BHMS Course Eligibility, Admission Process, & Career Scope

Q: What is the full BHMS course duration including internship?

The complete course takes 5.5 years. This includes 4.5 years of academic study (lectures and labs) and a compulsory 1-year rotating internship in a hospital. You only get your degree after finishing the internship.

Last Updated on January 16, 2026 by Vinod Saini

choosing a medical career is stressful. You want a path that offers respect, financial stability, and the genuine ability to heal people. If you believe in treating the person rather than just suppressing symptoms, the BHMS degree might just be your calling.

Homeopathy isn’t just about “sweet pills.” It is the second most used medical system in the world, recognized by the WHO. But how do you actually become a Homeopath in India? Is it hard? Is it worth it?

In this guide, we are cutting through the confusion. We will break down the BHMS admission process, the exams you need, and what you will actually study, in simple, plain English.

What is BHMS? (The Basics)

First, let’s clear up the acronym. The BHMS full form is Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery.

Think of this as the “MBBS of Homeopathy.” It is a comprehensive undergraduate degree regulated by the National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH). Unlike modern medicine which targets specific organs, this course trains you to look at the patient’s physical, emotional, and mental state as one unit.

Why are students choosing it in 2026?

Zero Side Effects: Patients are tired of strong chemical drugs.
Holistic Healing: You treat the root cause, not just the pain.
Government Support: India is pushing AYUSH systems heavily, creating more government jobs.

BHMS Eligibility: Are You Qualified?

Before you start dreaming of wearing that white coat, let’s check if you fit the criteria. The BHMS eligibility rules are strict but simple. You don’t need to guess; here is the exact checklist for the 2026 session:

Age Check: You must be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2026.
Schooling: You need to pass your 12th Standard (10+2) from a recognized board like CBSE, ICSE, or State Boards.
Subject Combination: You must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) along with English.
Marks Required:
- General/EWS: At least 50% marks in PCB combined.
- Reserved Categories (SC/ST/OBC): At least 40% marks.
The Big Exam: You must qualify for NEET UG 2026.

Note: Without a valid NEET score, admission is impossible, even in private colleges.

The BHMS Admission Process: How to Get a Seat

Getting into a medical college can feel like navigating a maze. Let’s simplify the BHMS admission journey into five clear steps.

Crack the NEET Exam: Everything starts here. You need to sit for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), usually held in May. Aim for a score above 400 if you want a government seat.
Wait for Results: Once NTA declares the results, check if you cleared the “cutoff percentile.”
Register for Counselling: This is where you apply for colleges. You don’t apply to colleges individually.
- For Central Universities: Register on the AACCC website (All India Quota).
- For State Colleges: Register on your state’s specific AYUSH counselling website.
Lock Your Choices: You will see a list of colleges. Rank them carefully. Put top government colleges first, followed by good private ones.
Reporting: If you get a seat allotted, grab your documents and report to the college. Pay the fees, and you are officially a medical student!

BHMS Course Duration: How Long Will It Take?

Medical education is a marathon, not a sprint. The BHMS course duration is exactly 5.5 years.

Here is how your time is divided:

Classroom Learning: 4.5 Years (Divided into 4 Professional terms).
Internship: 1 Year (Mandatory hospital training).

You cannot skip the internship. It is the time when you stop reading books and start treating real patients under supervision.

What Will You Study? (The BHMS Syllabus)

Many students think Homeopathy is easy. It isn’t. The BHMS syllabus covers almost everything an MBBS student learns, plus homeopathic subjects.

Here is a quick breakdown of what you will face:

1st Professional (1.5 Years): You learn how the human body is built (Anatomy) and how it works (Physiology). You also learn Pharmacy—how to make those sweet pills and mother tinctures.
2nd Professional (1 Year): You study diseases (Pathology) and germs (Microbiology). The fun part starts here with Materia Medica, where you study the “personality” of every medicine.
3rd Professional (1 Year): This focuses on Surgery (diagnosis, not operating), ENT, and Gynaecology (delivering babies and women’s health).
4th Professional (1 Year): The final level. You learn Community Medicine (preventing epidemics) and Repertory. A Repertory is like a giant dictionary of symptoms that helps you find the exact medicine for a patient.

Career Scope: What Happens After BHMS?

So, you finished the degree. What now? The career scope is much wider than just sitting in a clinic.

Open Your Own Clinic: This is the most common path. If you are good, patient word-of-mouth will build a lucrative practice.
Government Jobs: Apply for Medical Officer (MO) posts. States regularly hire Homeopaths for PHCs (Primary Health Centres).
Research: Join the CCRH (Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy). They do amazing work on evidence-based research.
MD in Homeopathy: Study for 3 more years to become a specialist (Pediatrics, Psychiatry, etc.) and teach in colleges.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is NEET compulsory for BHMS admission in 2026?

Yes, absolutely. NEET is the single gateway for admission to any BHMS college in India, whether it is government or private. Management quotas also require you to be NEET-qualified. No other separate entrance exam exists for this course.

2. Can a BHMS doctor perform surgery?

No, a BHMS graduate cannot perform major surgical procedures. You are trained to diagnose surgical conditions, but you treat them using medicines. For example, Homeopathy is excellent for treating kidney stones, piles, and tonsillitis without using a knife.

3. What is the full BHMS course duration including internship?

The complete course takes 5.5 years. This includes 4.5 years of academic study (lectures and labs) and a compulsory 1-year rotating internship in a hospital. You only get your degree after finishing the internship.

4. Can I use the “Dr.” tag after completing BHMS?

Yes, you can. Once you complete your internship and register with the State or National Council of Homoeopathy, you are a registered medical practitioner. You are legally entitled to use the prefix “Dr.” before your name.

5. Is the BHMS syllabus difficult compared to MBBS?

The syllabus is quite similar in the pre-clinical subjects. You study Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology just like MBBS students. However, you also have to master Homeopathic subjects like Materia Medica, which requires a lot of memorization. It is challenging but rewarding.

6. What is the age limit for BHMS eligibility?

The lower age limit is 17 years. The good news is that the Supreme Court has removed the upper age limit for NEET. So, whether you are 18 or 30, as long as you meet the educational criteria, you can pursue a BHMS degree.