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BUMS (Bachelor of Unani Medicine & Surgery | 5.5-Year Graeco-Arabic Medical Degree, NCISM Regulations, Mizaj Humoral Pathology & Ilaj-bit-Tadbeer)

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Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS) — National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM)

Category: Healthcare & Medicine · Education, Healthcare, Medicine

bolt 60-Second Summary & Quick Facts

Exhaustive PathTree handbook to BUMS (Bachelor of Unani Medicine & Surgery), covering NEET-UG admission protocols, 5.5-year curriculum, Mizaj humoral philosophy, Ilaj-bit-Tadbeer regimental therapy, Hijama cupping, top government tibbiya colleges, and career outcomes.

Stage / Category: Healthcare & Medicine
Target Group: Students & Parents
Core Focus: Foundational Mastery

BUMS is a 5.5-year professional medical degree that qualifies you as a licensed doctor in the Graeco-Arabic Unani medical system, renowned for humoral pathology, herbal pharmacology, and Hijama cupping therapy.

1. What is BUMS? The Graeco-Arabic Science of Humoral Harmony & Regimental Healing

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Level 1: BUMS in 2 Minutes (Start Here)

In plain words: BUMS (Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery), officially known in classical terminology as Kamil-e-Tibb-wa-Jarahat, is a 5.5-year professional medical degree that qualifies you as a licensed medical doctor in the Unani system of medicine (Tibb-e-Unani). Originating from ancient Greek physicians like Hippocrates (Buqrat) and Galen (Jalinoos), and systematized by Persian polymaths like Ibn Sina (Avicenna, author of The Canon of Medicine), Unani medicine is built on the scientific premise that human health depends on the equilibrium of Four Biological Humors (Akhlat-e-Arba'a): Dam (Blood), Balgham (Phlegm), Safra (Yellow Bile), and Sauda (Black Bile). When your unique personal temperament (Mizaj) falls out of balance, illness arises. BUMS doctors are licensed healthcare professionals who combine modern clinical diagnosis, surgical training, and pharmacology with legendary therapies like Hijama (Cupping therapy), herbal compounds, and leeching.

🎓 Who Can Take It? Class 12 PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) students who qualify NEET-UG. Candidates must also have studied Urdu, Arabic, or Persian in Class 10/12, or pass an introductory Urdu proficiency examination conducted by the university.
🏛️ Degree Duration & Licensure 5.5 Years (4.5 years academic coursework split into 3 professional phases + 1 year compulsory rotatory clinical hospital internship). Regulated nationally by NCISM, Ministry of Ayush.
🌿 Core Specialties Ilaj-bit-Tadbeer (Regimental Therapy & Hijama Cupping), Ilaj-bil-Dawa (Pharmacology & Herbal Formulations), Ilaj-bil-Ghiza (Dietotherapy), Jarahat (Unani Surgery), and Amraz-e-Niswan (Gynecology).
💼 Career & Salary Outcomes Unani Medical Officer in Central/State Health Services (Pay Level 10: ₹56,100 to ₹95,000/month), Research Officer at CCRUM, private Hijama & wellness clinic entrepreneur, or R&D executive at Hamdard, Rex, and Dehlvi.

2. The 5-Step Journey from High School to Licensed Unani Physician (Hakim)

📍 Your 5-Step Journey from School Student to Licensed Unani Physician:

1

Class 12 PCB & Urdu Foundation: Pass 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology securing at least 50% aggregate marks (40% for SC/ST/OBC). Candidates must have passed Urdu, Arabic, or Persian at the 10th or 12th standard level (or clear the university's pre-Tibb/Urdu test).

2

Clear NEET-UG Examination: Secure the national qualifying cutoff percentile in NEET-UG conducted annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

3

AACCC & State AYUSH Counselling: Participate in All India Quota (15%) counselling on aaccc.gov.in for national institutes (like NIUM Bangalore, AMU Aligarh, Jamia Hamdard) or respective State AYUSH counselling for 85% state quota seats.

4

4.5 Years of Pre-Clinical & Clinical Training: Master human anatomy (Tashreeh-ul-Badan) with cadaveric dissection, physiology (Manafe-ul-Aza), pathology, pharmacology, and clinical diagnosis using Nabz (pulse) and modern biochemistry.

5

1-Year Compulsory Rotatory Internship & Licensure: Complete 365 days of clinical rotations across inpatient, emergency casualty, Hijama regimental centers, and surgery; secure NCISM central registration to practice as a certified Hakim / Unani Doctor.

3. "Do I Need This? / Is This For Me?" Self-Selection Decision Matrix

🧭 Do I Need This? / Is BUMS the Right Career Choice for Me?

  • If you want to practice specialized holistic physical therapies like Hijama (Wet Cupping): Unani medicine is globally famous for Ilaj-bit-Tadbeer (regimental medicine). Certified BUMS doctors run highly lucrative specialized clinics for detoxification, sciatica, arthritis, migraine, and sports injuries.
  • If you have a background or interest in Urdu/Arabic literature: Many classical pharmaceutical treatises (like Qarabadin-e-Kabir) are in Urdu and Persian. Being comfortable with Urdu gives you immediate access to primary medical treasures.
  • If you want an affordable, debt-free medical pathway: Top government institutes like AMU (Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College) and Government Unani Medical Colleges charge very low fees (often less than ₹10,000–₹25,000 per year) while delivering world-class hospital training.
  • If you aspire to international careers in the Middle East & Central Asia: Unani-Tibb (Grecian-Arab medicine) has immense cultural and legal standing across UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran, and Central Asia, opening doors to global medical spas and clinical research centers.

4. BUMS Fast Facts & Administrative Snapshot Table

Core Parameter Official Regulation / Detail Student / Parent Key Takeaway
Course Full Title Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS) / Kamil-e-Tibb-wa-Jarahat Conveys the title "Doctor" (Dr.) / Hakim, authorized to practice clinical medicine, diagnose diseases, and prescribe Unani formulations.
National Regulatory Council National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM), Ministry of Ayush, Government of India Maintains national standard of education, college accreditations, teacher eligibility, and central medical registry.
Course Duration & Pattern 5.5 Years (4.5 Years Classroom & Clinical Rotations in 3 Professional Phases + 1 Year Internship) Identical timeline and rigor to MBBS and BDS. Full bedside exposure to acute and chronic patients.
Entrance Examination NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test conducted by NTA) Admission is 100% merit-based through national NEET ranks. No private unverified backdoor admissions.
Urdu Language Eligibility Rule Passing 10th or 12th standard with Urdu, Arabic, or Persian, OR clearing the Pre-Tibb / Urdu proficiency exam Essential because classical medical manuscripts and pharmacology formulations are taught in Urdu.
Postgraduate Degree (MD / MS Unani) AIAPGET (All India AYUSH Post Graduate Entrance Test) for 3-Year MD/MS Unani Specialties: Moalajat (Medicine), Ilaj-bit-Tadbeer (Regimental Therapy), Ilmul Advia (Pharmacology), Jarahat (Surgery), Niswan (Gynecology).
Annual Tuition Fees Government Colleges: ₹5,000 – ₹30,000/year
Private Unaided Colleges: ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,50,000/year		 High affordability in premier government universities (AMU, Jamia Hamdard, Govt Unani Colleges).

5. Historical Lineage: Hippocrates (Buqrat), Galen (Jalinoos), Ibn Sina & Indo-Persian Golden Era

The Unani system has one of the most illustrious and documented intellectual genealogies in medical history. The word Unani literally translates to "Ionian" (Greek). It was established around 460 BCE by Hippocrates (Buqrat), who liberated medicine from superstitious witchcraft and established the theory of biological humors. Later, the Roman physician Galen (Jalinoos) expanded physiological experimentation and anatomy.

During the Islamic Golden Age (8th to 13th Century CE), Arab and Persian scholars translated and vastly enriched Greek knowledge in the House of Wisdom (Bayt al-Hikma) in Baghdad. Polymaths like Al-Razi (Rhazes) and Ibn Sina (Avicenna) compiled magnum opuses. Ibn Sina's masterpiece, Al-Qanun fi al-Tibb (The Canon of Medicine), served as the premier standard textbook of medicine across European and Asian universities for over 500 years.

The Indian Flourishing & Hakims of Delhi:

Unani was introduced to India in the 11th century during the Delhi Sultanate. Under Mughal patronage, hospitals (Shifakhanas) were established nationwide. In the 20th century, the visionary freedom fighter and royal physician Masih-ul-Mulk Hakim Ajmal Khan transformed traditional apprenticeships into modern collegiate education, founding the Ayurvedic and Unani Tibbia College in Delhi and spearheading the Indianization of Unani medicine.

6. Core Philosophy: Arkan (Elements), Mizaj (Temperament) & Akhlat (The 4 Humors)

Unani medicine conceptualizes human physiology through the Umoor-e-Tabi'yah (Seven Natural Principles): Arkan (Elements), Mizaj (Temperament), Akhlat (Humors), A'za (Organs), Arwah (Vital Spirits), Quwa (Biological Faculties), and Af'al (Functions).

The Four Biological Humors (Akhlat-e-Arba'a):

1. Dam (Blood / Sanguine)

Quality: Hot & Moist (Har-Yabis) | Element: Air

Nourishes all tissues, delivers oxygen, and sustains physical vitality. When dominant and balanced, produces an energetic, optimistic, and warm individual. Excess produces hypertension, plethoric headaches, epistaxis, and inflammatory fevers.

2. Balgham (Phlegm / Phlegmatic)

Quality: Cold & Moist (Barid-Ratab) | Element: Water

Lubricates synovial joints, cushions nervous structures, and provides moisture to mucous membranes. Imbalance causes respiratory congestion, asthma, edema, sluggish metabolism, and chronic fatigue.

3. Safra (Yellow Bile / Choleric)

Quality: Hot & Dry (Har-Yabis) | Element: Fire

Stimulates digestion, cleanses gastrointestinal pathways, and sharpens mental focus. Excess produces hyperacidity, jaundice, burning micturition, insomnia, and acute irritability.

4. Sauda (Black Bile / Melancholic)

Quality: Cold & Dry (Barid-Yabis) | Element: Earth

Provides bone density, appetite sensation, and tissue firmness. Excess leads to depression, melancholia, chronic constipation, eczema, splenomegaly, and neoplastic growths.

7. Diagnostic Methodology: Nabz (Pulse), Baul (Urine) & Baraz (Stool)

Clinical diagnosis in Unani medicine is celebrated for its deep semiotic observation of bodily secretions and arterial dynamics. The master physician relies on three classical investigative pillars:

1. Nabz (Arterial Pulse Examination)

Examined over the radial artery with four fingers placed right below the wrist. Unani literature analyzes pulse along 10 Complex Parameters (Ajnas-e-Ashara), including length, breadth, depth, velocity (Saree/Batee), rhythm, elasticity of the vessel wall, and fullness. The physician can differentiate between acute septic states, humoral imbalances, and emotional distress purely by tactile pulse reading.

2. Baul (Urine Examination - Qaroorah)

Midstream morning urine collected in a transparent glass bottle (Qaroorah) is inspected for seven specific attributes: color (ranging from straw to black), transparency, consistency, froth, sediment (Rusoob), and odor. Sediment settling patterns provide immediate insight into renal and hepatic filtration function.

3. Baraz (Fecal Examination)

Assessment of stool color, consistency, frequency, and presence of undigested matter reflects the digestive integrity (Hazm-e-Madi) and the status of intestinal mucosal health.

8. Ilaj-bit-Tadbeer: Specialized Regimental Therapy, Hijama (Cupping) & Leeching

Ilaj-bit-Tadbeer (Regimental Therapy) is the crown jewel of Unani clinical practice. Rather than flooding the body with chemical drugs, regimental therapies detoxify, decongest, and evacuate morbid matter (Mawad-e-Fasida) through physiological channels:

Regimental Procedure Classical Arabic Term Clinical Technique & Indications
Cupping Therapy (Dry & Wet) Hijama (Hijama-bil-Shart) Creating negative suction over specific meridian points. Wet cupping involves superficial micro-incisions to draw out stagnant capillary blood. Proven for sciatica, migraine, osteoarthritis, and chronic fatigue.
Venesection / Phlebotomy Fasd Puncturing specific superficial veins (e.g. median cubital, basilic, saphenous) to relieve systemic plethoric volume, hypertension, and severe localized inflammatory stasis.
Leech Therapy Irsal-e-Alaq Application of medicinal non-poisonous leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) over ischemic tissues, non-healing varicose ulcers, alopecia areata, and thrombosed veins.
Therapeutic Massage Dalk Soft, medium, or vigorous manipulation with medicated herbal oils to improve muscular tone, relieve muscular spasms, and redistribute blood flow.
Medicated Turkish Bath Hammam Controlled thermal vapor baths combined with diaphoresis (sweating) to eliminate systemic metabolic waste and relieve joint stiffness.
Cauterization Kai Targeted thermal micro-cautery applied over chronic arthritic joints, fistulas, and recalcitrant neuralgias.

9. Ilaj-bil-Dawa: Unani Pharmacology, Mufradat (Singles) & Murakkabat (Compounds)

Unani pharmacopeia (Ilmul Advia) is renowned for formulating natural substances based on their therapeutic temperamental degree (1st to 4th degree of Hot, Cold, Moist, or Dry):

🌿 Mufradat (Single Raw Drugs)

Over 2,000 documented natural botanicals, minerals, and animal derivatives. Celebrated examples include:

  • Asgandh (Withania somnifera): Neuro-rejuvenator and adaptogen.
  • Ustukhuddus (Lavandula stoechas): "The broom of the brain" for clearing cerebral congestion and headache.
  • Kalonji (Nigella sativa / Black seed): Broad-spectrum immunomodulator and digestive aid.
  • Gule Surkh (Rosa damascena): Cardiac tonic and cooling astringent.

🏺 Murakkabat (Compound Formulations)

Multi-herbal standardized preparations developed to treat complex systemic diseases:

  • Majun & Jawarish: Semisolid herbal electuaries prepared in honey or sugar base for digestive and hepatic support.
  • Khamira: Aerated, fermented cardiac and brain tonics containing calcined pearls, gold, and saffron.
  • Sharbat: Medicated syrups for respiratory cough, fever, and liver detox.
  • Kushta: Micro-fine incinerated calx preparations of minerals and metals with rapid cellular penetration.

10. Ilaj-bil-Yad: Classical Unani Surgery & Minor Operative Traditions (Jarahat)

The "S" in BUMS stands for Surgery (Jarahat). Classical Unani masters made profound pioneering contributions to surgical techniques. The 10th-century surgeon Abu al-Qasim al-Zahrawi (Abulcasis), author of Kitab al-Tasrif, invented over 200 surgical instruments—including scalpels, bone saws, surgical forceps, and catgut sutures for internal organ closure—that remain in use in modern operating theatres.

Modern BUMS Clinical Surgical Training:

BSMS students undergo rigorous operative training in general surgical wards, learning:

  • Aseptic wound debridement, suturing, and management of chronic non-healing diabetic foot ulcers using medicated dressings (Marham).
  • Management of anorectal disorders: Piles, anal fissures, and fistula-in-ano using classical parasurgical seton techniques and herbal ligation.
  • Minor surgical interventions including incision and drainage (I&D) of abscesses, foreign body extraction, and excision of sebaceous cysts.
  • Pre-operative and post-operative surgical patient care and sterilization protocols.

11. Eligibility Criteria, Urdu Language Rule, NEET-UG Admissions & Counselling

Comprehensive Eligibility Criteria for BUMS Admission

  • Educational Qualification: Must have passed 10+2 / Intermediate Examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) as mandatory subjects from a recognized educational board. Minimum aggregate score: 50% for General candidates, 40% for SC/ST/OBC categories.
  • Mandatory Entrance Test: Must qualify the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) conducted by NTA. Admission is purely on the basis of All India NEET ranks.
  • Urdu Language Prerequisite (Important): The candidate must have passed Urdu, Arabic, or Persian as a language subject in Class 10 or Class 12. Alternatively, candidates who have not studied Urdu in school must pass an introductory Urdu language proficiency entrance examination conducted by the admitting university or state government before or during the first professional year.
  • Age Criteria: Must be at least 17 years of age on or before December 31st of the year of admission.

Counselling Channels:

• All India Quota (15%): Conducted online by the Ayush Admissions Central Counseling Committee (AACCC) at aaccc.gov.in for National Institutes, Central Universities (AMU, Jamia Hamdard), and Government Colleges.
• State Quota (85%): Conducted by respective State AYUSH Directorates (e.g. UP DGME, Maharashtra CET Cell, Karnataka KEA, Telangana KNRUHS).

12. The 5.5-Year Comprehensive Academic & Clinical Syllabus (NCISM Unified Structure)

Academic Phase Duration Core Integrated Subjects Taught
First Professional BUMS 18 Months • Kulliyat-e-Umoor-e-Tabi'yah (Basic Principles of Unani Medicine)
• Tashreeh-ul-Badan (Human Anatomy & Cadaveric Dissection)
• Manafe-ul-Aza (Human Physiology & Biophysics)
• Mantiq, Falsafa wa Tareekh-e-Tibb (Logic, Philosophy & History of Medicine)
• Arabic & Urdu Language Foundation
Second Professional BUMS 18 Months • Ilmul Advia - Mufradat (Pharmacognosy & Single Raw Drugs)
• Ilmul Advia - Murakkabat wa Dawa Saazi (Compound Formulations & Pharmacy)
• Sareeriyat wa Usool-e-Ilaj (Clinical Bedside Examination & Therapeutics)
• Ilmul Amraz wa Ilmul Jaraseem (General Pathology & Microbiology)
• Ilmul Samoom wa Tibb-e-Qanooni (Medical Toxicology & Forensic Medicine)
Third Professional BUMS 18 Months • Moalajat - Paper I & II (General Internal Medicine & Systemic Diseases)
• Ilaj-bit-Tadbeer (Regimental Therapy, Hijama Cupping & Fasd)
• Jarahat (General Surgery, Orthopedics & Parasurgical Techniques)
• Amraz-e-Ain, Uzn, Anaf, Halaq (Ophthalmology & ENT)
• Amraz-e-Niswan wa Qabalat (Gynecology & Obstetrics)
• Ilmul Atfal (Pediatrics) & Tahaffuzi wa Samaji Tibb (Community Medicine)
Compulsory Rotatory Internship 12 Months (Full-Time) Rotatory hands-on hospital training across Moalajat (Medicine), Jarahat (Surgery), Niswan (OBG), Atfal (Pediatrics), Ilaj-bit-Tadbeer (Cupping Unit), Emergency/Casualty, and Rural Community Health Centers.

13. Premier Unani Medical Colleges, Seat Matrices & Cutoff Benchmarks

Institution Name & City Institution Category Total Seats Typical NEET Cutoff Marks (General)
Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh, UP Central University (Premier Historic Body) 60 Seats 520 – 580 Marks
Faculty of Unani Medicine, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi Deemed-to-be University (NAAC A+ Accredited) 60 Seats 480 – 540 Marks
National Institute of Unani Medicine (NIUM), Bengaluru, Karnataka Autonomous Apex National Body (Ministry of Ayush) BUMS & PG Research Center Premier AIAPGET PG Cutoffs
Ayurvedic and Unani Tibbia College, Karol Bagh, New Delhi Govt of NCT of Delhi / Delhi University 50 Seats 490 – 550 Marks
Government Nizamia Tibbi College, Charminar, Hyderabad, Telangana State Government 75 Seats 430 – 500 Marks
Government Unani Medical College, Arumbakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu State Government 60 Seats 410 – 470 Marks

14. Career Opportunities, Government Salaries & Unani Pharmaceutical Industry

Professional Role / Designation Recruiting Agency / Sector 7th Pay Commission Pay Level Expected Starting Gross Salary
Medical Officer (Unani) / GDMO UPSC (CGHS Dispensaries) / State Public Service Commissions / NHM Level 10 (Basic ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500) ₹80,000 – ₹1,05,000 / month + NPA + DA
Research Scientist / Officer (Unani) CCRUM (Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine), Ministry of Ayush Level 10 (Gazetted Central Govt) ₹82,000 – ₹1,10,000 / month
Assistant Professor / Lecturer Government and Private Unani Medical Colleges (post-MD Unani) Level 10 to Level 11 (UGC Scale) ₹70,000 – ₹1,15,000 / month
Hijama Specialist & Regimental Consultant Private Pain Relief Clinics, Sports Recovery Centers, Wellness Resorts Corporate Compensation / Private Retainer ₹7,00,000 – ₹20,00,000 / year (procedure revenue)
Pharma Production & Formulation Manager Unani Pharmaceutical Giants (Hamdard Laboratories, Rex Remedies, Dehlvi Remedies) Corporate Private Industry CTC ₹6,50,000 – ₹16,00,000 / year

15. Frequently Asked Questions (Real Aspirant & Parent Inquiries)

Q1: Can a BUMS doctor perform surgeries and run private clinics?

Yes. BUMS graduates are licensed medical practitioners registered under the NCISM and State Medical Boards. They can establish independent medical clinics, prescribe licensed Unani and herbal formulations, perform minor surgical procedures (such as abscess incisions, wound debridement, and parasurgical seton procedures), and practice certified regimental therapies like Hijama cupping.

Q2: Is studying Urdu compulsory to get admission in BUMS?

In most states and central universities, having passed Urdu in Class 10 or Class 12 is a statutory prerequisite because classical texts, pharmacopeia, and terminology are taught in Urdu. However, students who did not have Urdu in school can take a 1-year preparatory Pre-Tibb course or pass an introductory Urdu language proficiency test before starting the professional BUMS syllabus.

Q3: How effective is Hijama (Cupping Therapy) and who is authorized to practice it?

Under Indian medical law, only registered medical practitioners (such as BUMS and qualified AYUSH/MBBS doctors with certification) are legally permitted to perform invasive wet cupping (Hijama-bil-Shart). Hijama is clinically proven to improve localized capillary micro-circulation, reduce inflammatory cytokines, and stimulate endorphin release, making it exceptionally effective for chronic back pain, sciatica, migraine, and osteoarthritis.

Q4: What higher educational opportunities exist after BUMS?

After completing BUMS, graduates can appear for the national AIAPGET entrance exam to pursue a 3-year MD/MS (Unani) in clinical specialties such as Moalajat (General Medicine), Ilaj-bit-Tadbeer (Regimental Therapy), Ilmul Advia (Pharmacology), Jarahat (Surgery), or Amraz-e-Niswan (Gynecology). Alternatively, graduates pursue Master of Public Health (MPH), MBA in Hospital Administration, or MSc in Clinical Research.

Q5: Are BUMS degrees recognized internationally?

Yes. Unani medicine has strong statutory recognition and clinical licensing pathways across the Middle East (including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar), South Asia, and parts of Europe and South Africa under complementary and traditional medicine councils. Many BUMS graduates practice as licensed complementary medicine practitioners or wellness consultants abroad.

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