India Launches Dual Medical Degree – MBBS and BAMS Together
10-Sep-25 03:01:56

Dual Medical Degree Gets Green Signal: Students Can Study Both Allopathy and Ayurveda in 5.5 Years

New Delhi, September 2025 – India is poised for a significant shift in medical education with the introduction of a Dual Degree Undergraduate Medical Course, which combines the MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) and BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) programs.

The integrated program will allow students to earn both degrees in 5.5 years, plus a one-year compulsory internship. Graduates will then be eligible to practice in both modern medicine and Ayurveda, and also be eligible to sit for postgraduate entrance exams in either system.

The course is expected to be rolled out at JIPMER, Puducherry, in the coming months.

Key Highlights of the Integrated Dual Degree

• Students can now pursue MBBS and BAMS together under one curriculum.

• Duration: 5.5 years + 1-year internship.

• Graduates will hold dual MBBS and BAMS degrees.

• Eligible for postgraduate courses in both allopathy and Ayurveda.

• Designed to promote a holistic healthcare model that bridges modern and traditional medicine.

Curriculum Structure

• Phase I: Study and Approach to Normal Health and Its Determinants.

• Phase II: Study and Approach to Diseases and Their Treatment (1 and 3 months each).

• Phase III: Study of Healthcare and Healing (2 years and 3 months).

Expert Opinions and Reactions

The reform has triggered mixed responses within the medical community.

Indian Medical Association (IMA): The IMA has strongly opposed the course, labelling it “mixopathy.” Leaders warn that combining two fundamentally different systems could dilute modern medicine, create confusion, and compromise patient safety.

Ayurveda Advocates: The move has been welcomed by advocates, including the Auroville Foundation, who see it as a breakthrough. They argue that students trained in both modern and traditional knowledge can provide more comprehensive care, especially for chronic and lifestyle conditions.

Public Health Perspective: Experts highlight that India faces rising lifestyle diseases and a shortage of qualified doctors. An integrated degree could help bridge healthcare gaps, particularly in rural regions. However, its success will depend on curriculum balance, strict quality control, and effective regulation.

Conclusion

This initiative could redefine India’s healthcare system by producing holistic physicians trained in both Ayurveda and allopathy. Its true impact, however, will depend on careful implementation, acceptance by the medical community, and patient trust in this integrated approach.

Source: Telangana Today