Medical & Allied Health · AYUSH

Unani Doctor

⚠ Estimate — needs validation · as of 2025

An Unani Doctor practices the Unani system of medicine, which is part of India’s AYUSH healthcare framework. The usual path is NEET UG for BUMS, followed by internship and, for higher specialization, MD (Unani).

Who it's for: Best for students interested in medicine, patient care, herbal/pharmacological systems, and long-term study. It suits those comfortable with biology, service-oriented work, and a government or private healthcare career.

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At a glance

Entry mode: Government Exam
Exam shape: national
Key exam: NEET UG
Min qualification: BUMS + MD(Unani)
Duration: 5.5-6.5 yr
Starting salary: 3-8 LPA (approx, as of 2025)
Sector: Govt/Private
Category: Medical & Allied Health

Subjects / Stream

BiologyChemistryPhysicsEnglishScience streamAYUSH/medical aptitude

Step-by-step path

  1. Complete Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English, usually meeting the minimum marks required by the admitting authority.
  2. Appear for NEET UG, the national entrance exam used for admission to BUMS in India.
  3. Take admission in a recognized BUMS college and complete the undergraduate course plus compulsory internship.
  4. Register with the relevant State/central Unani medical council or board after graduation, as required for practice.
  5. Pursue MD (Unani) through the relevant postgraduate entrance/admission process if you want specialization.
  6. Apply for government, hospital, clinic, teaching, research, or private practice roles after qualification.

Key exams

NEET UG - admissionAIAPGET - postgraduateState AYUSH counselling - seat allotmentUniversity entrance - admission

Top institutes / boards

Jamia Hamdard, New DelhiAligarh Muslim University, AligarhNational Institute of Unani Medicine, BengaluruState-run Unani medical colleges under AYUSHCentral Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) institutesUniversity-affiliated Unani colleges recognized by NCISM

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Ayurvedic DoctorHomeopathic DoctorMBBS DoctorPharmacistClinical Research Associate
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Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum qualification to become an Unani doctor in India?
The usual minimum is BUMS from a recognized college, followed by internship and registration. For specialization, MD (Unani) is the next step.
Which exam is needed for BUMS admission?
NEET UG is the key national entrance exam for BUMS admission in India. Admission is then done through counselling.
Is NEET compulsory for Unani courses?
Yes, for most recognized BUMS admissions in India, NEET UG is compulsory. Always check the latest admission notice of the college and counselling authority.
What subjects should I take in Class 11 and 12?
Choose Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English in the science stream. Biology is especially important for NEET and Unani medical studies.
Can a commerce or arts student become an Unani doctor?
Usually no, because BUMS admission generally requires Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in Class 12. Check the current eligibility rules of the admitting authority.
What is the age limit for NEET UG and BUMS admission?
NEET UG has a minimum age requirement, and there is no widely applicable upper age limit for appearing. Specific admission rules can vary by year and authority.
How many years does it take to become job-ready?
Typically about 5.5 to 6.5 years after Class 12, including the BUMS course and internship. MD (Unani) adds more time if you specialize.
What is the salary of a starting Unani doctor in India?
Starting pay is often around 3-8 LPA in 2025, depending on location, employer, and role. Government jobs may follow pay scales, while private earnings vary widely.
Is there good scope for Unani doctors in government jobs?
Yes. Scope exists in government hospitals, AYUSH dispensaries, public health programs, teaching, and research, subject to vacancies and recruitment rules.
Can Unani doctors open their own clinic?
Yes, after completing the required qualification and registration, many Unani doctors work in private practice or open clinics where permitted by local rules.
Are girls and women eligible for Unani medical courses?
Yes, absolutely. Women can study BUMS, pursue MD (Unani), and work in government, private, teaching, or research roles.
Is there reservation in BUMS admission and government jobs?
Yes, reservation policies may apply in admissions and government recruitment as per central or state rules. Exact categories and percentages depend on the current official notification.
What are the fees for BUMS in India?
Fees vary a lot by college type. Government colleges are usually much lower than private colleges, but exact amounts change by state, institution, and year.
Which institutes are considered good for Unani studies?
Well-known options include Jamia Hamdard, AMU, National Institute of Unani Medicine, and recognized state or university-affiliated Unani colleges.
Is Unani a good career for me?
It may suit you if you like medicine, patient care, long study, and the AYUSH system. If you want a fast route to high income, it may feel slower than some other fields.
What is the difference between BUMS and MD (Unani)?
BUMS is the undergraduate degree that makes you eligible to practice after internship and registration. MD (Unani) is a postgraduate specialization for deeper expertise.
Can I do Unani after MBBS or other medical degrees?
No, Unani training follows its own admission path. MBBS and BUMS are different systems, though some professionals may later work in related healthcare or research areas.
What kind of work does an Unani doctor do?
They diagnose and treat patients using Unani principles, medicines, diet advice, and lifestyle guidance. Many also work in clinics, hospitals, teaching, or research.
Is there a national exam for postgraduate Unani admission?
Yes, AIAPGET is the commonly used national-level entrance for postgraduate AYUSH admissions, including MD (Unani), subject to the latest official rules.
What should I check before choosing this career?
Check college recognition, internship requirement, registration rules, fees, job opportunities in your state, and whether you are comfortable with a long medical education path.

Figures are indicative and source-stamped with an "as of" year (2025). Confirm on the official exam authority website before deciding.

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