Quick Facts
- AIAPGET 2026 applicants rose 18.5 percent to 49,864, National Testing Agency data shows.
- Only 2,274 postgraduate AYUSH seats exist across nearly 250 participating colleges nationwide.
- Curriculum reform and better job paths are driving rising AYUSH PG demand, experts say.
In This Article
AYUSH PG demand has hit a new high, with 49,864 candidates appearing for the All India Ayush Post Graduate Entrance Test (AIAPGET) 2026, up 18.5 percent from last year.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted the exam on August 22, 2026, across 205 centres in 104 cities. A total of 51,482 candidates registered, and results came out on September 18, 2026. Experts link the jump to curriculum reform and wider career options in AYUSH.
AIAPGET Applicant Numbers Year by Year
AIAPGET applicant numbers have climbed steadily every year since 2020. The rising AYUSH PG demand reflects growing student interest in Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy programmes, NTA figures show.
| Year | Candidates Appeared |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 25,076 |
| 2021 | 26,146 |
| 2022 | 31,673 |
| 2023 | 36,469 |
| 2024 | 37,980 |
| 2025 | 42,075 |
| 2026 | 49,864 |
The count has nearly doubled in six years, from 25,076 in 2020 to 49,864 in 2026 (NTA). Ayurveda drew the largest share of qualified candidates, followed by Homoeopathy, Unani and Siddha.
About the Ministry of AYUSH
The Ministry of AYUSH governs Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy in India. Set up as a full ministry in 2014, it oversees education, research and practice across these systems. AIAPGET is held by the NTA on its behalf, feeding admissions to postgraduate courses at colleges, universities and national institutes nationwide.
Who Can Apply for AYUSH PG Courses?
Candidates with a recognised undergraduate AYUSH degree and completed internship can apply for AYUSH PG demand-driven MD and MS courses through AIAPGET. Vaidya Jayant Deopujari, former Chairman of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM), told the Times of India that the revised undergraduate curriculum has moved teaching toward activity-based and experiential learning.
The UG syllabus now follows a 1:2:3 ratio of lecture, activity-based and experiential learning, said Vaidya Jayant Deopujari, former NCISM Chairman.
NCISM revised the Ayurveda UG curriculum from the 2021-22 batch, adding early clinical exposure, integrated learning and problem-based methods. Students trained under the new system have now begun appearing for PG entrance exams.
What This Means For You
If you are a student
Rising AYUSH PG demand means tougher competition for just 2,274 seats. Focus on your AIAPGET percentile and track the AACCC counselling schedule closely. Newer fields like wellness tourism, medicinal plants and AYUSH entrepreneurship are opening beyond clinical practice, so plan your specialisation with those paths in mind.
If you are a parent
Many students who cannot afford costly MBBS education now choose AYUSH courses to enter healthcare. PG qualifications improve job prospects in hospitals, government roles, research and the pharmaceutical sector. Check official seat and fee details before committing, since demand and cutoffs shift each year.
What Is Next
Qualified candidates now move to AYUSH Admissions Central Counselling Committee (AACCC) counselling for the 2026-27 session. Watch for these steps:
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- AACCC registration and choice-filling for AIQ and state quota seats
- Seat allotment results and college reporting across three rounds
With numbers rising each year, will PG seat capacity keep pace with student demand?
Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: September 28, 2026 at 10:15 IST
Last verified: September 28, 2026
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information at the time of publishing. Exam dates, cutoffs, fees, deadlines, eligibility criteria, and scholarship details can change without notice. Always verify the latest information from the official portal of NTA and the Ministry of AYUSH before taking any action. CampusFeed and its authors are not responsible for decisions made based on this article. This is not legal, financial, or career advice. Please consult a qualified professional for individual guidance.
Written by Soumya Verma. Published: September 28, 2026. Updated: September 28, 2026. Have a tip or correction? Write to us at editorial@campusfeed.in.
