In 2026, there has been a significant push by the Government of India to expand opportunities in the AYUSH sector, especially for students interested in pursuing BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery). The Ministry of AYUSH has taken multiple steps to increase the number of BAMS seats across the country, making it easier for NEET aspirants to secure admission in medical courses beyond MBBS. This move comes at a time when competition in NEET is at an all-time high, and students are actively exploring alternative medical career options.
One of the biggest highlights of this update is the government’s focus on expanding infrastructure by allowing the establishment of new Ayurvedic colleges and increasing the intake capacity in existing institutions. The regulatory authority, National Commission for Indian System of Medicine, has issued notifications inviting applications from colleges to increase their undergraduate (UG) seats and introduce new courses. This means that both government and private institutions now have the opportunity to expand their capacity, directly leading to an increase in BAMS seats in the coming academic sessions.
Along with increasing intake capacity, the government is also focusing on opening new institutes. As per recent developments linked to Budget 2026, plans have been announced to establish new Ayurveda institutions across India. These new institutes are expected to add hundreds of additional seats for students in the near future, creating more opportunities for those who qualify NEET but are unable to secure MBBS seats. This expansion is part of a broader vision to strengthen traditional Indian medicine systems and make them more accessible.
Another important factor contributing to the increase in BAMS seats is the continuous growth of AYUSH colleges in India. Currently, there are over 560 colleges offering BAMS courses, with approximately 31,000+ seats available nationwide. With new colleges being approved and existing ones expanding their capacity, this number is expected to rise further in 2026 and beyond. This is a positive sign for NEET aspirants, as it increases their chances of getting admission even with moderate scores.
The government is also supporting this expansion through schemes like the National AYUSH Mission, which provides financial assistance to states for establishing new colleges and upgrading existing infrastructure. This ensures that the growth in seats is not just about numbers but also about maintaining quality education and proper clinical training facilities for students. Improved hospitals, skill labs, and practical training are being emphasized to ensure that BAMS graduates are well-prepared for real-world medical practice.
In addition to national-level initiatives, several states have also started increasing BAMS seats at the local level. For example, recent updates from state counseling authorities show that seat capacity in certain government Ayurvedic colleges has already been increased, leading to revised counseling schedules. This indicates that the seat expansion process is already in action and students can expect more seats during upcoming counseling rounds.
Another major development is the role of centralized counseling conducted by AACCC (Ayush Admissions Central Counseling Committee), which manages seat allocation for BAMS and other AYUSH courses. With an increase in seat matrix across government, private, and deemed universities, the counseling process is expected to offer more options to students in 2026. This will help reduce competition pressure slightly and improve admission chances for many candidates.
From a student’s perspective, this increase in BAMS seats is a big opportunity. Earlier, many students with decent NEET scores were unable to get admission due to limited seats. Now, with the government expanding capacity, more students can enter the medical field through Ayurveda. This also aligns with the growing demand for alternative medicine systems, both in India and globally.
However, it is important to understand that increasing seats does not mean reduced competition entirely. NEET remains a highly competitive exam, and students still need to secure qualifying marks and participate actively in counseling. The increase in seats simply improves the probability of selection, especially for students in the mid-score range.
Looking ahead, the expansion of BAMS seats is expected to continue in the coming years as the government focuses on strengthening the AYUSH sector. With rising awareness about Ayurveda and natural treatment methods, the demand for qualified BAMS doctors is also increasing. This makes BAMS not just an alternative to MBBS, but a strong and promising career option in itself.
In conclusion, the latest updates by the Ministry of AYUSH clearly indicate a positive shift towards expanding medical education opportunities in India. The increase in BAMS seats through new colleges, higher intake capacity, and government support schemes is a major benefit for NEET aspirants. Students should stay updated with official notifications, participate in counseling actively, and consider BAMS as a valuable career path in the evolving healthcare system.
Source
- Ministry of AYUSH official announcements & policies
- National Commission for Indian System of Medicine notifications on seat increase
- AYUSH counseling updates (AACCC)
