Ayurveda is one among the seven Ayush systems and is referred to as the science of life. For years, it has been a key part of a comprehensive natural healthcare system in India. It’s based on the principle of health and wellness and believes that health is a state of delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit. Vata, Pitta and Kapha are the basic physiological units, according to the Ayurveda which govern various functions in the body. Their harmony with other body tissues is responsible for the state of health and disharmony is the cause of ill health. The main aim of Ayurveda is to preserve health while other is treatment of different diseases by maintaining balance and harmony between Dosha, Dhatu, Mala, mind and environment.

Treatment in Ayurveda involves use of drug, diet, lifestyle, Shamana(using Ayurvedic medicines) and Panchakarma (treatment involving five purification methods to eliminate the aggravated doshas) 

Career Opportunities:

With the increase in demand for traditional medicines and healthcare services over the years, a career in Ayurveda has become a much sought after career option.

An Ayurvedic practitioner can get employment as a medical officer or doctor with government and private Ayurvedic hospitals. Graduate of Ayurveda can also start his or her own practice. Employment opportunities are also available in Healthcentres as professionals or supervisors. Further, one can pursue a career in academics after completing post graduation.Research & development is another field as a career option to pursue for Ayurveda post doctoral and post graduate scholars. In addition to this pharmaceutical industry manufacturing Ayurvedic products as well as FMCG products is open for Ayurveda graduates and post graduates as a career option. Interested Ayurveda professionals can also opt for the hospitality industry as a health and wellness expert. Herbal drug cultivation and trade is another prominent area to explore as huge demand of Ayurvedic drugs is there across the globe. One can also go for hospital administration and other administrative services after his graduation.

Premier Institutions

The Ministry of Ayush under its medical education has established many premier institutes in the field of Ayurveda. These institutes play a pivotal role in undertaking teaching, training, research and development in the field. The standard of medical education in Ayurveda is regulated by the Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM), which lays down the standards of medical education in Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani through its various regulations. 

Here is a list of five premier institutes run by the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, which impart prestigious courses in the field of Ayurveda like PhD., undergraduate program, postgraduate programs, diploma, and certificate courses.

1. National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur. Deemed to be University (De novo) https://www.nia.nic.in/

This is the premier Institute, under the Ministry of Ayush which was established in the year 1976 in Jaipur. NIA has since been imparting Ayurveda education, clinical training, and research in the field of Ayurveda.  Its focus is on the growth and development of Ayurveda with a scientific outlook simultaneously preserving the essence of its heritage. This is the only Ayurveda Institute imparting education in all courses of Ayurveda. It recently got the status of Deemed to be University under De novo category.

Popular Courses:

• BAMS 

• MD/ MS

• PhD.

• DAN&P 

• Certificate courses

• Salient features: 

• Collaborations with many National and International Institutions of repute

• Experienced faculty

• NABH accreditated hospital

• NAAC accreditation under process

2  All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi. https://aiia.gov.in/

AIIA,  New Delhi is an apex Institute under the Ministry of Ayush. It was established in the year 2015 and dedicated to the nation in 2017 by Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister.  Since its inception, it has been playing a pivotal role in setting benchmarks in Ayurveda education.

Popular Courses:

• Postgraduate course

• Short-term training programmes

• ROTP

• CME

• E-learning courses 

Salient Features:

•  11 academic Departments

•  Well-equipped Modern Laboratories

•  Good infrastructure in all the Departments

•  Learning resource centre

3   Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth (RAV), New Delhi. https://www.ravdelhi.nic.in/

RAV was established in the year 1988 as a premier Autonomous Institute of Ayurveda, under the Ministry of Ayush. It has been playing an important role in reviving the traditional method of the Gurukul system of education in Ayurveda. Through RAV different courses are being conducted under Guru Shishyaparampara which students can pursue after graduation. Students can learn the skills of Ayurvedic diagnosis and management individually under various Gurus across the country in different specialities.

Popular Courses:

• Member of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth (MRAV)

• Certificate of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth (CRAV)

Salient Features:

•  Published 11 impactful souvenirs and 9 books

•  Conducts interactive workshops

•  Conducts national level seminars and conferences

•  Instituted various awards in recognition of merit in Ayurveda

4  North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Homeopathy (NEIAH), Shillong. https://neiah.nic.in/

The NEIAH was established in the year 2016 by the Ministry of Ayush. It is a premier institute in Shillong which aims to provide teaching, training, and quality patient care services under the Ayurveda and Homeopathy systems of medicine.

It aims to establish itself as a centre of excellence in education and research in the said two disciplines. 

Popular Courses: 

• BAMS

• Panchakarma Technician Course 

Salient Features:

• Modern Diagnostic Laboratory

• Courses affiliated to the North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong –   a Central University.

• Regulated to CCIM and CCH

5 Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda.Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar. https://www.ayurveduniversity.edu.in/

Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda earlier named as IPGT&RA offers undergraduate, postgraduate and Ph.D. level studies in Ayurveda, Ayurvedic pharmacy and medicinal plants. It also offers various diploma and certificate courses. The workforce developed by this Institute forms the backbone of Ayurvedic teaching, research and administration in India. It has been conferred the status of Institute of National importance by Govt. of India

Popular Courses:

• Ph.D. (Ayurveda) 

• PhD. in Ayurvedic Pharmaceutical Sciences 

• PhD. in Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants 

• M.D. / M.S. Ayurveda

• M. Pharma (Ayurveda)

• M. Sc. (Ayu Medicinal Plants)

• Introductory Course in Ayurveda 

• Certificate Course for Panchakarma Therapist 

• Certificate Course for Dietetics in Ayurveda Panchakarma Therapist

Salient Features: 

• ‘A’ grade NAAC accredited Institute

• 13 specialities of Postgraduate degree and Doctorate degree

• Full-fledged well-equipped Laboratory

• Recognized as a collaborative centre for Ayurveda by WHO

• Hospital with more than 180 bed capacity