To enhance the prominence of India’s traditional knowledge systems, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced that Ayurveda Biology will be added as a new subject in the UGC NET (National Eligibility Test) exam, starting in December 2024.
This decision marks a significant step towards promoting academic research in traditional Indian medicine and establishing India as a leader in Ayurveda-based research.
UGC Chairman, Professor M. Jagadesh Kumar, emphasised the importance of this new addition. Per the University Grants Commission (UGC), this initiative aligns with India’s broader mission to integrate traditional practices with modern scientific research, which has gained momentum with the global interest in natural and holistic health practices.
According to National Testing Agency (NTA) reports Ayurveda Biology will be the 101st subject offered in the UGC NET exam, reflecting the growing recognition of traditional sciences within mainstream academia. The syllabus for Ayurveda Biology is designed to provide a well-rounded understanding of Ayurveda, covering its historical development, philosophical foundations, fundamental principles, and modern research methodologies. This structured approach will enable scholars to explore Ayurveda’s scientific dimensions and practical applications in greater depth.
By incorporating Ayurveda into the UGC NET, the UGC aims to foster a broader acceptance of India’s traditional knowledge systems, encouraging students and researchers to explore these fields. The move is expected to contribute to the formalisation and expansion of Ayurveda as an academic discipline, opening new career pathways for students in India and abroad.
The application dates for the UGC NET December 2024 session are expected to be announced shortly, with the registration process facilitated through the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) online portal. Interested candidates will soon be able to apply and begin their journey toward contributing to Ayurveda research and development.
Including Ayurveda Biology in UGC NET is a strategic initiative to bridge traditional knowledge with contemporary research, ultimately enriching both domains. As students and researchers engage with Ayurveda Biology, India is poised to contribute more significantly to global health and wellness practices rooted in ancient wisdom.
