Established under the charter of the Indian Board of Alternative Medicines, the Open International University for Alternative Medicines is one of the largest open international educational academies and a premier institution in the field of alternative / complementary medicines and health promotion in India. Under the guidance of its Chancellor Emeritus, His Holiness Lama Gangchen, founder of the Lama Gangchen World Peace Foundation (Italy) and Vice – Chancellor, Dr. S. K. Agarwal, the university aims to advance the study of and research into various alternative therapies and provide a high standard of training and education in the different disciplines of alternative / complementary medicines.

With students from all over the world and every region of India on its rolls, the university has acquired a truly international character and profile. It offers a wide range of diploma, bachelor and post graduate courses in a number of alternative therapies such as Acupressure, Acupuncture, Aromatherapy, Biochemic Medicines, Bach Flower Remedies, Electro Homoeopathy, Magnet therapy, Naturopathy, Reiki, Yoga etc.

The campus of the university is situated on a picturesque plot of land on the outskirts of Calcutta and is in the process of being developed into a model institution for education, research and training in alternative / complementary and natural medicines. The curriculum of the university is as per standard and based on the syllabus prescribed by the Ministry of Health, Govt. of India and various other national and international universities. Its faculty consists of qualified, experienced and dedicated doctors and teachers committed to imparting the best possible education to the students.

In the short span of a few years, the university has established itself as a centre of innovative learning. Its credentials have been endorsed by the International Council for Open and Distance Education (Norway), an affiliate of UNESCO, of which it is a member and the International Union for Health Promotion and Education (affiliated to WHO).  The university’s parent body, the Indian Board of Alternative Medicines, is the only organisation in India to be recognised by and affiliated to the United Nations Peace University (established under UN Resolution No. 35/55/5/XII/80 to which the Govt. of India is a signatory).

The curriculum of the university is as per standard and based on the syllabus prescribed by the Ministry of Health, Govt. of India and various other national and international universities. Its innovative distance learning programmes teaches a student the principles and skills required to become well rounded medical practitioners and its certificates are widely accepted worldwide.

The university’s annual convocation is a much anticipated event with students from overseas and nationwide coming together to receive their certificates and participate in the Board’s yearly international conferences of which the convocation is an integral part. Outstanding students are also awarded medals and trophies at a glittering awards presentation ceremony, another unique feature of the Board’s conferences.

Preparing medical practitioners is a serious responsibility and the university maintains a culture that embodies its philosophy of a humane and holistic medical education.