Ayurveda, the ancient science of life and health, is a unique heritage of India. In spite of its glorious past as a global Medicare system, presently its official practice is limited only to India and certain neighbouring countries. With the changing concepts of health and disease and shifting scenario of health needs of the present times, there has been an amazing arousal of interest which is likely to be accelerated with the growing trends of information technology, economic globalization and industrial activism. As far as career is concerned, students after passing BAMS had only one option that is starting their own practice. However, things have changed as many new avenues have opened up for BAMS graduates. The areas in which ayurvedic graduates can build up a successful career are:

1. Clinical Practice
2. Academics
3. Research
4. Management and Administration and
5. Drug Manufacturing

The right career, however, will depend on a person’s own interest, basic and some specific qualities which a particular field may demand.

The various career opportunities are:

• Clinical Practice: A student of Ayurvedic practice needs to have a thorough knowledge of Ayurvedic Samhitas and Sutras. To keep up with the changing times they also need to well aware of modern medical science and familiar with the diagnostic tests in vogue nowadays. Students are also suggested to gather practical experience for at least a year or two under a senior practitioner before setting up his own practice. Students can also add extra elements like Panchakarma, Yoga, Ayurvedic dietetics, Counseling, Physiotherapy, etc., by doing additional diploma/certificate courses available.

• Academics: A student interested in higher studies can go for a postgraduate degree course in Ayurvedic medicine. All students interested in pursuing an MD in Ayurvedic medicine will have to clear an entrance test to get through. Anyone who has 10 years of clinical experience or 5 years of teaching experience is eligible for PhD. Almost all institutions have facilities for PhD. There are M.Sc programs also available in various science disciplines like Anatomy, Microbiology for BAMS students, which are offered by many universities in various universities like the University of Madras, Kasturba Medical College,Sri Ramachandra Medical College, M. S. Ramaiah Medical College, Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, etc. to name a few.

• Research: Other courses available for students interested in Ayurvedic medicine are MSc or PG Diploma in Clinical Research. These courses are available at various institutions and universities throughout the country. Cranfield University (UK), through its branches in India, offers a masters degree in clinical research. The duration of these courses varies from 6 months to 2 years. The course modules are extensive with more focus on data analysis and management. After completion of this course, students can get a job as Clinical Research Associate in the research unit of pharmaceutical companies.

• Management:  MPH (Masters in Public Health), MHA (Masters in Health Administration) and MBA (Hospital and Healthcare management) are in great demand nowadays. Some other courses that offer great career enhancement are courses in Sports Medicine, Disaster Management, Industrial Management, Preventive and Promotive healthcare, Masters in Personnel Management.

• Drug Manufacturing: It is the need of the hour that many Ayurvedic graduates come in this field and use their knowledge and skill. Courses such as BPharm (Ayurveda) in Jamnagar and BHU, MSc (Pharmaceutical Medicine), MBA (Medicinal Marketing) (MUHS, Nasik), Diploma in Herbal Medicinal Manufacturing (Pune University and IPER Pune) help students in this domain.

Pharmaceutical Companies like Branolia Chemicals are constantly into research to produce quality ayurvedic medicine for their clientele.