E-ISSN:2456-3110

Editorial

NCISM Innovations

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2025 Volume 10 Number 3 MARCH
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Bridging Ancient Wisdom and Modern Learning: The Shift in Ayurvedic Curriculum and NCISM Innovations

Baragi UC1, Ganer JM2*
DOI:10.21760/jaims.10.3.1

1 Umapati C Baragi, Associate Professor and HOD, Dept of Samhita Siddhanta and Sanskrit, Faculty of Ayurved, Main Campus, Uttarakhand Ayurved University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.

2* Jyoti M Ganer, Associate Professor and HOD, Department of Agadtantra Evum Vidhi Vaidyak, Uttaranchal Ayurvedic College, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.

Ayurvedic education has undergone a significant transformation from the traditional Gurukula system to the structured curriculum established by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM). The Gurukula system emphasized holistic learning, ethical training, and experiential wisdom, fostering practitioners deeply connected to Ayurveda’s principles. In contrast, the NCISM framework introduces standardized degrees, scientific integration, research-based validation, and digital tools to modernize Ayurvedic education while ensuring its global relevance. However, challenges remain in preserving the contextual richness of traditional methods. This article explores the evolution, benefits, and limitations of both systems while proposing a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation to maintain Ayurveda’s authenticity in contemporary healthcare. By balancing classical wisdom with modern advancements, Ayurvedic education can continue to nurture skilled practitioners who uphold its legacy while contributing to global health paradigms.

Keywords: Ayurveda education, Gurukula system, NCISM curriculum, Traditional learning, Holistic education, Integrative healthcare

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Jyoti M Ganer, Associate Professor and HOD, Department of Agadtantra Evum Vidhi Vaidyak, Uttaranchal Ayurvedic College, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.
Email: 		Baragi UC, Ganer JM, Bridging Ancient Wisdom and Modern Learning: The Shift in Ayurvedic Curriculum and NCISM Innovations. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2025;10(3):1-3.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/4340/

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2025-02-15 2025-02-25 2025-03-05 2025-03-15 2025-03-26
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© 2025by Baragi UC, Ganer JM and Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

J Ayu Int Med Sci 2025;10(3)1
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Umapati CB et al. Ayurvedic Education: Tradition Meets Modernity

Introduction

Ayurveda, India's ancient system of medicine, has long emphasized education as a cornerstone of its practice. Traditionally, Ayurvedic knowledge was imparted through the Gurukula system, a method deeply rooted in experiential learning and holistic wisdom, where students lived with their gurus to absorb teachings in an immersive environment. However, with the evolution of healthcare and educational frameworks, the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) introduced a structured curriculum designed to integrate Ayurveda with modern scientific methodologies while preserving its foundational principles.

This transition reflects a delicate balance between tradition and modernity—ensuring the preservation of classical Ayurvedic wisdom while adapting to contemporary healthcare standards. While the NCISM curriculum offers standardized education, research-based validation, and technological integration, concerns remain about retaining the spiritual depth and hands-on experiential learning that defined the Gurukula system.

This article explores the historical evolution, key differences, and challenges of Ayurvedic education, examining how the Gurukula system’s intimate mentorship and traditional practices contrast with the NCISM's structured, globally adaptable framework. By fostering a synthesis of both approaches, Ayurveda can continue to evolve while honoring its legacy and enhancing its global relevance.

The Gurukula System: Learning in Harmony with Nature

The Gurukula system was the earliest model of Ayurvedic education, emphasizing holistic learning under the guidance of a guru (teacher). Students lived in close proximity to their gurus, creating a bond of trust and discipline. The curriculum focused on:

  • Classical Texts: Comprehensive study of texts like Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Astanga Hridaya formed the backbone of education.
  • Practical Training: Emphasis on identifying medicinal plants, preparing formulations, and mastering treatments such as Panchakarma.

  • Ethical and Philosophical Training: Students imbibed values of compassion, self-discipline, and a connection with nature, nurturing a healer’s mindset.
  • Oral Tradition: Knowledge transfer relied on memorization and recitation, ensuring the preservation of every nuance in Sanskrit texts.

The Gurukula system was more than an academic framework - it fostered a way of life rooted in Ayurveda’s principles. It produced practitioners who excelled in skills, wisdom, and ethics.

The NCISM Curriculum: Modernizing Ayurvedic Education

In response to globalization and evolving healthcare demands, the NCISM introduced a standardized curriculum for Ayurvedic education. This framework seeks to align Ayurveda with contemporary medical practices while upholding its philosophical essence. Key features include:

  • Structured Degrees: Introduction of courses like BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) and postgraduate programs with standardized syllabi.
  • Integration with Modern Science: Students are trained in anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology alongside Ayurvedic principles such as prakriti and doshas.
  • Focus on Research: Emphasis on evidence-based studies, clinical trials, and pharmacovigilance strengthens Ayurveda’s credibility in scientific communities.
  • Regulatory Oversight: The NCISM ensures uniformity in curriculum delivery across institutions, enhancing quality and global recognition.
  • Digital Tools and Technology: Integration of virtual classrooms, e-learning modules, and online assessments makes Ayurvedic education accessible and contemporary.
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Opportunities for interaction with modern medical professionals pave the way for Ayurveda’s inclusion in integrative healthcare systems.

While the NCISM framework provides much-needed standardization and adaptability,


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Umapati CB et al. Ayurvedic Education: Tradition Meets Modernity

it sometimes struggles to retain the contextual richness of traditional methods like hands-on herbal preparation and spiritual practices.

Striking a Balance: Bridging the Two Approaches

The transition from the Gurukula system to the NCISM curriculum underscores the challenges and opportunities of modernizing Ayurvedic education. The essence of Ayurveda lies in its holistic approach, which must not be compromised in pursuit of standardization. To achieve this balance:

  • Blend Practical Training with Modern Tools: Incorporate fieldwork, such as identifying medicinal plants and preparing formulations, alongside advanced technologies like simulation-based learning.
  • Promote Ethical and Spiritual Education: Reintroduce elements of ethical training and holistic healing practices from the Gurukula system to cultivate compassionate practitioners.
  • Invest in Research: Strengthen interdisciplinary studies that validate Ayurvedic concepts through scientific methodologies.
  • Global Adaptation: Make Ayurveda’s curriculum flexible enough to address global healthcare challenges while preserving its authenticity.

Conclusion

The evolution of Ayurvedic education from the Gurukula system to the NCISM framework reflects Ayurveda’s remarkable ability to adapt while preserving its core values. The Gurukula system fostered intimate mentorship, holistic wisdom, and experiential learning, shaping practitioners deeply connected to nature and ethics. In contrast, the NCISM framework brings standardization, research-based validation, and technological advancements to align Ayurveda with modern healthcare demands.

While modernization ensures Ayurveda’s global integration and scientific credibility, it must not compromise the spiritual depth and hands-on experiential learning that defined traditional pedagogy. Striking a balance between ancient wisdom and contemporary innovations is essential to preserve Ayurveda’s authenticity while making it accessible to future generations. By combining ethical values, practical training, interdisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based research, Ayurveda can continue to thrive as both a traditional healing system and a modern healthcare discipline.

References

1. National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM). Semester I Course - Research Methodology. Available from: https://ncismindia. org/NCISM_PG_S1_AY-RM. pdf [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

2. Prasad BS. Transforming Ayurveda Education: Building the Future. RGUHS Journal of AYUSH Sciences. 2024;11(2):v-viii. [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

3. NCISM. Ayurveda Syllabus / Curriculum. Available from: https://ncismindia. org/ayurveda-syllabus. php [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

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