Team Bharat Education 
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Published on:
Nov 18, 2024
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To increase the credibility of Ayurveda, encourage interdisciplinary studies, create a holistic and sustainable model for study and research in contemporary biological sciences, and develop teachers researchers with deep knowledge of traditional and modern biological sciences, the UGC has introduced Ayurveda Biology in the list of subjects that candidates can opt for in the UGC NET exam from December 2024 onwards. After candidates complete their PhD programme in Ayurveda Biology, they can join universities to research and train future generations of students. The UGC, based on the expert committee recommendations, in its 581st meeting held on June 25, 2024, decided to add Ayurveda Biology as an additional subject from December 2024 onwards to the existing list of subjects of UGC NET.
Ayurveda is increasingly being integrated with modern healthcare systems. Therefore, we must understand Ayurveda from the perspective of contemporary science. Ayurveda Biology is a discipline that aims to study Indias vast expanse of traditional knowledge in the field of ayurvedic and related sciences from the perspective of mainstream contemporary studies in biological sciences, says M Jagadesh Kumar, chairman, UGC. The syllabus has 10 components, including the history and development of Ayurveda, philosophy and fundamental principles of Ayurveda, sharira rachna and kriya, padartha vijnana and dravya vijnana, rasa shastra, bheshajya kalpana and ayurvedic pharmacopoeia, disease biology, microbiology and immunology, genetics, ayurgenomics, cell and molecular biology, physiology, biochemistry and nanotechnology, biodiversity and environmental health, IPR and entrepreneurship, research methodology, biostatistics and ayurveda informatics.While a solid background in Ayurveda and Biology will be helpful, learners with diverse educational experiences are also encouraged to pursue UGC NET in Ayurveda Biology as a subject. Institutions can also offer bridge courses, and targeted learning modules can help address any knowledge gaps, explains Professor Kumar. Talking about the career possibilities in the field, he says aspirants can conduct clinical trials to investigate the efficacy of ayurvedic treatments and formulations. Studying the effects of ayurvedic herbs on various physiological systems is also possible. Collaborating with researchers from other fields, such as biochemistry, genetics, and microbiology, can help explore ayurvedic principles. This will promote interdisciplinary research, says Professor Kumar.
Institutions will benefit from establishing specialised departments or expanding existing ones to provide comprehensive education and research opportunities. With its rich integration of traditional knowledge and modern science, Ayurveda Biology offers immense potential for interdisciplinary research. Candidates will be encouraged to explore areas that combine Ayurveda with biology, biotechnology, pharmacology, and other related fields to contribute to holistic healthcare solutions, he adds.
The UGC plans to monitor the popularity and acceptance of Ayurveda Biology by tracking the number of students selecting it in the UGC NET exams. This data will help understand the trend and the impact of the subjects, he says
Published on: Education Times
Date: 18.11.2024
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