH, it trains students in traditional and modern medicine. Growing global demand for holistic healthcare makes BSMS a promising career choice in clinics, research, and wellness industries.

BSMS offers stable careers in holistic healthcare with NEET cutoffs lower than MBBS. Govt. colleges (NIS, Palayamkottai) are affordable; private ones offer tech infra. Scope: Clinics, research, global wellness. Ideal for students passionate about integrative medicine. Prepare for NEET, and learn Tamil for TN colleges.