The Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS) is a specialized undergraduate degree focusing on Unani medicine, an ancient form of medicine that has been practiced for over 6,000 years. The BUMS program provides students with a deep understanding of traditional Unani medical principles, combined with a modern approach to healthcare. This degree opens up a wide range of career opportunities, both in India and abroad, with a focus on natural and holistic treatment methods. In this article, we will explore every aspect of the BUMS course, from eligibility and curriculum to career options and salary potential.
What is a Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery?
Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery stands for Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery, a five-and-a-half-year undergraduate medical degree. This includes four and a half years of academic learning and a one-year mandatory rotatory internship. The program also incorporates elements of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Siddha, and Homeopathy, covering a wide range of traditional and alternative medical systems.
Unani medicine is based on the principles of the four humours described by Hippocrates—blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile—which are believed to govern the health and balance of the human body. The system utilizes natural remedies, including herbs, minerals, and lifestyle adjustments, to treat a variety of ailments.
Key Highlights of BUMS
To get a clearer overview, here are some key highlights of the Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery degree program:
| Particulars | Details |
| Degree Name | Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery |
| Abbreviation | BUMS |
| Duration | 5.5 years (including 1-year internship) |
| Field | Healthcare |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB) |
| Average Course Fee | ₹50,000 to ₹6.5 Lakhs |
| Average Salary Post-Degree | ₹2 Lakhs to ₹12 Lakhs per annum |
| Career Options | Hakim, Unani Consultant, Unani Therapist, Pharmacist |
| Top Recruiters | Optum, Fortis, Mayo Hospital, Planedway Services |
BUMS Counselling and Admission Process
The admission process for BUMS is centrally conducted by the Ayush Admissions Central Counseling Committee (AACCC), under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India. Candidates who aspire to pursue a BUMS degree must first clear the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG), which is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Only those who qualify for NEET can participate in the counseling process. The availability of seats and merit rankings are important factors in determining admissions.
There are more than 50 colleges across India offering Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery courses, of which 36 are private colleges, while 19 are government-run institutions. Admissions are offered based on NEET scores, and the counseling process is highly competitive.
Why Choose BUMS?
Unani medicine is one of the oldest and most holistic forms of healthcare. It has been practiced for millennia, and its roots are deeply embedded in the culture of India and several other countries. The following are some reasons why BUMS could be an excellent choice for aspiring healthcare professionals:
- Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Medicine: The Unani system blends ancient knowledge with modern science, providing a unique approach to healthcare.
- Holistic Healing: Unani medicine focuses on treating the person as a whole, emphasizing balance in the body, mind, and environment. This makes it especially useful in treating chronic and lifestyle-related disorders like diabetes, obesity, infertility, and skin diseases.
- Growing Popularity: As people increasingly turn towards natural and alternative treatments, the demand for professionals in the field of Unani medicine is on the rise. Unani is practiced not only in India but also in countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and several Middle Eastern nations.
- Varied Career Opportunities: BUMS graduates can explore a range of career options such as becoming a practicing Hakim, working as a Unani consultant, or even starting their own pharmaceutical company.
Note:-For more details on the Top 10 Medical Courses in India, click here
Eligibility Criteria for BUMS
To be eligible for the BUMS degree program, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Qualification: Candidates must have passed 10+2 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English as core subjects. Those who have passed their 10th grade with Urdu, Arabic, or Persian as a subject are also eligible, as Unani studies often involve texts in these languages.
- Minimum Marks: General category candidates need a minimum of 50% in their 10+2 examination to be eligible for the program.
- NEET-UG Exam: As previously mentioned, students must clear the NEET-UG exam to be eligible for admission into the BUMS course. The exam is highly competitive, so thorough preparation is essential.
- Language Proficiency: Knowledge of Urdu is a major advantage since many Unani texts and traditional teachings are in this language. Some institutions require proficiency in Urdu for admission.
Skills Required for a BUMS Graduate
Apart from the academic requirements, students pursuing a BUMS degree must possess certain soft skills to excel in the field. These include:
- Leadership Skills: As healthcare professionals, BUMS graduates are often required to lead treatment processes and guide patients.
- Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial, especially when explaining treatment plans to patients or working with a team.
- Organizational Skills: The ability to manage multiple tasks, appointments, and treatment schedules is essential in a healthcare setting.
Application Process for BUMS
To apply for the BUMS program, candidates need to follow these steps:
- Fill the NEET-UG Application: Candidates must fill out the NEET-UG form, providing all necessary details. This is the first step toward gaining admission to the BUMS course.
- Appear for NEET-UG: After successfully applying, candidates must sit for the NEET-UG examination. Based on the score, students can participate in the counseling process for admissions.
- Counseling Process: Qualified candidates then attend the AACCC counseling session, where seats are allotted based on merit and NEET scores.
BUMS Course Fee Structure
The fee for the Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery course varies greatly depending on whether the institution is private or government-run. Below is a rough estimate of the fee structure:
- Government Colleges: ₹38,000 to ₹70,000
- Private Colleges: ₹90,000 to ₹11 Lakhs
The following table provides an overview of fees at some top BUMS colleges in India:
| Private Colleges | Fees |
| Dr Abdul Ali Tibbiya College, Lucknow | ₹8.98 Lakhs |
| Hayat Unani Medical College, Lucknow | ₹11.25 Lakhs |
| Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi | ₹6.93 Lakhs |
| Jamia Tibbiya Deoband, Saharanpur | ₹9.18 Lakhs |
| Government Colleges | Fees |
| Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College, AMU, Aligarh | ₹70,290 |
| DSRRAU Jodhpur | ₹5.85 Lakhs |
| Dr NTR University of Health Sciences, Vijayawada | ₹38,250 |
| Government Tibbiya College, Patna | – |
BUMS Curriculum and Syllabus
The Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery course is structured to provide in-depth knowledge of Unani medicine through a combination of theoretical classes and practical internships. The course is divided into four professional years followed by a one-year internship. Here is an overview of the BUMS syllabus:
| Year 1 | Year 2 |
| Arabic and Mantiq wa Falsafa | Tareekh-e-tib (History of Medicine) |
| Kulliyat Umoore Tabiya (Basic Principles of Unani Medicine) | Tahaffuzi wa Samaji Tib (Preventive and Community Medicine) |
| Tashreeh Ul Badan (Anatomy) | Ilmul Advia |
| Munafeul Aaza (Physiology) | Mahiyatul Amraz (Pathology) |
| Year 3 | Year 4 |
| Communication Skills | Moalajat – I (General Medicine) |
| Ilmul Saidla wa Murakkabat (Pharmacy) | Moalajat – II |
| Tibbe Qanooni wa Ilmul Samoom (Medical Jurisprudence) | Gynaecology |
| Surgery (Ilmul Jarahat) | Pediatrics (Amraze Atfal) |
During the internship, students gain practical exposure to various fields such as general medicine, surgery, gynecology, pediatrics, and Unani therapies.
Career Options After BUMS
A BUMS degree provides graduates with a wide range of career options in both clinical practice and academia. Here are some of the most popular career paths:
- Hakim (Unani Doctor): A traditional healer specializing in herbal treatments, consulting patients, and prescribing remedies based on Unani principles.
- Unani Consultant: Many healthcare facilities employ Unani consultants who provide expertise in natural and alternative treatments.
- Researcher: Graduates can also pursue research in the field of Unani medicine to explore new treatments or enhance traditional ones.
- Pharmacist: Unani pharmacists specialize in the preparation and dispensation of herbal medicines, working in both private and public sectors.
- Lecturer/Professor: Those interested in academia can opt to become educators, teaching Unani medicine at various institutions.
Average Salary After BUMS
Salaries for Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery graduates can vary depending on the role, location, and level of experience. Here is a breakdown of average salaries in different professions after completing a BUMS degree:
| Job Profile | Average Salary (Per Annum) |
| Hakim | ₹4 Lakhs |
| Unani Therapist | ₹3 Lakhs |
| Pharmacist | ₹3.5 Lakhs |
| Consultant | ₹5 Lakhs |
| Lecturer/Professor | ₹6-7 Lakhs |
Top Recruiters for BUMS Graduates
BUMS graduates are sought after by both government and private organizations in India and abroad. Some of the top employers include:
- Optum: A major healthcare provider that integrates alternative medicine practices.
- Fortis: A leading healthcare chain that incorporates traditional medicine.
- Mayo Hospital: A renowned hospital that employs Unani practitioners.
- Planedway Services: A private sector company offering employment in the healthcare field.
Conclusion
The BUMS degree offers a unique blend of ancient wisdom and modern healthcare practices. With a rising demand for natural and holistic treatment options, Unani medicine provides vast opportunities for graduates. Whether you aspire to be a practicing Hakim, a researcher, or a professor, the BUMS degree equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the healthcare sector. From treating chronic diseases to promoting preventive healthcare, BUMS graduates play a critical role in the well-being of individuals and communities.
By choosing BUMS, you embark on a journey that combines the time-tested principles of Unani medicine with modern medical science, offering a promising and rewarding career in the healthcare industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery stands for Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery, a 5.5-year undergraduate course focusing on Unani medical practices and modern healthcare.
Candidates must pass 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English, along with qualifying the NEET UG exam. Some institutions may require knowledge of Urdu or Arabic.
The fees for Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery courses range from ₹50,000 to ₹6.5 lakhs annually, depending on whether the institution is private or government.
Graduates can become Hakims (Unani doctors), therapists, researchers, pharmacists, or educators in Unani medicine.
The average salary ranges between ₹2 to ₹12 lakhs per annum, depending on the job profile and experience.
