Ayurveda Biology in NET: Jagadesh Kumar explains why; some experts add caveats

Based on recommendations from an expert committee, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has decided to include Ayurveda Biology on the list of subjects from December 2024 onwards. The UGC conducts the National Eligibility Test (NET) through the National Testing Agency (NTA), twice a year, in June and December. Inclusion of a subject on the list would qualify test takers for research and faculty positions in it.

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Ayurveda Biology seeks to apply modern evidencebased science to traditional knowledge. The syllabus for Ayurveda Biology, as released on the UGC-NET website, has ten units, the first five of which focus on the concepts of Ayurveda and the rest, modern biology. Apart from the history and fundamental principles of Ayurveda, the syllabus covers key Ayurveda concepts such as Sharira Rachna and Kriya as well as Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia. The second half of the syllabus focuses on contemporary science topics such as Microbiology, Immunology, Genetics and so on.Explaining the reasons for the UGC decision, M. Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman, UGC, told The Hindu that facilitating research is a key aim. “The possibilities for research in Ayurveda Biology are enormous. Aspirants can conduct clinical trials to investigate the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatments and formulations. It is also possible to study the effects of Ayurvedic herbs and formulations on various physical systems,” he says.