BUMS
Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery
BUMS Highlights
| Full Name | Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery |
| Degree Level | UG |
| Duration | 5.5 Years |
| Course Type | Full Time |
| Stream | Medical & Health Sciences |
| Average Fees | ₹50,000 - ₹3,000,000 |
| Average Salary | ₹2.5 - ₹10.0 LPA |
| Colleges Offering | 2 colleges |
| Top Entrance Exams | NEET UG |
| Top Recruiters | Hamdard Laboratories (India), Unani Pharma, Tibb Pharmaceutical, Ministry of AYUSH (Government), Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (AYUSH) & more |
Table of Contents
About BUMS
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.
BUMS Eligibility Criteria
BUMS Admission Process 2026
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.
Admission Timeline 2026
| Event | Expected Period |
|---|---|
| NEET UG Application | February-March 2026 |
| NEET UG Exam | May 2026 |
| NEET Results | June 2026 |
| AYUSH AIQ Counselling (AACCC) | July-August 2026 |
| State Counselling | August-October 2026 |
| Mop-up Rounds | October-November 2026 |
Counselling Process
All India Quota (15%)
AACCC conducts centralized counselling for 15% seats in government BUMS colleges. Register online, fill college preferences, and participate in seat allotment rounds.
State Quota (85%)
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.
NEET Score Requirements
| College Type | NEET Score Range |
|---|---|
| Top Government (AKTC AMU, NIM Hyderabad) | 350-500 |
| Other Government Colleges | 200-350 |
| Private Colleges | 150-250 |
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.
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:
| Exam | Level | Conducting Body |
|---|---|---|
|
NEET UG
National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) |
National | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
BUMS Syllabus - Semester-wise Subjects
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).
Unani Medical Subjects
| Subject | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Kulliyat (Fundamentals) | Arkan, Mizaj, Akhlat, Aaza, Quwa, Afaal - basic Unani principles |
| Tashreehul Badan (Anatomy) | Human anatomy with Unani perspective, organ systems, dissection |
| Munafe ul Aaza (Physiology) | Physiological concepts, temperament theory, body functions |
| Ilmul Advia (Pharmacology) | Unani drugs - herbal, mineral, animal origin, 400+ materia medica |
| Ilaj Bit Tadbeer (Regimental Therapy) | Cupping (Hijama), leeching, diaphoresis, exercise therapy, dietotherapy |
| Moalejat (Internal Medicine) | Treatment of diseases - Humma (fever), Zeeq un Nafas (asthma), Zoaf-e-Kabid |
| Ilmul Jarahat (Surgery) | Surgical procedures, wound healing, minor surgical interventions |
| Qabalat wa Amraz-e-Niswan | Obstetrics and gynaecology in Unani system |
| Tibbi Samaaji (Community Medicine) | Public health, preventive medicine, Tadabeer-e-Hifz-e-Sehat |
Modern Medical Subjects
Pre-Clinical
- Modern Anatomy
- Modern Physiology & Biochemistry
- Pathology & Microbiology
Clinical
- Forensic Medicine
- Modern Pharmacology (basics)
- Emergency Medicine
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 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.
1st Professional Year
| Subject | Focus |
|---|---|
| Kulliyat (Fundamentals of Unani Medicine) | Arkan, Mizaj, Akhlat, Aaza - basic Unani theory |
| Tashreehul Badan (Anatomy) | Human anatomy, dissection, Unani anatomical concepts |
| Munafe ul Aaza (Physiology) | Body functions, temperament, humoral physiology |
| Arabic / Urdu | Language for reading classical texts |
2nd Professional Year
| Subject | Focus |
|---|---|
| Ilmul Advia (Pharmacology) | Unani drugs, herbo-mineral formulations, pharmacognosy |
| Tahaffuzi wa Samaji Tib (Preventive Medicine) | Hygiene, preventive measures, community health |
| Pathology & Microbiology | Disease processes, laboratory diagnosis, microbial diseases |
| Biochemistry | Metabolic pathways, clinical biochemistry |
3rd Professional Year
| Subject | Focus |
|---|---|
| Moalejat (Internal Medicine) | Treatment of medical conditions using Unani therapeutics |
| Ilaj Bit Tadbeer (Regimental Therapy) | Hijama (cupping), leech therapy, Turkish bath, exercise therapy |
| Amraz-e-Jild wa Tazeeniyat | Dermatology and cosmetology in Unani perspective |
| Forensic Medicine (Tibb-e-Qanuni) | Medico-legal aspects, toxicology |
4th Professional Year (Final)
| Subject | Focus |
|---|---|
| Ilmul Jarahat (Surgery) | Surgical procedures, wound management, operative techniques |
| Ainul Advia wa Uzn Anf Halq | Ophthalmology and ENT in Unani medicine |
| Qabalat wa Amraz-e-Niswan | Obstetrics and gynaecology |
| Amraz-e-Atfal (Paediatrics) | Child health, childhood diseases, Unani paediatric care |
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.
BUMS - Skills Required & Acquired
Skills Required & Acquired in BUMS
Skills Required Before Joining
Academic Prerequisites
- 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
Personal Attributes
- Empathy & Communication: Patient-centric approach essential
- Memorisation: Learning 400+ Unani drugs and formulations
- Manual Skills: For regimental therapy procedures (Hijama, cupping)
Skills Acquired During BUMS
Unani Clinical Skills
- Mizaj Assessment: Determining patient temperament (Damwi, Safrawai, Balghami, Saudawi)
- Nabz (Pulse) Diagnosis: Traditional pulse examination technique
- Hijama (Cupping): Dry and wet cupping therapy procedures
- Ilaj Bit Tadbeer: Regimental therapies including leeching, diaphoresis, Turkish bath
Modern Medical Skills
- Clinical Examination: Physical examination, history taking, vital signs
- Diagnostic Interpretation: Lab reports, basic imaging
- Emergency Management: First aid, basic life support
- Surgical Basics: Minor procedures, wound care, suturing
Pharmaceutical Skills
- Drug Identification: 400+ herbal, mineral, and animal-origin drugs
- Formulation Preparation: Majoon, Habb, Jawarish, Arq, Sharbat
- Quality Control: Standards for Unani pharmaceutical preparations
- Dietotherapy: Prescribing diet based on temperament and disease
BUMS Fee Structure - College-wise Comparison
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 |
BUMS - Course Comparison
BUMS vs Other Medical Programmes
BUMS vs BAMS
| Parameter | BUMS (Unani) | BAMS (Ayurveda) |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Greco-Arabic medical tradition | Indian (Vedic) medical tradition |
| Philosophy | Four humours (Akhlat) | Tridosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) |
| Unique Therapy | Hijama (cupping), leeching, Ilaj Bit Tadbeer | Panchakarma, Yoga therapy |
| Colleges in India | ~50+ | ~400+ |
| Job Market Size | Smaller but growing | Largest among AYUSH |
| International Demand | Middle East, Central Asia, North Africa | Global (WHO-recognized) |
| Language Requirement | Urdu/Arabic helpful | Sanskrit helpful |
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 (2026)
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
Hijama (Cupping) Popularity
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.
CCRUM Research Initiatives
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.
International Demand
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.
Herbal Cosmetics & Skincare
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.
Emerging Opportunities
| Area | Details |
|---|---|
| AYUSH Wellness Centres | Government establishing Unani wings in district hospitals across India |
| Pharmaceutical Industry | Hamdard, Rex Remedies, Dehlvi Naturals expanding product lines |
| Sports Medicine | Hijama and regimental therapies gaining traction in sports recovery |
| Export of Unani Drugs | India exporting Unani formulations to 40+ countries |
Top BUMS Colleges in India (2026)
Here are the most popular colleges offering BUMS based on student interest.
| # | College | Type | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Jamia Hamdard
New Delhi, Delhi |
Deemed | ₹662,000 |
| 2 |
Aligarh Muslim University
Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh |
Government | - |
Higher Studies after BUMS
Higher Studies After BUMS
BUMS graduates can pursue MD/MS (Unani) specialisations, research programmes, and cross-discipline postgraduate options.
PG Options After BUMS
| Programme | Admission | Duration | Specialisations |
|---|---|---|---|
| MD (Unani) | AIAPGET | 3 years | Moalejat, Ilmul Advia, Kulliyat, Qabalat, Ilaj Bit Tadbeer, Tahaffuzi wa Samaji Tib |
| MS (Unani) | AIAPGET | 3 years | Ilmul Jarahat (Surgery), Ainul Advia (Ophthalmology) |
| PhD (Unani Medicine) | University-specific | 3-5 years | Research in any Unani subject |
Alternative Paths
Non-Clinical Options
- MBA (Healthcare Management)
- MPH (Master of Public Health)
- PG Diploma in Clinical Research
- M.Sc in Medicinal Plants / Pharmacognosy
Government Careers
- Unani Medical Officer: State AYUSH departments (₹35K-₹75K/month)
- CCRUM Research Officer: Central research positions
- Drug Inspector: Unani drug regulation and quality control
- Lecturer/Professor: Teaching in BUMS colleges (after MD)
Top PG Colleges for MD/MS (Unani)
- Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College, AMU Aligarh
- National Institute of Unani Medicine (NIUM), Bangalore
- Government Nizamia Tibbi College, Hyderabad
- ZVM Unani Medical College, Pune
- State Takmeel-ut-Tib College, Lucknow
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.