How much is paid during BAMS Internship?

Introduction

If you're pursuing a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) in India, you probably know that the journey doesn’t end after 4.5 years of classroom learning. To complete the degree, every student must go through a one-year compulsory internship, working hands-on in various departments like Ayurveda, modern medicine, and community health. 

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at how much BAMS interns actually get paid across India. We’ll break down the stipend details for both government and private colleges, explore how it varies from state to state, share a bit of background on why it’s so different everywhere, and offer some practical tips to help you make the most of your internship year, financially and professionally.

Overview of BAMS Internship

Before we get into how much BAMS interns are paid, let’s first understand what the internship involves.

• BAMS Duration: 12 months (compulsory)
• BAMS Structure: During the internship, students rotate through various key departments such as internal medicine (Kaya Chikitsa), surgery (Shalya Tantra), ENT and eye care (Shalakya Tantra), gynaecology and obstetrics (Prasuti and Striroga), paediatrics (Kaumarbhritya), and detox therapies (Panchakarma).
• BAMS Eligibility: Completion of all academic years and clearance of university exams.
• Mandatory for: To officially work as an Ayurvedic doctor, you’ll need to register with your state’s medical council after completing your internship.

Do BAMS Interns Get Paid?

Yes, BAMS interns do receive a stipend during their internship, but it’s important to understand that there’s no fixed or uniform amount across the board. The stipend can vary significantly depending on several key factors, and this often leads to a lot of confusion and frustration among students.

For some interns, the monthly stipend might be enough to comfortably cover basic expenses like food, travel, and accommodation. But for others, the reality can be quite different. In many cases, students receive a very modest amount—and in some unfortunate situations, they may not get any stipend at all.

This wide disparity is not just random. It’s influenced by a complex mix of factors that are often outside the student’s control. Understanding these factors can help you set realistic expectations and prepare accordingly.

Let’s look at a few factors of why BAMS stipends can vary so much:

1. Type of Institution: Government vs Private
2. State Government Policies
3. Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) Guidelines
4. University Affiliation
5. College Reputation and Funding

Government vs Private Colleges: Stipend Differences

• Government Ayurvedic Colleges

Government institutions generally provide a fixed stipend during internships, set either by the central government or state authorities.

Average Stipend Range:

1. INR 10,000 to INR 20,000 per month
2. Annually: INR 1.2 to INR 2.4 lakhs

Some states are more generous than others, offering higher stipends to interns posted in rural areas or involved in specific public health programs.

• Private Ayurvedic Colleges

Private institutions may or may not offer any stipend.

Typical Scenarios:

1. No stipend at all (common in lower-tier colleges)
2. INR 2,000 to INR 10,000 per month in better-funded institutions
3. Some colleges charge students extra fees during the internship year

Note: The lack of stipend in private colleges is often due to limited funding or autonomy in financial management.

State-Wise Stipend Distribution (Indicative)

BAMS internship stipends can differ quite a bit from state to state across India. Usually, government colleges tend to offer better financial support compared to private ones. To give you a clearer picture, here’s a state-wise breakdown so you know what to expect depending on where you do your internship:

Tip: It’s a good idea to talk to your college office or university staff directly, since stipend amounts can change every couple of years and may not always be updated online.

Historical Context & Policy Changes

Over the years, BAMS students have often voiced their frustration about how inconsistent stipend payments are during internships. Many student groups have come together to push for fair and uniform stipends, highlighting how important financial support is during this crucial phase of their training. Many student bodies have demanded:

• Minimum stipend guarantee
• Centralized stipend regulation under NCISM (previously CCIM)
• Compulsory stipend payments in private colleges

In 2021, the Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) was replaced by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM), which introduced new guidelines aimed at making internship practices more uniform and ensuring fair stipends for students. However, many states are still in the process of putting these changes into action.

NCISM Internship Guidelines (2021 onwards)

The NCISM Internship Guidelines, introduced in 2021, were designed to make the BAMS internship more consistent and meaningful. They focus on giving students better hands-on clinical experience while also encouraging fair and equal compensation, no matter which college they attend. According to NCISM regulations:

• Every BAMS intern must undergo 365 days of clinical training.
• Institutions are encouraged to pay stipends to interns.
• Clinical exposure must be diverse and include both Ayurveda and integrative medical approaches.

Key Observation:
NCISM doesn’t set a fixed stipend amount—it's up to each state and individual college to decide how much they want to pay their BAMS interns.

Real Student Experiences

To give you a better idea of what to expect, here are some honest experiences from students who’ve just completed their BAMS internship:

• Shruti, Intern at Government Ayurveda College, Kerala:

“I received INR 16,000/month during my internship. The work was hectic, but the stipend helped cover my living costs. Overall, a good learning experience.”

• Rahul, Intern at Private College in UP:

“We didn’t get any stipend. In fact, we had to pay a clinical fee during our internship. Felt a bit unfair, but we had no choice.”

• Meera, Intern in Rajasthan:

“I got INR 12,000/month. They also reimbursed for transport during community postings. Not bad, considering the workload.”

How to Check Your Internship Stipend?

If you’re wondering how much you’ll actually get paid during your BAMS internship, here’s how you can find out:

1. Contact the Internship Coordinator
2. Check your College’s Official Circulars or Notices
3. Ask Senior BAMS Students
4. Refer to State AYUSH Department Website
5. Look into University Guidelines (if any)

How to Supplement Income During Internship

While the stipend definitely helps, a lot of students feel it’s not quite enough, especially if they’re living in cities where expenses can be high. So, here are some practical and completely legal ways you can earn a little extra during your internship:

1. Online Ayurveda Consultation (under supervision)
   Some states allow interns to assist in telemedicine or online consultations.
2. Content Creation / Medical Blogging
   Write health blogs or create YouTube content focused on Ayurveda and wellness.
3. Part-Time Tutoring
   Help junior BAMS students or NEET aspirants with Biology and Chemistry.
4. Freelance Work
   If you have digital skills (design, writing, video editing), you can work online during free hours.

Note: Just make sure that any side work you take on doesn’t get in the way of your internship responsibilities or go against your college’s rules.

Comparative Chart: BAMS vs Other Medical Internships

Here’s a simple comparison to give you a clearer idea of how BAMS internship stipends measure up against those in other medical courses:
 

Future of BAMS Internship Stipends

Keep an eye on these changes that could shape the future of BAMS internships:

• Pressure on private colleges to pay stipends
• Centralized AYUSH internship portal (proposed)
• Uniform stipend policy under NCISM
• Increased involvement of AYUSH doctors in public health may lead to better stipends

Conclusion: What Should BAMS Interns Expect?

During your BAMS internship, you might get a stipend anywhere between INR 5,000 and INR 20,000 a month. But keep in mind, this isn’t always guaranteed—especially if you’re doing your internship at a private college, where stipends are often less common or sometimes not given at all. It’s a good idea to check with your college and keep an eye on your state’s rules so you know what to expect. That said, while the stipend can help with some expenses, the main goal of your internship is to learn and build your skills. So, try to focus on gaining hands-on experience and knowledge that will really shape your future career, rather than just the money.