UGC Asks Universities to Start PhD Programmes in AYUSH

Studying traditional medicine courses in going to be a reality soon as the University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked central universities across the country to start PhD programmes under AYUSH disciplines.

As per a circular sent out to the universities, UGC Secretary Jaspal S Sandhu has said that the Central Council which has been set up to facilitate research in AYUSH will sponsor 200 students who wish to pursue their doctorate every year.

His letter also said that the Commission has been asked by the government to issue an advisory for the same. It also said that AYUSH is aimed at developing Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy systems for healthcare of the people imbibing scientific interventions. As per the UGC’s plan each of these disciplines will conduct clinical and basic research studies in association with reputed institutes. These institutes include Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy, Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine and Central Council for Research in Siddha.

While these centers are actively conducting their own research, they are now looking at extending research opportunities through PhD fellowships for the development of AYUSH. By sponsoring students they will sponsor 125 postgraduates from AYUSH and 75 from science and technology stream who wish to pursue their PhD in AYUSH research topics.

Sandhu’s letter also requested universities to include AYUSH fields in their affiliated colleges to facilitate enrolment of candidates in the programme and avail fellowships from the concerned AYUSH Research Council.