Ayurveda: A Bright Future and Promising Career Path in India’s Growing Market

The Ayurveda Wellness sector is witnessing a radical increase in the popularity and demand worldwide. Ayurveda is positioned to define and revolutionise the wellness business in the upcoming ten years due to its centuries-old origins in India and focus on holistic health.  

As per reports by IMARC, It is estimated that the Indian Ayurvedic products market is going to reach Rs.1824 billion by 2028 from Rs.626 billion in 2022, registering a whopping CAGR of 19.3% during 2023-28. 

COVID-19 pandemic is considered as a prime growth drivers of the Ayurvedic Market. The uncertainties in the pandemic phase made us realise the importance of a healthy body and mind even more. Those students who want to be around the medical field and don’t wish to pursue an MBBS degree, can opt for the BAMS program. 

In this blog, you will learn about key growth drivers contributing to the booming Ayurveda market in India, why a BAMS is a good career option and how Uttaranchal University’s UMCAR are helping students build future careers. 

Key Growth Drivers Contributing to Growth of Ayurveda Industry 

The Ayurveda market in India is experiencing a significant rise, boosted by various growth drivers that are helping in its expansion and popularity: 

• Government Support and Initiatives: The government has been instrumental in driving the growth of the Ayurveda market in India. Initiatives and support from the Ministry of AYUSH, such as the launch of programs like Ayush Information Cell and Ayush Health and Wellness Centers (AHWCs), have played a key role in promoting Ayurveda in the country. In 2023, the Finance Ministry increased the total allocation of the budget to the Ayush Ministry by 20%, amounting to Rs. 3,647 crore. 

• Changing Tastes and Preferences: Changing tastes and preferences is another factor driving growth in the Indian market. As the consumers nowadays are becoming health-conscious, they are increasingly seeking high quality, natural, and organic alternatives to synthetic and chemical-based products. New-age brands are blending Ayurvedic wisdom with modern technology to cater to changing consumer preferences. 

• Focus on Fresh and Nutritious Foods: There is popularity of fresh and nutritious Foods with the rise in demand for fresh, healthy and nutritious options. In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, demand has increased manifold for on-the-go or quick service and readily available packaged products. Slowly and gradually people are realising the value of freshly ready meals, foods that are rich in traditional spices & herbs. The consumers are now going after the products which use ingredients and practices from Ayurveda. 

• Improved Infrastructure to Meet Growing Demand: With the growth of online and e-commerce platforms, there is wider audience reach of the Ayurvedic-inspired products. The Ayurveda industry is foreseen to see a bigger change than ever with the rise in demand of organic and natural and growing awareness of Ayurveda’s potential in the healthcare industry. There is an emergence of Ayurveda-based digital health which are providing wellness plans, online consultations, personalized treatments to consumers.  

Why is BAMS a Good Career Option? 

The BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) is an UG degree program that focuses on the ancient Ayurvedic medical system, which aims at preventing and treating imbalances in the body by enhancing the harmony of kapha, pitta, and vata. 

The Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) course not only offers a comprehensive understanding of physiology and human anatomy but also equips graduates with valuable insights that pave the way for a promising future. Throughout this 5-year 6-month undergraduate program, students delve into the principles of ‘Ashtanga Ayurveda’ and gain knowledge of modern scientific advancements in medicine, complemented by extensive hands-on training. 

The programme is broken down into 4 and half years for the academic session plus 1 year of mandatory internship. Here are some other benefits of the BAMS course:  

• Abundant opportunities for advanced education and specialization 
• Starting your own ayurvedic clinic or practice. 
• Be a part of the fastest growing industry 
• Find job opportunity in topmost companies 
• Chance to earn a handsome salary while helping the society and being part of a noble profession. 

Career Opportunities after BAMS 

After completing the BAMS program, students can pursue various professional opportunities. Here are the job profiles for job opportunities after the BAMS course: 

• Physician: After completion of the BAMS program, students can begin their career as physicians in a hospital setting or as a private practitioner. They are advised to work under a senior medical practitioner to gain relevant experience before providing treatment to the patient. The physician after having a knowledge about the field can offer their specialised treatment solutions like spinal disorders therapy. 

• Panchkarma Practitioner: A medical specialist who offers a wide range treatment of  human ailments, problems, and illnesses using Panchakarma treatment is called Panchakarma Practitioner. Panchakarma is a five primary procedures- Basti (Enema Therapy), Nasya (Nasal Administration), Virechana (Purgation Therapy), and Raktamokshana (Bloodletting Therapy), Vamana (Emesis Therapy), which is used to detoxify the body.  

• Dietician: Another job opportunity that a candidate gets after completion of the BAMS program is of the Dietician. In the world of nutrition, Dieticians are the experts who guide the people through the process of learning about nutrition and making dietary changes. He or she evaluates, diagnoses, and treats issues related to diet. 

• Lecturer: After completion of the BAMS programme, students can choose teaching. In this field the students must have completed at least post graduation degree to become eligible to teaching jobs in this field. Only post graduate candidates are recruited in private or government colleges as demonstrators or lecturers.  

• Manager: After BAMS completion, students can explore opportunities in the hospital management. Students are advised to pursue specialized courses like a MBA in Hospital and Healthcare Management, Masters in Public Health (MPH), and Masters in Health Administration (MHA) to excel in the management roles. The mentioned courses enhance the career prospects in the managerial roles. 

 How Uttaranchal Medical College of Ayurveda and Research (UMCAR) is helping BAMS students achieve their dream? 

Uttaranchal Medical College of Ayurveda and Research (UMCAR) is helping BAMS students achieve their dreams. Through its curriculum, the college offers a unique blend of traditional ayurvedic knowledge with modern medical advancements to students. Here students gain practical experience essential for their future careers through hands-on clinical training in well-equipped facilities.  

UMCAR offers research opportunities and provides career guidance to help students thrive in the field of Ayurveda. Through a supportive learning environment and emphasis on theoretical knowledge and practical skills, UMCAR prepares students for a fulfilling career in Ayurvedic medicine. 

Concluding Thoughts 

Ayurveda offers a promising future with strong government backing, a rapidly expanding market, and evolving consumer preferences. BAMS opens diverse career paths for students, from becoming physicians and Panchakarma practitioners to dieticians and lecturers. Ayurveda stands poised to redefine holistic health practices globally as the wellness sector grows.