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

Updated on Dec 9, 2025 02:50 IST
Parul Thapa

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

AIIMS Delhi, KGMU, JIPMER, JIPMER, NIMHANS, etc.

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.

 

Q:   What is an MDS course?
A:

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.

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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 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.

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Table of contents
  • 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
View More

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.

 

Q:   What is the maximum age for NEET MDS?
A:

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.

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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 exam. Only minimum requirement for admission to MDS is below -

  • MBBS/ BDS  degree
  • Complete 12 months of internship on or before July 31 of year of admission
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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

DatesUpcoming 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
DatesPast 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

Q:   How can I pursue MDS course in India? Which entrance exam do I need to qualify?
A:

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 -

NEET MDS

INI CET

NEET PG

See table below for exam dates -

Exam Name

Dates

Schedule

NEET MDS

1st week of March

NEET MDS Schedule

NEET PG

05 March ‘24 (Tentative)

NEET PG Schedule

INI CET January 2024

05 November ‘24

INI CET Schedule

 

Q:   What is NEET MDS exam all about?
A:

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.

 

Q:   Which MDS course is the best?
A:

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. 

Q:   Is MDS course tough?
A:

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

 

Q:   Is it worth pursuing MDS following BDS?
A:

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.

Q:   Why is MDS superior to BDS?
A:

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.

 

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

Q:   Are there any affordable MDS colleges in North India?
A:

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.

Q:   Which are the top colleges in North India to pursue MDS?
A:

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

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
21 Courses
2 L - 15 L
2.45 - 4.16 LPA
10 Courses
1.8 L - 5.4 L
4.5
1 L - 9.6 L
3.7

Medicine & Health Sciences Applications open. Apply Now

2 Courses
4.6 L - 9.8 L
4.0

Medicine & Health Sciences Applications open. Apply Now

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.

 

Q:   What is the salary after MDS?
A:

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

Q:   Who earns more MDS or BDS?
A:

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.

Q:   How long are BDS and MDS?
A:

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.

Q:   Is MDS compulsory after BDS?
A:

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.

 
Q:   Can MDS graduates be called doctor?
A:

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.

Q:   Can I get admission to MDS course without giving the entrance exam?
A:

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.

Q:   Is MDS course worth the time and money invested in it?
A:

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.

Q:   What is the selection criterion for MDS course?
A:

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.

Q:   Is MDS course entrance exam conducted online or offline?
A:

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

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

Course Cutoffs

The cutoffs of popular MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) colleges is given below:
MDS in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics : INI CET 2025 Last Round Closing Rank (General-All India)Accordion Icon V3
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M.Sc. in Medical Pharmacology : AIIMS PG 2024 Last Round Closing Rank (General-All India)Accordion Icon V3
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