The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) evaluates Ayurvedic institutions annually. Below are the top ten Grade A colleges based on percentile scores.
1. National Institute of Ayurveda (Deemed University), Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Score: 666.22 (99.54 percentile)
- Programs: BAMS, MD/MS in multiple specialties, PhD, and diploma programs
- Annual Fees (BAMS): ₹42,025 (1st year), ₹28,650 (2nd), ₹27,650 (3rd), ₹38,500 (4th)
- Highlights: Operates under the Ministry of AYUSH with modern labs, spacious campus inside a palace, and mandatory clinical rotations via its homoeopathic and Ayurveda hospitals.
- Admission: Through NEET; expects 90+ percentile for general category.
2. SDM College of Ayurveda & Hospital, Udupi, Karnataka
- Score: 637.97 (99.09 percentile)
- Programs: BAMS + integrated modern research workshops.
- Highlights: World-class hospital, strong faculty, student-driven research projects, and exposure to community health camps.
3. Vaidyaratnam P.S. Varier Ayurveda College, Kottakkal, Kerala
- Score: 613.41 (98.63 percentile)
- Programs: BAMS with herbal research modules; collaborations in therapeutics.
- Highlights: Part of a 200+ year legacy, one of the best Panchakarma centers in India.
4. SDM College of Ayurveda & Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka
- Score: 609.03 (98.17 percentile)
- Highlights: Integrates traditional Ayurvedic teaching with modern patient care.
5. Dr. D.Y. Patil College of Ayurved & Research Institute, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Score: 599.95 (97.72 percentile)
- Programs: BAMS plus MD courses; strong placement support via DY Patil group.
- Highlights: Modern campus, exposure to biotech startups and wellness clinics.
6. Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved College, Wardha, Maharashtra
- Score: 595.80 (97.26 percentile)
- Highlights: Known for research in public health and rural health camps.
7. Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Sciences & Research, Bengaluru
- Score: 594.10 (96.80 percentile)
- Highlights: Strong research ties to Sri Sri Tattva and Panchakarma center in IP Arena.
8. Parul Institute of Ayurved, Vadodara, Gujarat
- Score: 593.97 (96.35 percentile)
- Highlights: Part of Parul University; offers modern labs and integrated health sciences.
9. SDM Institute Bengaluru (Manjunatheshwara Ayurveda & Hospital)
- Score: 593.37 (95.89 percentile)
- Highlights: Excellent community connect via hospital outreach and traditional care.
10. Dr. G.D. Pol Foundation’s Ayurvedic Medical College, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai
- Score: 592.30 (95.43 percentile)
- Highlights: Newer facility with modern labs and specializations in Kayachikitsa, Panchakarma.
🔍 Why These Scores Matter
NCISM grading is based on:
- Faculty qualifications & student-to-teacher ratio
- Infrastructure—labs, libraries, hospital beds
- Clinical exposure: patient inflow, Panchakarma units
- Research: published papers, PhD and PG output
- Governance and curriculum
These top colleges excel across all parameters, especially high NEET cutoffs (97–99 percentile), high clinical load, and strong research opportunities
📚 In-Depth Insight: National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA) Jaipur
- Legacy: Was an Ayurveda research center since 1976; became a “deemed university” in 2020.
- Academic Rigor: Offers UG to PhD; rich in interdisciplinary programs .
- Facilities: Advanced labs (Dravyaguna, Rasa Shashtra), an in-house hospital, herbariums, museum, and Ayurveda museums.
- Fees Breakdown (₹/annum):
- 1st yr: 42,025
- 2nd yr: 28,650
- 3rd yr: 27,650
- 4th yr: 38,500
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Admission: Top 10 percentile in NEET underpins success to secure seats; strong foundation for postgraduate entrance (AIAPGET).
🤔 How to Choose the Best Fit
- Heritage vs Infrastructure:
- Heritage & community trust – The NIA, Kottakkal, SDM Udupi.
- Modern facilities & clinical care – Navi Mumbai colleges, Bengaluru, Vadodara, Hassan.
- Research Focus:
- Pursue MD, PhD? Go for NIA Jaipur, Vaidyaratnam, DY Patil for research-friendly rigs.
- Clinical Exposure:
- Colleges with hospitals seeing daily high footfall—SDM, Vaidyaratnam, Kharghar.
- Location & Cost:
- Jaipur offers lower fee structure (~₹1.2 L total for 4 years).
- Metropolitan hubs like Navi Mumbai may cost more but offer better placement and exposure.
📝 Final Thoughts
These top 10 BAMS colleges are benchmarks of excellence in Ayurveda education. They consistently deliver top-tier academic rigor, abundant clinical training in Ayurveda hospitals, strong research backing, and exceptional infrastructure. With high NEET cutoffs and competitive admission, these colleges pave the pathway to success—be it in clinical practice, academia, or alternative care research.
✅ Next Steps
- Check NEET percentile requirements: Generally 97–99 for secure entry.
- Explore state counseling procedures: Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat.
- Look into scholarships or fee waivers: Many colleges offer merit or need-based aid.
- Plan for PG entrance: Explore AIAPGET, and consider MD/MS programs early.