What is BUMS?
Unani medicine traces its roots to Greek (Graeco-Arabic) medicine and developed in Persia and India. It is based on the idea of balancing the body's temperament and humours, and uses diet and lifestyle advice, herbal and compound medicines and regimental therapies such as cupping (hijamah).
The BUMS course teaches Unani principles together with modern subjects: anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology of Unani drugs, medicine, surgery, gynaecology, paediatrics and preventive medicine. Clinical training happens in the college's attached hospital, followed by a one-year internship. Many universities expect some knowledge of Urdu, since classical texts are in Urdu, Arabic and Persian.
How it differs from close alternatives: BUMS, BAMS (Ayurveda) and BSMS (Siddha) are all regulated by NCISM and filled through NEET-UG and AACCC/state counselling. MBBS is modern (allopathic) medicine under the NMC. BUMS graduates register with a state Unani/ISM board to practise Unani medicine.
Who is this course for?
- NEET-UG aspirants interested in traditional and holistic medicine
- Students who want to become registered doctors through the AYUSH route
- Those comfortable with Urdu or willing to learn it
- Students interested in herbal medicine, diet and lifestyle therapy
- People who want to practise in their own clinic or community
- Those interested in research on natural medicines and wellness
What you study
- First Professional (about 1.5 years)
- Kulliyat (Basic Principles of Unani Medicine)
- Tashreeh-ul-Badan (Anatomy)
- Munafe-ul-Aza (Physiology)
- Tareekh-e-Tib (History of Medicine)
- Arabic and Mantiq-wa-Falsafa (Logic and Philosophy)
- Second Professional (about 1.5 years)
- Ilmul Advia (Pharmacology)
- Ilmul Saidla (Unani Pharmacy)
- Mahiyatul Amraz (Pathology)
- Tahaffuzi wa Samaji Tib (Preventive and Social Medicine)
- Forensic Medicine and Toxicology
- Third Professional (about 1.5 years)
- Moalajat (Medicine)
- Ilmul Jarahat (Surgery)
- Amraz-e-Niswan and Ilmul Qabalat (Gynaecology and Obstetrics)
- Ilmul Atfal (Paediatrics)
- Ain, Uzn, Anf, Halaq wa Asnan (Eye, ENT and Dentistry)
- Ilaj-bit-Tadbeer (Regimental Therapy)
- Internship (1 year)
- Rotating clinical internship in medicine, surgery, gynaecology, paediatrics, regimental therapy and community health
Specialisations and electives
Moalajat (Unani Medicine) – MDIlaj-bit-Tadbeer (Regimental Therapy, including cupping)Ilmul Advia (Pharmacology)Amraz-e-Niswan (Gynaecology)Amraz-e-Jild (Dermatology)Ilmul Atfal (Paediatrics)Tahaffuzi wa Samaji Tib (Preventive Medicine)Ilmul Saidla (Pharmacy)
Eligibility & admission
- Pass in Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English.
- At least 50% in PCB for General, 45% for General-PwD and 40% for SC/ST/OBC, as for NEET-based courses.
- Must qualify NEET-UG (cut-off percentile as notified by NTA).
- Minimum age 17 years by 31 December of the admission year.
- Knowledge of Urdu: many universities ask for Urdu (or Arabic/Persian) at Class 10/12 level, or for passing an Urdu test; rules vary by state and university.
How admission works
- Appear in NEET-UG (conducted by NTA) and qualify
- Register for AACCC counselling for 15% All India Quota, central, national-institute and deemed-university seats
- Register separately for your state AYUSH counselling for the 85% state quota and private seats
- Fill choices and accept the allotted seat; join later rounds if needed
- Report to the college with documents, including Urdu proof where required, and pay fees
Entrance exams
NEET-UGthe single entrance test for BUMS across India
AACCC counsellingfor 15% AIQ and central/deemed seats in AYUSH UG courses
State AYUSH counsellingfor state-quota and private college seats
AIAPGETafter BUMS, for MD/MS (Unani) admission
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Top colleges for BUMS
| College | City | Why it stands out |
|---|
| Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College, Aligarh Muslim University | Aligarh | one of the best-known Unani colleges; central university |
| School of Unani Medical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard | Delhi | deemed university with BUMS |
| Ayurvedic and Unani Tibbia College | Delhi | historic Delhi government college |
| Government Nizamia Tibbi College | Hyderabad | historic government Unani college |
| State Takmil-ut-Tib College | Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh government Unani college |
| Government Unani Medical College | Chennai | Tamil Nadu government college |
| Government Unani Medical College | Bengaluru | Karnataka government college under RGUHS |
| National Institute of Unani Medicine (NIUM) | Bengaluru | Ministry of AYUSH institute, mainly for MD/PhD after BUMS |
Ranks are from the NIRF 2025 India Rankings where shown. Check each college’s official website for this year’s seats, fees and cut-offs.
Careers & salary
Unani physician (private practice)Runs a clinic after registering with the state Unani/ISM board.
Medical officer (AYUSH)Works in government AYUSH dispensaries, wellness centres or NHM posts.
Hospital resident / consultantWorks in Unani or integrative hospitals.
Regimental therapy specialistProvides therapies such as cupping and massage in clinics and wellness centres.
Research officerWorks with CCRUM and other bodies on Unani drug and clinical research.
Pharmaceutical professionalWorks in Unani drug companies in product development, quality or medical advisory roles.
Lecturer (after MD)Teaches in Unani colleges after postgraduation.
Top recruiters & sectors
State AYUSH departmentsNational Health Mission (AYUSH posts)Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM)Ministry of AYUSH institutesHamdard LaboratoriesRex RemediesUnani and integrative hospitalsWellness and spa chainsHealth insurance and TPA companiesAYUSH colleges (after MD)
Salary
New BUMS graduates usually earn ₹3–6 LPA (approx.) as resident doctors, in private hospitals or in pharma roles. Government AYUSH medical officer posts follow state pay scales and can pay noticeably more.
Earnings depend heavily on location, clinical skill and whether you build your own practice. An MD (Unani) via AIAPGET opens consultant and teaching posts, often ₹6–15 LPA or more with experience (approx.). Figures vary; check current placement reports.
Scope & higher studies
The Government of India is expanding AYUSH services through the Ministry of AYUSH, AYUSH wellness centres and integration of traditional systems into public health programmes. This has increased government posts and interest in evidence-based traditional medicine.
Opportunities are strongest in states with a long Unani tradition, such as Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Delhi and Tamil Nadu. Building a reputation in private practice takes time, so many graduates combine practice with an MD, research or industry roles.
After this course
- MD/MS (Unani) through AIAPGET
- MBA in Hospital / Healthcare Management
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
- PG diplomas in clinical research or pharmacovigilance
- PhD in Unani medicine (e.g. at NIUM or universities)
BUMS FAQs
Is NEET required for BUMS?
Yes. Admission to BUMS anywhere in India is through NEET-UG, followed by AACCC counselling for all-India seats and state counselling for state-quota seats.
Is Urdu compulsory for BUMS?
Many universities require Urdu, Arabic or Persian at school level, or ask you to pass an Urdu test. The exact rule depends on the state and university, so check its prospectus.
Can BUMS doctors use the title 'Dr.'?
Yes, registered BUMS practitioners use 'Dr.' and practise Unani medicine. Their right to prescribe modern (allopathic) drugs depends on state rules and is limited.
Who regulates BUMS?
The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) regulates BUMS education and colleges, under the Ministry of AYUSH.
What is the difference between BUMS and BAMS?
Both are 5.5-year NCISM degrees through NEET-UG. BAMS is based on Ayurveda with Sanskrit texts, while BUMS is based on Unani medicine with Urdu, Arabic and Persian sources.
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