Series 02 : RAV & The CRAV Path
Reviving Guru-Shishya Parampara
Among all post-BAMS career paths, the CRAV stands apart — not because it offers the highest salary or the most prestigious title, but because it offers something rarer: direct transmission of classical Ayurveda from a living master. This article provides a complete guide to RAV, the CRAV certificate course, and how to decide if this path is right for you.
🏛️ What is Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth (RAV)?
RAV is an autonomous institution established in 1988 under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, headquartered in New Delhi. Its primary mandate is the preservation and propagation of classical Ayurveda through the living tradition of Guru-Shishya Parampara.
The RAV Model RAV identifies master Vaidyas (Gurus with 20+ years of practice, seeing 40+ patients per day) and places qualified BAMS graduates as Shishyas — living and learning in their clinics for one full year of immersive clinical training. |
📋 The CRAV Certificate Course — Key Facts
Course Name | Certificate of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth (CRAV) |
Duration | 1 Year (full-time, residential) |
Monthly Stipend | ₹56,477 per month |
Application Fee (General/OBC) | ₹2,360/- (Including GST) |
Application Fee (SC/ST) | ₹1,180/- (Including GST) |
Mode of Payment | Demand Draft in favour of Director, RAV, payable at New Delhi |
Selection Method | Written Test (100 MCQs, 1.40 minutes per question) followed by merit-based Guru allocation |
CCIM Recognition | Not recognised as a PG degree by CCIM |
Session 2025–26 | 239 students trained under 99 Gurus across India |
Important: The stipend is for education and training purposes. It should not be considered equivalent to a salary. The course is a full-time immersive commitment, not a part-time engagement.
🩺 Training Specialties Available
The following specialties are available subject to Guru availability in each academic year:
Kayachikitsa — Internal Medicine
Stree Roga & Prasuti Tantra — Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Ksharsutra — Anorectal Surgery (a classical Ayurvedic surgical technique)
Marma Chikitsa — Classical Marma therapy and management
Bhagna & Asthi Chikitsa — Fracture and Bone Management
Shalakya — Netra Roga (Ophthalmology)
Shalakya — Danta Roga (Dentistry / Oral Health)
Bhaishjaya Kalpana & Aushadhi Nirman — Ayurvedic Pharmacy and Drug Manufacturing
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualification
BAMS degree from a university recognised in the 2nd Schedule of the Indian Medicine Central Council (IMCC) Act, 1970
Internship must be completed before the application cutoff date
Age Limits
Category | Maximum Age |
BAMS Graduates (General) | 30 years |
Postgraduate Degree Holders | 32 years |
OBC Candidates | +3 years relaxation |
SC/ST Candidates | +5 years relaxation |
Physically Handicapped Candidates | +5 years relaxation |
Govt-sponsored Medical Officers (permanent) | 35 years |
The 250 km Distance Rule
Important Relocation Requirement Candidates whose permanent or present address falls within 250 km of a Guru's clinic location will not be considered for placement under that Guru. Students must be prepared to relocate for the full one-year duration. Additionally, relatives of the Guru (spouse, children, or siblings) are ineligible for selection under that Guru. |
⚖️ Honest Assessment: Pros and Cons
Advantages
Government-backed institution — zero tuition fee
Monthly stipend of ₹56,477 to cover living expenses during training
Direct 1:1 clinical learning alongside master Vaidyas — irreplaceable depth of exposure
Access to classical skills (Ksharsutra, Marma, Panchakarma nuances) rarely taught in PG programmes
RAV Fellowship (FRAV) available for exceptional Vaidyas later in career
Thriving tradition: 239 students trained under 99 Gurus in 2025–26
Significantly boosts clinical confidence and independent practice ability
Limitations and Watch-outs
Not recognised by CCIM as a postgraduate degree — does not substitute for MD Ayurveda
Strict age cutoff of 30 years — early application planning is essential
Mandatory full relocation for the year — away from family and home city
Guru quality varies year to year depending on RAV empanelment
Monthly reports and a dissertation are mandatory deliverables throughout the year
Candidates who have previously completed the CRAV course are not eligible to apply again
🗺️ How to Apply — Step by Step
Monitor the RAV website (ravdelhi.nic.in) for the annual notification, typically released mid-year.
Download the application form from the RAV website. Submit by post or in person to the RAV office in New Delhi.
Appear for the Written Test (100 MCQs based on the BAMS syllabus; 1.40 minutes per question). No TA/DA is provided for examination travel.
Shortlisted candidates are allocated to Gurus based on merit rank, distance rule, and specialty preference.
Upon allocation, join the Guru's clinic and commence one full year of Guru-Shishya training.
Contact Details Website: ravdelhi.nic.in Email: ravidyapeethdelhi@gmail.com Phone: 011-25229753 / 011-25228548 Address: Dhanvantari Bhawan, Road No. 66, Punjabi Bagh (West), New Delhi — 110026 |
The Bottom Line CRAV is not merely a certificate. It is a year of seeing 40 patients a day alongside someone who has done it for 20 years. It is the living classroom that no textbook or university lecture hall can replicate. For the BAMS graduate who wishes to truly practise classical Ayurveda — not just possess a degree in it — this is the path. |
This article is provided by MEDMAP — a premier institution dedicated to Ayurvedic education that combines classical wisdom with contemporary clinical training. MEDMAP offers a wide range of Ayurvedic courses with hands-on clinical exposure, designed for BAMS graduates and Ayurveda practitioners at every stage of their career. 🌐 For courses, updates, and career resources, follow MEDMAP on all platforms. |