The All India AYUSH Postgraduate Entrance Test (AIAPGET) unlocks the doors to postgraduate (PG) studies in Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) across India. This comprehensive guide empowers you to navigate the AIAPGET landscape, equipping you with the knowledge and strategies to achieve your goal of specialization in an AYUSH discipline.
Understanding the Path:
- What is it? AIAPGET is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to PG AYUSH courses in various colleges and institutions.
- Who conducts it? The NTA, under the Ministry of AYUSH, ensures standardized and transparent selection.
- When is it held? Typically, the exam occurs in October, with registrations opening a few months prior.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Nationality: Indian citizen, subject of Nepal/Bhutan, Tibetan refugee with settled status, or Person of Indian Origin (PIO)/Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder.
- Age: No upper age limit.
- Educational Qualification: Must have passed BAMS (Ayurveda), BUMS (Unani), BHMS (Homeopathy), or BSMS (Siddha) degree from a recognized university.
Exam Structure:
The AIAPGET exam is a computer-based test (CBT) comprising:
- Duration: 2 hours
- Questions: 120 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Marks: 480 total (4 marks per correct answer, -1 for incorrect)
- Sections: Varies based on the chosen AYUSH discipline (e.g., Ayurveda covers subjects like Padartha Vigyan, Dravyaguna Vijnana, etc.)
Charting Your Course to Success:
- Early Start is Key: Begin preparation early, ideally in your final year of BAMS/BUMS/BHMS/BSMS, to grasp the vast syllabus.
- NCERT & Reference Books: Master the basics with NCERT textbooks for relevant AYUSH subjects and supplement them with reference books like Dr. Vijnanand Jha’s Textbook of Dravyaguna, Lachman’s Materia Medica Pura, and Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine (for modern medicine concepts).
- Previous Years’ Papers and Mock Tests: Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, difficulty level, and time management by solving past question papers and practicing mock tests regularly.
- Coaching Institutes (Optional): Consider enrolling in coaching institutes for structured guidance, expert insights, and access to specialized study materials.
- Time Management & Strategies: Practice efficient time management within the exam duration, learn answer selection techniques to minimize negative marking, and stay calm under pressure.
- Stay Updated: Keep abreast of current advancements in AYUSH fields and relevant government policies and initiatives.
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