KOCHI: AYUSH graduates henceforth will have to pass a special qualifying exam to start practising in hospitals. The Union Ministry of AYUSH has initiated a national-level examination for those pursuing degrees in Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Siddha, Unani, Yoga and Naturopathy. The exam will start within three years.
The circular regarding the examination was released by BL Mehra, Secretary, National Commission for Indian System of Medicine under the Ministry of AYUSH. Registration in Central and State Councils is allowed only to those who pass the National Exit Test and complete one year of House Surgency.
The agency for conducting the test will be decided later. Two examinations will be conducted annually in February and August. Candidates who have completed at least 170 days of house surgency after their final year and students who have completed one year of house surgency after graduation can apply. The exam syllabus will be decided within three years.
In a circular issued to the colleges, the AYUSH department informed that the National Commission will hold detailed discussions and opinion formation on the matter.
Exam subjects
"Eligibility exams will be an added burden for students. It is illogical for the Commission to re-conduct the qualifying examination for those who have passed the examination after studying the syllabus prescribed by the National Commission for five and a half years." Dr. K.C. Ajith Kumar, General Secretary Ayurvedic Medical Association of India