The spiritual heartland of India, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Smarak Govt Ayurvedic College, Allahabad (now officially in Handia, Prayagraj district, following the renaming of Allahabad to Prayagraj in 2018), stands as a beacon of traditional Indian medicine. Established in 1965, this government-run institution is one of the oldest and most respected Ayurvedic colleges in Uttar Pradesh. Named after India’s second prime minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri, the college embodies his ideals of simplicity, integrity, and service to the nation.
The college is affiliated with Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University, Gorakhpur, and recognized by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) under the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. It offers undergraduate (BAMS—Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) and postgraduate (MD/MS Ayurveda) programs, producing skilled Ayurvedic practitioners who blend ancient wisdom with modern medical practices.
With a sprawling campus in Handia, Prayagraj, the college features a 150-bed Ayurvedic hospital, herbal gardens, advanced laboratories, and a dedicated research wing. It plays a pivotal role in promoting Ayurveda in Uttar Pradesh and serves thousands of patients annually through its OPD and IPD services.
Historical Background: The Legacy of Lal Bahadur Shastri and Ayurveda
The Genesis of the College (1965–1970)
The Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Smarak Govt Ayurvedic College was established in 1965 under the visionary leadership of the Uttar Pradesh government to honor Lal Bahadur Shastri, who tragically passed away the same year. Shastri’s famous slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan” reflected his commitment to nation-building, and naming an Ayurvedic college after him symbolized India’s resolve to preserve its ancient medical heritage.
Initially started in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), the college began with a modest intake of 30 BAMS students. The curriculum was designed based on the CCIM (now NCISM) guidelines, integrating classical Ayurvedic texts like Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridayam with modern anatomy, physiology, and pathology.
Expansion and Relocation (1970–2000)
By the 1980s, the college expanded its infrastructure and increased BAMS seats to 60. In 1990, it introduced postgraduate courses (MD/MS Ayurveda) in key departments like Kayachikitsa, Shalya Tantra, and Rasasastra. The institution relocated to its current 100-acre campus in Handia, Prayagraj, in the late 1990s to accommodate growing academic and clinical needs.
The attached 150-bed Ayurvedic hospital was inaugurated in 1998, becoming a major healthcare provider in eastern Uttar Pradesh. The hospital introduced Panchakarma therapy units, Kshar Sutra labs, and herbal pharmacies, making it a pioneer in clinical Ayurveda in Prayagraj.
Modern Era and NCISM Recognition
In 2020, the college came under the regulatory purview of the National Commission for the Indian System of Medicine (NCISM). It achieved 100% NEET-based admissions and upgraded its facilities with digital classrooms, e-libraries, and AI-based diagnostic tools in collaboration with the AYUSH Ministry.
Today, the college is a Grade A institution under AYUSH rankings and contributes significantly to Ayurvedic research in Uttar Pradesh, publishing over 200 research papers in national and international journals.
Campus and Infrastructure: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
Location and Accessibility
The college is located in Handia, Prayagraj, approximately 40 km from Prayagraj city and 10 km from the Ganga River. It is well-connected via:
- Road: NH-19 (Grand Trunk Road)
- Rail: Handia Khas Railway Station (5 km)
- Air: Prayagraj Airport (50 km)
The serene campus, surrounded by mango orchards and herbal gardens, provides an ideal environment for Ayurvedic studies.
Academic Blocks
The college has 14 specialized departments housed in modern buildings:
- Samhita, Sanskrit, and Siddhanta
- Rachana Sharir (Anatomy)
- Kriya Sharir (Physiology)
- Dravyaguna (Pharmacognosy)
- Rasasastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana (Pharmaceuticals)
- Roga Nidana (Pathology)
- Swasthavritta (Preventive Medicine)
- Agad Tantra (Toxicology)
- Prasuti Tantra & Stri Roga (Obstetrics & Gynecology)
- Kaumarbhritya (Pediatrics)
- Kayachikitsa (Internal Medicine)
- Panchakarma
- Shalya Tantra (Surgery)
- Shalakya Tantra (ENT & Ophthalmology)
Each department has smart classrooms, audio-visual aids, and departmental libraries.
Hospital Facilities
The 150-bed Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Ayurvedic Hospital is the clinical training ground for students. Key facilities include:
- OPD: 500+ patients daily
- IPD: Specialized wards for Kayachikitsa, Panchakarma, and Shalya
- Panchakarma Unit: 20 therapy rooms with trained therapists
- Operation Theatre: Equipped for Kshar Sutra, Agni Karma, and minor surgeries
- Pathology Lab: Fully automated with hematology and biochemistry analyzers
- Radiology: Digital X-ray and ultrasound
- Pharmacy: Manufactures 500+ Ayurvedic formulations annually
Herbal Garden and Pharmacy
The 10-acre herbal garden cultivates over 300 medicinal plants, including rare species like Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and Sarpagandha. The Rasasastra lab produces bhasmas, churnas, and arka under GMP standards.
Hostels and Amenities
- Boys Hostel: 200 capacity, mess, Wi-Fi
- Girls Hostel: 150 capacity, 24/7 security
- Canteen: Serves sattvic Ayurvedic meals
- Sports Complex: Yoga hall, badminton court, gymnasium
- Auditorium: 500-seater with AV facilities
Academic Programs: BAMS, MD/MS, and Certificate Courses
Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS)
Duration: 5.5 years (4.5 years academic + 1-year internship)
Intake: 75 seats (60 state quota + 15 All India Quota)
Eligibility: 10+2 with PCB, minimum 50% (40% for SC/ST), NEET-UG qualified
Curriculum Structure
Year Subjects 1st Prof: Sanskrit, Padartha Vigyan, Ayurveda Itihas, Rachana Sharir, Kriya Sharir 2nd Prof: Dravyaguna, Rasashastra, Roga Nidana, Swasthavritta 3rd Prof. Agad Tantra, Prasuti & Stri Roga, Kaumarbhritya, Charaka Samhita 4th Prof Kayachikitsa, Panchakarma, Shalya Tantra, Shalakya Tantra Internship: hospital rotations, community health camps
Postgraduate Programs (MD/MS Ayurveda)
Duration: 3 years
Intake: 36 seats across 9 specialties
Eligibility: BAMS + AIAPGET qualification
Specialty Seats Kayachikitsa 6 Panchakarma 4 Shalya Tantra Shalakya Tantra, Rasashastra & BK4Dravyaguna4 Roga Nidana 4 Swasthavritta3Kaumarbhritya3
Certificate and Diploma Courses
- Panchakarma Technician (6 months)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacy (1 year)
- Yoga and Naturopathy (3 months)
Admission Process: Step-by-Step Guide for BAMS and PG Courses
BAMS Admission via NEET-UG
- Appear for NEET-UG (conducted by NTA)
- Register for UP AYUSH Counselling at upayushcounseling.upsdc.gov.in
- Choice Filling: Select Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Govt. Ayurvedic College, Handia
- Seat Allotment: Based on NEET rank, category, and domicile
- Document Verification: At nodal center
MD/MS Admission via AIAPGET
- Qualify AIAPGET (conducted by NTA)
- Apply through AYUSH PG Counselling at aaccc.gov.in
- Merit-based allotment
Faculty and Research: Pillars of Excellence
The college boasts 70+ faculty members, including:
- 14 Professors
- 20 Associate Professors
- 36 Assistant Professors
Research Highlights
- ICMR-funded project: Efficacy of Guduchi in diabetes
- AYUSH-funded study: Kshar Sutra vs. surgery in fistula (ongoing)
- Publications: 45 papers in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine
Hospital Services: Healing with Ayurveda
Daily OPD Footfall
Department Patients/Day Kayachikitsa 150, Panchakarma 80, Shalya 60, Stri Roga 50, Kaumarbhritya 40
Specialized Treatments
- Panchakarma: Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Nasya, Raktamokshana
- Kshar Sutra: For Bhagandara (fistula-in-ano)
- Agni Karma: Chronic pain management
- Netra Tarpana: Computer vision syndrome
- Yoni Pichu: Gynecological disorders
Community Outreach
- Monthly health camps in rural Prayagraj
- School health programs on Swasthavritta
- AYUSH Gram initiative in 5 nearby villages
Student Life: Beyond Academics
Annual Events
- Ayurvista – National Ayurveda Fest
- Sharadotsav – Cultural night
- Sports Week – Cricket, kabaddi, and yoga competitions
Clubs and Societies
- Literary Club: Publishes Ayurdhara magazine
- NSS Unit: Organizes blood donation, tree plantation
- Yoga Club: Daily sunrise sessions
Internship and Clinical Exposure
- 1-year compulsory internship with stipend (₹10,000/month)
- Rotations in government hospitals, PHCs, and private Ayurvedic clinics
Career Opportunities
Career Paths
- Clinical Practice: Open own clinic
- Government Jobs: AYUSH MO, RBSK doctor
- Academia: Lecturer in Ayurvedic colleges
- Research: ICMR, CSIR projects
- Industry: R&D in herbal pharmaceuticals
Challenges
Current Challenges
- Limited PG seats
- Need for super-specialty OPDs
- Digital integration in rural OPDs
Deep Dive into Departments
1. Department of Kayachikitsa
The flagship department manages lifestyle disorders using Rasayana and Vajikarana. Key treatments:
- Diabetes: Madhumeha Chikitsa with Nishamalaki
- Hypertension: Raktagata Vata management
- Arthritis: Vata Vyadhi with Maharasnadi Kwath
2. Panchakarma
The 20-bed unit performs 5,000+ procedures annually. Signature therapies:
- Shirodhara for stress
- Patra Pinda Sweda for joint pain
- Basti for neurological disorders
Clinical Case Studies
Case 1: Kshar Sutra in Bhagandara
Patient: 45-year-old male, recurrent fistula.
Treatment: 8 sittings of Apamarga Kshar Sutra.
Outcome: Complete healing in 6 weeks.
Case 2: Panchakarma in PCOS
Patient: 28-year-old female, infertility.
Protocol: Virechana + Uttara Basti.
Result: Conception in 4 months.
How to Reach the College
Address: Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Smarak Govt Ayurvedic College, Handia, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh – 221503
Phone: 0532-2457890
Email: slbsgac.handia@up.gov.in
Website: slbsgachandia.up.gov.in
FAQs About College
What is the full name and location of the college?
Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Smarak Government Ayurvedic College, Handia, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
When was the college established?
It was established in 1965 to honor former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri.
What courses are offered?
BAMS (75 seats), MD/MS Ayurveda (36 seats), and certificate courses in Panchakarma and Pharmacy.
How to get admission to BAMS?
Qualify for NEET-UG and participate in UP AYUSH state counselling.
Is the college recognized?
Yes, by NCISM and affiliated with Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University, Gorakhpur.
How many beds are in the attached hospital?
150 beds with specialized Ayurvedic treatment units.
Does the college provide hostel facilities?
Yes, separate hostels for boys (200 capacity) and girls (150 capacity).
What is the duration of the BAMS course?
5.5 years (4.5 years academic + 1-year internship).
Are PG courses available? If yes, in which specialties?
Yes, MD/MS in 9 specialties, including Kayachikitsa, Panchakarma, and Shalya Tantra.
Does the college have an herbal garden?
Yes, a 10-acre garden with over 300 medicinal plants.