MDS: Course Fees, Admission 2025, Syllabus, Top Colleges, Career Scope

Parul ThapaAssistant Manager
MDS full form is Master of Dental Surgery which is a PG Dental course. It provides an advanced studies on Dental studies and is pursued by candidates who wish to become Dentists with a specialised knowledge.
If we talk about eligibility generally, candidates should pass BDS with passing marks and also pass NEET MDS, NEET PG and INI CET, etc. Fees can range around INR 5 Lakh to INR 15 Lakh. But candidates should know that eligibility, exam required as well as fees can be different according to the colleges.
Popular colleges are KGMU, PGIMER, JIPMER, etc.
Jobs available for graduates are Endodontists, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Orthodontists, etc. Recruiters include Hospitals, Academics, Researchers, etc.
MDS Course Details
Candidates can see detailed information about MDS course below -
| Particulars |
MDS Course Details |
|---|---|
| Full Form |
Master of Dental Surgery |
| Course Level |
Postgraduate |
| Duration |
3 years |
| Fees |
INR 5 Lakh and INR 15 Lakh |
| Admission Process |
Entrance-Based |
| Eligibility |
BDS with 50% scores |
| Exams |
NEET MDS, NEET PG, INI CET |
| Colleges |
|
| Jobs |
Endodontists, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Orthodontist, Oral Surgeons, etc. |
| Salary |
INR 3 LPA - INR 5 LPA |
| Key Sectors |
Hospitals, Academics, Researchers, Scientists, Administration, etc. |
Students who complete MDS courses obtain decent careers. MDS salaries range from INR 4 Lakhs and INR 8 Lakhs each year. Students who complete MDS programme can work in 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 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. average salary of an MDS graduate is INR 5,00,000.
- MDS Course Eligibility & Admission
- MDS Exams
- MDS Syllabus
- MDS Specialisations
- Best Colleges for MDS Course
- Popular Private MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) Colleges in India
- MDS Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruitments
- MDS Courses: FAQs
- Popular MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) Specializations
- Course Cutoffs
MDS Course Eligibility & Admission
Candidates should know that eligibility can be different according to the courses. This is why they should check it. Failure to fulfill the eligibility can lead to cancellation of candidature.
Candidates can see the general outline of the eligibility below:
| MDS Course Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification |
BDS degree |
| Internship | 1-year compulsory rotatory internship |
| Entrance Exam | NEET MDS |
| Minimum Marks |
50% (General) 45% (PWD) 40% (SC/ST/OBC) |
Note: The info is taken from other sources and can be different.
MDS Admission Process
Candidates can check a general overview of the admission process below:
- 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.
Minimum age of 20 is needed for candidate. Candidates must possess a BDS from a college or university. He or she must be a permanent or temporary member of either SDC or DCI.
NEET MDS is an exam done by NBE for admission to MDS offered by universities in India.
MDS Exams
There are some exams whose scores are also considered for admission. Candidates can see the table below for list of MDS exams in India:
| Entrance Exams | Exam Dates | NSchedule |
|---|---|---|
| NEET MDS | Aug '26 | NEET MDS Dates |
| INI CET | May '26 | INI CET Dates |
Note: The info is taken from other sources and can be different.
Important Exam Dates
| Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| 06 Dec ' 25 - 13 Dec ' 25 | NEET PG 2025 round-2 counselling choice filling |
| 01 Nov ' 25 - 15 Dec ' 25 | CGCUET 2026 Registration ONGOING |
| 13 Dec ' 25 - 18 Dec ' 25 | NEET 2025 Counselling round-5 reporting ONGOING |
| 13 Dec ' 25 - 18 Dec ' 25 | NEET 2025 Counselling Round 5 reporting ONGOING |
| Dec ' 25 | NEET PG 2025 round-2 counselling result TENTATIVE |
| 16 Dec ' 25 | UP NEET 2025 Round 5 Seat Allotment Result |
| Dec ' 25 | NEET PG 2025 round-2 counselling institute reporting TENTATIVE |
| Dates | Past Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| 05 Nov ' 25 - 25 Nov ' 25 | NEET SS 2025 registration |
| 31 Jul ' 25 - 05 Aug ' 25 | NEET SS 2024 Counselling Round 3 Institute Reporting |
| 30 Jul ' 25 | NEET SS 2024 Counselling Round 3 Seat Allotment Result |
Candidates seeking admission to MDS course should meet minimum requirements that is given below:
- BDS from a dental college recognised by Dental Council of India (DCI).
- 55% in all BDS subjects.
- Complete BDS internship
MDS exams are below -
See table below for exam dates -
Exam Name | Dates | Schedule |
1st week of March | ||
05 March ‘24 (Tentative) | ||
05 November ‘24 |
NEET MDS stands for National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Masters of Dental Surgery. exam is conducted for providing admissions to all postgraduate dental courses offered by institutions in India. exam is conducted by National Board of Education (NBE) in computer-based mode. NBE holds exam annually for allotment of around 6200 MDS seats under 50% All India Quota and 50% state quota. After exam, MCC conducts online counselling for allotment of seats. Only those who qualify exam with minimum cut off marks qualify for counselling rounds.
Read more: MDS Admission
MDS Syllabus
MDS course is all about design and development of robots for different uses. This course 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 colelges.
Candidates can see a general overview of the MDS syllabus below -
| MDS Courses - Semester 1 | |
|---|---|
| Applied Basic Sciences | Etiopathogenesis Of Periodontal Diseases |
| Diagnosis, Treatment, Preventive Periodontology and Implantology | Recent Advances in Periodontics |
| MDS Courses - Semester 2 | |
| Branch I Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | Applied Basic Sciences |
| Minor Oral Surgery and Trauma | Maxillofacial Surgery |
| MDS Courses - Semester 3 | |
| Applied Basic Sciences | Oral Pathology, Oral Microbiology & Forensic Odontology |
| Laboratory And Histopathological Techniques | Recent Advances In Oral Pathology |
| MDS Courses - Semester 4 | |
| Applied Basic Sciences | Conservative Dentistry including Preventive dentistry and Dental Materials |
| Endodontics | Recent Advances in Conservative Dentistry |
| MDS Courses - Semester 5 | |
| Applied Basic Sciences | Growth and Development, Basics in Orthodontics, Diagnosis & Radiology |
| Bio-Mechanics & Various Orthodontics Tissue Changes, Techniques & Treatment Planning | Recent Advances in Orthodontics |
| MDS Courses - Semester 6 | |
| Didactic Lectures | Seminars |
| Demonstrations | Laboratory Techniques |
Click here for a detailed MDS Course Syllabus.
Greatest MDS course is Oral Medicine and Radiology. This course covers patient history taking, clinical examination, diagnosis, investigations, radiographic evaluation, and medical management of oral cavity abnormalities.
Specialisation of Diagnosis & Radiology focuses on diagnosis and medical management of disorders of Head and Neck. It is a unique dental speciality that integrates Oral Medicine and Craniofacial Radiology. It acts as a link between dentistry and medicine, assisting in early detection of numerous systemic disorders with oral signs. In such cases, an Oral Medicine, Diagnosis, and Radiology Specialist can determine whether investigations or tests are required to confirm diagnosis. Majority of disorders treated by this specialist are chronic diseases, which have a substantial psychological and physical impact on a patient's quality of life.
MDS is a very hard course and need lots of work and focus. It teach advanced things in Dentistry like teeth surgery, gums, making fake teeth, and root canal.
MDS has hard classes and practical work. Students go to lectures, seminars, and do hands-on training to learn skills.
MDS Specialisations
Specialisations are basically focused area of education where one develops deeper knowledge of that topic/subject.
After a candidate has completed their UG level of Dental education (BDS), they have many options to choose from in their PG level. In MDS course level, candidates can choose from the following specialisations according to their liking -
|
MDS Specialisations |
|---|
|
Prosthodontics |
|
Periodontics |
|
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery |
|
Conservative Dentistry |
|
Orthodontics |
|
Oral Pathology |
|
Community Dentistry |
|
Paedodontics |
|
Oral Medicine and Radiology |
Popular Courses
Following your BDS earning a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) degree can provide you with a more in-depth understanding of field. It is highest educational degree in field of dentistry and will help you find a job as a dentist at a reputable institution.
There are jobs in research industry. Dentist, Dental Hygienist, Clinical Research Scientist, General Practitioner, Lecturer and more popular career jobs.
These job positions pay between INR 3,00,000 and INR 12,00,000 LPA. Salary is heavily influenced by candidate's experience, expertise and also talents.
MDS is a postgraduate course that will propel you to top of your academic career. MDS can work as a staff member at any college. Not that a BDS cannot join, but there are no promotions and starting income is lower. However, for an MDS, there is regular advancement and a greater starting wage.
BDS programme is India's sole certified professional dental undergraduate course, lasting five years. Simultaneously, MDS is a master's degree that graduates in Dental Science can obtain after completing their undergraduate study.
Best Colleges for MDS Course
There are approximately 300+ colleges which have MDS courses, out of which 30+ are government, 100+ private and 5 are public private. Choosing best colleges for MDS education can be tough, specially when there are a lot of options in front of candidates. At this point it becomes very important to filter them out according to your liking, budget and career plan.
That is why candidates can see a list of popular government and private colleges below -
Best Government Colleges for MDS Courses
Candidates can see table listing popular government colleges that offer MDS courses below -
| MDS Colleges | MDS Course Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| KGMU | 1.64 Lakh |
| PGIMER | 17.55 Lakh |
| JIPMER Puducherry | 6,600 |
| AIIMS Rishikesh | 5,780 |
| AIIMS Jodhpur | 6,080 |
| Lady Hardinge Medical College | 39,000 |
| AIIMS Patna | 5,730 |
| University College of Medical Sciences | 1.78 Lakh |
| Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU | 45,000 |
Note: The fees is taken from other sources and can be different.
Best Private Colleges for MDS Courses
Candidates can see table listing popular private colleges that offer MDS courses below -
| MDS Colleges | MDS Course Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| SOA University | 22.5 Lakh - 36 Lakh |
| SRIHER | 13.5 Lakh - 39 Lakh |
| Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Poonamallee | 9 Lakh - 52.5 Lakh |
| DMIHER | 30 Lakh |
| Christian Dental College, Ludhiana | 17.55 Lakh |
| Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Mullana | 8.1 Lakh - 22.35 Lakh |
| Manav Rachna International Institute of Research & Studies | 23 Lakh - 35 Lakh |
| SGT University, Gurgaon | 6 Lakh - 33 Lakh |
| SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, SRM IST, Kattankulathur | 30 L |
| DY Patil University, Navi Mumbai | 6 Lakh - 60 Lakh |
Note: The fees is taken from other sources and can be different.
#1 NIRF
#3 NIRF
#8 NIRF
#4 NIRF
Yes,
Candidates can see table listing affordable MDS colleges in India in North side with their fees and accepted exam below -
College Name | Tuition Fees | Exams |
|---|---|---|
Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Science | INR 46,800 | NEET MDS |
Post-Graduate Insitute of Dental Science | INR 64,000 | NEET MDS |
| AIIMS Jodhpur | INR 6,100 | INI CET, NEET MDS |
| AIIMS Rishikesh | INR 5,800 | INI CET, NEET MDS |
| Best Hardinge Medical College, UOD | INR 39,000 | NEET MDS |
| University College of Medical Sciences | INR 39,000 | NEET MDS |
| Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU | INR 22,500 | NEET MDS |
| George's Medical University | INR 72,000 | NEET MDS |
Note: The info is taken from other sources and can be different.
Candidates can see table listing best MDS Colleges in Uttar Pradesh with their fees and accepted exam below -
College Name | Tuition Fees / Exam |
|---|---|
Banaras Hindu University Courses | Exam: NEET MDS |
Aligarh Muslim University Courses | Exam: NEET MDS |
Saraswati Dental College Courses | INR 8.8 Lacs – INR 18 lakh Exam: NEET MDS |
Candidates can see table listing Best MDS Colleges in Delhi/NCR with their fees and accepted exam below -
College Name | Tuition Fees / Exam |
|---|---|
Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, MAMC | INR 46,800 Exam: NEET MDS |
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi | Graduation: 55 % Exams : NEET MDSINI CET |
Post-Graduate Institute of Dental Science | INR: 64,000 Exam: NEET MDS |
For more information around MDS colleges in top states of India, click here.
Note: The info is taken from other sources and can be different.
Popular Private MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) Colleges in India
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MDS Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruitments
MDS courses offer a bright career to students due to ever-increasing demand to maintain oral health. Dental problems are one of most common issues among people due to negligence, common addictions, and several other factors.
Qualified dentists are always in demand in department of Dentistry at private hospitals, and dental centres managed by government and private dental clinics. There is also an immense scope in academic field after completing MDS courses. They can do a PhD or pursue research in this field.
MDS Salary in India
Some of job profiles in MDS courses, along with salary, have been listed in table given below:
|
Job Profiles |
Average Salary (In INR) |
|---|---|
|
Endodontists |
4.9 LPA |
|
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons |
6.2 LPA |
|
Orthodontists |
6.3 LPA |
|
Oral Surgeons |
5.5 LPA |
|
Periodontists |
4.2 LPA |
Note: salary has been taken from Ambitionbox.com.
MDS Top Recruiters
Some of popular recruiters that employ MDS graduates are given below:
| MDS Top Recruiters | |
|---|---|
| Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals | Medanta Hospitals |
|
Fortis Healthcare Ltd. |
All India Institute of Medical Sciences |
| Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. | Apollo Munich Health Industries Co. Ltd. |
| Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research | Sri Ganga Ram Hospital |
| Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre | Wockhardt Ltd. |
| Apollo Hospitals Enterprises Ltd. | Cipla Ltd. |
Level-wise annual salary after completing MDS can be different on the basis of specialisation, location, years of experience, etc.
Candidates can see a general outline of the MDS salary below -
Entry-Level: INR 4 - 10 LPA
Mid-Level: INR 10 - 15 LPA
Senior-Level: INR 15 - 30 LPA
MDS graduate earn around INR 11.7 LPA on average. BDS graduate earn around INR 3.4 LPA.
Both BDS and MDS can earn good money, but it depend on job, place, specialization and also goals. Keep learning, know new dental stuff and even treat patients well can help make more success in dental career.
MDS Courses: FAQs
Candidates can refer below for FAQs related to MDS courses.
BDS is a 5 years UG dental course. You learn both theory and practical in many dental subjects like teeth anatomy, body stuff, biochemistry, disease, microbes and even clinical dentistry.
MDS is a 3 years PG dental course. You study more in one special area, do research and also practice on patients.
No, you don’t have to do MDS after BDS. MDS is for special study in dentistry, and people can choose if they want to do more after BDS.
After BDS, you can work as normal dentist and do many dental work.
If you happy with general dentist work and don’t need more special skills, then MDS not needed.
No, MDS graduates can’t be called doctor. Usually, only people with PhD, MD or also other big doctor degree can be called doctor.
MDS is master degree so they not usually called doctor unless they also have PhD or another doctor degree.
Admission to MDS course in India is possible only after candidates pass NEET MDS exam. Without appearing for NEET MDS getting admission into a best dental college is not possible.
In some rare cases private colleges may offer seats through management quotas. But even after that passing NEET MDS with minimum marks is necessary.
If you really like dentistry, MDS is good to do. It give better paying jobs, chance to teach and run special dental clinic.
MDS can cost a lot, but later you can earn more, grow in career and also have good name. So it smart to do especially in good college.
Main way to get MDS in India is by NEET MDS exam. You need good marks and high rank for specialty you want.
Some colleges also see your BDS marks, internships and also interviews. Reservation and state quota can also decide who get seat.
NEET MDS exam is online on computer. You go to exam center and answer multiple-choice questions on computer.
It test all BDS subjects. Online way is faster and more clear than old offline exam.
Popular MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) Specializations
Popular Specializations
- Orthodontics
247 Colleges
- Prosthodontics
246 Colleges
- Periodontology
240 Colleges
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
197 Colleges
- Oral Medicine & Radiology
168 Colleges
- Oral Pathology
161 Colleges
- Endodontics
113 Colleges
- Public Health
82 Colleges
- Microbiology
26 Colleges
- Orthopaedics
15 Colleges
Course Cutoffs
News & Updates
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The NIMS University Rajasthan NEET PG Cutoff 2022 ranged from 40 to 4393 in the first and last round closing cutoff ranks for the General AI category. Among all the course specialisations, MD in General Medicine faced the toughest competition according to the last round closing ranks. NIMS Universi
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Hi.
There is no single “standard” MDS fee structure that applies to all “semi-government” dental colleges in India. It depends heavily on the state, quota (government / management / private / NRI), branch (clinical vs non-clinical), and whether the college is fully government, semi-government, privat
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An MDS degree is a postgraduate Dental course. It gives specialised knowledge and training to students in order to assist them to acquire advanced clinical skills, critical thinking and also research abilities. Master of Dental Surgery programme will help students get specialised knowledge in oral health care and procedures.