Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) is a 5.5-year undergraduate degree (including a mandatory 1-year internship) that qualifies graduates to practice Ayurvedic medicine. In Tamil Nadu, all BAMS colleges government and private are approved by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM), recognized by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, and affiliated with Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai.
This article covers everything you need to know about the top BAMS colleges in Chennai including fees in Rs., seat intake, NEET cut-off data, eligibility, and the Tamil Nadu AYUSH counselling process.
Key Facts About BAMS Colleges in Chennai
- Total BAMS colleges in Chennai (city): 2 (both private)
- University affiliation: Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University (for most colleges)
- Regulatory body: National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM), New Delhi
- Admission authority: Directorate of Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (DIMH), Chennai
- Course duration: 66 months (5 years + 1 year compulsory rotatory internship)
- Entrance exam: NEET UG (mandatory)
Note: There is no standalone government Ayurvedic college (BAMS) located within Chennai city limits. The nearest Government Ayurvedic colleges in Tamil Nadu are located in Arumbakkam (Chennai district, under DME) and other districts. The two BAMS-granting colleges directly in Chennai are both private institutions.
Top BAMS Colleges in Chennai: Quick Overview
College Name | Type | Intake (BAMS Seats) | Total BAMS Fees | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Ayurveda College & Hospital | Private (Deemed University Constituent) | 60 | Rs 15,75,000–Rs 15,98,000 | Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Viswa Mahavidyalaya, Kanchipuram |
| Sri Sairam Ayurveda Medical College & Research Centre | Private (Self-Financing) | 50 | Rs 15,75,000 (Management Quota) | Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University |
Top 10 BAMS Colleges in Chennai and Tamil Nadu: Expanded List
Since Chennai has only 2 BAMS colleges, students typically also consider institutions across the greater Tamil Nadu region. Below is the broader list of the top 10 BAMS colleges in Chennai and Tamil Nadu that Chennai-based students and those appearing for TN AYUSH counselling consider:
College | Location | Type | BAMS Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Ayurveda College & Hospital | Nazarathpet, Chennai | Private | 60 |
| Sri Sairam Ayurveda Medical College & Research Centre | West Tambaram, Chennai | Private | 50 |
| Government Ayurveda College & Hospital | Arumbakkam, Chennai (DME) | Government | 50 |
| Sri Siddhartha Ayurveda Medical College & Research Centre | Coimbatore | Private | 60 |
| Ayurveda College & Hospital | Sulur, Coimbatore | Government | 60 |
| Pon Pure Ayurveda Medical College | Salem | Private | 60 |
| JSS Ayurveda Medical College | Mysore (near TN border) | Private | 60 |
| Maria Ayurvedic Medical College | Tamil Nadu | Private | 60 |
| Government Ayurveda Medical College | Nagercoil | Government | 60 |
| S.A.T. Ayurveda College | Thiruvananthapuram (accepts TN NEET) | Government | 60 |
Private BAMS Colleges in Chennai: Detailed Profiles
1. Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Ayurveda College & Hospital, Nazarathpet, Chennai
About: Established in 1995 by Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal, the 69th Acharya of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, this is a constituent college of Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Viswa Mahavidyalaya — a Deemed University under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, located at Kanchipuram. The college is approved by the Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) and the NCISM.
Address: Chennai–Bangalore Highway, Nazarathpet, Poonamallee Taluk, Thiruvallur District, Chennai – 600 123, Tamil Nadu
BAMS Course Details:
Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Course | Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery (BAMS) |
| Duration | 66 months (5 years + 1-year internship) |
| Annual Intake | 60 seats |
| Mode | Full-time |
| Approved By | CCIM / NCISM / Ministry of AYUSH |
| Affiliated To | Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Viswa Mahavidyalaya, Kanchipuram |
BAMS Fees at Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Ayurveda College:
Fee Component | Amount (Rs.) |
|---|---|
| Total BAMS Tuition Fee (entire course) | Rs 15,75,000 – Rs 15,98,000 |
| Annual fee range (UG) | Rs 7,50,000 – Rs 15,00,000 |
| PG (MD/MS) – Total Fee | Rs 7,50,000 – Rs 11,00,000 |
Courses Offered (PG Level):
- MD in Rasa Shastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana (6 seats)
- MD in Dravyaguna (6 seats)
- MS (Surgery) in Shalya Tantra (6 seats)
- MS (Surgery) in Shalakya Tantra (6 seats)
Admission: NEET UG rank-based; through Tamil Nadu AYUSH Counselling by DIMH, Chennai
Eligibility:
- Class 12 (Science stream) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as compulsory subjects
- Minimum 50% aggregate marks in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Botany & Zoology) for General category
- Minimum age: 17 years at the time of admission (or by December 31 of the admission year)
- Valid NEET UG score
2. Sri Sairam Ayurveda Medical College & Research Centre, West Tambaram, Chennai
About: Established in 2001 by the Sapthagiri Educational Trust under the leadership of Late MJF. Ln. Leo Muthu, Sri Sairam Ayurveda Medical College is the first NABH-accredited hospital among Ayurveda institutions in Tamil Nadu. It is an ISO 9001:2015 certified institution, affiliated with Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai, and approved by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM), Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.
Address: Sai Leo Nagar, Poonthandalam, West Tambaram, Chennai – 600 044, Tamil Nadu Contact: 044 – 22512040 / 7530044222 Email: principal@sairamayur.edu.in Official Website: sairamayur.edu.in
BAMS Course Details:
Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Course | BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery) |
| Duration | 66 months (5 years + 1-year internship) |
| Annual Intake | 50 seats |
| Mode | Full-time |
| Specialisation | Ayurved |
| Approved By | NCISM / Ministry of AYUSH / Government of India |
BAMS Fees at Sri Sairam Ayurveda Medical College Chennai:
Seat Type | Annual Fee (Rs.) | Total Course Fee (Rs.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government Quota | ~Rs 30,000 per year | ~Rs 1,50,000 (5 years) |
| Management Quota | As per TN fee committee | Rs 15,75,000 |
Source: Official website (sairamayur.edu.in) and Shiksha.com. Government quota fees are regulated by the Tamil Nadu government. Management quota fees are as per the fee committee. Figures are subject to annual revision.
Notable Achievements & Facilities:
- 1st NABH-accredited hospital among Ayurveda institutions in Tamil Nadu
- ISO 9001:2015 certified
- Hospital attached with IPD and OPD facilities
- Well-equipped Panchakarma therapy centre
- Herbal garden and research facilities
- Hostel available for boys and girls
Admission Process: NEET UG score → Tamil Nadu AYUSH Counselling by DIMH, Chennai → Document verification → Fee payment
BAMS Colleges in Chennai Fees: Comparison Table
College | Government Quota Fee (Total) | Management Quota Fee (Total) | NRI/Other Quota |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Ayurveda College & Hospital | Regulated by TN Govt. | Rs 15,75,000–Rs 15,98,000 | Higher; contact college |
| Sri Sairam Ayurveda Medical College | ~Rs 1,50,000 (5 yrs) | Rs 15,75,000 | Higher; contact college |
Private BAMS college fees in Tamil Nadu are determined by the Tamil Nadu Professional Courses Fee Determination Committee. For the most current BAMS private college fees in Chennai PDF, visit the official DIMH Tamil Nadu portal at dimh.tn.gov.in or the respective college's official website.
Government BAMS Colleges in Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Government Ayurvedic Colleges in Chennai (District)
There is no centrally-located government Ayurvedic BAMS college within the Chennai corporation limits offering BAMS as of 2025. The nearest government institution under the Directorate of Medical Education (DME), Tamil Nadu is:
Government Ayurveda College & Hospital, Arumbakkam, Chennai
- Under: Directorate of Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (DIMH), Tamil Nadu
- Affiliated with: Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University
- Courses: BAMS and postgraduate Ayurveda programmes
- Fees: Heavily subsidised (government rates, minimal tuition fees)
Other Government Ayurvedic Colleges in Tamil Nadu (State Quota accessible to Chennai students)
College | Location | Seats | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government Ayurveda College & Hospital | Arumbakkam, Chennai | 50 | Government (DIMH) |
| Ayurveda College & Hospital, Sulur | Coimbatore | 60 | Government (DIMH) |
| Government Ayurveda Medical College | Nagercoil | 60 | Government (DIMH) |
Key Fact: <br> For government BAMS colleges in Chennai and Tamil Nadu, NEET scores above 400 marks significantly improve admission chances under the state quota (General category). Government college seats are much more competitive than private seats due to lower fees and fewer seats.
Fee at Government Ayurvedic Colleges: Government BAMS college fees in Tamil Nadu are nominal — generally in the range of Rs 10,000 – Rs 50,000 for the entire 5-year course, depending on the year and government fee revision cycles.
BAMS Colleges in Chennai Cut Off: NEET 2024
Qualifying NEET Percentile for BAMS Eligibility (National Standard)
Category | Qualifying Percentile | Approximate Marks (NEET 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| General | 50th Percentile | 720–162 marks |
| SC / ST / OBC | 40th Percentile | 161–127 marks |
| General – PwD | 45th Percentile | 45th percentile threshold |
Source: NTA NEET UG 2024 result data; these are minimum qualifying scores to participate in AYUSH counselling, not college-level admission cut-offs.
College-Level BAMS Cut Off in Chennai (NEET 2024 – Indicative)
For private BAMS colleges in Chennai, the admission cutoff (closing NEET rank) is generally higher than the NEET qualifying cut-off and varies by category and counselling round.
College | Category | Indicative NEET Score Range (Admission) |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Ayurveda College | General (Open) | 350–500+ (NEET marks) |
| Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Ayurveda College | OBC | 300–450 (NEET marks) |
| Sri Sairam Ayurveda Medical College | General (Open) | 350–500+ (NEET marks) |
| Sri Sairam Ayurveda Medical College | SC/ST | 127–300 (NEET marks) |
Note: The exact BAMS colleges in Chennai cut off data for 2024 and 2025 is released by the Tamil Nadu Directorate of Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (DIMH) after each counselling round. Candidates must visit dimh.tn.gov.in for official closing rank data. A score above 400 in NEET gives strong admission prospects at top BAMS colleges.
Tamil Nadu AYUSH NEET Counselling: How It Works for BAMS Admissions
All admissions to BAMS colleges in Tamil Nadu both government and private are conducted through the centralised Tamil Nadu AYUSH NEET Counselling process.
Counselling Authority
Seat Type | Counselling Conducted By |
|---|---|
| 15% All India Quota (AIQ) – Government colleges | AYUSH Admissions Central Counselling Committee (AACCC), aaccc.gov.in |
| 85% State Quota – Government colleges | Directorate of Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (DIMH), Chennai |
| 100% Seats – Private BAMS colleges | Directorate of Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (DIMH), Chennai |
Step-by-Step Admission Process
- Qualify NEET UG – Conducted by NTA; results typically released in June
- Tamil Nadu AYUSH Counselling Registration – Expected to commence in September (first week), post NEET result
- Choice Filling – Candidates fill college preferences online
- Seat Allotment – Based on NEET rank, category, and choice order
- Document Verification – Report to allotted college with required documents
- Fee Payment – Complete admission by paying the applicable fee
Documents Required for Admission
- NEET UG scorecard and admit card
- Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets (both standards)
- Transfer Certificate
- Permanent Community Certificate (for reserved categories)
- Annual Income Certificate (if applicable)
- First Graduate Certificate (if applicable)
- Bonafide Certificate (for 7.5% reservation, if applicable; proof of studying Class 6–12 in Tamil Nadu)
- Passport-size photographs
Eligibility Criteria for BAMS Admission in Chennai
Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Qualifying Exam | 10+2 (Class 12) – Science stream |
| Compulsory Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Botany & Zoology) |
| Minimum Marks | 50% aggregate in PCB (General); 40% (SC/ST/OBC) |
| Age | Minimum 17 years at the time of admission or by 31 December of admission year |
| Entrance Exam | NEET UG (mandatory; conducted by NTA) |
| Nationality | Indian nationals; NRI quota available at private colleges |
BAMS Course: Subjects and Structure
The BAMS curriculum at Chennai colleges follows the NCISM-prescribed syllabus:
Phase I (Year 1–2):
- Padartha Vigyana (Ayurvedic Philosophy)
- Kriya Sharir (Physiology)
- Rachana Sharir (Anatomy)
- Maulik Siddhant and Ashtanga Hridayam
Phase II (Year 2–3):
- Dravyaguna Vigyana (Ayurvedic Pharmacology)
- Roga Nidana and Vikriti Vigyana (Pathology)
- Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana (Pharmacy)
- Charaka Samhita
Phase III (Year 4–5):
- Kayachikitsa (Internal Medicine)
- Shalya Tantra (Surgery)
- Shalakya Tantra (ENT/Ophthalmology)
- Prasuti Tantra & Stri Roga (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
- Kaumarabhritya (Paediatrics)
- Swasthavritta (Preventive & Social Medicine)
Internship (Year 6): 1 year of compulsory rotatory clinical internship at the attached teaching hospital.
Career Prospects After BAMS from Chennai Colleges
Graduates from BAMS colleges in Chennai can register with the Tamil Nadu Board of Indian Medicine (TNBIM) to practice as Ayurvedic doctors in Tamil Nadu. Career options include:
- Private Ayurvedic practice – Own clinic or wellness centre
- Government AYUSH services – AYUSH doctors are recruited under Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) and the National AYUSH Mission
- Hospital employment – Government hospitals and NABH-accredited Ayurvedic hospitals
- Panchakarma and wellness industry – Growing demand in luxury hotel chains and wellness resorts
- Research and academics – Pursue MD/MS (Ayurveda) at institutions like Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Ayurveda College
- Pharmaceutical sector – Ayurvedic drug formulation and quality control
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How many BAMS colleges are in Chennai city?
There are 2 BAMS colleges in Chennai including Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Ayurveda College & Hospital (Nazarathpet) and Sri Sairam Ayurveda Medical College & Research Centre (West Tambaram). Both are private institutions.
Q2. Is there a government BAMS college in Chennai?
A government Ayurvedic medical college under the Directorate of Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (DIMH), Tamil Nadu, operates in the Chennai area (Arumbakkam). Other government Ayurvedic colleges in Tamil Nadu include Sulur (Coimbatore) and Nagercoil, all accessible through state quota counselling for Chennai students.
Q3. What are the BAMS private college fees in Chennai?
The total BAMS fees at private BAMS colleges in Chennai for the management quota is approximately Rs 15,75,000 at both Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Ayurveda College and Sri Sairam Ayurveda Medical College (for the full 5+1 year course). For government quota seats, fees are government-regulated and significantly lower. For the most current BAMS private college fees PDF in Chennai, candidates should check the official DIMH Tamil Nadu website or the respective college's official portal.
Q4. What NEET score is needed for BAMS colleges in Chennai?
The minimum NEET qualifying percentile for BAMS eligibility is the 50th percentile for General category (corresponding to approximately 162+ marks in NEET 2024). For actual admission to the two Chennai colleges, a NEET score of 350–500+ significantly improves admission chances under the General category. Exact closing ranks are released by DIMH after each counselling round.
Q5. What is the counselling process for BAMS admission in Tamil Nadu?
Tamil Nadu AYUSH Counselling is conducted by the Directorate of Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (DIMH), Chennai, for 85% state quota government seats and 100% private college seats. The 15% AIQ seats are handled by AACCC (aaccc.gov.in). Registration for TN AYUSH Counselling 2025 is expected to begin in the first week of September 2025.
