Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS): A Complete Guide to Pursuing Unani Medicine
It is the Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS) is an 5.5-year undergraduate program that prepares students to become certified Unani doctors. Unani medicine is among the oldest healing methods of nature that exists. It was developed by early Greek scholars such as Hippocrates as well as Galen and was further improved through Avicenna (Ibn Sina) and Al-Razi. The principal idea behind Unani medicine is to keep the equilibrium of the four humors: blood the phlegm and yellow bile and black bile for healthy health.
The BUMS course comprises 4.5 years of study, and one year of experience in Unani clinics or hospitals. Students study modern medical topics such as Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology and Pharmacology as well as particular subjects that are specific to Unani, such as Kulliyat (principles) and Ilmul Advia (herbal medicine) Moalijat (therapeutics) as well as Jarahat (surgery). Additionally, they receive training in the use of herbal remedies such as cupping (Hijama) as well as the use of leech therapy and managing their lifestyle.
The program is endorsed as a course by National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) and acknowledged by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India and grants the graduates the right to practise as certified Unani doctors.
SMET Education Trust helps students take courses in the BUMS course by offering expert advice, admissions assistance and counseling services for the top Unani universities in India. With the assistance of SMET students can easily get through eligibility requirements as well as entrance tests and admissions procedures.
After having completed BUMS graduates may become Unani practitioners as research assistants, instructors, and wellness consultants, or even start the clinic of their choice. Opportunities are available at the government-run hospitals AYUSH centres, clinics for private patients as well as research labs.
This Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery is a fantastic option for those who are who are interested in holistic and natural health. With the proper guidance from SMET Education Trust, students are able to build a successful profession within Unani health care in India and around the world.
What is a bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery?
It is the Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS) course is an 5.5-year professional undergraduate program that is designed for those who want to make a profession of Unani medicine, which is one of the oldest holistic health systems worldwide. The program includes 4.5 years of learning in the classroom then a mandatory one-year course that provides students with the academic background and real-world clinical experiences.
During the academic term students are taught a mixture of medical science that is modern and the traditional Unani subjects. Modern-day, the syllabus includes Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pharmacology and community Medicine. These courses ensure that students are aware of the way that the human body works and the process of developing diseases, by using research-based methods.
Alongside, students dive deep into Unani medicine. They learn about Kulliyat (fundamentals of Unani philosophy) as well as Ilmul Advia (Unani medicine and pharmacology), medicine) Moalijat (therapeutics) and Jarahat (Unani surgical procedures). A special focus is placed on therapies such as the regimental treatment (Ilaj-bit-Tadbeer) which consists of cupping (Hijama) massaging, leech treatment and detox techniques that aim to restore equilibrium in the body.
The origins of Unani medicine are traced back to the beginning of Greece which is where scholars such as Hippocrates and Galen established its foundations. Then it was developed and refined with the help of Persian and Islamic experts such as Avicenna (Ibn Sina) and Al-Razi and whose medical works continue to be revered today. The basic idea behind Unani medicine is the equilibrium of the four humors – blood and phlegm, as well as yellow bile and the black bile. Any imbalance in these four humors is believed to cause illness and treatment is focused on restoring equilibrium using herbal remedies, diet and lifestyle changes.
In the present, BUMS graduates play an important role in the field of health care. Due to the growing number of chronic illnesses such as lifestyle disorders, chronic illnesses, and stress-related ailments, Unani doctors provide natural inexpensive, cost-effective, and no-side-effects treatments. They do not solely focus on curing illnesses but also on preventive health by helping patients to adopt healthier ways of living. This is what makes their Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery extremely relevant, even in the modern healthcare system which rely heavily on synthetic medications.
The need for skilled Unani doctors is increasing in India as well as around the world. The government is promoting AYUSH methods (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) in addition, the Ministry of AYUSH continues to create possibilities for Unani practitioners. As the world searches for more sustainable and natural treatments for their health and treatments, the BUMS course offers students the perfect mix of tradition and contemporary science, allowing many career options for research, hospitals and education, wellness centers as well as private practices.
Eligibility Criteria for BUMS (2025 Updated)
To apply for the Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS) program, students must meet the following requirements:
| Eligibility Factor | Requirement (2025 Update) |
| Academic Qualification | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB) |
| Minimum Marks | 50% (45% for reserved categories) |
| Age Limit | Minimum 17 years; Maximum 25 years (with relaxations) |
| Entrance Exam | NEET-UG (mandatory) |
| Language Requirement | Medium of instruction: English/Hindi; Urdu/Arabic terms taught through bridge courses |
Earlier, some universities had their own entrance tests, but from 2025 onwards, NEET-UG is compulsory nationwide.
Duration and Course Structure of BUMS
The Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery course is structured to give students theoretical knowledge and practical training.
Advantages of Pursuing BUMS
Growing Demand for Alternative Medicine
The global shift towards natural and integrative healthcare solutions has increased the demand for alternative medicine practitioners, including Unani specialists. The Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS) equips graduates with expertise in herbal remedies, holistic healing, and personalized care, making them valuable assets in the evolving healthcare landscape.
Cost-Effective Healthcare Approach
Unani medicine emphasizes affordable, sustainable, and natural treatment methods, offering a cost-effective alternative to conventional medical systems. BUMS graduates can address healthcare needs in underserved communities by providing accessible remedies for chronic conditions, lifestyle disorders, and preventive care.
Opportunities for Further Studies
Graduates of BUMS can pursue advanced studies like MD in Unani Medicine, specializing in fields such as pharmacology, surgery, or pediatrics. Further studies not only enhance their knowledge and skills but also open doors to careers in research, academia, and specialized clinical practice, significantly expanding their professional prospects.
Choosing BUMS offers a fulfilling career path, combining traditional wisdom with modern applications to address global healthcare challenges effectively.
Conclusion
Unani medicine holds a significant place in the healthcare landscape due to its holistic approach, natural therapies, and growing acceptance as a complementary medical system worldwide. The Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS) is an excellent choice for students passionate about alternative medicine and interested in blending traditional healing with modern practices.
As the demand for integrative and cost-effective healthcare continues to rise, pursuing BUMS provides a unique opportunity to contribute to this evolving field while building a rewarding career. Graduates are not only equipped to practice Unani medicine but also have pathways to specialize, teach, or engage in research, ensuring diverse career prospects.
For those aspiring to make a difference in healthcare through natural and sustainable methods, BUMS offers the perfect platform to blend tradition with innovation and address contemporary medical challenges effectively.