Unani Doctor (BUMS)
Unani physicians practise the Unani system of medicine, an AYUSH stream, via the BUMS degree and NEET.
₹3–14 LPA
typical rangeNEET UG
key entrance exam4 steps
school → career
About this career
A Unani Doctor, holding a Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS) degree, practices a traditional system of medicine rooted in ancient wisdom and herbal pharmacology. In an Indian clinical setting, they diagnose patients using traditional methods like pulse reading (Nadi) and tongue examination, alongside modern clinical assessment, to provide holistic treatment plans.
Day-to-day work involves preparing or prescribing natural, plant-based remedies and advising patients on lifestyle modifications, diet, and regimen therapy (Ilaj-bit-Tadbeer). They often work in integrated healthcare setups or specialized AYUSH clinics, bridging the gap between historical healing practices and current public health needs to manage both chronic and acute conditions.
This career is ideal for students who possess a strong interest in traditional healing arts, patience for detailed patient observation, and a commitment to integrating natural medicine with scientific rigor.
What you'll actually do
A typical week in this role.
Diagnose diseases using Unani pulse and physical examination
Prescribe herbal medicines and Unani formulations
Perform regimen therapies like cupping or massage
Maintain accurate electronic medical records for patients
Counsel patients on diet and lifestyle interventions
The path from school
The realistic route, one step at a time.
Class 11-12
Complete higher secondary education with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as core subjects.
Focus: Secure high marks in PCB subjects to qualify for the NEET UG entrance exam.
Undergraduate
Qualify for NEET UG to gain admission into the 5.5-year Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS) program.
Focus: Master the curriculum of Unani medicine and complete the mandatory one-year internship.
Postgraduate (Optional)
Pursue an MD in Unani (MD Unani) to specialize in specific branches of Unani medicine.
Focus: Prepare for the AIAPGET entrance exam to secure a seat in a reputable postgraduate institution.
Entry & Licensing
Register with the State Board of Unani Medicine or the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine to begin professional practice.
Focus: Obtain a valid medical license to start private practice or apply for positions in AYUSH hospitals.
What it pays in India
Indicative, conservative medians — real offers vary by city, college and company.
₹3LPA
Starting out₹6LPA
A few years in₹14LPA
ExperiencedThe honest picture
The upsides worth chasing — and the trade-offs to go in with eyes open.
Why people love it
Focus on holistic, natural healing methods
Growing recognition through the AYUSH ministry
Stable career path in government health sectors
What to weigh up
Longer time required to build a private practice
Requires constant research into traditional texts
Integration challenges with modern allopathic systems
How your career grows
A typical arc from your first role to leadership.
Intern
Completing mandatory clinical rotation after BUMS degree.
Junior Medical Officer
Working in AYUSH clinics or government hospitals under supervision.
Senior Consultant
Managing private practice or heading clinical departments.
Medical Superintendent
Leading hospital administration or state-level AYUSH policy roles.
The essentials
Exams, degrees, where people study, and the skills that matter.
Entrance exams
Degrees that get you there
Where people study this
Skills that matter
Who hires for this
Employers and organisations that recruit for this role in India.
Ministry of AYUSH
Government District Hospitals
Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine
State Government Health Departments
Private Ayurvedic and Unani Multispecialty Hospitals
National Health Mission (NHM) clinics
Demand outlook
AYUSH promotion sustains steady demand; earnings vary by practice.
How ready are you for this career?
Get your Career Readiness Index — a live 300–900 score built from what you actually do, that you, your parents and your school can watch improve.
