University Body Introduces Ayurveda Biology As A Subject In National Eligibility Test

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced Ayurveda Biology as a new subject in the UGC-National Eligibility Test (NET), beginning with the December 2024 cycle. This decision was approved during the UGC’s 581st meeting, held on June 25, 2024, following recommendations from an expert committee.

The addition of Ayurveda Biology aligns with the UGC’s focus on incorporating traditional Indian knowledge into higher education. This move will encourage more students to pursue studies in Ayurveda and related fields, enhancing research and innovation. The syllabus for this subject is now available on the UGC-NET website.

“Based on the expert committee’s recommendations, the Commission, in its 581st meeting held on 25th June, 2024, has decided to add Ayurveda Biology as an additional subject from December 2024 onwards to the existing list of subjects of UGC-NET,” the official notice reads.

“It’s a five-year integrated BSc-MSc program, and when these scholars graduate, they can write the UGC NET, pursue a PhD, and go to universities to teach Ayurveda and Biology. You are trying to understand our ancient medical system from the perspective of modern molecular biology and see what new solutions can be designed to make medicine and medical systems more approachable to people,” UGC Chairman Professor Jagadesh Kumar said.

Candidates interested in applying for the UGC NET can find detailed information on the National Testing Agency (NTA) website. However, the application window for December 2024 has not yet opened.

Syllabus 

This Syllabus has 10 units.

• History and Development of Ayurveda
• Philosophy and Fundamental Principles of Ayurveda
• Sharira Rachna and Kriya
• Padartha Vijnana and Dravya Vijnana
• Rasa Shastra, Bheshajya Kalpana and Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia
• Disease Biology, Microbiology and Immunology
• Genetics, Ayurgenomics, Cell and Molecular Biology
• Physiology, Biochemistry and Nanotechnology
• Biodiversity and Environmental Health, IPR and Entrepreneurship
• Research Methodology, Biostatistics and Ayurveda-informatics

The UGC-NET assesses the eligibility of Indian nationals for Assistant Professor as well as Junior Research Fellowship and Assistant Professor positions in Indian universities and colleges. The UGC-NET is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.