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Question 1Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

In Ayurvedic physiology, which of the three doshas is described as the principle of movement and governs all motor and sensory activity in the body?

  1. Rasa
  2. Vata Correct answer.
  3. Pitta
  4. Kapha

Explanation

Vata derives from the air and ether elements and is the dosha responsible for all movement, including nerve conduction, respiration and circulation. Pitta governs transformation and metabolism, while Kapha governs structure and lubrication. Rasa is a dhatu (tissue), not a dosha.

Question 2Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

According to Sushruta's classification, how many types of surgical procedures (ashtavidha shastra karma) are traditionally enumerated?

  1. Six
  2. Twelve
  3. Eight Correct answer.
  4. Ten

Explanation

Sushruta describes eight principal surgical procedures collectively called ashtavidha shastra karma: chedana, bhedana, lekhana, vedhana, eshana, aharana, visravana and sivana. This is a foundational classification in Shalya Tantra.

Question 3Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

A patient presents with burning sensation, sour taste, excessive perspiration and a tendency to anger. Which dosha imbalance does this most strongly suggest?

  1. Kapha vriddhi
  2. Rasa kshaya
  3. Vata vriddhi
  4. Pitta vriddhi Correct answer.

Explanation

Burning sensation, sour taste, excessive sweating and irritability are classical features of aggravated Pitta. Pitta is hot, sharp and liquid in nature, so its increase manifests as heat, acidity and anger. Vata aggravation shows dryness and pain, and Kapha aggravation shows coldness and heaviness.

Question 4Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

In Ayurvedic pharmacology, which taste (rasa) is composed of the earth and water elements and is described as increasing Kapha while pacifying Vata?

  1. Lavana (salty)
  2. Madhura (sweet) Correct answer.
  3. Amla (sour)
  4. Tikta (bitter)

Explanation

Madhura rasa is made of earth and water, so it is heavy and moistening, which increases Kapha and pacifies Vata. Amla is earth and fire, Lavana is water and fire, and Tikta is air and ether. Each rasa is assigned elemental pairs that explain its effect on the doshas.

Question 5Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

Which of the following is the classical description of Agni in Ayurvedic physiology?

  1. The subtle channel that carries prana
  2. The structural tissue that builds the body
  3. The waste product formed during digestion
  4. The biological fire responsible for digestion and metabolism Correct answer.

Explanation

Agni is the biological fire that governs digestion, absorption and tissue metabolism. Its impairment is considered the root of many diseases, and jatharagni is its principal gastrointestinal form. The other options describe dhatu, srotas and mala respectively.

Question 6Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

A patient reports chronic constipation, dry skin, insomnia and a feeling of coldness. Which primary approach best reflects Ayurvedic management of this presentation?

  1. Snehana and vata-pacifying measures Correct answer.
  2. Cold water therapies and fasting
  3. Excessive physical exercise to stimulate digestion
  4. Virechana with strong purgatives

Explanation

The presentation reflects Vata aggravation with dryness and coldness, which is managed by oleation (snehana) and vata-pacifying diet and lifestyle. Strong purgation, cold therapies and excessive exercise would further aggravate Vata. Treatment is directed at the opposite qualities of the aggravated dosha.

Question 7Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

Which classical text is the principal Ayurvedic treatise attributed to Charaka and focuses on internal medicine (Kayachikitsa)?

  1. Charaka Samhita Correct answer.
  2. Bhela Samhita
  3. Sushruta Samhita
  4. Ashtanga Hridaya

Explanation

The Charaka Samhita is the principal treatise on internal medicine attributed to Charaka, presented as a redaction of the Agnivesha Tantra. Sushruta Samhita focuses on surgery, and Ashtanga Hridaya is a later compendium by Vagbhata.

Question 8Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

In Ayurveda, the term 'prakriti' refers to which concept?

  1. The season in which a disease begins
  2. The individual's constitutional nature at birth Correct answer.
  3. The strength of the digestive fire
  4. The pathological state of the doshas

Explanation

Prakriti is the individual's innate constitutional makeup determined by the relative proportions of the doshas at conception. It is distinct from vikriti, the current pathological deviation. It guides preventive and personalized management throughout life.

Question 9Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

A patient with a Kapha-predominant constitution asks about daily routine. Which recommendation is most consistent with Ayurvedic dinacharya for this constitution?

  1. Frequent daytime sleeping and heavy sweet foods
  2. Regular vigorous exercise and warm, light, dry foods Correct answer.
  3. Frequent oil massage and long periods of rest
  4. Cold drinks with every meal and late-night eating

Explanation

Kapha is cold, heavy and stable, so its management uses opposite qualities: vigorous exercise and warm, light, dry foods reduce Kapha accumulation. Daytime sleeping, heavy sweet foods, cold drinks and excessive rest all increase Kapha. This illustrates the samanya-vishesha principle of opposing qualities.

Question 10Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'ama' in Ayurvedic pathology?

  1. Undigested or improperly metabolized material that obstructs channels Correct answer.
  2. The natural waste product eliminated during defecation
  3. The subtle essence of digested food that nourishes tissues
  4. The normal end product of complete digestion

Explanation

Ama is undigested or improperly metabolized material resulting from weak agni, which obstructs srotas and combines with doshas to produce disease. It is distinct from the normal nutrient essence (rasa) and from normal waste (mala). Its formation is central to the concept of ama-vata and many chronic disorders.

Question 11Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

A patient is diagnosed with a condition requiring virechana (therapeutic purgation). Which consideration is most important before administering this procedure?

  1. Administering it immediately after a heavy meal
  2. Selecting it primarily for a patient with acute diarrhea
  3. Performing it without any prior oleation or sudation
  4. Ensuring adequate strength and assessing contraindications such as severe weakness Correct answer.

Explanation

Virechana requires assessment of the patient's strength (bala) and exclusion of contraindications such as severe weakness, recent surgery or acute diarrhea. It is conventionally preceded by snehana and swedana to mobilize doshas. Administering it after a heavy meal or in acute diarrhea is unsafe.

Question 12Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

Which of the following correctly pairs a dhatu with its principal function in Ayurvedic physiology?

  1. Rasa - nourishment and circulation Correct answer.
  2. Mamsa - production of reproductive fluid
  3. Majja - fat storage
  4. Rakta - bone formation

Explanation

Rasa dhatu is the first tissue and provides nourishment and circulation throughout the body. Rakta relates to blood, Mamsa to muscle, Meda to fat, Asthi to bone, Majja to marrow and Shukra to reproductive fluid. Each dhatu has a specific function and is formed sequentially from the previous one.

Question 13Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

In the context of Ayurvedic diagnosis, 'nadi pariksha' refers to which method?

  1. Examination of the pulse Correct answer.
  2. Examination of the tongue
  3. Examination of the urine
  4. Examination of the stool

Explanation

Nadi pariksha is pulse examination, one of the classical diagnostic methods used to assess dosha status and organ function. Tongue examination is jihva pariksha, urine examination is mutra pariksha, and stool examination is mala pariksha. These form part of the ashtasthana pariksha.

Question 14Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

A patient with chronic rheumatoid-type joint disease presents with stiffness, pain and swelling that worsens in cold weather. In Ayurveda, this presentation is most consistent with which condition?

  1. Vatarakta
  2. Sandhigata vata
  3. Gridhrasi
  4. Amavata Correct answer.

Explanation

Amavata is characterized by ama combined with Vata affecting the joints, with stiffness, pain and swelling that worsen in cold and damp conditions. Vatarakta typically affects the big toe with burning and redness, Sandhigata vata is osteoarthritis with joint crepitus, and Gridhrasi is sciatica.

Question 15Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

Which of the following best describes the Ayurvedic concept of 'viruddha ahara'?

  1. Food that is naturally sweet and nourishing
  2. Food that is freshly prepared and warm
  3. Food combinations or practices that are incompatible and produce disease Correct answer.
  4. Food consumed in moderate quantity at the proper time

Explanation

Viruddha ahara refers to incompatible food combinations or improper food practices that disturb metabolism and produce disease. Examples include certain incompatible pairings and improper timing or processing. Fresh, moderate and naturally nourishing foods are generally considered wholesome, not incompatible.

Question 16Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

A physician plans shodhana therapy for a patient with aggravated Kapha. Which emesis-based procedure is classically indicated for Kapha disorders?

  1. Vamana Correct answer.
  2. Raktamokshana
  3. Virechana
  4. Basti

Explanation

Vamana (therapeutic emesis) is the classical shodhana procedure indicated for aggravated Kapha, since Kapha accumulates in the stomach and chest. Virechana is for Pitta, Basti is for Vata, and Raktamokshana is bloodletting. Each procedure targets the dosha's principal site.

Question 17Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

In Ayurvedic pharmacology, which property (guna) is described as heavy and is responsible for increasing Kapha and decreasing Vata?

  1. Sheeta (cold)
  2. Ruksha (dry)
  3. Guru (heavy) Correct answer.
  4. Laghu (light)

Explanation

Guru guna is heavy and nourishing, so it increases Kapha and pacifies Vata. Laghu and Ruksha are light and dry and tend to increase Vata while reducing Kapha. Sheeta is cold, which also increases Vata and Kapha but is a distinct property from heaviness.

Question 18Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

A patient with a Pitta constitution develops excessive acidity and inflammation. Which of the following is the most appropriate Ayurvedic dietary guidance?

  1. Favor sweet, bitter and astringent tastes in moderation Correct answer.
  2. Increase pungent, sour and salty foods
  3. Skip meals frequently to reduce digestive fire
  4. Consume very hot and spicy foods regularly

Explanation

Pitta is pacified by sweet, bitter and astringent tastes, which are cooling and moderating. Pungent, sour and salty tastes increase Pitta, and skipping meals disturbs agni and can aggravate Pitta further. Dietary management follows the principle of opposing qualities.

Question 19Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

Which of the following is the correct classical sequence of the seven dhatus as formed from one another?

  1. Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Meda, Asthi, Majja, Shukra Correct answer.
  2. Rakta, Rasa, Mamsa, Asthi, Meda, Majja, Shukra
  3. Rasa, Mamsa, Rakta, Meda, Majja, Asthi, Shukra
  4. Mamsa, Rasa, Rakta, Meda, Asthi, Shukra, Majja

Explanation

The seven dhatus are formed in sequence: rasa, rakta, mamsa, meda, asthi, majja and shukra, each nourishing the next. This sequence underlies the concept of dhatu poshana and the diagnosis of tissue depletion. Any deviation in order reflects a misunderstanding of the classical progression.

Question 20Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

A patient presents with symptoms of both Vata and Pitta aggravation, including dryness with burning and restlessness with irritability. Which principle best guides the choice of treatment in such a dual-dosha presentation?

  1. Address both doshas with measures that do not aggravate either Correct answer.
  2. Apply only cold therapies because Pitta is present
  3. Treat only the dosha with the most severe symptoms and ignore the other
  4. Always use strong purgation to eliminate both simultaneously

Explanation

In dual-dosha involvement, treatment must be selected so that it pacifies one dosha without aggravating the other, often using measures of neutral or balanced qualities. Treating only one dosha or using strong purgation can worsen the other. Cold therapies alone would aggravate Vata.

Question 21Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

In Ayurveda, the term 'ojas' refers to which concept?

  1. The heat produced during digestion
  2. The subtle essence of all dhatus that provides immunity and vitality Correct answer.
  3. The undigested waste material in the colon
  4. The channels that carry nutrients

Explanation

Ojas is the subtle essence of all seven dhatus and is regarded as the basis of immunity, vitality and strength. Its depletion leads to weakness and susceptibility to disease. It is distinct from ama, agni and srotas, which describe waste, digestive fire and channels respectively.

Question 22Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

A patient with a Vata constitution is prescribed a basti (medicated enema). Which rationale best explains why basti is considered the principal treatment for Vata disorders?

  1. It is used only for localized skin diseases
  2. It acts on the colon, the principal site of Vata, and pacifies it systemically Correct answer.
  3. It reduces Pitta by cooling the blood directly
  4. It primarily eliminates Kapha from the stomach

Explanation

The colon (pakvashaya) is the principal site of Vata, and basti administered through the rectum directly acts there while producing systemic effects. This is why basti is described as the foremost treatment for Vata disorders. Emesis targets Kapha and purgation targets Pitta.

Question 23Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

Which of the following best explains the Ayurvedic principle of 'samanya vishesha'?

  1. Like increases like, and opposites decrease, guiding therapeutic choice Correct answer.
  2. Food has no role in the management of disease
  3. All diseases arise from a single dosha
  4. Only physical treatments are effective in Ayurveda

Explanation

Samanya vishesha states that similar qualities increase a substance or dosha while opposite qualities decrease it, which is the basis for selecting diet, drugs and therapies. It is a foundational therapeutic principle. The other options contradict Ayurvedic theory and practice.

Question 24Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

A patient with chronic ama accumulation and weak agni is considered for langhana (reducing) therapy. Which consideration is most critical before initiating it?

  1. Ensuring the patient has acute diarrhea
  2. Ensuring the patient has adequate strength and no severe depletion Correct answer.
  3. Ensuring the patient is pregnant
  4. Ensuring the patient has just eaten a large meal

Explanation

Langhana reduces excess and ama but requires adequate strength (bala) and the absence of severe depletion, pregnancy or acute diarrhea, which are contraindications. A recent large meal is also inappropriate before such therapy. Assessment of bala and contraindications protects the patient.

Question 25Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

Which statement best reflects the Ayurvedic understanding of the relationship between agni and ama?

  1. Ama forms only when agni is excessively strong
  2. Ama always increases digestive fire
  3. Strong agni prevents ama formation, while weak agni promotes it Correct answer.
  4. Agni and ama are identical concepts

Explanation

Ama forms when agni is weak or irregular, leaving undigested material that obstructs channels. Strong, balanced agni prevents its formation. Agni and ama are distinct concepts, and ama impairs rather than increases digestive fire.

Question 26Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

Which of the three doshas is classically described as the biological expression of the element vayu in combination with akasha, and is responsible for all movement in the body?

  1. Vata Correct answer.
  2. Kapha
  3. Pitta
  4. Rasa

Explanation

Vata is the dosha formed from akasha and vayu, and it governs all movement, nerve impulse and elimination in Ayurvedic physiology. The other two doshas are built from different elemental pairs and carry different functions.

Question 27Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

Which of the following is the correct Sanskrit term for the digestive and metabolic fire whose strength determines how well food is transformed into dhatus?

  1. Agni Correct answer.
  2. Prana
  3. Ojas
  4. Ama

Explanation

Agni denotes the biological fire responsible for digestion, absorption and tissue transformation. Its condition is central to health in Ayurveda because weak agni leads to formation of ama.

Question 28Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

Which of the following correctly names the seven dhatus in the classical order of their formation from one another?

  1. Rasa, mamsa, rakta, meda, majja, asthi, shukra
  2. Rasa, rakta, meda, mamsa, asthi, majja, shukra
  3. Rakta, rasa, meda, mamsa, asthi, shukra, majja
  4. Rasa, rakta, mamsa, meda, asthi, majja, shukra Correct answer.

Explanation

The classical sequence is rasa, rakta, mamsa, meda, asthi, majja and shukra, each formed by the refinement of the preceding tissue. This order underlies the understanding of tissue nutrition and depletion.

Question 29Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

Which classical procedure is specifically described as the therapeutic elimination of vitiated doshas through the nearest route, using medicated oil or decoction introduced through the rectum?

  1. Nasya
  2. Raktamokshana
  3. Basti Correct answer.
  4. Vamana

Explanation

Basti is the administration of medicated decoctions or oils through the rectal route, and it is considered the prime treatment for vata disorders. It is one of the five panchakarma procedures.

Question 30Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

Which of the following is the correct meaning of the term 'prakriti' in Ayurveda?

  1. The pathological imbalance present at the time of examination
  2. The accumulated toxins resulting from poor diet
  3. The strength of the digestive fire at a given season
  4. The innate constitutional makeup determined at conception Correct answer.

Explanation

Prakriti is the individual's constitutional type fixed at conception by the dominant doshas of the parents and womb. It differs from vikriti, which is the current state of imbalance.

Question 31Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

Which classical Ayurvedic text is attributed to Sushruta and is known chiefly for its emphasis on surgery and surgical anatomy?

  1. Charaka Samhita
  2. Sushruta Samhita Correct answer.
  3. Ashtanga Hridaya
  4. Bhela Samhita

Explanation

The Sushruta Samhita is the principal surgical treatise of Ayurveda, describing operative techniques, instruments and anatomy. The Charaka Samhita instead emphasizes internal medicine.

Question 32Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

Which of the following is the classical method of pulse examination used in Ayurvedic diagnosis?

  1. Mutra pariksha
  2. Jihva pariksha
  3. Nadi pariksha Correct answer.
  4. Netra pariksha

Explanation

Nadi pariksha is the examination of the pulse, one of the classical methods of clinical assessment. It is traditionally interpreted alongside examination of tongue, urine, stool and other signs.

Question 33Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

A patient with a Vata-predominant constitution asks for dietary guidance. Which quality should be emphasized in the diet to counterbalance the dry, light, cold nature of vata?

  1. Light and drying foods
  2. Cold and raw foods
  3. Warm, moist and grounding foods Correct answer.
  4. Pungent and astringent foods

Explanation

Vata is characterised by dryness, lightness and coldness, so it is pacified by qualities that oppose it, namely warmth, moisture and heaviness. Warm, moist, grounding foods therefore suit vata constitution.

Question 34Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

A patient with aggravated Kapha is to undergo shodhana. Which of the following procedures is classically the first choice for eliminating excess Kapha from the upper body?

  1. Basti
  2. Uttara basti
  3. Vamana Correct answer.
  4. Anuvasana

Explanation

Vamana, therapeutic emesis, is the classical treatment for aggravated Kapha because Kapha accumulates in the stomach and upper body. It removes the excess dosha through the nearest route.

Question 35Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

A patient presents with burning sensation, excessive thirst, irritability and loose stools after eating spicy food. Which dosha is most likely aggravated?

  1. Kapha
  2. Vata
  3. Rasa
  4. Pitta Correct answer.

Explanation

Burning, thirst, heat and irritability are classical features of aggravated Pitta, which is provoked by pungent and sour foods. Cooling and pacifying measures are indicated.

Question 36Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

A patient with chronic rheumatoid-type joint disease has stiffness and pain that worsen in cold, dry weather. Which dosha is most likely dominant in this presentation?

  1. Vata Correct answer.
  2. Rakta
  3. Pitta
  4. Kapha

Explanation

Pain, stiffness and worsening with cold and dryness are characteristic of vata, which governs movement and is aggravated by cold and dry conditions. Treatment therefore emphasises warming and oleation.

Question 37Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

A patient with a Pitta constitution reports hyperacidity and inflammation. Which of the following dietary tastes is most appropriate to pacify Pitta?

  1. Sour
  2. Salty
  3. Sweet Correct answer.
  4. Pungent

Explanation

Pitta is pacified by sweet, bitter and astringent tastes, which are cooling and soothing. Sweet taste in particular counteracts the hot, sharp nature of Pitta.

Question 38Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

Which of the following correctly describes the Ayurvedic principle of 'samanya vishesha'?

  1. Like increases like and unlike decreases, guiding therapeutic choice Correct answer.
  2. Only the quantity of food matters, not its qualities
  3. All substances have an identical effect on every constitution
  4. Disease arises only from external pathogens

Explanation

Samanya vishesha states that similar qualities increase a substance or dosha while dissimilar qualities reduce it. This principle underlies the selection of diet, drugs and therapies to balance the doshas.

Question 39Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

Which of the following properties (guna) is described as heavy and is responsible for increasing Kapha and decreasing Vata?

  1. Laghu (light)
  2. Guru (heavy) Correct answer.
  3. Tikshna (sharp)
  4. Ruksha (dry)

Explanation

Guru guna, the quality of heaviness, increases Kapha and reduces Vata, which is light and mobile. It is one of the twenty classical gunas used to classify substances and their effects.

Question 40Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

A patient presents with dryness and restlessness together with burning sensation and irritability. Which approach best reflects Ayurvedic management of combined Vata and Pitta aggravation?

  1. Apply strong purgation to eliminate both doshas at once
  2. Combine mildly unctuous and cooling measures that address both doshas Correct answer.
  3. Use only heavy and oily measures to treat vata
  4. Use only cold and bitter measures to treat pitta

Explanation

In dual-dosha aggravation the physician selects measures that pacify both without aggravating either, so mildly unctuous and cooling therapies are appropriate. Strong single-dosha measures risk worsening the other dosha.

Question 41Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

A patient with weak agni and chronic ama accumulation is considered for langhana therapy. Which consideration is most important before starting?

  1. Avoid any assessment of digestive capacity
  2. Ensure the patient eats heavy foods during therapy
  3. Assess strength and ama status so that reducing therapy does not deplete the patient Correct answer.
  4. Begin with strong purgation regardless of strength

Explanation

Langhana reduces bulk and ama but can weaken a depleted patient, so assessment of bala and the extent of ama is essential. Therapy is then graded from fasting and light diet to stronger measures.

Question 42Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

In Ayurvedic pharmacology, which of the following best describes the term 'virya'?

  1. The active potency of a drug expressed as heating or cooling Correct answer.
  2. The taste of the drug
  3. The post-digestive effect of a drug
  4. The physical form of the drug

Explanation

Virya is the potency of a substance, classically described as either heating (ushna) or cooling (shita). It acts after rasa and before vipaka in the sequence of drug properties.

Question 43Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

A patient with a Kapha constitution asks about daily routine. Which recommendation is most consistent with Ayurvedic dinacharya for this constitution?

  1. Regular vigorous exercise and warm, light foods Correct answer.
  2. Long periods of inactivity and fasting without guidance
  3. Frequent daytime sleeping and heavy meals
  4. Frequent cold drinks and dairy

Explanation

Kapha benefits from regular vigorous exercise, warmth and light, dry foods that counter its heavy and cold qualities. Daytime sleeping and heavy foods tend to increase Kapha.

Question 44Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

Which of the following best explains why basti is considered especially important in the treatment of Vata disorders?

  1. Basti acts by inducing vomiting
  2. Basti is a cooling therapy suitable only for pitta
  3. Basti primarily removes excess pitta from the liver
  4. The colon is the principal site of vata, so rectal administration directly pacifies it Correct answer.

Explanation

Vata's principal seat is the large intestine, so medicated enema delivers therapy directly to its site of dominance. This is why basti is regarded as the foremost vata treatment.

Question 45Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

A physician must decide whether a patient is fit for shodhana. Which combination of factors is classically assessed before purificatory therapy?

  1. Bala, dosha status, agni, season and the strength of the disease Correct answer.
  2. Only the cost of the medicines
  3. Only the patient's age
  4. Only the patient's preference

Explanation

Classical texts require assessment of bala, dosha, agni, season, disease strength and the patient's constitution before shodhana. These factors determine whether purification is safe and which procedure is chosen.

Question 46Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

A patient with oedema and heaviness is found to have ama associated with Kapha. Which treatment principle best fits the combined picture?

  1. Ama-pachana with light, warm, digestive measures before any purification Correct answer.
  2. Immediate heavy oleation to nourish the tissues
  3. Immediate bloodletting without preparing the patient
  4. Deep oleation followed by strong vata-pacifying enemas

Explanation

When ama is present, the classical approach is first to digest and mobilise ama with pachana and light warm measures. Oleation and purification are undertaken only after ama is reduced, to avoid spreading it through the channels.

Question 47Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

Which statement best captures the Ayurvedic view of how ojas relates to the dhatus?

  1. Ojas is the refined essence of all dhatus and supports immunity and vitality Correct answer.
  2. Ojas is produced only in the stomach during fasting
  3. Ojas is a waste product eliminated in the stool
  4. Ojas is identical to ama

Explanation

Ojas is described as the subtle essence of the seven dhatus, seated in the heart, and it sustains immunity, strength and vitality. Its depletion is associated with fear, weakness and loss of lustre.

Question 48Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

A patient with chronic disease shows loss of appetite, coating on the tongue and heaviness after meals. Which interpretation best follows Ayurvedic reasoning?

  1. Ojas is excessive and requires bloodletting
  2. Pitta is depleted and requires more pungent food
  3. Ama is present with weak agni and requires pachana before nourishment Correct answer.
  4. Vata is balanced and no treatment is needed

Explanation

Coating on the tongue, anorexia and postprandial heaviness indicate ama with impaired agni. The classical response is to kindle agni with pachana and light diet before giving nourishing or purificatory therapy.

Question 49Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

In Ayurveda, which of the three doshas is primarily composed of the elements akasha and vayu and is described as the controller of all bodily movement?

  1. Pitta
  2. Kapha
  3. Vata Correct answer.
  4. Rasa

Explanation

Vata is formed from akasha (space) and vayu (air) and governs all movement, including nerve impulses, respiration and elimination. Pitta derives from agni and jala, while Kapha derives from jala and prithvi. Rasa is a dhatu, not a dosha.

Question 50Ayurveda (BAMS licensing curriculum; domain breakdown not enumerated in source)

Which of the following best defines 'dhatu' as used in Ayurvedic physiology?

  1. The channels through which nutrients travel
  2. The three humours that govern physiological activity
  3. The seven basic tissue systems that sustain the body Correct answer.
  4. The waste products eliminated from the body

Explanation

Dhatus are the seven sustaining tissues: rasa, rakta, mamsa, meda, asthi, majja and shukra/artava. They are distinct from the doshas, from malas (waste products) and from srotas (channels). Each dhatu is built successively from the previous one through the action of agni.