The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) has launched a landmark initiative titled “SHISHIKSHA – Bench to Bedside”, a uniform 6-day Internship Orientation Programme for BAMS interns across India. 🌿
This programme aims to bridge the transition between classroom learning and clinical practice — ensuring every Ayurveda intern begins their journey as a competent, ethical, and professionally ready physician.
🏛️ Issued by: NCISM, New Delhi
(Board of Ayurveda – Under Regulation 15(f), MSE 2022)
Applicable Batch: 2025–26 and onwards
Official Notification Date: September 2025
Official PDF Link: 🔗 SHISHIKSHA – Internship Orientation Programme (NCISM)
🌿 What is SHISHIKSHA?
SHISHIKSHA (Bench to Bedside) is a structured 6-day (42-hour) national-level orientation module conducted before the commencement of the BAMS internship.
It is designed to transform a medical graduate into a responsible Ayurveda clinician, confident in handling patients, documentation, ethics, and digital tools like HIMS and E-Logbook.
🎯 Main Objectives
- To orient interns to hospital administration, roles, and responsibilities.
- To train in OPD/IPD documentation, prescription writing, and patient care.
- To enhance understanding of NABH standards and biomedical waste management.
- To introduce HIMS (Hospital Information Management System) and digital record maintenance.
- To develop communication skills, empathy, and professional etiquette.
- To create awareness about medical ethics, medico-legal responsibilities, and safety protocols.
- To foster entrepreneurship and research aptitude in Ayurveda graduates.
🗓️ Programme Structure
| Duration | 6 Working Days (Total 42 Hours) |
| Schedule | 7 Hours per day |
| Mode of Learning | Lectures, Demonstrations, Hospital Rounds, Audio-Visual Sessions, and Hands-on Training |
📘 Day-wise Highlights
| Day | Theme | Major Topics |
| 1 | Hospital Orientation | Pre-test, NABH Standards, Biomedical Waste, Infection Control, Soft Skills |
| 2 | Kayachikitsa & Panchakarma | Case Sheet Writing, OPD/IPD Records, Panchakarma Demo, Pharmacovigilance |
| 3 | Shalya, Shalakya & Ethics | OT Etiquettes, Kriyakalpa, HIMS Training, Medico-Legal Awareness |
| 4 | Striroga, Kaumarbhritya & Emergency | Labour Room, NICU Protocols, Emergency Management, AYUSH Regulatory Framework |
| 5 | Public Health & Digital Health | Swasthavritta, PHC Orientation, Telemedicine, ABDM, Team Building |
| 6 | Research & Career Pathways | Entrepreneurship, Research, NExT/NTET Awareness, Post-Test, Valedictory |
🧾 Assessment
- Pre-Test and Post-Test (30 Questions) for each intern.
- Attendance mandatory (biometric preferred).
- E-Logbook entries verified by HOD or designated officer.
- Feedback form to be submitted at the end of the programme.
🌱 Expected Outcomes
By the end of SHISHIKSHA, interns will:
✅ Be familiar with hospital functioning and patient management.
✅ Demonstrate clinical, diagnostic, and documentation skills.
✅ Understand ethical, legal, and safety responsibilities.
✅ Be digitally trained in E-Logbook & HIMS.
✅ Exhibit professional empathy, communication, and leadership qualities.
✅ Be prepared for independent Ayurveda practice or postgraduate studies.
🧭 Implementation in Colleges
- To be conducted immediately after the final BAMS exams and before internship posting.
- Each college must nominate a SHISHIKSHA coordinator to organize and monitor the sessions.
- Colleges should maintain a programme report, attendance, and feedback for submission to NCISM if required.
💡 Why SHISHIKSHA Matters
The SHISHIKSHA module marks a crucial step in NCISM’s effort to standardize Ayurveda education. It ensures that graduates stepping into internship are not only academically trained but also professionally competent — ready to integrate Ayurveda’s classical principles with modern healthcare systems.
This programme, along with AYURPRAVESHIKA (Transitional Curriculum) for first-year students, completes NCISM’s vision of quality education from entry to internship.
✨ Conclusion
SHISHIKSHA – Bench to Bedside is more than an orientation; it’s the beginning of a professional journey that transforms Ayurveda students into confident, ethical, and compassionate Vaidyas. 🌿
With this initiative, NCISM reaffirms its mission to create globally competent Ayurveda professionals who embody both ancient wisdom and modern skill.
