Maharashtra to Introduce Four-Year Naturopathy and Yogic Science Degree from 2024
Pune, 31st January 2025: Maharashtra is set to launch a four-year Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yogic Science (BNYS) course this year, marking a significant step in integrating traditional healing practices into mainstream education.
The Medical Education and Drugs Department (MEDD) has approved the establishment of a government-run BNYS college in Kolhapur with an intake capacity of 60 students. Additionally, two private colleges—one in Satara and another in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar—are in the pipeline. Although the academic session for 2024-25 is already underway, the state government is keen to allow admissions for interested students in the current year itself.
With BNYS now recognized as a professional course, admissions will be conducted through the State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell. Aspiring candidates must have completed Class XII with physics, chemistry, and biology and must have appeared for NEET-UG 2024 to qualify for admission.
While Maharashtra has previously offered diploma programs in naturopathy and yogic sciences, this marks the first time a full-fledged undergraduate degree in the discipline will be available. “Until now, students from Maharashtra had to travel to southern states for this course. The introduction of BNYS here will benefit many aspirants who wish to pursue alternative medicine without relocating,” said Sudha Shenoy, a parent representative.
The course will be offered under the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS) and developed in collaboration with experts from the Ayurveda field, along with inputs from Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute in Lonavala.
“Since this is the first time the state is introducing BNYS, the course underwent rigorous scrutiny. Every aspect—from curriculum development to assessments—was carefully planned to maintain high academic standards,” said MUHS Vice-Chancellor, Lt Gen (Dr) Madhuri Kanitkar (retd).
With this initiative, Maharashtra aims to strengthen education in traditional medicine while catering to the growing interest in holistic health sciences.
