NEET UG for AYUSH Courses: Eligibility, Admission Process & Career Scope 2026

NEET UG for AYUSH Courses: Eligibility, Admission Process & Career Scope 2026

Introduction

Many students believe that NEET UG is only for MBBS, but in reality, NEET UG is also mandatory for AYUSH courses in India. AYUSH courses offer excellent career opportunities in Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Yoga, with growing demand in India and abroad.

This blog explains everything about NEET UG for AYUSH courses, including eligibility, admission process, cutoff, colleges, and future scope.

NEET UG for AYUSH Courses: Eligibility, Admission Process & Career Scope 2026

What Are AYUSH Courses

AYUSH stands for• Ayurveda• Yoga and Naturopathy• Unani• Siddha• Homeopathy

These are government-recognized medical systems regulated by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.

Is NEET UG Mandatory for AYUSH Courses

Yes NEET UG is mandatory for admission to AYUSH courses in government, private, and deemed universities.

Without qualifying NEET UG, students cannot take admission in AYUSH courses in India.

AYUSH Courses Available Through NEET UG

Through NEET UG, students can get admission into the following courses:

• BAMS – Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery• BHMS – Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery• BUMS – Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery• BSMS – Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery• BNYS – Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences

NEET UG Eligibility for AYUSH Courses (2026)

Educational Qualification

• 12th pass with Physics, Chemistry, Biology• English is compulsory• From a recognized board

Minimum Marks Required

• General category – 50 percent• OBC SC ST – 40 percent• PwD – 45 percent

Age Criteria

• Minimum age – 17 years• No upper age limit (as per current rules)

NEET UG Cutoff for AYUSH Courses

The cutoff for AYUSH courses is generally lower than MBBS and BDS, making it a good option for students with moderate NEET scores.

Expected trend• BAMS – Higher among AYUSH courses• BHMS – Moderate• BUMS and BSMS – Lower• BNYS – Varies by college

Cutoff depends on• Number of applicants• Seat availability• Category• State quota or AIQ

AYUSH Admission Process Through NEET UG

Step 1

Appear for NEET UG exam

Step 2

Qualify NEET with minimum cutoff percentile

Step 3

Register for AYUSH counselling• All India Quota – AACCC• State Quota – State AYUSH authorities

Step 4

Choice filling and seat allotment

Step 5

Document verification and college reporting

AYUSH Counselling Authorities

• AACCC – All India AYUSH Counselling Committee• State AYUSH counselling boards

Counselling includes• Government colleges• Private colleges• Deemed universities

Career Scope After AYUSH Courses

AYUSH courses offer diverse and growing career options.

Clinical Practice

• Open own clinic• Hospital practice• Panchakarma centers• Wellness clinics

Government Jobs

• AYUSH Medical Officer• Government hospitals• Public health programs

Higher Education

• MD MS in AYUSH• Research programs• Teaching career

Corporate and Private Sector

• Wellness industry• Yoga and naturopathy centers• Pharmaceutical companies• Medical tourism

Salary After AYUSH Courses

Salary depends on experience, specialization, and location.

Approximate starting salary• Government job – ₹40,000 to ₹70,000 per month• Private practice – Depends on patient flow• Hospitals and wellness centers – ₹25,000 to ₹60,000 per month

With experience, income increases significantly

AYUSH vs MBBS – Quick Comparison

• AYUSH cutoff is lower than MBBS• AYUSH focuses on holistic and traditional medicine• MBBS has wider surgical scope• AYUSH has growing demand in preventive healthcare

Both fields are respected and regulated.

Advantages of Choosing AYUSH

Lower NEET cutoff

Affordable fees compared to MBBS

Growing global demand

Government support

Opportunity for self-practice

Challenges in AYUSH Career

• Initial struggle in practice• Requires strong patient trust• Continuous learning needed• Income grows gradually

FAQs – NEET UG for AYUSH Courses

Is NEET compulsory for BAMS and BHMS

Yes, NEET UG is compulsory for all AYUSH courses

Can I get AYUSH seat with low NEET score

Yes, AYUSH cutoffs are lower than MBBS

Which AYUSH course has best scope

BAMS and BHMS currently have the highest demand

Is AYUSH degree valid abroad

Yes, in selected countries after clearing local requirements

Can AYUSH doctors do government jobs

Yes, AYUSH doctors are eligible for government posts

Conclusion

NEET UG for AYUSH courses provides an excellent alternative for students who wish to become doctors but may not secure MBBS seats. With lower cutoffs, affordable education, and expanding career scope, AYUSH courses are gaining popularity in 2026.

If you have interest in holistic, preventive, and traditional medicine, AYUSH through NEET UG can be a rewarding and respected career path.

Course Comparisons & Overviews on NEET UG for AYUSH Courses: Eligibility, Admission Process & Career Scope 2026

• MBBS vs. BAMS / BHMS / Other AYUSH Courses: A concise video explaining the differences between mainstream MBBS and various AYUSH pathways, helping students decide which branch fits their career goals.

  
  

• MBBS vs. BAMS | Dr. Amir AIIMS: A highly-viewed perspective comparing the two fields, which is great for understanding the prestige and practical aspects of pursuing Ayurveda versus Allopathy.

• What After BHMS? : Focuses specifically on the career scope, higher studies, and job opportunities available after completing a Homeopathy degree.

• NEXT Exam After BAMS?: Explains the upcoming licensing and post-graduate entrance exam requirements for AYUSH graduates, which is essential information for 2026 aspirants.