NEW DELHI: Ayurveda Biology has been introduced as a subject in the UGC-NET exam, the University Grants Commission (UGC) announced on Thursday.
Starting from December 2024, candidates will have the option to choose this unique subject, which promotes interdisciplinary knowledge and the ancient science of Ayurveda.
Speaking to this paper, UGC Chairman, Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, said, “The introduction of Ayurveda-Biology as a paper in UGC-NET will encourage aspiring students to explore the Sanskrit texts of Āyurveda and integrate the deep knowledge contained in these texts to create a holistic and sustainable model for study and research in contemporary biological sciences.”
“After completing their PhD programme in Ayurveda-Biology, students will have the opportunity to join universities to conduct research and train future generations of students,” he added.
Prof. Kumar further mentioned, “As people become more aware of the benefits of natural and holistic healthcare, Ayurveda has gained popularity as an alternative to allopathic medicine, contributing to the rapid expansion of this sector.”
“Ayurveda is increasingly being integrated with modern healthcare systems. Therefore, we must understand Ayurveda from the perspective of contemporary science,” he said.
Ayurveda-Biology is a discipline that seeks to study India’s vast traditional knowledge in the field of Āyurvedic and related sciences from the perspective of contemporary biological sciences, he explained.
The UGC conducts the National Eligibility Test (NET) through the National Testing Agency (NTA). The NET is held twice a year, in June and December.
According to a notice from Prof. Manish R. Joshi, Secretary of UGC, “Based on the expert committee’s recommendations, the Commission, in its 581st meeting held on 25th June 2024, decided to add ‘Ayurveda Biology’ as an additional subject from December 2024 onwards to the existing list of subjects for UGC-NET.”
The syllabus for the Ayurveda Biology subject is available on the UGC-NET website, www.ugcnetonline.in, as per the notice dated 5th November.
With the addition of Ayurveda Biology, the total number of subjects in the UGC-NET exam now stands at 105. These include Political Science, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, History, Anthropology, Commerce, Education, Music, Social Work, Defence and Strategic Studies, Home Science, Public Administration, Mass Communication, Women’s Studies, and Population Studies, among others.