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05 Aug, 2025 MCC has extended the NEET UG Counselling 2025 Round 1 @mcc.nic.in; the last date for registration and choice filling is August 6 and 7, 2025, respectively. Check Here
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) is a 5-years undergraduate program and the only approved professional dental course in India. Students become doctors after the BDS course. It is a compulsory course for students aspiring to work as dentists at government or private hospitals. BDS mainly focuses on training and introducing students to the dental sciences and surgeries. The 5-year program involves 4 years of classroom education and 1 year of compulsory rotating internship.
Check Out: Full Form of Medical Courses
The degree is regulated by the Dental Council of India (DCI). The various BDS subjects taught in the program include Dental Histology, Oral Pathology, Oral Surgery, etc. It is necessary for the students to register themselves in the Dental Council of India which regulates the BDS course so that they become eligible to practice their profession after the completion of their degree.
Know More About: Dental Courses
In India, for admission to BDS courses, it is mandatory for students to qualify for a 10+2 exam or an equivalent degree with at least 85% from a recognized institute. There is generally only one entrance exam conducted all over India. The entrance exam is named National Eligibility cum Entrance Exam ( NEET ) and is held as a national level exam once a year.
As per the current data, there are approximately more than 300 dental colleges in India which means in total there are 26,000 seats in both government as well as private colleges. In India, BDS course fees range between INR 1-8 lacs.
Check City Wise Top Colleges:
BDS Private College fees ranges between INR 6-9 Lakhs. During the internship period, the students may receive a monthly stipend of INR 15,000 - 40,000 (approx.) which entirely depends upon the college.
The professionals of the course can find lucrative job opportunities as Dentists, lecturers, Dental Research Scientists, at reputed hospitals and even in the education sector. The average initial salary of these professionals ranges within INR 4-10 lacs per annum. BDS Govt Jobs are available in Government hospitals and clinics.
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What is the BDS Admission Process?Here is everything that you need to know about BDS that includes BDS course fees, entrance exams, etc.
- Admissions to BDS usually take place through the national level NEET exam conducted across the country.
- It has been made mandatory since 2016 that admissions to medical courses like MBBS, BDS, etc. require students to appear for NEET.
- In order to be eligible for the course, the student must attain a minimum of 50% in the 10+2 qualifying examination.
- The candidates are allowed to enter the admission process of the college only if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Once the students clear the cut-off set for the exam, they can proceed with the counseling sessions for admission to the college.
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What is the BDS Eligibility Criteria?
Being eligible for a course is a prerequisite for admission to a particular college and course. The basic eligibility criteria for admissions to BDS courses have been mentioned as follows:
- The aspiring candidate must have passed the 10+2 qualifying exam or an equivalent degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate from a recognized institute.
- They must have studied the subjects of Physics, Chemistry and Biology compulsorily in their 10+2.
- In almost every college offering this course, the admissions are based on the result of NEET. The student must clear the cut-off of the exam to be eligible for admission.
- If the students manage to qualify for the entrance, they need to appear for the counseling sessions organized by the colleges.
- There are generally three rounds of counseling sessions held.
See Also: NEET Eligibility
BDS Entrance Exams
In India, admission to BDS courses is based on the national level NEET exam only. Presented before is some more information regarding the exam:
- Not many entrances are conducted for admission to BDS. The national level exam NEET is the only exam conducted for admission to BDS courses.
- NEET is a national-level exam conducted for admissions to undergraduate medical courses like MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BSc Nursing etc.
- Aspiring candidates need to register themselves on the official website and fill in their personal details.
- They must then fill out the online application form available over there. Learn More: NEET Physics Syllabus
- The admit cards will be sent to the students via email. The applicants are requested to appear for the exam on the prescribed date only. See Also: NEET Chemistry Syllabus
- If the student manages to clear the cut off set up for the exam they may proceed to the counseling sessions held for admissions to a college. Check Out: NEET Biology Syllabus
- Since 2016, it has been made mandatory that admissions to courses like MBBS, BDS, BAMS, and any other medical course will take place only through the national level exam NEET.
- The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a national-level exam for admissions in undergraduate medical courses like MBBS, BDS, etc.
- BDS admissions are entirely done through NEET in every institute be it a government college or a private college.
- Being one of the most competitive exams conducted in India, NEET is necessary enough for admissions to recognised dental colleges in the country.
| Exam Name | Exam Details |
|---|---|
| NEET | Check NEET Dates |
How to Prepare for NEET Exams?
Since NEET is the only entrance conducted for admission to BDS courses in India, it requires the candidates to put in a lot of hard work to crack it off. Every year, more than 10 lac students appear for the exam which makes it one of the most competitive examinations conducted in India. Given below are certain tips which might help the students to prepare well for the exam:
- Beware of the latest exam pattern and syllabus for the exam which is usually available on the official website. This will help you not get confused and stay on the right track.
- Make a study plan and include all the topics that are mentioned in the syllabus. This will help you in knowing how much you have covered and how much more you have to.
- Make a proper time table and follow it strictly. This will help you to finish your syllabus well on time.
- Buy the best study material for NEET which covers all important topics. Also, be thorough with your NCERT books as questions might come from there as well.
- Read newspapers daily to stay updated about the happenings around you.
- Prepare notes of what you have studied. This will help you to revise well at the last minute.
- Sit for mock tests and follow the time limits strictly. This will give you an idea of the actual exam situation.
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How to Get Admission in A Top-Notch BDS College?
If you wish to get admitted to top reputed colleges offering the course then you must work really hard to achieve it. In India, several reputed colleges are offering this course across different states. Provided are some guideline which must be followed so as to get into these colleges:
- Entrance to any good college requires a strong academic background, especially at the 10+2 level.
- The students must also clear the entrance exams with excellent marks to get into these colleges.
- To qualify for the entrances, one must start preparing a year before the exam.
- Once you clear the cut-off, then you must mandatorily attend the counseling sessions which are usually organized in three rounds.
- You must find out if the college you desire to get in is good enough for you or not. Do check the curriculum of the course available on the official website.
- You must have an idea of the placements offered by the college on completion of the course which is an important aspect these days.
- Check the fees structure of the college offering that course so that you can ensure if it matches your requirements or not.
What is BDS?
BDS has been one of the most desirable medical courses among students after MBBS. A brief introduction of the subject has been given below:
- BDS is a 5-year undergraduate course for students who want to excel in the field of Dental Sciences.
- It is a compulsory course for students if they wish to work as dentists at government or private hospitals.
- BDS is one of the most popular medical courses after MBBS.
- The students in their final year are required to do a 1 year paid internship mandatorily which is rotation based wherein they have to take 2-3 rotations in various departments.
- Subjects like Oral Pathology, Dental Hygiene, Dental Histology, Public Health Dentistry, etc.are taught to the students during the span of 5 years of the course.
- The study of these subjects provides them with explicit knowledge and skill to practice dentistry as their profession after completion of the course.
- After the completion of graduation, students usually practice their skills in the field of dentistry in government or private hospitals.
- Those not willing to take up a job can further enhance their academic background by opting for MDS ( Masters of Dental Surgery). This will also provide them with better career opportunities.
- Apart from the above-listed details, BDS offers students a variety of opportunities in terms of employment as well as higher education.
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BDS Course Highlights
| Course Level | Undergraduate |
|---|---|
| BDS Full-Form | Bachelor of Dental Surgery |
| BDS Course Duration | 5 years ( 4 years + 1 year of compulsory paid internship). |
| Examination Type | Semester Based |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with a minimum of 50% Compulsory subjects include Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
| Admission Process | Entrance Exam (NEET) |
| BDS Course Fees | INR 1-6 lacs per annum |
| Average Initial Salary | INR 4-10 lacs (approx.) |
| Top Recruiters | Hospitals, Dental Clinics, Educational Institutes, etc. |
| Job Positions | Dental Research Scientist, Dentist, Lecturer, etc. |
Why Study BDS?
There are various reasons why students opt for this course to build their careers. Some of the advantages of the course have been listed below:
-
Due to the increased awareness about oral hygiene, the number of dental patients has increased too in the country. To treat these patients, one must possess a degree of BDS as it has been compulsory in India that dentistry can be practiced only at the completion of BDS.
- Students expect a rise in employment opportunities in the near future. The reason is that there has been a fast increase in the number of dental patients as well as doctors and the government aims at providing better job opportunities to dentists by increasing employment opportunities.
- During the period of a paid internship, the students may earn up to INR 15,000 - 40,000 (approx.) which increases with the increased expertise and experience.
- Students can even practice their skills in countries like the US and Canada to earn an increased income compared to what they get in India. However, for this, they need to clear exams like NBDE or NDEB.
- BDS vs. MBBS
BDS vs. MBBS: Which is Better?
| Comparison Parameters | BDS | MBBS |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | BDS is the only certified and recognized dental course in India which is compulsory for students who wish to practice dentistry as their profession. | MBBS teaches and provides knowledge to the students of fields such as anatomy, paediatrics, biochemistry, etc. |
| Duration | 5 years (4 years + 1 year internship). | 5.5 year (4.5 years + 1 year internship) |
| Average Course Fee | INR 1-6 lacs | INR 1-8 lacs |
| Job Opportunities | Dentist, Dental Research Scientist, Lecturer, etc. | Physician, Surgeon, etc. |
| Top Recruiters | Hospitals, Dental Clinics, Educational Institutes, etc. | Hospitals, Clinics, etc. |
| Average Initial Salary | INR 4-10 lacs (approx.) | INR 4 - 10 lacs (approx.) |
The above comparison has been done among the most chosen and desired courses by the students in the field of medical sciences. Also, a comparison between two very closely related courses will help the students to decide about their area of interest. These courses are taught in almost all the reputed medical colleges across the country.
Which are the BDS Top Colleges?
| Name of the College | College Location | Admission Process | Average Course Fee | Average Initial Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faculty of Dental Sciences, IMS BHU | Varanasi | NEET | Below 1 lacs | INR 4-6 lacs (approx.) |
| Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences | New Delhi | NEET | INR 1 - 1.5 lacs | INR 6-7 lacs (approx.) |
| Faculty of Dental Sciences King George's Medical University | Lucknow | NEET | INR 1.5 - 2 lacs | INR 8-9 lacs (approx.) |
| Government Dental College and Hospital | Mumbai | NEET | INR 2 - 2.5 lacs | INR 3-8 lacs (approx.) |
| Government Dental College and Hospital | Nagpur | NEET | INR 2 - 2.5 lacs | INR 3-8 lacs (approx.) |
| Dr R Ahmed Dental College and Hospital | Kolkata | NEET | Below 1 lacs | INR 3-6 lacs (approx.) |
| Manipal College of Dental Sciences | Mangaluru | NEET | INR 25-30 lacs (approx.) | INR 4-8 lacs (approx.) |
BDS Top College Comparison
| Comparison Parameters | Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences | Faculty of Dental Sciences, IMS BHU | Manipal College of Dental Sciences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences is affiliated with the University of Delhi, this is one of the oldest and most reputed dental and medical institutions in India. It is also the first medical college to have received FICCI award of excellence. | Faculty of Dental Sciences, IMS BHU was established in 1972. The medical department was established in 1960, however, it got advanced into the Institute of Medical Sciences in 1971. | Manipal College of Dental Sciences also known as MCODS, the college offers dental courses such as BDS and MDS. |
| Average Course Fee | INR 1-1.5 lacs | Below 1 lacs | INR 25-30 lacs (approx.) |
| Average Initial Salary | INR 6-7 lacs | INR 5-6 lacs | INR 4-8 lacs |
| Top Recruiters | Ottobock, Endolite, etc. | Government Hospitals (Internship) | Government Hospitals (Internship) |
These comparisons among the top dental colleges of India will help the students to find out the college which matches their requirements. This will also help it know the different aspects and facilities provided by these colleges.
What is the BDS Syllabus?
The 5-year program comprises a vast syllabus. Each year has a specified syllabus so that students can give proper time and effort to each and every subject. The syllabus for BDS courses have been mentioned below:
| 1st Year | 2nd Year |
|---|---|
|
Biochemistry Dental Histology Dental Materials Law for Dental Profession Anatomy Physiology Preclin Prosthodontics |
Preclin Conservative Pharmacology Dental Materials Pharmacology Oral Pathology Microbiology Pathology |
| 3rd Year | 4th year |
|
Gen Medicine Pedodontics Oral Pathology Oral Medicine Oral Surgery Public Health Orthodontics Conservative Dentistry Prosthodontics Patient Safety Curriculum Community Orientation Program Group Project/Research |
Public Health Dentistry Orthodontics Oral Medicine Oral Surgery Prosthodontics Periodontics Practice Observership Conservative Dentistry |
| 5th Year | |
Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry Period ontology Oral Medicine, Diagnosis and Radiology Public Health Dentistry Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Oral Pathology and Microbiology Accident and Emergency Medicine Comprehensive Oral Health Care |
The above-listed syllabus is subject to vary among different colleges
Which are the Best BDS Books to Follow?
| Name of the Book | Name of the Author |
|---|---|
| Human Physiology for BDS Students 1st Edition | A.K.Jain |
| Phillips Science of Dental Materials 10th Edition | Kenneth J. Anusavice |
| Orbans Oral Histology and Embryology 14th Edition 2015 | G A Kumar |
| Functional Histology, Churchill Livingstone, Edition 2 | Weather, Burkitt and Daniels |
| Essentials of Physiology for Dental Students 2nd Edition, 2016 | Sembulingam |
These are some of the best books to refer to for the students of BDS. However, students can find and refer to many other knowledgeable books of the field. These books will enhance their knowledge and will provide them with more ideas and expertise of the field of study.
BDS Salary in India
Graduates with a degree of BDS have a wide variety of opportunities before them in terms of career and job prospects. They can choose to be dentists, researchers, lecturers, etc. at government or private hospitals or can even open their own dental clinic. However, not all graduates jump to do jobs and earn money. Some of them opt for higher studies in the field of dental sciences.
Since in India, BDS is the only and compulsory course for practising dentistry, most students usually find employment within 1 year of graduation. Some even pursue higher studies like MDS.
| Job Profile | Job Description | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Dentist | The job of a dentist involves checking patients of oral health, removing tooth decay, filling cavities, etc. However, it is totally the will of the doctor if they want to serve in a hospital or open their own clinic. | INR 3.5 - 4.5 lacs |
| Researcher | BDS graduate students who are willing to do research work can perform research work in advanced dental research. | INR 3 lacs |
| Lecturer | Students with high skills, expertise and experience can work as lecturers at reputed government or private dental institutions. | INR 5 lacs |
| Dental Officer at Indian Defense Services ( Army, Navy, Air Force) | Students who want to practice their skills in the defence services need to be a Registered Dental Practitioner within India to be eligible for the job. | INR 9 lacs |
| Dentist in Indian Railways | Candidates can join the Indian Railways as a dentist when they post a vacancy for the same. | INR 7.2 lacs |
| Territorial Army Officer | One of the government jobs which can be pursued by students at the completion of BDS. | INR 10 lacs |
Therefore, in the job sector the students can have employment opportunities in the following areas:
- Government Sector: Students may find lucrative job opportunities in the Defence Services of India like Army/ Navy/ Air Force, Dentist in Indian Railways, state government jobs as Dental Surgeons. However, jobs in these areas are available on the basis of eligibility, experience as well as vacant.
- Private Sector: The students can find worthy jobs in private hospitals or dental institutions, etc. Those who are not willing to do these jobs can open their own clinics to practise their skills of the profession.
- Dentistry Research: Students who feel like enhancing their academic background by continuing with the higher studies can even opt for research in the dental science field.
- Dentist in Gulf Countries: Students who are not satisfied with their jobs in India try to go to gulf countries wherein there are huge demands of dentists and they even offer an increased salary.
Top Recruiters:
| Dental Clinics | Educational Institutions | Dental Product Manufactures |
| Pharmaceutical Companies | Hospitals | Research Institutes |
What is the BDS Future Scope?
Students expect a rise in employment opportunities in the near future. The reason being that there has been a fast increase in the number of dental patients as well as doctors and the government aims at providing better job opportunities to dentists by increasing the employment opportunities.
- It has been noted that in India there are more dentists than the required number. This issue can be resolved if the availability of dentists in rural and urban areas is made equal.
- This is because many dentists are practising their skills in the urban areas so if some of them are sent to the rural areas to provide their services there will be an equal availability of dentists in both the regions.
- This transfer of areas will also result in increased employment opportunities and equal employment distribution in the public or government sector as well.
- It is expected that the employment rate is going to increase in the coming years.
- Due to these issues in India, nowadays some students prefer to find employment in Gulf countries due to the huge requirements and an increased salary along with additional perks provided to them compared to what is given in India.
Students who are willing to opt for higher studies can go for the following :
- Master of Dental Surgery ( MDS)
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Master in Health Administration
- MBA in Healthcare Management
- MBA in Hospitality Management
BDS FAQs
Ques. Is BDS a doctor?
Ques. What is the entrance exam required for BDS?
Ques. What would be the average course fee for BDS?
Ques. What would be the average initial salary after BDS?
Ques. Where can we pursue DDS?
Ques. What is the eligibility criteria for BDS?
Ques. Is BDS a good course to opt for?
Ques. What is BDS all about?
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