NEW DELHI: For years, many students studying in Sanskrit schools and Gurukuls believed that becoming a doctor was beyond their reach. That is set to change now. In a major move that blends India’s ancient wisdom with modern education, the Central Sanskrit University (CSU) has introduced the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Pre-Ayurveda (NEET-PA) for the academic session 2026-27. The initiative will open new doors for Sanskrit students who aspire to become Ayurvedic doctors. Students who have passed Class 10 from recognised boards, including Sanskrit boards are eligible to pursue a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) degree and eventually become Ayurvedic doctors.
The initiative is approved by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM). It also aligns with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aims to bring together Sanskrit education, Gurukul traditions and India’s rich Ayurvedic heritage.
With the introduction of NEET-PA, students who have completed Class 10 from any recognised board, including Sanskrit boards can now have a dedicated way to pursue a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) degree. Through admission to Pre-Ayurveda Gurukulams affiliated with the Central Sanskrit University, students can begin their journey towards becoming qualified Ayurvedic doctors.
According to Vice-Chancellor Prof. Srinivas Varkhedi, the programme will integrate Sanskrit education, the Gurukul tradition and Ayurveda under one academic framework. He said the initiative would not only preserve India’s rich knowledge heritage but also help students transform their traditional learning into meaningful professional careers.
🎓 BAMS का सपना अब संस्कृत विद्यार्थियों के लिए साकार — NEET-PA के माध्यम से मिलेगा नया अवसर!
भारतीय ज्ञान परंपरा (IKS), राष्ट्रीय शिक्षा नीति (NEP-2020) एवं आयुर्वेद शिक्षा के समन्वय की दिशा में केंद्रीय संस्कृत विश्वविद्यालय ने शैक्षणिक सत्र 2026–27 हेतु राष्ट्रीय… pic.twitter.com/YGKgIxCQ28
— CENTRAL SANSKRIT UNIVERSITY (@CentralSanskrit) July 9, 2026
A New Route to Become an Ayurvedic Doctor
The integrated programme will have a duration of 7.5 years, which includes:
2 years of Pre-Ayurveda studies
4.5 years of BAMS education
1 year of compulsory internship
Upon completion, students will be eligible to practise as Ayurvedic doctors.
The registration process for NEET-PA is expected to begin in the third week of July 2026. Candidates who have passed Class 10 from recognised boards, including Sanskrit boards, will be eligible to apply. As far as age limit is concerned, applicants must be at least 15 years old and not more than 25 years of age as of December 31, 2026.
As per the exam pattern details shared by the university, the entrance examination will be conducted in an offline, OMR-based format and will consist of 120 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 150 minutes. There will be no negative marking. The language of the exam can be in Sanskrit, Hindi or English.
The university has tentatively scheduled the examination for August 30 or September 6, 2026, with the final date to be announced later.
By creating a direct path from Sanskrit education to Ayurveda, the Central Sanskrit University has not only promoted India’s traditional knowledge systems but also opened new career opportunities for thousands of aspiring students across the country.
