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.