Updated on May 20, 2025 05:58 IST
Parul Thapa

Parul ThapaAssistant Manager

BDS course is an undergraduate degree programme. Candidates who want to make a career in Dentistry can pursue a BDS course. The course duration is 5-year including one year mandatory internship. BDS is one of the most sought after courses after MBBS. Due to rising dental issues, these professionals are in great demand in both private and government sectors. After finishing BDS course, candidates can easily get jobs in Dental clinics, government hospitals, Pharmaceutical companies etc. They can also start private practice after finishing a course in BDS.

Also Read: NEET Prep Questions with Solutions 2023: Free PDF Download

BDS Course Highlights

Particulars

Details

Course name

Bachelor of Dental Surgery

Knows as

BDS

Course level

Undergraduate

Course type

Degree programme

Course duration

5-year

Minimum qualification

10+2

Admission process

Entrance Exam (NEET)

Average course fee

INR 1-6 lakh

Average salary

INR 4-6 lakh

Top recruiters

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

BDS Course Admission Process

National Eligibility cum Entrance Test is the single exam which enables candidates to get admission to BDS courses. Institutes providing courses in BDS only accept NEET scores. Candidates will have to apply online for admission. The whole admission process involves online registration, application form submission, release of the admit card, appearing for offline entrance exam, result declaration and counselling for seat allocation. Candidates have to apply for the entrance test in the given deadline provided by the exam conducting body. Candidates should check their eligibility before applying for admission in the BDS course. After submission of application form, candidates get admit card and appear for the offline test. Those who score the minimum cutoff marks are declared qualified for the exam and they are eligible for counselling process for seat allotment in BDS course.

BDS Course: Top College and Fee Structure

There are a number of colleges offering BDS courses, including both government and private BDS colleges. While choosing college for the admission to the Bachelor programme in Dentistry, candidates consider a number of factors including the fee structure and the placement opportunities they provide. The government colleges generally charge a lesser fee than that of the private colleges. The table given below enlists some of the top colleges for BDS courses and the average course fee.

Name of the College

Average Course Fee

Faculty of Dental Sciences, IMS BHU, Varanasi

Around INR 1 lakh

Maulana Azad Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi

INR 1 to 1.5 lakh

Faculty of Dental Sciences King George's Medical University, Lucknow

INR 1.5 to 2 lakh

Government Dental College and Hospital, Mumbai

INR 2 to 2.5 lakh

Dr R Ahmed Dental College and Hospital, Kolkata

Around INR 1 lakh

Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mengaluru

INR 25 to 30 lakh

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BDS Course Syllabus

Candidates have to study a number of subjects in 4-year BDS course (excluding internship). The course curriculum has been designed to make candidates learn all aspects of Dentistry. From Human Anatomy, Physiology to Oral surgery and pathology, all important facets are covered in the BDS syllabus. The table given below highlights a year-wise subject list for BDS courses.

First Year

 

Semester I

Semester II

General Human Anatomy including Embryology and Histology

Dental Materials

General Human Physiology and Biochemistry, Nutrition and Dietetics

Preclinical Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge

Dental Anatomy, embryology, and Oral Histology

 

Second Year

 

Semester III

Semester IV

General Pathology and Microbiology

Preclinical Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge

General and Dental Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Oral Pathology & Oral Microbiology

Preclinical Conservative Dentistry

 

Third Year

 

Semester V

Semester VI

General Medicine

Oral And Maxillofacial Surgery

General Surgery

Oral Medicine And Radiology

Oral Pathology & Microbiology

Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics

Conservative Dentistry And Endodontics

Pediatric & Preventive Dentistry

Fourth Year

 

Semester VII

Semester VIII

Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Oral Medicine and Radiology

Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge

Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry

Conservative Dentistry And Endodontics

Periodontology

Conservative Dentistry And Endodontics

Popular Specialisations After BDS

  • Dental Mechanic
  • Prosthodontics
  • Periodontics
  • Conservative
  • Dentistry Surgery

Postgraduate Courses After BDS

Candidates have options to do a Master's course in different specialisations in dentistry after BDS. Some of the Master's courses after BDS are as follows:

  • Masters in Dental Surgery
  • Master of Dental Surgery in Endodontics and Conservative Dentistry
  • Master of Dental Surgery in Pediatric Dentistry
  • Master of Dental Surgery in Radiology and  Oral Medicine
  • Master of Dental Surgery in Pedodontia and Preventative Dentistry
  • Master of Dental Surgery in Preventive Community

Upcoming Trends in BDS

BDS is one of the evolving fields where technology and innovative practices have played a key role to provide better care to people. Computer-aided design and 3D Printer have given diagnosis and whole treatment aspect a giant leap. Some of teh upcoming trends have been enlisted below:

  • Structural implantations
  • Dental Aligners
  • 3D printing and scan
  • CAD, CAM machining systems

 

BDS Courses: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. How many subjects are taught in a BDS course?

A. Students of BDS have to study a range of subjects covering various aspects of Dentistry. They have to study around 15 subjects as part of the BDS course curriculum.

Q How many semesters are there in a 5-year BDS course?

A. The BDS is a 5-year bachelor course. A total of eight semesters are there in the BDS syllabus where different aspects of Dental issues and oral surgery are covered.

Q. What is the eligibility criteria for admission to a BDS course?

A. Candidates should have completed class 12th with Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Candidates have to appear for the NEET exam conducted by NTA and score the minimum cutoff score.

Q. Is BDS a good career move?

A. Yes, BDS is one of the most sought after courses after MBBS in the medical stream. After completing BDS course, candidates get employed easily at dental clinics, dental departments in the government hospitals. They can also do private practice.

Q. What are the career options after finishing a BDS course?

A. Candidates can work on different profiles after finishing the bachelor course in Dentistry. They can work as dental surgeons, dental assistants, and oral pathologist. They can also opt for teaching jobs in medical college.

Q. Is BDS equivalent to MBBS?

A. Yes. BDS is undergraduate degree programme in dental field while MBBS is undergraduate degree programme in medicine field. There are some common subjects which are taught in both MBBS and BDS courses.

Q Can BDS graduate do surgery?

A. Yes, BDS graduates can perform only dental surgery. 

Q. Is NEET requited for BDS?

A. Yes, candidates need to qualify NEET exam to get admission to BDS course.

Q. Is BDS undergraduate degree course?

A. Yes, BDS is an undergraduate degree course in Dentistry. The course duration is 5 years.

Q. How many marks are required in NEET for BDS admission?

A. The cutoff marks depends upon a number of factors such as difficulty level of teh exam, number of applicants, category etc. The cutoff for BDS varies from one year to another. Candidates have to score at least 450 marks in NEET exam for BDS admission.

Q. What is the average salary of BDS graduate?

A. The average salary of BDS graduates is INR 4 to 6 lakh. The salary goes up with the experience and job responsibilities. 
Table of content
  • Popular BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) Colleges in India
  • Popular Private BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) Colleges in India
  • Most Popular Courses

Popular BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) Colleges in India

Following are the most popular BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) Colleges in India. Learn more about these BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
116 Courses
1 K - 6.08 K
12 - 24 LPA

#1 NIRF

101 Courses
300 - 2.67 L
4.34 - 12.09 LPA

#3 NIRF

48 K - 2.14 L
8.5 - 16 LPA

#8 NIRF

650 - 2 L
12.2 - 24.1 LPA

#13 NIRF

10 K - 6 L
8 - 21 LPA

#6 India Today

1.5 L - 1.35 Cr
3.06 - 19.5 LPA

#20 NIRF

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

45 K - 1.4 L
2.1 LPA
5 Courses
5.4 L - 6.4 L
16 Courses
4.35 L - 10.8 L
3.4
4.5 L - 14.25 L
3.36 L - 4.19 L
2.4 - 2.75 LPA
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Student Forum

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

Answered a month ago

Yes, simulation labs are increasingly incorporated in BDS training. These labs allow students to practice dental procedures in a controlled environment before working on real patients.

Simulation includes using dental mannequins, virtual reality systems, and digital tools to replicate clinical scenar

...Read more

L

Loveleen Choudhury

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, practical labs are integral to most BDS subjects. Labs provide hands-on training in procedures like cavity preparation, crown fabrication, and periodontal techniques, reinforcing theoretical knowledge.

Students practice clinical skills under supervision, using models, extracted teeth, and simula

...Read more

J

Jaya Shukla

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

In BDS, Dental anatomy is taught through a combination of theoretical lectures and hands-on practical sessions. Students study the structure, shape, and function of teeth, jaws, and oral tissues, understanding variations in dental morphology.

Practical exposure includes working with dental models, ex

...Read more

A

Aishwarya Rai

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, hostel facility is available for BDS students at BVDCH, Navi Mumbai. Hostel charges amount to INR 3.56 lakh.

h

heau mishr

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Students must apply for admission into BDS at BVDCH, Navi Mumbai by specifying their preference for the college on NEET UG registration form. Check below for detailed step wise explanation of application process for BDS at the college:

 Step 1: Register for NEET UG/PG according to the selection crite

...Read more

h

heau mishr

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Students must check the BVDCH, Navi Mumbai eligibility criteria for BDS and then apply online for the same. Admission is strictly merit based and the college accepts NEET UG scores for the same. Candidates can apply online on the official site. The filled application form has to be submitted with IN

...Read more

h

heau mishr

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

For BDS, a minimum of 40% (SC/ST) or 50% (General) is required in NEET UG to be eligible for admission to BVDCH, Navi Mumbai on the basis of merit. Additionally, Candidate must secure 40% (SC/ST) or 50% (General) of aggregate marks in Class 12 and pass Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology and E

...Read more

h

heau mishr

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Admission to MDS programme at Maulana Azad Medical College is strictly merit based with the college accepting NEET PG/MDS scores. There is no preference given to BDS graduates from Maulana Azad Medical College for MDS admission.

h

heau mishr

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research offers admission to BDS programme based on NEET-UG scores of the candidates. Aspirants with NEET-UG score need to participate in centralised counselling conducted by MCC of DGHS, New Delhi. Aspirants have to pay the course fee after allotmen

...Read more

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 2 months ago

The total fee for BDS is INR 6.63 lakh at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research. The total fee includes a tuition fee of INR 6 lakh, university registration fee of INR 5,000, admission form fee of INR 5,000 and a health insurance of INR 3,000. Aspirants also have to pay a refund

...Read more

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 2 months ago

There is no preference given to BDS graduates from Army college of Dental Sciences for MDS Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery admission to the college. Admission is strictly based on NEET MDS rank. BDS graduates from Army college of Dental Sciences do not receive any preferential treatment in the MDS ad

...Read more

h

heau mishr

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, hostel facilities are offered by Army College of Dental Sciences for BDS students. Separate hostels have been constructed for boys and girls and experienced wardens ensure efficient functioning. Hostel stay is compulsory for all students and students are not permitted to stay outside under own

...Read more

h

heau mishr

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Army College of Dental Sciences opens admissions for its BDS programmes every year. The registration for admission is opened by KNRUHS on their website for PG generally before Feb end/ early March and for UG before August end. Admission into BDS and MDS course is merit based and the college requires

...Read more

h

heau mishr

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

After admission confirmation, selected candidates are initially given provisional admission at Army college of Dental Sciences. They are required to submit the following in original and 05 sets of photocopies at the time of joining the college:

·       Proof of registration with KNR UHS (Management Q

...Read more

h

heau mishr

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Army college of Dental Sciences offers a one year mandatory paid internship programme within the college itself. The internship takes place in the last year of the BDS programme. An amount of INR 1200/- per month is paid to final year BDS students during the tenure of the internship.

h

heau mishr

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Army college of Dental Sciences offers a one year mandatory paid internship programme within the college itself. The internship takes place in the last year of the BDS programme. An amount of INR 1200/- per month is paid to final year BDS students during the tenure of the internship.

h

heau mishr

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

For first year BDS students at Army College of Dental Sciences, the total annual fee including tuition, hostel and refundable security deposit amounts to about INR 5.05 lakh. An amount of INR 1200/- PM is paid every month to students as stipend during their period of internship. For civilian candida

...Read more

h

heau mishr

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Class 12 percentage does not matter for admission into BDS at Army college of Dental Sciences. Admission is strictly merit-based with the college accepting NEET UG scores. The minimum eligibility for the course is passing Class 12 with PCB stream. However, the minimum percentage required to pass Cla

...Read more

h

heau mishr

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Selection criteria for admission into BDS and MDS courses at Army college of Dental Sciences is entrance based. However, the college doesn't conduct its own entrance exam and accepts NEET UG and PG scores respectively for BDS and MDS courses.

h

heau mishr

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital offers students the popular programme of BDS in one relevant specialisation. The total tuition fees for the course is INR 2.3 L - 4.2 L. The Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital BDS specialisation is mentioned below:

1. Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BD

...Read more

A

Ashwin Yadav

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The table below shows the top BDS colleges accepting Tamil Nadu NEET score in Tamil Nadu along with their tuition fees:

Top CollegesTuition Fee
Adhiparasakthi Dental College and HospitalINR 5.2 lakh
Vivekanandha Dental College For WomenINR 1 lakh
Sri Ramakrishna Dental College and HospitalINR 10 lakh
Ragas Dental College and Hospital, ChennaiINR 12.5 lakh
Sri Venkateswara Dental College and HospitalINR 12.5 lakh

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) is a total of five and a half years of UG degree courses, divided into nine semesters, and one year of internship at Kerala University of Health Sciences. The course focuses on modern dentistry, including diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of oral and dental diseas

...Read more

K

Kartik Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

No, candidates are not allowed to get direct admission to the BDS course at Kerala University of Health Sciences. This university is a government universityIt was established in the year 2010. Moreover, the provision of direct admission or enrollment by donation is not permitted in government univ

...Read more

V

Vishakha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The selection process for the BDS course at Kerala University of  Health Sciences includes NEET UG scores, followed by a counseling process. After achieving a valid score in NEET UG, register on KUHS's NEET UG counselling portal with your NEET roll number and details. Moreover, the university publis

...Read more

R

Rachit Kumar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

To get admission into the BDS course at Kerala University of Health Sciences, the university accepts the valid scores of NEET UG. Therefore, one should be well-versed with the NEET UG pattern and syllabus. Moreover, to prepare for BDS at KUHS, candidates should also consider these pointers:

  • Consisten

...Read more

K

Krishnendu Kumar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, Kerala University of Health Sciences does offer scholarships to BDS students on various grounds, such as academic excellence, merit, research contribution, category, need, etc. The names of some of the KUHS BDS scholarships are

  • KUHS Research Appreciation Award
  • Central and State Government Scholar

...Read more

T

Tanisha Pandey

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Kerala University of Health Sciences provides a five and a half year BDS programme at the UG level. Comparing KUHS with other universities/ colleges offering BDS courses, candidates should understand the parameters they think are important.

Candidates can compare the Return on Investment (ROI) that t

...Read more

I

Indrani Kumar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The process to get admission into the BDS course at Kerala University of Health Sciences through NEET UG scores is as follows:

Step 1: Appear for the NEET UG exam. 

Step 2: Register for the state counselling, i.e., Kerala Counselling.

Step 3: During the counselling process, submit NEET scores. 

Step 4: 

...Read more

A

Atul Pruthi

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, NEET UG is compulsory to get admission to the BDS course at Kerala University of Health Sciences. Moreover, to get admission into the BDS course at KUHS-affiliated colleges, NEET UG is compulsory, followed by a counselling process. Candidates can apply for the counselling process once they get

...Read more

P

Piyush Jain

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Applicants can apply for the BDS course at KUHS according to the admission dates of the entrance exams. Moreover, the university opens its application portal around the month of March. Once candidates qualify for all the eligibility criteria and admission parameters, they can apply for the course th

...Read more

C

Chanchal Gaurav

Contributor-Level 10

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