An exciting and unique news has come out for the students who want to make a career in the medical field. Generally, to become a doctor, one needs to pass class 12th (with Physics, Chemistry and Biology) and crack the tough NEET exam; But now a new and interesting option has emerged which is different from this traditional path. Students can now step towards becoming an Ayurveda doctor immediately after passing 10th class. However, this opportunity is not for all 10th pass students; A new path of Ayurveda education has opened especially for the students of Sanskrit. Central Sanskrit University has released a notification regarding ‘NEET Pre-Ayurveda’ for the 2026-27 academic session, under which candidates who have passed 10th can take admission in Pre-Ayurveda course and then study to become an Ayurveda doctor.
**What is BAMS course for 10th pass students?**
Through the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Pre-Ayurveda NEET 2026), qualified candidates can pursue Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) course. The total duration of this course is seven and a half years, which includes two years of pre-Ayurveda Gurukulam program followed by four and a half years of BAMS course. Under this course, one year internship is also necessary for the students.
**Who can apply?**
Candidates who have passed 10th class from a recognized board, State Sanskrit Board or equivalent board are eligible to apply.
At least 50% marks are required for general category candidates.
At least 40% marks are required for candidates belonging to Scheduled Tribe (ST), Scheduled Caste (SC), OBC and Disabled (PwD) categories.
The age limit has been fixed at minimum 15 years and maximum 25 years till December 31, 2026.
No relaxation will be given in the maximum age limit for any category.
The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) has approved this Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) course. This program will be run by Ayurveda Gurukuls affiliated with Central Sanskrit University (CSU). It is noteworthy that earlier this year the University and the Commission had launched ‘Ayurveda Gurukul Connection Portal’. Through this portal, eligible candidates will be able to apply to appear for the NEET Pre-Ayurveda Entrance Exam.
When can applications be made?
According to Exam Controller Professor Pawan Kumar, the application process for the entrance exam of BAMS course will start in the third week of July. Eligible candidates will be able to apply through online process. After this, the candidates who qualify the entrance exam will be eligible for admission to the course.
When will the entrance exam be held?
NEET Pre-Ayurveda Entrance Exam will be conducted at different centers across the country. According to the notification, the exam is likely to be held in the last week of August or the first week of September. Selected students will get admission in seven and a half year course. For more information you can visit ‘Ayurveda Gurukul Connection Portal’.
NEET PA Exam Pattern
Talking about NEET PA exam pattern, it will be an offline (OMR-based) exam. Candidates will get a total of 150 minutes (two and a half hours) to complete this pen-and-paper test. The exam will have 120 multiple choice questions (MCQs). The paper will be of total 120 marks, in which each question will get one mark. There will be no negative marking; That means no marks will be deducted for wrong answers. The syllabus includes subjects like Sanskrit literature (Vāṅmāya), grammar, Puranas and history, philosophy and Indian knowledge traditions. This exam will be conducted in three languages: Hindi, English and Sanskrit.
