Which is the No. 1 MDS college in India?

According to NIRF 2025, AIIMS Delhi emerged as the top MDS college in India , securing the 1st position under the Dental category. After AIIMS Delhi, other top names include SIMTS Chennai and Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences. Top Colleges NIRF 2024 NIRF 2025 AIIMS Delhi Ranking NA 1 Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences Ranking 1 2 Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences Ranking 3 3 Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth Ranking 5 4 Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal Ranking 2 5 A.B.Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences Ranking 6 6 King George's Medical University Ranking 4 7 SRM Dental College Ranking 7 8 SOA University Ranking 9 9 JSS Dental College and Hospital Mysuru Ranking 12 10 Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website of the ranking body listed and may vary.

How many MDS seats are there in India in total?

According to the Dental Council of India (DCI), there are a total of 7,357 MDS seats across 276 approved dental colleges in India for 2025-26. Of these, 200 private dental colleges offer 5,267 seats, 42 government dental colleges offer 977 seats, and 34 deemed universities offer 1,113 seats. While 7,357 sounds like a large number, the competition is very high because Lacs of BDS graduates appear for NEET MDS every year.

Is NEET MDS compulsory for all MDS admissions in India?

Yes, NEET MDS is absolutely mandatory and there is no way around it. NEET MDS qualification is mandatory even for management quota seats, as per Dental Council of India (DCI) guidelines. No dental college can admit a student into an MDS programme without a valid NEET MDS score. Even for NRI quota and institutional quota seats, a valid NEET MDS score is required. So your very first step toward MDS must always be registering and qualifying for NEET MDS, without it, no admission is possible anywhere in India.

What does MDS admission through the State NEET PG mean?

MDS admission through State NEET PG means that admission to MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) courses in government and private dental colleges within a particular state is done based on NEET MDS scores, but through the state-level counseling process. Key Points: NEET MDS is the common entrance exam for all MDS admissions across India, including both All India and State quotas. State NEET PG counseling refers to the admission process conducted by a state's Directorate of Medical Education or a similar authority for filling seats under: State Government quota seats (usually 50% in government colleges) Private and Deemed university seats (as applicable in the state) Eligibility for State Quota: You must usually be a domicile of that state (some states allow non-domicile candidates for private seats). Must have registered with the state counseling authority separately (in addition to appearing for NEET MDS). Separate from All India Quota (AIQ): 50% of seats in government colleges are filled through All India Counseling conducted by MCC (Medical Counselling Committee). The rest 50% are filled by State NEET PG counseling.

Can I get MDS admission in India through management quota?

Yes, management quota is a valid and legal route for MDS admission, but with important conditions. NEET MDS qualification is mandatory even for management quota seats. Seats are allocated via MCC or state counselling - not directly by colleges. DCI and UGC-approved seats through management quota have full academic validity. This option is particularly useful for students with lower NEET ranks who still want to secure a seat in a reputed MDS programme.

How many government MDS colleges are there in India?

There are approximately 30+ Government MDS colleges in India and given below is the list of those Colleges with their tuition fees and eligibility/entrance exams if any: Public/Govt. Colleges Tuition Fees Eligibility/Exams Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, MAMC Admission INR 46,800 NEET MDS KGMU Admission INR 1.64 lakh NEET MDS PGIMER Admission INR 17.55 lakh NEET MDS, INI CET JIPMER Puducherry Admission INR 6,600 INI CET, NEET MDS AIIMS Rishikesh Admission INR 5,780 NEET MDS, INI CET Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.

Which MDS colleges in India offer best infrastructure facilities?

Hi, you can refer below for the top MDS colleges in India that offer the best infrastructure according to students: College Name Tuition Fee Infrastructure Rating Swami Devi Dyal Group of Professional Institutions INR 6 Lacs - INR 20.55 lakh 4.8/5.0 ITS Dental College, Hospital and Research Centre INR 28.91 lakh 5.0/5.0 Rishiraj College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre INR 18.33 lakh 5.0/5.0 SVSU INR 19.93 lakh 5.0/5.0 Guru Nanank Institute of Dental Science and Research - 5.0/5.0 Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website and may vary. Hope this helps!

What skills will I gain from MDS Prosthodontics?

The MDS Prosthodontics course helps students develop a wide range of specialised skills, including: Clinical Skills: Ability to design, fabricate, and place various types of dental prostheses. Diagnostic Skills: Ability to assess and treat patients with complex dental and facial issues. Technical Skills: Expertise in using advanced dental equipment and prosthodontic materials. Aesthetic Skills: Ability to enhance the appearance of patients through cosmetic procedures. Surgical Skills: Knowledge of implantology and other surgical techniques used in prosthodontics.

Which MDS specialisation has the best career scope in India?

All MDS specialisations have good scope, but some are more in demand and more financially rewarding than others. Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics is the specialisation for smile design, braces, and aligners, while Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics covers root canal specialists — both being among the most in-demand and the highest-paying MDS specialisations. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is another top choice for those interested in surgical procedures. Prosthodontics is also strong for clinic-based practice. If you are more research-oriented, Oral Pathology and Public Health Dentistry offer academic and research career paths. For the best financial returns, Orthodontics and Oral Surgery consistently lead the way.

Are there any MDS colleges in India with tuition fees less than INR 1 lakh?

Yes, Joining the top MDS colleges in India can be expensive as most colleges have tuition fees of more than INR 5 lakh. However, there are some affordable colleges also which are mentioned below having tuition fees of less than INR 1 lakh: Low-cost Colleges Tuition Fee Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, MAMC Fees INR 47,000 JIPMER Puducherry Fees INR 7,000 AIIMS Rishikesh Fees INR 6,000 AIIMS Jodhpur Fees INR 6,000 Post Graduate Institute of Dental Sciences Fees INR 64,000 Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website.

Which MDS colleges in India have the best faculty and teaching standards?

Hi, you can refer to table below for the top MDS colleges in India that have the best faculty and teaching standards according to the students: College Name Tuition Fee Faculty Rating Swami Devi Dyal Group of Professional Institutions INR 6 Lacs - INR 20.55 lakh 5.0/5.0 ITS Dental Colleges INR 28.91 lakh 5.0/5.0 Rishiraj College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre INR 18.33 lakh 5.0/5.0 SVSU INR 19.93 lakh 5.0/5.0 Guru Nanak Institute of Dental Science and Research, JIS Group - 5.0/5.0 Hope this helps!

What kind of research opportunities are available during the MDS Prosthodontics course?

Research plays a vital role in shaping the future of prosthodontics, and MDS students have ample opportunities to explore advanced topics. The research opportunities during MDS Prosthodontics include: Clinical Trials: Research on new prosthodontic materials, technologies, and treatment methods. Innovative Techniques: Exploring novel prosthodontic procedures, such as computer-aided design and 3d printing for prosthetics. Collaborations: Opportunities to collaborate with dental schools, hospitals, and research institutes for joint research projects. Thesis/Dissertation: A final research project that allows students to explore an area of interest in prosthodontics in-depth.

How do I know if MDS Prosthodontics is the right fit for me?

If you're passionate about restorative dentistry and enjoy working with advanced dental procedures like implants, crowns, and dentures, MDS Prosthodontics could be a great fit. The course requires strong manual dexterity, patience, and an interest in aesthetic dental restoration. Before committing to the course, assess your career goals, interest in clinical work, and long-term job opportunities. Talking to current students or professionals in the field and shadowing a prosthodontist may also help you make an informed decision about whether this specialisation aligns with your aspirations.

How do I choose the right college to pursue MDS Prosthodontics?

Selecting the right college for MDS Prosthodontics is crucial for your career. Here are factors to consider: Reputation and Ranking: Look for colleges with strong reputations and rankings in the dental field. Faculty and Expertise: A qualified and experienced faculty can provide better learning opportunities. Clinical Exposure: Ensure the college provides good clinical training with access to real patient cases. Infrastructure: Check for state-of-the-art labs, dental materials, and equipment available to students. Alumni Success: Research the career paths of past students to gauge the quality of education and training.

What is the average salary for MDS graduates from top MDS colleges in India?

Hi, please refer to the table below for some of the best placement packages offered by top MDS colleges in India in comparison to tuition fees: College Name Total Tuition Fees Annual Median Package Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, MAMC Courses INR 46,800 INR 17.69 LPA JIPMER Puducherry Courses INR 6,600 INR 24 LPA KGMU Courses INR 1.64 lakh INR 16 LPA JSS Dental College and Hospital Courses INR 12 lakh - INR 27 lakh INR 9.75 LPA Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Science Courses INR 9 lakh - INR 49.5 lakh INR 6.96 LPA Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website/ media reports/ NIRF website and may vary.

How does the college ensure that MDS Prosthodontics students stay updated with the latest research and trends?

To keep MDS Prosthodontics students updated with the latest advancements in the field, colleges take several proactive steps: Guest Lectures and Workshops: Regular sessions from industry experts and practitioners. Research Journals and Publications: Access to top dental journals and subscription services. Conferences and Seminars: Encouragement to attend national and international conferences related to prosthodontics. Collaborative Research: Opportunities for students to engage in interdisciplinary research with other medical and dental fields.

Best MDS Colleges in India: Fees, Admission 2026, Courses, Placements

If you have completed your BDS degree and are now thinking about specialising in dentistry, MDS is the next big step in your career. India has a large and growing MDS education ecosystem. There are about 300+ best MDS colleges in India, of which 120 plus colleges are privately owned, 30 plus colleges are owned by public or government organisations, and public-private entities own 5 colleges. Private colleges account for 71.6% of all MDS seats in India, making them the dominant source of postgraduate dental education in the country. According to NIRF 2025, AIIMS Delhi emerged as the top ranked Dental college in India, securing 1st position. MDS eligibility requires qualifying for the NEET-MDS entrance exam conducted in India.

Table of Contents

Best MDS Colleges in India: Known Facts 2026
Best MDS Colleges in India: NIRF Ranking 2025
Eligibility Criteria to get A

Table of Contents

Best MDS Colleges in India: Known Facts 2026
Best MDS Colleges in India: NIRF Ranking 2025
Eligibility Criteria to get Admission to the Best MDS College in India 2026
Entrance Exams Accepted in the Top MDS Colleges in India 2026
Best Private MDS Colleges in India
ROI of the Top Private MDS Colleges in India
Low-cost Private MDS Colleges in India
Best Government MDS Colleges in India
MDS Specialisations Offered by Indian Colleges
Comparison of the Best MDS Colleges in India

Best MDS Colleges in India: Known Facts 2026

The MDS programme is best suited for those who want to gain knowledge in specialized fields such as Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, and Prosthodontics. Oral Pathology and Public Health Dentistry are comparatively less competitive and easier to get into but have different career profiles focused more on research and public health roles. For complete information about the top MDS colleges in India, check below or the key highlights -

Particulars	Parameters
Total no. of MDS colleges in India	300+ colleges
Top MDS Institutes in India	PGIMER Chandigarh, SIMTS Chennai, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, JIPMER Puducherry, etc.
Fee range of top colleges	~ INR 6,000 - INR 52 LPA
Top MDS specialisations offered	Prosthodontics, Orthodontics, Periodontology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, etc.
Accepted Entrance Exams	NEET MDS, NEET PG, INI CET, etc.

Best MDS Colleges in India: NIRF Ranking 2025

AIIMS Delhi ranked as the No. 1 Dental college in India, offering MDS courses, followed by other top colleges like SIMTS Chennai and MAMC. Here is the table below showing the NIRF rankings of 2024 and 2025 of the top Dental colleges colleges in India -

Top Colleges	NIRF 2024	NIRF 2025
AIIMS Delhi Ranking	NA	1
Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences Ranking	1	2
Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences Ranking	3	3
Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth Ranking	5	4
Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal Ranking	2	5
A.B.Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences Ranking	6	6
King George's Medical University Ranking	4	7
SRM Dental College Ranking	7	8
SOA University Ranking	9	9
JSS Dental College and Hospital Mysuru Ranking	12	10

Note: Above mentioned rankings have been taken from NIRF official site and 2026 rankings are not yet released.

Eligibility Criteria to get Admission to the Best MDS College in India 2026

Listed below is the eligibility criteria for admission to India's top MDS colleges:

Students must hold a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from a Dental Council of India (DCI) recognised college with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks.
Must have completed their BDS internship before taking admission to the MDS course.
Must appear for any of the dental entrance exams like NEET PG, NEET MDS, etc . to be considered eligible for admission to MDS.

Entrance Exams Accepted in the Top MDS Colleges in India 2026

To get admission in the best MDS colleges in India, candidates must qualify certainentrance exams, which are mentioned below along with their schedule and exam college predictor -

Exam Name	Schedule	Exam College Predictor
NEET MDS Exam	NEET MDS Schedule	NEET MDS College Predictor
NEET PG Exam	NEET PG Schedule	NEET PG College Predictor
INI CET Exam	INI CET Schedule	INI CET College Predictor

Best Private MDS Colleges in India

Private MDS colleges in India offer excellent specialisation training, modern clinical infrastructure, and strong academic support - though at a higher fee compared to government colleges. If you could not secure a government seat through NEET MDS, a reputed private college is still a very strong option for building a successful dental career. Here is a look at some of the best private MDS colleges in India with fees structure.

Private Colleges	Tuition Fees
SIMTS Chennai MDS Course	INR 15 lakh - INR 52.5 lakh
Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital MDS Course	INR 51 lakh
Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal MDS Course	INR 19.5 lakh - INR 43.5 lakh
A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences MDS Course	INR 22.5 lakh
SOA University MDS Course	INR 22.5 lakh - INR 36 lakh
J.S.S. Dental College and Hospital MDS Course	INR 27 lakh - INR 35.1 lakh
Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore MDS Course	INR 19.5 lakh - INR 43.5 lakh
SRIHER Chennai MDS Course	INR 16.5 lakh - INR 39 lakh
Amrita School of Dentistry MDS Course	INR 16.8 lakh - INR 42 lakh
M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences MDS Course	INR 32.3 lakh - INR 47.3 lakh

NOTE: Fees mentioned above have been taken from the college's official site and can change in the future.

ROI of the Top Private MDS Colleges in India

Before choosing a private MDS college in India, it is smart to compare how much you will spend on your education versus how much you can earn after graduating as a specialist. A good ROI means you can recover your fees faster and build a financially strong dental career. The table below compares the tuition fees and median salary packages of some of the top private MDS colleges in India to help you decide better.


Christian Dental College, Ludhiana Placements	INR 17.6 lakh	INR 8.5 LPA
Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital Placements	INR 15 lakh - INR 45 lakh	INR 13 LPA
Yenepoya Dental College And Hospital, Mangalore Placements	INR 24 lakh - INR 45 lakh	INR 8.4 lakh
Manav Rachna International Institute of Research & Studies Placements	INR 15 lakh - INR 36 lakh	INR 7.8 LPA
DMIHER Placements	INR 21 lakh - INR 30 lakh	INR 10.8 LPA

Low-cost Private MDS Colleges in India

Pursuing an MDS degree does not always have to come with a heavy price tag. There are several affordable MDS colleges in India offering quality dental postgraduate education, experienced faculty, and strong clinical training at surprisingly low tuition fees. The table below lists some of the most cheapest private MDS colleges in india to help you plan your admission smartly.

Affordable MDS Colleges in India	Tuition Fee
Post-Graduate Institute of Dental Science Fees	INR 64,000
Ragas Dental College and Hospital, Chennai Fees	INR 73,400
KGMU Fees	INR 1.6 lakh
J.S.S. Dental College and Hospital Fees	INR 1.3 lakh
AIIMS Rishikesh Fees	INR 1.4 lakh

NOTE: Fees are from the official college site and is subject to change.

Best Government MDS Colleges in India

Government MDS colleges in India are the most sought-after institutions for postgraduate dental education because of their extremely low fees, highly experienced faculty, and strong academic reputation. Getting a seat in a government MDS college through a good NEET MDS rank is the smartest and most affordable way to become a dental specialist in India. Here is a look at some of the top government MDS colleges in India along with their fee structures.

Public/Govt. Colleges	Tuition Fees
PGIMER Chandigarh MDS Course	INR 17.6 lakh
Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences MDS Course	INR 39,000
JIPMER Puducherry MDS Course	INR 6,600
KGMU MDS Course	INR 1.6 lakh
AIIMS Rishikesh MDS Course	INR 5,800 - INR 1.4 lakh

MDS Specialisations Offered by Indian Colleges

Here is the table below showing the top specialisations offered by MDS colleges in India -

Specialisations	No. of Colleges
Prosthodontics	240+ Colleges (KGMU, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, etc.)
Orthodontics	240+ Colleges (A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, SOA University, etc.)
Periodontology	230+ Colleges (A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, J.S.S. Dental College and Hospital, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, etc.)
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery	190+ Colleges (KGMU, SRM Dental College, SOA University, etc.)
Oral Pathology	150+ Colleges (Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, SRM Dental College, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, etc.)
Endodontics	100+ Colleges (Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, SRM Dental College, Ramapuram Campus, etc.)