Tamil Nadu’s Health and Family Welfare Minister K G Arunraj announced the availability of 2,224 undergraduate seats across AYUSH disciplines for the 2026-27 academic year. The seats cover government and self-financing colleges offering courses in Siddha, Ayurveda, Unani, Homoeopathy, and Yoga and Naturopathy. The counselling process for admissions will begin on September 3, with three main rounds followed by a stray vacancy round.
Understanding AYUSH Education in Tamil Nadu
AYUSH refers to traditional systems of medicine and healthcare practices in India, including Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy. These disciplines focus on holistic and natural approaches to health and wellness, often emphasizing prevention and lifestyle management. Tamil Nadu has been a significant hub for AYUSH education, offering undergraduate courses such as BSMS (Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery), BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery), BUMS (Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery), BHMS (Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery), and BNYS (Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences).
Key Admission Details and Seat Distribution
- Total AYUSH undergraduate seats available: 2,224
- BNYS seats available: 2,036
- Applications received: 11,850
- Eligible applications: 10,849
- Applications under 7.5% government school quota: 1,077
- Eligible under government school quota: 906
- Counselling start date: September 3, 2026
- Counselling rounds: Three regular rounds plus a stray vacancy round
Top rank holders under the government school quota include Pa Thamilaruvi from Nagapattinam district, who scored 516 in NEET, followed by Su Brindha Sri from Tirunelveli district. In the general government quota, P Kranthik of Namakkal district secured the first rank, with K Thiyagaraj of Tiruvallur district in second place. Among management and all-India quota candidates, top ranks were held by K Thiyagaraj and V Hemavathi from Tiruvallur, and Dharani Kannan from Madurai.
Expanding Traditional Medicine and Wellness in Tamil Nadu
The state government is actively promoting a 'positive health policy' that emphasizes disease prevention through traditional lifestyles, yoga, naturopathy, and balanced nutrition. This approach aims to integrate ancient wellness practices with modern healthcare strategies. Recently, a 16-therapy Indian Medicine Holistic Wellness Centre was inaugurated at the Directorate of Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy’s Anna Nagar campus. This centre provides therapies for rejuvenation, pain management, and improved circulation at affordable rates, along with free general services.
Additionally, Tamil Nadu has set up a 28-bed residential rejuvenation therapy facility at the International Institute of Yoga and Naturopathy and Medical Sciences in Chengalpattu. The government is also planning to collaborate with the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation to boost wellness and medical tourism, particularly in the state’s hill stations, highlighting the growing importance of traditional medicine in public health and economic development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does counselling for AYUSH admissions start in Tamil Nadu?
A: Counselling for undergraduate AYUSH courses in Tamil Nadu begins on September 3, 2026.
Q: How many seats are available for AYUSH courses in Tamil Nadu for 2026-27?
A: There are 2,224 seats available for undergraduate AYUSH courses and 2,036 seats for BNYS courses across government and self-financing colleges.
Q: What is the government school quota for AYUSH admissions?
A: Tamil Nadu reserves 7.5% of AYUSH seats for students who studied in government schools, with 906 applicants found eligible under this quota for 2026 admissions.
