MDS Admission 2025: Fees, Entrance Exam, Dates, Eligibility, Application, Selection

Updated on May 16, 2025 05:33 IST
Parul Thapa

Parul ThapaAssistant Manager

MDS Admission is totally based on the entrance exams in India. MDS full means Master of Dental Surgery, and to be eligible for admission 2025, you must pass one of these entrance exams. Also, eligibility criteria for MDS admission 2025 differ as per the colleges. 

Latest in MDS-

  • INI CET result 2025 for the July session has been released for admission to MD/MS/MDS/DM/MCh courses.

MDS Eligibility Criteria

Fulfill the eligibility requirements given below to get admission to the MDS course- 

  • A BDS degree from a dental college recognised by the Dental Council of India

  • Mandatory internship in BDS.

  • At least 55% scores.

Note - This information is taken from the official website and may vary.

 

MDS Eligibility for Top Colleges

Check the needs for some top MDS colleges in India, so you'll get an idea of what colleges usually require.

Colleges MDS Eligibility
Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research
  • The candidate must have a BDS degree from a recognized university in India.

  • Must be registered with the State Dental Council (provisional or permanent).

  • Should have completed a 1-year compulsory rotatory internship in a recognized dental college.

  • Candidates undergoing an internship can apply if it will be completed by 31st March 2025.

  • Admission is subject to completion of the internship and registration by 31st March 2025.

  • A certificate from the Head of Institution is required if the internship is ongoing.

AIIMS Rishikesh 
JIPMER Puducherry

Check your probability for MDS Admission -

NEET MDS College Predictor

INI CET College Predictor

MDS Admission Process

Here is a general idea of the MDS admission procedure -

  • Eligibility: Finish BDS from a good college.
  • Entrance Exam: Pass NEET MDS.
  • Application: Sign up for counselling on MCC or state website.
  • Counselling & Seat: Go to counselling and choose seat by marks and choice.
  • Document Check: Give all papers for checking.
  • Admission & Fees: Get admission by paying fees and doing all steps.

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MDS Entrance Exams

MDS admission is based on Medical Entrance Exams that need to be qualified to become eligible for admission to dental institutes and colleges in India. Some of the MDS entrance exams are as follows:

Entrance Exams Exam Dates Schedule
NEET MDS 2025 19 Apr ' 25 NEET MDS Exam Date 2025
INI CET 2025 17 May ' 25  INI CET Exam Date 2025

MDS Entrance Exams Syllabus

The MDS exam syllabus generally covers a wide range of topics related to Dentistry and its various specialties. Check the table below for more details -

Entrance Exams

Syllabus

NEET MDS Syllabus 2025

The NEET MDS syllabus includes topics such as Dental Materials, General Medicine, General Surgery, Oral Pathology and Oral Microbiology, Oral Medicine and Radiology, etc.

INI CET Syllabus 2025

The INI CET syllabus includes Pre-Clinical, Para-Clinical and Clinical subjects

NEET PG Syllabus 2025

The NEET PG syllabus includes Pre-Clinical, Para-Clinical and Clinical subjects

MDS Exam Quick Prep Tips

Preparing for Master of Dental Surgery entrance exams needs a strategic approach. So here are some for you -

  • Study Materials: Use standard textbooks for your preparation. 
  • Practice Old Question Papers
  • Mock Tests
  • Revision
  • Stay Healthy
  • Stay Positive

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Top MDS Colleges in India

Candidates must note that filling out the form for MDS admission 2025 is the most important step and any information missing will lead to the aspirant’s cancelled candidature. The table given below mentions the application and admission status in the popular colleges of India that offer MDS admission 2025.

MDS Admission 2025 in Government Universities

There are 28 government colleges which offer MDS admission 2025 in India. 

Check the table below to learn about the application status in each of these popular government colleges offering MDS admission.

College Name

MDS Fees (in INR)

PGIMER MDS Admission

17.55 Lakh

JIPMER Puducherry MDS Admission

6,600

AIIMS Rishikesh MDS Admission

5,780

KGMU MDS Admission

1.64 Lakh

DMIHER MDS Admission

30 Lakh

AIIMS Jodhpur MDS Admission

6,080
Armed Forces Medical College MDS Admission 3.3 Lakh

Lady Hardinge Medical College MDS Admission

39,000
University College of Medical Sciences MDS Admission 2.19 Lakh
AIIMS Patna MDS Admission 5,730

Note - This information is taken from the official website and may vary.

MDS Admission 2025 in Private Universities

There are 105 private colleges which offer MDS admission 2025 in India. The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, and the Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences are some of the popular private colleges that offer MDS admission 2025 in India. 

Candidates can check the table below to learn about the application status in each of these popular private colleges offering MDS admission.

College Name

MDS Fees (in INR)

SRIHER MDS Admission 13.5 Lakh - 39 Lakh
Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences MDS Admission 9 Lakh - 49.5 Lakh
SOA University MDS Admission 22.5 Lakh - 36 Lakh
Maharishi Markandeshwar University MDS Admission 8.1 Lakh - 22.35 Lakh
Christian Dental College MDS Admission 17.55 Lakh
Manav Rachna International Institute of Research & Studies MDS Admission 23 Lakh - 35 Lakh
DY Patil University MDS Admission 6.5 Lakh - 53 Lakh
SGT University MDS Admission 4.8 Lakh - 33 Lakh
Teerthanker Mahaveer University MDS Admission 5.94 Lakh - 18.63 Lakh
Sri Guru Ram Das University of Health Sciences MDS Admission 17.55 Lakh

Note - This information is taken from the official website and may vary.

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MDS Colleges Accepting Different Exam Scores

There are three entrance exams whose scores are accepted by 311 colleges in India offering MDS admission 2025. Candidates can look at the list below of such colleges accepting these 3 national-level entrance exam scores.

MDS Admission 2025: Placements in Top Colleges

The salary or package after completing an MDS in India can vary widely depending on several factors, including the specialization candidates have chosen, the type of practice or job they pursue, the location of their practice, the level of experience, and the demand for their specialization in the market. 

Candidates can check some of the popular colleges below with their average package in the table below.

College Name

Median Package (in INR)

Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences Placement 53.5 LPA
K.S.R. Institute of Dental Science and Research Placement 36 LPA
KSR Educational Institutions Placement 24 LPA
JIPMER Puducherry Placement 24 LPA
Krishnadevaraya College of Dental Sciences and Hospital Placement 22.5 LPA
Rural Medical College Placement 19 LPA
Rural Dental College Placement 19 LPA
PGIMER Placement 18 LPA
Government College Of Dentistry Placement 18 LPA
MAMC Placement 17.69 LPA

Note: This information is sourced from the official website/ media reports/ NIRF website and may vary.

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MDS Admission 2025: Fee, Selection, Eligibility, Dates FAQs

Q. How can I get admission in MDS?

A. The MDS admission 2025 in India may vary slightly from one institution to another. Here are some of the common steps that are involved in the MDS admission process-

  • Students must clear the eligibility criteria that is set by the respective college which is to complete a BDS degree from a recognized dental college or university and getting a minimum qualifying score in the entrance exam for MDS.
  • Students need to fill out the application form for MDS admission. The application forms are usually available online on the official websites of the respective institutions. 
  • Students then need to appear for the NEET MDS exam and secure a qualifying score. The exam is conducted once a year and the scores are valid for the MDS admission cycle. 
  • On the NEET MDS scores students are invited for the counselling rounds. During counselling, students can select their college and specialization on their rank and availability of seats. 
  • Shortlisted Students need to then give the necessary documents which are academic transcripts, NEET MDS scorecard, identity proof, caste certificate if applicable, and other required documents for the verification. After payment of the course fee, the students can get their MDS admission guaranteed.

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Top Dental Colleges in India

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Q. Which college is best for MDS?

A. Determining the best college for MDS in India can be different for everyone as it depends on many of the factors such as the specialization you are interested in, your academic and career goals, faculty expertise, infrastructure, research opportunities, and more. Students can check the mostly chosen colleges that offer MDS admission 2025 in the table below. 

College Name

Total Fees (in INR)

AIIMS -Rishikesh 

5,800

AIIMS -Jodhpur 

6,100

SRM Dental College

10.5 Lakh - 39 Lakh

Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research 

1.5 Lakh - 24.8 Lakh

University College of Medical Sciences

39,000

Also Read:

Top 100 Universities in India: NIRF Ranks Parameters with Weightage

Top Dental Colleges in India

Q. Can I join MDS without NEET?

A. Yes, candidates can enrol for MDS admission 2025 without taking any NEET exam. There are 6 colleges that accept INI CET scores for MDS admission in India. Candidates can check the table below to know more details about these colleges.

College Name

Total Fees (in INR)

PGIMER

17.6 Lakh

JIPMER Puducherry

6,600

AIIMS Rishikesh 

5,800

AIIMS Jodhpur 

6,100

AIIMS Bhubaneshwar

NA

AIIMS Patna

5,700

Also Read:

Top Dental Colleges in Delhi

Q. What is the qualification for MDS?

A. The general eligibility criteria for admission to MDs course are mentioned below:

  • Students must have a UG degree in Dental Surgery
  • Must have completed 12 month internship
  • Must clear entrance like NEET MDS.

Q. Is MDS better than BDS?

A. BDS and MDS courses are both Dental courses but have different course levels. 

BDS is the foundational UG degree that allows individuals to practice general Dentistry, while MDS is a specialized PG degree that enables dentists to gain expertise in a specific area of Dentistry. 

Candidates can check the table below to see the comparison between the two.

Particulars

MDS 

BDS

Course Level

PG

UG

Course Duration

3 years

5 years

Course Fees

INR 5 Lakh - INR 15 Lakh

INR 1 Lakh - INR 6 Lakh

Entrance Exams

NEET MDS, INI CET, NEET PG

NEET

Popular Colleges

JIPMER, KGMU, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, etc.

AIIMS Delhi, JIPMER Puducherry, King George's Medical University, Banaras Hindu University, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, etc.

Job Profiles

Endodontists, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, Orthodontist, Oral Surgeon, Periodontist, etc.

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

Average Salary

INR 5 LPA - INR 6.70 LPA

INR 3 LPA - INR 9 LPA

Top Recruiters

Hospitals, Academics, Researchers, Scientists, Administration, etc.

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

Q. Which course is best in MDS in India?

A. The choice of specialization in MDS depends on the candidate’s interests, strengths, career goals, and the demand for specific specialities in the Dental healthcare industry. Candidates can check below some popular MDS specialisations in India:

Top MDS Specialisations

Community Dentistry

Operative Dentistry and Endodontics

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Oral Medicine and Radiology

Oral Pathology

Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry

Q. What is the process of NEET MDS counselling?

A. The NEET MDS counselling process is the series of steps through which candidates who have qualified in the NEET MDS exam can secure admission into various MDS courses in Dental colleges across India. The counselling process may slightly vary depending on the year and guidelines set by the relevant authorities, but generally, it involves the following steps:

  • Online Registration: After the results of the NEET MDS exam are declared, eligible candidates need to register online for the counselling process. 
  • Choice Filling and Locking: Candidates need to log in to their registered accounts and provide their preferences for the MDS courses and dental colleges they wish to join. They can typically select and arrange multiple choices according to their preference. Once the choices are filled, they need to lock in their choices within the specified time frame.
  • Seat Allotment: Based on the preferences of the candidates and their NEET MDS ranks, the counselling authority conducts the seat allotment process. Candidates with higher ranks are usually given preference during this step. Once the seat allotment is completed, candidates can check their allotted seats online.
  • Acceptance of Allotment and Payment of Fees: Candidates who are allotted seats need to either accept or reject the allotted seat within the given time period. If they accept the seat, they are required to pay the requisite admission fees to confirm their seat.
  • Reporting to the Allotted College: Candidates who have accepted the seat need to physically report to the allotted dental college within the specified time frame. They should carry all necessary documents, including their allotment letter, original academic certificates, identity proof, etc., for verification.
  • Document Verification: At the allotted college, candidates' documents are verified to ensure their eligibility for the MDS program. This step is crucial, and any discrepancy or failure to produce the required documents might lead to the cancellation of the admission.

Q. How many attempts are needed in NEET MDS?

A. There is no specific limit on the number of attempts for NEET MDS.

Further, the number of attempts allowed for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for NEET MDS is subject to the eligibility criteria set by the National Board of Examinations (NBE), the governing body for NEET MDS. 

Q. How many years is MDS after BDS?

A. MDS is a 3-year postgraduate program in dentistry. After completing BDS, candidates who wish to pursue MDS need to appear for entrance exams like NEET MDS and secure admission to one of the recognized Dental colleges offering MDS programs.

During MDS, students specialize in a specific branch of dentistry such as Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, Periodontics, etc. MDS involves both theoretical and clinical training, allowing students to develop expertise in their chosen specialization. 

Q. My daughter got above 60 per cent in BDS. She wants admission to MDS in Chennai. What would be the procedure?

A. The current pathway to pursue MDS involves a mandatory qualification in the NEET PG examination conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE), achieving a minimum of 50% marks in the exam. Following this, the options diverge based on the attained rank, preferred department, and desired college. 

For ranks beyond 300, alternatives include opting for the NRI quota in private colleges, where fees are supplemented by capitation, or selecting management quota seats with higher fees but no capitation. Another option is the national quota, which has lower fees but tends to fill up quickly.

Considering these considerations, a dedicated preparation for the NEET PG exam is strongly recommended, as it significantly facilitates the overall process.

Q. Is MDS the same as MBBS?

A. No, MDS is not same as MBBS.

The main difference between the MBBS and MD is that applicants who want to pursue a career in medicine enrol in the MBBS, which is an undergraduate programme. On the other hand, those who have finished their MBBS might pursue the postgraduate degree of MD.

The primary distinction between the MBBS and MD is that the MBBS is an undergraduate study pursued by applicants who desire to pursue a profession in medicine. MD, on the other hand, is a postgraduate course that applicants who have completed their MBBS can pursue.

Q. Why should I pursue MDS course?

A. Students who complete MDS courses obtain decent careers. MDS salaries range from INR 4 Lakhs and INR 8 Lakhs each year. Students who complete the MDS programme can work in the following fields:

  • Dental Departments of Hospitals

  • Dental Clinics

  • Academic Institutions

  • Pharmaceutical Research Centres for Oral care products

  • Private Dental Clinics

Candidates with an MDS degree will never lack job opportunities. MDS is one of the Medical degrees and is in high demand, and is recruiting in renowned organizations including Fortis Healthcare, Apollo Hospitals, Dental Clinics, ICMR, AIIMS, Health Centers, etc. MDS graduates earn a good amount of salary in India. People often suffer from various oral problems, and come to an oral specialist. The average salary of an MDS graduate is INR 5,00,000.

Q. What is the maximum age for NEET MDS?

A. A minimum age of 20 is required for the candidate. Candidates must possess a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from a college or university that has received DCI accreditation. He or she must be a permanent or temporary member of either the State Dental Council (SDC) or the Dental Council of India (DCI).

National Eligibility Requirements NEET MDS, or Entrance Test for Masters of Dentistry Surgery, is an entrance test administered by NBE for admission to all postgraduate dentistry programmes offered by universities in India.

Q. What is the selection process for MDS and what is the minimum NEET MDS score required?

A. The selection process for MDS is simple you need to apply for undergraduate medical counseling through your NEET mark.The NEET MDS cutoff 2023 score for general category students is 272, while for SC/ ST/ OBC category aspirants, the cutoff is 238.

Q. What is the age limit for the AIIMS Delhi MDS entrance exam?

A. For admission to MDS at AIIMS Delhi, there is no age limit that a student needs to meet to be eligible for the exam. The only minimum requirement for admission to MDS is as follows:

  • A pass in MBBS/ BDS degree from a recognised institute
  • Candidates must have completed 12 months of internship on or before July 31 of the year of admission
Table of contents
  • Popular MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) Colleges in India
  • Popular Private MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) Colleges in India
  • Popular MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) Specializations
  • Most Popular Courses

Popular MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) Colleges in India

Following are the most popular MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) Colleges in India. Learn more about these MDS (Master 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

109 Courses
7.11 K - 19.5 L
9 - 18 LPA

#2 NIRF

71 Courses
75 K - 63.21 L
9.5 - 15.8 LPA

#10 NIRF

Popular Private MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) Colleges in India

2.84 L - 27.12 L
3.15 LPA

Medicine & Health Sciences Applications open. Apply Now

19 Courses
1.3 L - 3.95 L
2 LPA
10 K - 20.25 L
4.5 LPA
3.6 L - 6.4 L
5.2 - 8.16 LPA

Medicine & Health Sciences Applications open. Apply Now

2 L - 9.6 L
3.75 - 6.75 LPA

Medicine & Health Sciences Applications open. Apply Now

1 L - 9.6 L
3.7

Medicine & Health Sciences Applications open. Apply Now

Popular MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) Specializations

Following are the most popular MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

Most Popular Courses

Following are the most popular MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) courses, based on alumni reviews. Explore these reviews to choose the best course in MDS (Master of Dental Surgery).
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