In Sanskrit, Ayurveda means the “science of life.” Unlike any other medical practice, the main goal of Ayurveda is good health, not particularly fighting diseases. Ayurvedic medicines are all based on complex herbal compounds, minerals and metal substances.
Being the oldest medicinal practice in the world, which originated from the Indian subcontinent, Ayurveda is emerging as a brand today. Recognised as traditional medicine in 1982 by WHO (World Health Organisation), Ayurveda is practised today worldwide. With the increase in demand for traditional medicines and healthcare services over the years, Ayurveda has become a much sought-after career option.
Future Scope for a Career in Ayurveda
- An ayurvedic practitioner can work as a medical officer or doctor with government and private ayurvedic hospitals. Graduates can also start their own practice.
- As per the International Healthcare and Research Centre statistics, India currently ranks 5th on the Medical Tourism Index globally and 2nd in Asia. With a parallel growth in wellness tourism, ayurvedic professionals have huge career opportunities.
- It has become easier now to enter the ayurvedic industry by becoming franchise owners of popular ayurvedic medicine manufacturers. It is one of the best opportunities to become a part of the mainstream industry of Ayurveda.
- Herbal drug cultivation and trade is another prominent area to explore as the huge demand of Ayurvedic drugs is there across the globe.
- Ayurvedic health and wellness counsellor is one of the most lucrative careers in the field of ayurveda. They are professionally trained health practitioners who focus on specific diets and lifestyles based on Ayurvedic guidelines.
- One can launch their own brand of ayurvedic products by the application of their knowledge in the field. Since there is a stable market already created for it, your product line has ample chances to succeed.
- Telemedicine is one of the advancements in the field of healthcare practised by ayurvedic hospitals and doctors. This allows ayurvedic professionals to expand their scope globally, even during the pandemic.
- In Ayurveda, almost everyone is shifting towards chatbot-based telemedicine. This implies that technological advancements are going to widen the scope of Ayurveda from various perspectives.
- In the USA, Ayurveda is included in the Complementary and Alternative System of Medicine (CAM). One can run Ayurveda Wellness Centres, which are licensed for providing massage and body works.
Skills Required to Study Ayurveda
- Knowledge of Ayurveda
- Communication skills
- Soft skills – Good behaviour towards the patient along with a positive attitude
- Enterprising ability
- Research skills
- Technological competency
- Standard treatment skills
Careers in Ayurveda
- Ayurvedic Doctor
- Ayurvedic Physician
- Lecturer
- Professor
- Therapist
- Business Development Executive
- Sales Representative
- Pharmacist
- Clinical Trials Coordinator
- Medical Officer
- Scientist
- Research Assistant
Eligibility to Pursue a Degree in Ayurveda
Students who passed 10+2 from recognized institutions under the science stream can apply for a bachelor’s degree in Ayurveda.
Entrance Examinations
- NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) – All India pre-medical entrance test conducted by National Testing Agency for students who wish to pursue undergraduate medical (MBBS), dental (BDS) and AYUSH (BAMS, BUMS, BHMS) courses.
- OJEE (Odisha Joint Entrance Examination) – state-government controlled centralised test for admission to many private and governmental medical, engineering & management institutions in Odisha.
- KEAM (Kerala Engineering, Agricultural and Medical Examination) – It is an entrance examination series for admissions to various professional degree courses in the state of Kerala.
- IPU CET (Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test) – university-level exam conducted by Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University for admission to UG & PG programs in the field of Engineering, Medical, Dental, Law, and Management.
Top Colleges/Universities in India and Abroad to Study Ayurveda
- Normandale Community College, USA
- Anoka-Ramsey Community College, USA
- Southern California University of Health Sciences, USA
- National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), India.
- Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, India
- Rajiv Gandhi Paramedical Institute, India
- Indian Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine and Research, India
- Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Ayurveda, India
- Bapuji Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, India
- Government Ayurveda College, Kerala, India
Famous People Connected With Ayurveda
P. K. Warrier
Eminent ayurvedic physician and managing trustee of Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala. He played a monumental role in popularising Ayurveda across the world.
E. T. Narayanan Mooss
E T Narayanan Mooss was an ayurvedic physician and the managing partner of Vaidyaratnam Oushadhashala.
Top Institutions that Employ People in this Field
- Patanjali Ayurveda Limited
- Dabur India Limited
- Baidya Nath
- Hamdard Laboratories
- Zande Ayurveda
- Himalaya Wellness
- Surya Herbal Limited
- Hamdard Laboratories
- Vicon Laboratories
- Charak Pharma Private Limited
- Sande Pharmaceuticals Limited
- Narula
- Emmi Limited
- Government jobs in Hospitals Dispensaries
- Academia
- Research
- Management and administration
- Drug manufacturing
- Drug control
- Clinical Trials
- Government and private hospitals
- NRHM
- Medical Tourism
- Ayurveda Speciality Centres
- National Ayush Mission
