Updated on Sep 21, 2026 06:07 IST
Bhavya Jain

Bhavya JainContent Author

According to NTA, 27,600 to 28,000 candidates were allotted BDS seats in the colleges out of 12,36,531 qualified candidates last year.

BDS course duration is typically 5 years. This standard time frame consists of 4 years of comprehensive academic and pre-clinical studies followed by 1 year of a mandatory rotating clinical internship.

BDS course is a UG course in Dental field which provides foundational knowledge of Dental studies. BDS full form in medical is Bachelor of Dental Surgery. 

You can get a starting salary around INR 3 LPA to INR 3.2 LPA and the highest BDS salary can be between INR 4 LPA and INR 10 LPA for a senior role.

As per NDC data, a total of 27,945 seats are for BDS courses in India. If we talk about eligibility for BDS courses generally, candidates should pass Class 12 in PCB with passing marks. Candidates should also pass NEET UG for BDS degree. 

Q:   What does BDS doctor do?
A:

One of most desired and recognised degrees for dentists (doctors) is BDS. sole academic and professional dental surgery programme in India is BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery). It shares "Dr" domain with MBBS and is equal.

An oral health care professional who diagnoses and treats conditions is a Dentist. Candidates can lower your risk for other critical health disorders like heart disease and stroke by taking proper care of your teeth and gums. For regular examinations and cleanings, you should visit Dentist frequently.

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Q:   Which is better BDS or B Pharmacy?
A:

If you are passionate about oral health and enjoy direct patient care BDS can be a better fit.  But if you are interested in pharmaceuticals, research and also healthcare B Pharmacy can be more suitable.

Candidates can look at table below to see comparison between two courses.

Particulars

BDS

B Pharmacy

Course Level

UG

UG

Course Appropriate for

Dentists

Pharmacists

Course Duration

5 years 

4 Years

Course Fee

INR 1 Lacs - INR 6 Lakh

INR 3,000 - INR 4,00,000

Entrance Exams

NEET

NEET, CUET, AP EAMCET, TS EAMCET, KCET, KEAM, etc.

Popular Colleges

All India Institute of Medical Sciences, JIPMER Puducherry, King George's Medical University, Banaras Hindu University, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences

Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Madras Medical College, BITS Pilani, SOA University, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, etc.

Job Profiles

Dentist, Dental officer in Defense Services, Dentist in Indian Railways, Lecturer, Researcher, etc.

Medical Writer, Clinical Researcher, Drug Inspector, Medical Representative, Pharmacy Business, etc.

Average Salary

INR 3 LPA - INR 9 LPA

INR 4 LPA - INR 14 LPA

Top Recruiters

Hospitals, Dental Clinics, Educational Institutes, Dental Product Manufacturers etc. 

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd., Divis Laboratories Ltd., Cipla Ltd., Biocon Ltd., etc.

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Q:   What if I did not have Biology? Is the door to a BDS degree completely closed?"
A:

Yes, you must have Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) in Class 12 to apply for BDS course. Dentistry is a medical field, so science background is very important to understand body and teeth process.

 

 
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Q:   What is a BDS course all about?
A:

BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) is a 5 - year UG degree (4 years of study + 1 year internship) that trains students to become dentists.

It includes diagnosing, preventing and also treating oral or dental diseases which includes teeth, mouth and also jaw.

Graduates can then practice dentistry in clinics or hospitals.

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Q:   Why is BDS course important?
A:

Candidates can see why BDS is important below -

  • It teaches you to fix teeth, treat gum diseases and manage oral pain.
  • As people become more aware of oral health, the need for dentists is growing. 
  • A BDS degree allows you to open your own clinic and be your own boss.
  • Healthcare is a field that never goes out of demand - providing a secure career path. 
  • Compared to some other medical fields, dentistry often allows for better control over work hours, as there are fewer life-threatening emergencies.
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Q:   What is the scope of BDS course in India and abroad?
A:

BDS in India gives a good career with high demand because of rising awareness about oral health. BDS graduates can work in private clinics, hospitals or even government jobs or start their clinic. 

Hope this helped your query! All the best!

 

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Table of contents
  • BDS Course Details
  • How to Apply for BDS Course
  • BDS Course Entrance Exams
  • BDS Course Admission Process
  • BDS Course Syllabus
  • BDS Course Fees
  • Popular Private BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) Colleges in India
  • BDS Career Scope: Jobs, Salary and Recruiters
  • BDS Course FAQs
  • Most Popular Courses
  • Course Cutoffs
View More

BDS Course Details

You should apply for BDS course if you want to get into healthcare but want a job in healthcare but go for a career different from traditional medical degree. 

Candidates can see table below for BDS course details -

Particulars

BDS Course Details

Famous Specialization after BDS

Orthodontics, Endodontics, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, Oral Surgery, etc.

Skills

Precision, patient communication, diagnostics, treatment planning, teamwork, etc.

BDS Entrance Exams

NEET/KEAM 

BDS Top Recruiters

Hospitals, Dental Clinics, Educational Institutes, Dental Product Manufacturers, etc.

Note: This data is taken from other sources and can be different.

Q:   Which course is better, BDS or MBBS?
A:

MBBS (General Doctor) is superior for broader career options, higher long-term earnings and also treating the whole body but it is more competitive and stressful. 

BDS (Dentist) is better for a faster, specialised career, better work-life balance and also faster early income.

Choose MBBS if you want to be a general physician/surgeon and choose BDS if you want to specialize early in dentistry with a better work-life balance.

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How to Apply for BDS Course

Application process and eligibility for BDS Courses may vary from one college/university to another. It is necessary for candidates to ensure that all eligibility criteria are fulfilled before applying for this course.
Candidates may be asked to qualify for BDS Course Entrance Tests –

  • National-level tests like CUET and NEET are very famous as a single point of entry into various government and private universities.
  • State level test like KEAM is for admission to various colleges and universities of Karnataka.

 

BDS Course Eligibility

It should be noted that there could be variations in eligibility depending upon the course. Therefore, it is important that candidates verify their eligibility. Non-fulfillment of eligibility criteria could result in disqualification of candidature.
The following is the general eligibility criterion:

Parameters

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

Class 12th with at least 50% marks in PCB subjects

Entrance Exams

CUET, NEET

And other state level exams

Age limitation

No Official Age limit

 

Q:   Can I study BDS after Class 12?
A:

Yes candidates can go for BDS course right after Class 12 given that he/she has done their schooling from Class 12 in Science stream with Physics, Chemistry and Biology subjects and have a minimum passing marks as suggested by colleges.

Candidates must also appear for NEET after Class 12 if they wish to apply for BDS course.

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Q:   Is MBBS mandatory to pursue BDS?
A:

No MBBS is not needed for BDS

BDS is a UG course focused on Dental education and training but MBBS is about medical education with a broader focus on general medicine and surgery.

Both are different courses with different curriculum and career paths. 

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Q:   Which kind of candidates can go for BDS?
A:

Candidates can see below who should do a BDS course -

  • You love working with your hands
  • You want to be a "Doctor" in a focused field
  • You want to run your business
  • You enjoy interacting with patients
  • You are patient and detail oriented
  • You want a career with good work life balance
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BDS Course Entrance Exams

Candidates who want to get admission to BDS course have to qualify for BDS entrance exams.

NTA releases an online application form for Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS full form). Candidates have to fill out form by given deadline and appear for NEET for BDS admission to Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS full form). Exam for BDS course is held once a year in a computer-based mode. Scoring minimum cutoff is one of criteria for participating in NEET counselling.

For BDS degree, seats are allocated based on rank, choice filled by candidate, availability of seats, and reservation criteria.

 

BDS Course: National Level Exam

There are national exams which have a separate UG and PG division. Candidates must be careful while choosing and filling out examination forms.

Popular national level exams accepted for BDS courses are:

Exam

Exam Description

Exam Dates

CUET UG

The Common University Entrance Test is a national-level, computer-based exam conducted by NTA for UG and PG courses at participating central, state, deemed and private universities in India 

CUET UG Dates

NEET UG

The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test is a national-level, computer-based exam conducted by NTA for UG and PG courses at participating central, state, deemed and private universities in India 

NEET UG Dates

Note: Information is taken from official sources and is subject to change. 

 

BDS Course: State Level Exams

State level exams offer an advantage to the residents of a specific state. They offer affordable, quality education with less competition in entrance exams as compared to national level exams.

Popular state level exams accepted for BDS courses are:

Exam

Exam Description

Exam Dates

KEAM

Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical is an entrance exam for admission to various professional courses in colleges across Kerala

KEAM Exam Dates

Note: Information is taken from official sources and is subject to change.

Important Exam Dates

DatesUpcoming Exam Dates
21 Sep ' 26

AP NEET Counselling round 2 seat allotment

ONGOING
12 Sep ' 26 - 21 Sep ' 26

Bihar NEET Round 2 Choice Filling

17 Sep ' 26 - 23 Sep ' 26

Round 1 - Reporting

ONGOING
21 Sep ' 26 - 24 Sep ' 26

UP NEET 2026 Round 2 choice filling

ONGOING
11 Sep ' 26 - 25 Sep ' 26

FMGE October 2026 Exam Registration

ONGOING
16 Sep ' 26 - 26 Sep ' 26

Chhattisgarh NEET UG 2026 Counselling Round 3

ONGOING
16 Sep ' 26 - 13 Oct ' 26

INI CET Nov 2026 Registration

ONGOING
DatesPast Exam Dates
12 Sep ' 26

NEET Counselling Round 2 Final result

10 Sep ' 26

NEET Counselling Round 2 Provisional result

03 Sep ' 26 - 08 Sep ' 26

NEET UG Counselling Round 2 registration 2026

Q:   Can I get a seat for BDS with less than 80 marks?
A:

No getting BDS with 80 marks in NEET is very hard no matter what category you are.

In India BDS admission is very competitive and students need high marks in NEET to get a seat.

Q:   Can I do BDS without giving NEET?
A:

No BDS needs NEET. If candidates do not have NEET eligibility they cannot enrol in BDS.

Although states were permitted to host their own entrances using an ordinance in 2016 NEET has been made mandatory going forward.

Candidates still need to pass NEET even if they wish to study BDS abroad. NEET is essentially a qualification exam for future healthcare professionals in India. Nothing is possible without NEET. 

BDS Course Admission Process

Students can check below a general guide of the steps involved in BDS course admission process in India:

Eligibility: Pass Class 12 with PCB + English

Entrance Exam: Most of the colleges accept NEET exam

Application: Then register from the official website

Results: give the exam and then Check NEET score

Counselling: Attend the counselling by state or national authorities

Documents: Show the documents during counselling

Admission: If you get a seat then pay the fees and finish the admission process

Know more about BDS Admission

Note: Admission process can be different according to colleges

BDS Course Syllabus

BDS course is divided into 5 years (4 years + 1 year of internship) and has theory, lab sessions and project work. Main subjects in course are -

  • General Human Anatomy, Embryology and Histology
  • General Human Physiology
  • Biochemistry
  • General Pathology
  • Microbiology
BDS Course Semester 1
General Human Anatomy, including Embryology and Histology General Human Physiology and Biochemistry, Nutrition, and Dietetics
Dental Anatomy, Embryology, and Oral Histology -
BDS Course Semester 2
Dental Materials Preclinical Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge
BDS Course Semester 3
General Pathology and Microbiology General and Dental Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Preclinical Conservative Dentistry -
BDS Course Semester 4
Preclinical Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge Oral Pathology & Oral Microbiology
BDS Course Semester 5
General Medicine General Surgery
Oral Pathology & Microbiology Conservative Dentistry And Endodontics 
BDS Course Semester 6
Oral And Maxillofacial Surgery Oral Medicine And Radiology
Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics Pediatric & Preventive Dentistry
BDS Course Semester 7
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics Oral Medicine and Radiology
Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry Periodontology
BDS Course Semester 8
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge
Conservative Dentistry And Endodontics Conservative Dentistry And Endodontics

Click here to view detailed BDS course syllabus.

Q:   What all subjects are there in BDS course?
A:

BDS is focused on theoretical as well as practical subjects with core and elective subjects which help candidates understand the concepts of Dental courses. Candidates should know that syllabus and the curriculum can be different according to the colleges. 

Major subjects in BDS include -

  • General human anatomy including embryology and histology.
  • General human physiology.
  • Dental materials.
  • Pre-clinical prosthodontics.
  • Oral pathology and microbiology.
  • General medicine and many more.
Q:   Is BDS course difficult?
A:

An individual who plays a crucial part in treatment of dental issues is awarded a BDS degree. All dental and related disorders are prevented, diagnosed, and treated by dentists. BDS course is really difficult, so you need to be enthusiastic, have a diligent study attitude, and be mentally focused to be successful. only organisation that has Dental programmes recognised is Dental Council of India. Students after Class 12 in Medical area are presently in high demand for this course.

BDS is a five-year undergraduate degree curriculum (4 years of academic study plus 1 year of required internship). Both full-time and part-time courses are available for this programme. One of most sought-after courses in Medical industry after 12th grade is BDS. In India, numerous reputable universities provide BDS programme.

Q:   Is BDS hard to study?
A:

BDS is not easy and for it, you need a good knowledge in science subjects. BDS has many subjects like anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, pathology, and special dental subjects like oral surgery, prosthodontics, and orthodontics.

In BDS, students learn difficult concepts, practice clinical skills, and treat different dental problems. course is hard and need careful work and attention. But if you study hard, stay dedicated, and love field, many students finish it and feel happy with their career.

BDS Course Fees

Deciding the correct path for one’s future is definitely an important and hard task. So is choosing a college. There are so many private, government and government adjacent colleges offering BDS. NIRF ranks are a good place to start. The Ministry of Education puts together a list of top 100 colleges and universities. The rankings are based on government standards. All data is taken from official sources and can change.

Top Medical Colleges: NIRF’25

According to NIRF Rankings 2025, AIIMS Delhi is the top Engineering college in India for the 10th consecutive year with Rank 1 followed by PIPMER, CMC Vellore and JIPMER in 2025.

Note: Information is taken from official sources and is subject to change.

 

Best Private BDS Colleges

There are many popular private BDS colleges in India. All colleges offer BDS at different price points making it accessible for everyone.

Check full list of Best Private BDS Colleges

 

Best Affordable Private BDS Colleges

There are so many private colleges for BDS in India. Out of these, there are colleges that provide BDS courses at very reasonable prices.

Check the full list of Best Affordable Private BDS Colleges

 

Best Government BDS Colleges

Government colleges are the best BDSlance between quality education and pocket friendly.

Check the full list of best government colleges for BDS

118 Courses
750 - 6.08 K
12 - 50 LPA

#1 NIRF

103 Courses
300 - 1.5 L
4.34 - 12.09 LPA

#3 NIRF

48 K - 4.8 L
12 - 16 LPA

#8 NIRF

109 Courses
7.11 K - 19.5 L
9 - 18 LPA

#2 NIRF

27 K - 2.2 L
16 - 28 LPA

#5 NIRF

130 - 46.58 K
6 - 24 LPA

#4 NIRF

Q:   Is pursuing BDS in India considered expensive?
A:

Yes BDS course as a whole can be a little expensive. The avg fee for BDS course can be more than 5 Lakh.

Candidates can see dee details for BDS course below in table -

Fee RangeNo. of CollegesPopular Colleges
< INR 1 lakh12MAIDS, Vishnu Dental College Andhra Pradesh, Government Dental College, etc.
INR 1-2 lakh19Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU, Bhabha College of Dental Sciences, JMI, etc.
INR 2-3 lakh3Post Graduate Instiute of Dental Sciences, Yamuna Group of Institutions, etc.
INR 3-5 lakh18Nair Hospital Dental College, SDM College of Dental Sciences, Government Dental College and Hospital, etc.
> INR 5 lakh145Jan Nayak Ch. Devi Lal Vidyapeeth, Genesis Institute of Dental Sciences and Research, Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences, etc.

Note: The info is taken from other sources and can be different.

Q:   Which are the top colleges for BDS in India?
A:

214 colleges offer BDS courses in India. For graduates to broaden their knowledge in both practical and theoretical areas, which will help them acquire a better career in the future, the subjects presented in the BDS course curriculum are crucial and necessary.

Top Colleges

NIRF 2023

NIRF 2024

NIRF 2025

Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences Ranking

1

12

MAMC Ranking

4

 33

Manipal College Manipal Ranking

2

25

Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital

3

54

A B Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences

5

66

KGMU Ranking

NA

47

SRM Dental College Ranking

6

78

Note: The info is taken from other sources and can be different.

Popular Private BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) Colleges in India

1.2 L - 27.12 L
3.15 LPA
9 Courses
7.2 L - 10 L
25 K - 5.8 L
3.9

#1001-9999 Times Higher Education

Medicine & Health Sciences Applications open till Sep 30, 2026. Apply Now

97.5 K - 5.58 L
4.3

Medicine & Health Sciences Applications open. Apply Now

33 Courses
96 K - 4.8 L
6.9 - 7 LPA

#1001-9999 Times Higher Education

1.5 L - 4.48 L

BDS Career Scope: Jobs, Salary and Recruiters

According to NDS, there are around 3,76,721 registered dentists in India. The field of healthcare is growing because of an increase in diseases which has led to demand for quality medical services. The BDS course offers many options to professionals. Graduates in the BDS course can choose to work in both the government and private sectors.

BDS Salary in India

Candidates can see table listing popular jobs that they can go for after completing BDS course below - 

Healthcare & Clinical Services
Jobs Average Salary (INR)
General Dentist 4 LPA
Dental Consultant 5.5 LPA
Junior Resident 10 LPA
Government & Defense Sectors
Army Dental Officer 11 LPA
Government Dental Surgeon 4 LPA
Railway Medical Officer 9 LPA
Corporate, Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices
Pharmacovigilance Associate 4.2 LPA
Medical Reviewer 8 LPA
Clinical Research Associate 5 LPA
Healthcare Management & Operations
Hospital Operations Manager 8 LPA
Healthcare Consultant 8 LPA
Public Health Officer 5 LPA

Note: The average salary has been taken from Ambitionbox.com.

BDS Recruiters

Candidates can see the list of popular recruiters below - 

Industry Companies
Healthcare Chains & Clinical Networks Clove Dental, Apollo White Dental, Sabka Dentist, Partha Dental, etc.
Dental Aligner & Tech Brands Align Technology (Invisalign), MakeO (Toothsi), Dentsply Sirona, AMPA Orthodontics (Snazzy), etc.
Pharmaceuticals & Pharmacovigilance Cognizant, TCS, Wipro, Cadila Pharmaceuticals, Sun Pharmaceutical, etc.
Healthcare Consulting & Operations Accenture, IQVIA, Deloitte, PwC, etc.
Q:   Can BDS course graduates do surgery?
A:

Yes dentists who graduate with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree have been trained to perform a whole lot of dental surgeries within scope of dentistry. Dental surgery is one principal aspect of dental profession itself where dentists are qualified to pursue many surgical procedures regarding their respective parts concerning oral and maxillofacial regions.

It must be considered here that level of surgical interventions in dentistry dentist has been acquired according to post-graduate training, experiences in this field and any certifications from specialisation courses that he may have acquired. They consider oral and maxillofacial surgeons for all complicated cases, ones who ordinarily have more comprehensive training in field of surgery in head, neck and also jaw involvement.

Q:   What is the salary of a BDS graduate in India?
A:

BDS salary in India can be different according to many factors like experience, location, company and also job position.  

Candidates can see a general outline of the BDS graduates in India below -

  • Entry Level: INR 2 - 5 LPA
  • Mid Level: INR 5 - 8 LPA
  • Senior Level: INR 8 - 20 LPA

Note: Salary is taken from Ambitionbox.com.

Q:   Is a BDS graduate equal to doctor?
A:

Yes a BDS graduate is a doctor but they are a specialist doctor specifically for the mouth, teeth and jaw. But they are different from those doctors who precribe medicines for general illness.
Doctors study human anatomy and medicine for 5 years (including an internship) and they have the license to treat patients, perform surgeries and also prescribe medication.
But Dentists specializes in teeth and oral health.

BDS Course FAQs

Candidates can refer below for the BDS course FAQs.

Q:   What are the various courses available at best Medical colleges in India?
A:

Students can study Medical courses in India at many levels. Candidates can see course levels given in table below -

Courses OfferedNo. of Colleges
D.Pharma 

3,624 (Best DPharma Colleges in India)

B.Pharma2,319 (Best BPharma colleges in India)
M.Pharma1,362
BSc972 (Best BSc Colleges in India)
MD859 (Best MD Colleges in India
MBBS828 (Best MBBS Colleges in India)
BPT590 (Best BPT Colleges in India)
MS539
BMLT561 (Best BMLT Colleges in India)
MSc526 (Best MSc Colleges in India)
BAMS468 
BDS358 (Best BDS Colleges in India)
Pharm D371 
MDS324 (Best MDS Colleges in India)
MPT295 (Best MPT Colleges in India)

Note: The info is taken from other sources and can be different.

Hope this helps!

Q:   Is studying from best Medical colleges in India considered expensive?
A:

No it can be seen that studying from best Medical colleges in India can be affordable as most of colleges have an avg. tuition fee of less than INR 1 lakh.

Candidates can see these colleges given in table below - 

Low-cost CollegesTuition Fee
AIIMS Delhi FeesINR 1,000 - INR 6,000
Christian Medical College, Vellore FeesINR 300 - INR 85,000
PGIMER FeesINR 7,000 - INR 10,000
JIPMER Puducherry FeesINR 130 - INR 47,000
AIIMS Rishikesh FeesINR 650 - INR 98,000

Note: info is taken from other sources and can be different.

Hope this answered your question!

Q:   What are the different medical courses available apart from MBBS?
A:

Hi

Candidates can see table below for the different courses offered by best Medical colleges in India - 

Courses OfferedNo. of Colleges
D.Pharma 

2,000+ (Best DPharma Colleges in India)

B.Pharma2,000+ (Best BPharma colleges in India)
M.Pharma1,000+
BSc800+ (Best BSc Colleges in India)
MD800+ (Best MD Colleges in India
BPT500+ (Best BPT Colleges in India)
MS500+
BMLT400+ (Best BMLT Colleges in India)
MSc400+ (Best MSc Colleges in India)
BAMS400+ 
BDS300+ (Best BDS Colleges in India)
Pharm D300+ 
MDS300+ (Best MDS Colleges in India)
MPT200+ (Best MPT Colleges in India)

Note: The info is taken from other sources and can be different.

Hope this answered your question!

Q:   Do Medical colleges in India provide Distance courses?
A:

Yes Medical colleges in India provides distance courses in India.

Candidates can see table below listing these colleges -

College NameTuition FeeEligibility / Exams
CMC VelloreINR 1,500 - INR 2.67 lakhMerit-Based
Datta Meghe InstituteINR 20,000Merit-Based
IGNOUINR 2,000 - INR 60,000Mert-Based
Centurion University of Technology and Management INR 50,000Merit-Based
Institute of Distance Education University of MadrasINR 5,850 - INR 20,000Merit-Based

Note: The info is taken from other sources and can be different.

Hope this helps!

Q:   What are the prerequisites for Dental Diploma and Certificate programmes?
A:

Aside from UG and PG education in dentistry many universities and institutions offer candidates short term Diploma and certificate courses also.  

Students must have a Class 12 degree with Biology as core subject in order to enrol in an undergraduate level Diploma or certificate programme. A bachelor's degree in Dentistry is required for postgraduate Diploma or certificate programmes.

Q:   Can BDS graduates use prefix 'Dr'?
A:

You can surely use ‘Dr.’ if you have a BDS degree and are registered with Dental Council of India (DCI). Doctor title is used to acknowledge those who have completed a doctoral course in dentistry.

But you should keep one thing in mind that its use may differ on basis of specific country or region.

Q:   Is BDS course very hectic?
A:

Yes BDS course (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) can be considered hectic due to its demanding curriculum and rigorous training requirements.

  • Intensive Study: BDS course usually has Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, among others. Information to be learned within this little time is voluminous.
  • Clinical Training: BDS students are extensively trained clinically. Under guidance of experienced faculty members, BDS students undergo practice for treating patients.
  • Working Hours: Dental education is often associated with long hours for study, lab procedures, and clinical practices. Clinics, lectures, labs, and exam preparations make sure that most students are likely to remain busy.
  • Examinations and Assessments: Assessment of students pursuing BDS course is done through periodical assessments, practical examinations, and written tests.

Course Cutoffs

The cutoffs of popular BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) colleges is given below:
MBBS - Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery : NEET 2025 Last Round Closing Rank (General-All India)Accordion Icon V3
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Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 4 days ago

BDS is not a waste of time, but it needs patience. Many people online complain about low starting salaries, but that's mostly true for freshers without extra skills like an MDS specialization. If you focus on clinical skills, specialize after BDS, or start your own clinic, the career can pay off wel

...Read more

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

Some colleges are genuinely worth the investment because of their reputation, facilities, and placement support. Higher fees at such recognised colleges often pays off through better training and career opportunities later.

Top CollegesTuition FeeMedian Salary Package
SDM College of Dental Sciences PlacementsINR 3.8 lakhINR 4.8 LPA
Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital PlacementsINR 16 lakhINR 8.8 LPA
Yenepoya Dental College And Hospital, Mangalore PlacementsINR 20.3 lakhINR 6 LPA
Manav Rachna International Institute of Research & Studies PlacementsINR 12.2 lakhINR 3.9 LPA
Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research PlacementsINR 17.4 lakhINR 7.8 LPA

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

BDS and MBBS lead to very different careers, so calling one better isn't fully accurate. MBBS offers wider job options and higher average pay, while BDS is more specialised and works well for those genuinely interested in dentistry. If you're only choosing BDS because you couldn't get MBBS, you may

...Read more

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

College has not disclosed any specific dress codes.

You can expect mandatory lab coats. A standard white apron/scrubs with an attached official college name plate is mostly compulsory during all working hours, laboratory sessions and hospital postings  at dental colleges.

 

A

Akanksha Yadav

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

The official qualifying cutoff for RE NEET UG 2026 exam stands at 715–213 for the General/EWS category and 212–177 for the OBC SC and ST categories.

S

Swati Pandey

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

According to NEET Round 1 General Category All India category cutoff 2026, MMU Mullana BDS cutoff rank was 764313.

N

Nishtha Karan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, with a NEET score of 296, you can get admission to BDS course at private colleges in Karnataka. Getting a seat at government colleges will not be possible with these 296 marks in NEET.

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Akanksha Yadav

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Mostly government colleges are affordable than private colleges as they are managed and controlled by cental and state government. Listed below are the top colleges with their tuition fees.

Top Affordable BDS Colleges in Delhi NCRTuition Fee
Post-Graduate Institute of Dental Science FeesINR 1.86 lakh
Jamia Millia Islamia FeesINR 2.1 lakh
Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma University of Health Sciences FeesINR 1.86 lakh

NOTE: Above mentioned affordable BDS fees have been taken from colle's official website and may vary.

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Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

JMI's Faculty of Dentistry is often mentioned alongside MAIDS as one of Delhi's respected government options for BDS. It charges a modest fee of around INR 2.1 lakh. Being a central university, it also offers strong academic recognition and infrastructure. It's a solid choice for students who don't

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Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

NEET UG is mandatory for BDS admission everywhere in India, including Delhi NCR, with no exceptions for direct entry. After qualifying, candidates go through counselling split between the All India Quota (15%, via MCC) and state quota (85%, via the relevant state body). Depending on the college's lo

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Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Delhi NCR has 25 BDS colleges, including private and government colleges, Some of the top colleges are Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (MAIDS), Post-Graduate Institute of Dental Science, Jamia Millia Islamia, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, Manav Rachna International Institute of Researc

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Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The Tamil Nadu NEET seat matrix 2026 is as follows:

  • The total MBBS seats in Tamil Nadu are 8,063
  • Number of BDS seats are 1,859

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Upasana Hazarika

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a month ago

The Tamil Nadu NEET counselling process comprises these stages:

  • Registration and uploading of required documents
  • Release of rank list
  • Choice filling and locking.
  • Seat allotment result.
  • Reporting to the allotted college for admission.

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Rashmi Shekhar

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a month ago

After finishing BDS, students can specialise in MDS in various fields. Common specialisations are Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, Periodontics and Prosthodontics. Well-recognised colleges like KGMU, Career Dental College provide good MDS programmes. Specialisations enable pursuing advanced practice and

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Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Babu Banarasi Das University is the top private BDS college in Lucknow. Listed below is the college with tuition fees.

Top CollegeBDS Tuition FeeBDS Seat Intake
Babu Banarasi Das University BDS CoursesINR 14.9 lakh100

Source: official site and can change.

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Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Government colleges like KGMU usually offer around 100 BDS seats each year. Private colleges typically have about 100 seats, split between different quota categories. These include state quota, management quota, and NRI quota seats. Reservation for OBC, SC, ST, and EWS categories also applies as per

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Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, private BDS colleges in Lucknow do accept students with comparatively lower NEET scores. Admission in these cases usually happens through management or NRI quota seats. Government colleges like KGMU have very high competition and need a strong NEET rank. So, if your score is on the lower side,

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Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Lucknow has around 5 BDS colleges, including both government and private institutes. Popular names include KGMU, Career Dental College, Saraswati Dental College, and BBD Dental College. Most of these colleges are DCI approved and follow standard admission norms. 

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Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

King George's Medical University (KGMU) is widely considered the top BDS college in Lucknow. Being a government institute, it also offers much lower fees compared to private colleges. KGMU is affiliated with a well-established medical university and follows strict DCI norms. 

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Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Take a look at the Bihar NEET seat matrix 2026 to know the numbers of MBBS and BDS seats:

Colleges

Total Seats Available

Government MBBS Seats

1392

Government BDS Seats

30

Private MBBS Seats

2450

Private BDS Seats

200

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Vikram Shukla

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a month ago

Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research has been providing good placements to its students. Check the table below which provides the Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research BDS placement highlights:

ParticularsBDS Statistics (2023)BDS Statistics (2024)BDS Statistics (2025)
Total Students927568
Students Placed796048
Median SalaryINR 7.5 LPAINR 7.8 LPAINR 8 LPA

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diksha soni

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

With a NEET score of 292, getting a government seat is not possible. You can get admission to certain private college. You must wait till mop up/ stray rounds.

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Akanksha Yadav

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The BDS programme is 5 years long in total, structured as 4 years of academic study followed by 1 year of compulsory rotatory internship. This internship year gives students hands-on clinical experience, which is essential before they can start independent practice or pursue further specialisation.

 

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Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

After BDS, you can specialise in fields like Orthodontics, Oral Surgery, Prosthodontics, Conservative Dentistry, and Periodontics through an MDS degree. Each specialisation opens different career paths, from cosmetic dentistry to surgical dental procedures.

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Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, that's correct, and many students don't realise this before choosing BDS. If you wish to switch to MBBS later, you cannot transfer your BDS credits; you'd have to reappear for NEET-UG and start MBBS completely from scratch. Instead, most BDS graduates prefer pursuing MDS specialisation, which i

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Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, non-domicile students get admission to the BDS course at Mahatma Gandhi Medical College.

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Akanksha Yadav

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

It is quite impossible to get a government seat  in Uttar Pradesh or Bihar with 332 NEET marks. The fee budget of INR 4 Lacs is insufficient for private dental colleges. 

 

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Akanksha Yadav

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

It might be difficult to secure a seat if you are from general category and looking to secure under AIQ. But, you have a fair chance of admission to BDS programme at Government Dental College and Hospital, Patiala, if you belong to an EWS, OBC, or SC/ST category.

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Akanksha Yadav

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Some private BDS colleges might have extra charges. While the official tuition fee is regulated by the Fee Regulating Authority (FRA), colleges often bill separately for hostel accommodations, mess food, university exam registration, and mandatory dental kits. Always read the complete fee breakdown

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Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10