About Us
Government Ayurvedic College and Hospital
About Ayurveda and the Founding of the College
Meaning of Ayurveda:
The term Ayurveda is derived from two Sanskrit words — “Ayu” (life) and “Veda” (knowledge), meaning “the science of life.” It is both a medical system and a holistic way of living.Cultural Significance:
Ayurveda represents a traditional Indian approach to health and wellness, deeply rooted in the country’s cultural and spiritual heritage.Historical Context:
During the Indian freedom struggle, prominent leaders from Assam envisioned the need to promote and preserve the indigenous Ayurvedic system amid the growing influence of Western practices introduced during British rule.Founding Vision:
Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s call for Swaraj (self-rule) and cultural self-reliance, leaders like Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi, Dr. Jagdish Chandra Bhattacharya, and Dr. Bhubaneswar Baruah played key roles in establishing an Ayurvedic institution in Assam.Establishment:
The Government Ayurvedic College was established on 20th December 1948 to promote and institutionalize Ayurveda in Northeast India.Early Location:
Initially, the college operated from the Assam Engineering Institute (AEI) campus in Chandmari, Guwahati.Current Campus:
The college was later shifted to its permanent location at Jalukbari, Guwahati.Contribution to Medical Education:
During its formative years, Gauhati Medical College also held its initial classes within the premises of the Ayurvedic College.
75 Glorious Years of Government Ayurvedic College, Guwahati
Legacy and Significance:
Government Ayurvedic College, Guwahati is the first Ayurvedic institution in Northeast India and the second government medical institute in Assam after Independence.
The college marks 75 years of dedicated service to Ayurvedic education and healthcare.
Milestone Achievement:
Over the past seven decades, the college has faced and overcome numerous challenges, evolving into a key institution in the region.
It has produced around 3,000 Ayurvedic doctors, many of whom serve across various sectors of the state health system.
Postgraduate Expansion:
In 2001, two postgraduate departments were introduced:
Sanskrit, Samhita & Siddhanta
Kayachikitsa (Medicine)
In 2014, four more PG departments were added:
Roga Nidan & Vikriti Vigyan (Pathology & Diagnostics)
Shalya (Surgery)
Rachana Sharir (Anatomy)
Prasuti Tantra & Stree Roga (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
These additions significantly enhanced the academic and clinical training capacities of the college.
Recognition as Centre of Excellence:
In 2021, the college was declared a “Centre of Excellence” by the Union AYUSH Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, focusing on upgrading Panchakarma facilities and the state Ayurvedic pharmacy.
National Support and Vision:
The growth of the college has been further propelled by the establishment of the Ministry of AYUSH in 2014, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which provided national momentum to the promotion of traditional systems of medicine.
Looking Ahead:
The 75-year milestone stands as a testament to the institution’s role in meeting the healthcare needs of the public through Ayurveda.
While much has been achieved, the college remains committed to further growth and excellence in Ayurvedic education, research, and service.
Diamonds and designer dresses are cool but nothing beats a lab coat and stethoscope. Some things can’t be purchased, they have to be earned.
Govt. Ayurvedic College and Hospital
Founding History of Government Ayurvedic College, Guwahati
Post-Independence Establishment:
Founded with a spirit of nationalism and cultural revival after Independence.
Visionary Leaders Behind the Initiative:
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi (then Prime Minister of Assam)
Lokbandhu Bhuvaneswar Baruah
Late Dr. Jagdish Chandra Bhattacharya (Founder Principal)
Initial Setup:
The college was formally established on 20th December 1948 in a rented house at Uzan Bazaar, Guwahati.
Inaugurated by Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi.
Relocation History:
1949: Shifted to the government house at Chandmari (now the Assam Engineering Institute campus).
July 1959: Moved to its permanent campus at Jalukbari, Guwahati-14.
Association with Guwahati Medical College:
1960: Guwahati Medical College was founded and began operations at the Jalukbari site within the Ayurvedic College premises.
For 7 years, both colleges shared the same building
Background and Objectives of Government Ayurvedic College, Guwahati
Historical Context:
Prior to Independence, the Lahore Congress Session passed resolutions to promote Indian culture, heritage, and traditional scientific knowledge.
A key directive was to establish Ayurvedic colleges in each state to preserve and develop the Indian system of medicine.
Purpose of Establishment:
The Government Ayurvedic College, Guwahati was founded with the following core objectives:
Core Functions and Objectives:
a) To systematically expand Ayurvedic education across the region through structured teaching and training.
b) To impart practical knowledge in:
Preparation of Ayurvedic medicines.
Clinical application and diagnosis through the study of classical texts and modern integration.
c) To promote health and provide curative services to the people of Assam and the entire Northeast region through Ayurvedic principles.
d) To identify, cultivate, and utilize medicinal plants, integrating traditional knowledge with practical application.
e) To operate a fully functional teaching hospital, with both OPD and IPD services, offering hands-on clinical experience and healthcare delivery.
f) To manage its own medicine manufacturing unit, now upgraded to a State Ayurvedic Pharmacy, which:
Produces Ayurvedic formulations.
Serves as a practical training facility for students.
Academic Evolution and Course Structure
Undergraduate Program (BAMS):
Initial Phase:
Started as a 4½-year diploma course, continued until 1973, with an annual intake of 25 students.
The Board of Ayurvedic Medicine, Govt. of Assam, managed syllabus, regulations, and examinations.
Transition to Degree Course:
In November 1974, a 2-year pre-Ayurvedic course was introduced under Gauhati University as a prerequisite to the BAMS degree.
In 1977, the 5½-year BAMS course was launched (including 1-year internship).
From 1983, the pre-Ayurvedic course was abolished; HSSLC Science (with 50% in PCB&E) became the eligibility.
Current Admission Criteria:
Admission is now based on NEET scores, as per national standards.
The intake capacity increased from 20 to 63 students (including 6 seats for NE states, 1 per state).
Examination Pattern:
Three professional exams are conducted at 18-month intervals over 4½ years, followed by a 1-year compulsory internship.
Course follows the CCIM-prescribed syllabus under Srimanta Sankaradeva University of Health Sciences.
Postgraduate Program (MD/MS in Ayurveda):
PG Introduction:
2001: Two departments upgraded to PG:
Kayachikitsa
Sanskrit Samhita & Siddhanta
2014: Four additional departments upgraded:
3. Shalya Tantra (Surgery)
4. Prasuti Tantra & Stree Roga (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
5. Roga Nidan (Diagnostics & Pathology)
6. Sharir Rachana (Anatomy)
Current PG Seat Allocation (Total: 30):
MD in Kayachikitsa – 7 seats
MD in Samhita & Siddhanta – 7 seats
MS in Shalya Tantra – 4 seats
MS in Prasuti Tantra & Stree Roga – 5 seats
MD in Roga Nidan – 4 seats
MD in Sharir Rachana – 3 seats
Departments
(8) Swasthavritta (Preventive & Social Medicine)
(13) Rachana Sarir (Anatomy)
The Central Library
The new two-story library building, operational since 2008, serves as a vital academic resource for the institution. It houses an extensive and well-curated collection of books, journals, thesis papers, and reference materials covering both Ayurvedic and modern medical sciences. The facility is designed to provide a serene and conducive learning environment, offering ample seating, dedicated study areas, and separate sections for students, research scholars, and faculty members.
Equipped with modern infrastructure, the library includes digital catalogues and access to electronic journals, enhancing research capabilities and promoting academic excellence. Regularly updated resources and subscriptions ensure that users have access to the latest developments in the field. The library also supports collaborative learning and interdisciplinary studies, making it an indispensable hub for knowledge dissemination and scholarly activities within the college
Hospital Facilities at Government Ayurvedic College
Current Hospital Capacity:
Attached hospital has OPD and IPD facilities.
150-bed IPD currently operational.
New Hospital Building:
A 300-bed modern hospital sanctioned by the North East Council (NEC) in collaboration with Govt. of Assam.
Ground floor inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister on 20th December 2005.
Facilities in New Building:
Diagnostic services: X-Ray, USG, and Immunization Centre.
Departments housed:
Prasuti & Stree Roga (Obstetrics & Gynecology)
Kaumarbhritya (Pediatrics)
Additional amenities include:
Four cabin rooms
Nursing room
Faculty chambers
Wards
Panchakarma unit
Eye OT
Labour rooms
General OT
Several OPD units operate from this building.
Old Hospital Building:
Renovated Assam-type structure.
IPD beds allocated for:
Kayachikitsa (Medicine)
Shalya (Surgery)
Shalakya (Eye)
Swastharakshan departments including Roga Nidan, Swasthvritta, Samhita & Siddhanta, Dravyaguna & RSVK.
Additional Infrastructure:
Recently completed new building houses:
Emergency services
Select OPD clinics
Junior doctors’ rooms