MBBS vs BDS: Eligibility, Difference, Admission, Advantages, Colleges, Salary, Scope 2024

Q: Q. Can BDS students do MBBS?

A. Yes, in general, BDS students can pursue MBBS after completing their dental degree, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and pass the required entrance examinations. While BDS students already possess a strong foundation in biological sciences and clinical experience, they would need to adapt to the broader scope of medical education and clinical training offered in MBBS programs, which focus on general medicine, surgery, and specialized medical disciplines.

Q: Q. Can BDS be called doctors?

A. Yes, graduates of BDS are commonly referred to as doctors. They earn this title upon completion of their dental degree, which qualifies them to diagnose and treat dental and oral health conditions. While BDS graduates specialize in dental care rather than general medicine, they are recognized as healthcare professionals who can provide comprehensive dental treatments, perform dental surgeries, and promote oral health.

Q: Q. Who earns more, MBBS or BDS?

A. The average salary of an MBBS graduate is 15 LPA while that of a BDS graduate is INR 9 LPA. In terms of earning potential, MBBS generally offers higher salaries compared to BDS, primarily due to the broader scope of medical practice and higher demand for medical doctors. However, both MBBS and BDS professionals can enhance their incomes through experience, specialization, and practice in urban or specialized healthcare settings.

Q: Q. Why is MBBS considered more prestigious than BDS in India?

A. MBBS entails a broader scope of medical education and training, covering a wide range of medical specialities and conditions beyond dental care. This comprehensive training prepares MBBS graduates to diagnose, treat, and manage various health issues, making them integral to primary healthcare and specialized medical fields. Secondly, there is typically higher competition and demand for MBBS seats in medical colleges, reflecting its perceived importance and societal value. Thirdly, MBBS graduates have opportunities for specialization (MD/MS) and further career advancement in diverse medical disciplines, enhancing their professional stature and earning potential.

Parul Thapa

Assistant Manager

Updated on Jul 15, 2024 17:08 IST

Choosing a career in the medical field is a significant decision, and two of the most popular paths are pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) or a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS). Both degrees offer rewarding and fulfilling career opportunities, but they cater to different interests and skills.

Choosing a career in the medical field is a significant decision, and two of the most popular paths are pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) or a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS). Both degrees offer rewarding and fulfilling career opportunities, but they cater to different interests and skills.

The MBBS course is a 5.5-year UG course that provides comprehensive education and training in various aspects of Medicine, preparing students to become qualified medical doctors.

On the other hand, the BDS course is a 5-year UG course focused on the study of Dental Sciences, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become professional dentists.

This article aims to provide an in-depth comparison between MBBS and BDS, exploring the curriculum, career prospects, and unique aspects of each profession to help aspiring medical professionals make an informed choice.

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MBBS vs BDS: Highlights

When comparing MBBS and BDS, several key differences emerge. Candidates can check the table below to see the key points of the MBBS vs BDS course details.

Particulars	MBBS	BDS
Course Level	UG	UG
Course Duration	5.5 years	5 years
Course Fee	Government Colleges: INR 6,100 to INR 1.1 Crore Private Colleges: INR 14,000 to INR 1 crore	Government Colleges: INR 25,000 - INR 16 Lakh Private Colleges: INR 4.04 Lakh - INR 38.1 Lakh
Admission Criteria	Entrance-based	Entrance-based
Eligibility Criteria	Class 12 in the Science stream with Chemistry, Physics, Biology/Biotechnology (which shall include practical tests in these subjects) and Mathematics subjects and be over 17 years of age.	Class 12 in Science stream with Physics, Chemistry and Biology subjects.
Entrance Exams	NEET	NEET & KEAM
Popular Colleges	Government: AIIMS Delhi, JIPMER, KGMU, AIIMS Rishikesh, etc. Private: CMC, KMC, SRIHER, St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Poonamallee, etc.	Government: KGMU, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Institute of Medical Sciences Private: MMU, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Teerthanker Mahaveer University, MSRUAS, etc.
Job Profiles	MBBS Doctors, Medical Surgeons, Medical Officers, Paediatricians, General Physicians, Medical Assistants (Surgery), etc.	Dentists, Dental officers in Defense Services, Dentists in Indian Railways, Lecturers, Researchers, etc.
Average Salary	INR 2.5 LPA - INR 15 LPA	INR 3 LPA - INR 9 LPA
Top Recruiters	Medanta Hospitals, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Fortis Healthcare Ltd, Wockhardt Ltd, etc.	Hospitals, Dental Clinics, Educational Institutes, Dental Product Manufacturers etc.

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

MBBS vs BDS Useful Links:

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Commonly asked questions

Q: Can I get an MBBS seat with a NEET score of 350?

If you belong to SC /ST category, you can get a MBBS seat with 350. for OBC and general category, cut-off score is much more higher than 350. So, prepare well. All the best.

Difference Between MBBS vs BDS

Choosing between MBBS and BDS depends on an individual's interest in general Medicine versus Dental care, career aspirations, and the type of patient care they wish to provide.

Candidates can check details about MBBS and BDS courses.

What is MBBS?

MBBS full form is Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery. It focuses on training students to become general physicians or surgeons capable of diagnosing and treating a wide array of diseases and conditions.

MBBS course typically lasts for 5.5 years, which includes a 4.5-year academic program followed by a one-year compulsory rotating internship.

MBBS graduates become medical doctors who can diagnose and treat general health conditions, prescribe medications, perform surgeries, and specialize in various medical fields through further education.

What is BDS?

BDS full form is Bachelor of Dental Surgery. Focuses on dental and oral health, training students to become dentists who diagnose and treat dental issues and perform dental surgeries BDS generally lasts for 5 years, which includes 4 years of academic study and a one-year mandatory internship.

BDS graduates become dentists who focus on oral health, perform dental procedures, manage dental diseases, and can further specialize in areas like orthodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery.

MBBS vs BDS: Eligibility

The eligibility criteria ensure that candidates are well-prepared for the academic and practical demands of MBBS and BDS courses, ultimately leading to successful careers in Medicine and Dentistry.

Candidates can check the table below to see the difference between the eligibility criteria for MBBS and BDS courses.

Parameters	MBBS	BDS
Education	Class 12 in Science stream with PCB (Physics, Chemistry and Biology) subjects.	Class 12 in the Science stream with Physics, Chemistry and Biology
Minimum Aggregate Percentage	50%	50%
Age Limit	17	17
Entrance Exam	NEET	NEET & KEAM

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

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MBBS vs BDS: Entrance Exam

While the major entrance exam (NEET-UG) for both MBBS and BDS in India is the same, the competition levels, cut-off scores, and career outcomes differ.

Also, if candidates wish to apply for the BDS course without taking NEET, they can sit for KEAM too.

Further, candidates can look at the table below to learn about the major differences between these two entrance exams needed for MBBS admission and BDS admission.

Particulars	MBBS	BDS
Entrance Exam	NEET	NEET & KEAM
Conducting Body	National Testing Agency	NEET - National Testing Agency KEAM - Office of the Commissioner of Entrance Exams (Govt of Kerala)
Mode of exam	Offline	NEET - Offline KEAM - Online (Computer-Based)
Exam Syllabus	The NEET syllabus includes Physics, Chemistry and Biology topics from Class 11 and 12	NEET - The NEET syllabus includes Physics, Chemistry and Biology topics from Class 11 and 12 KEAM - The syllabus of KEAM is prescribed by CEE Kerala. The KEAM syllabus comprises all three subjects Physics Chemistry & Mathematics. KEAM syllabus is based on class 11 and 12 examinations. The weightage of the subjects in KEAM will be 5:3:2 in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.

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

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MBBS vs BDS: Syllabus

Choosing between MBBS and BDS depends on an individual's interest in general medicine versus specialized dental care. MBBS course curriculum and BDS course curriculum require dedication and a strong foundation in Science subjects.

Here is a general overview of the semester-wise MBBS and BDS syllabus in India:

Semesters	MBBS	BDS
Semester 1	Introduction to Embryology and Histology Introduction to Molecular Medicine	General Human Anatomy including Embryology and Histology Dental Anatomy, embryology, and Oral Histology General Human Physiology and Biochemistry, Nutrition, and Dietetics
Semester 2	Neuroscience I (Peripheral System) Respiratory System	Dental Materials Preclinical Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge
Semester 3	General Pathology Environment Pathology	General Pathology and Microbiology General and Dental Pharmacology and Therapeutics Preclinical Conservative Dentistry
Semester 4	Systematic Pathology Alimentary System	Preclinical Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge Oral Pathology & Oral Microbiology
Semester 5	Special Pathology Growth Disturbance and Neoplasia	General Medicine General Surgery Oral Pathology & Microbiology
Semester 6	Epidemiology of communicable diseases Reproductive and child health	Oral And Maxillofacial Surgery Oral Medicine And Radiology
Semester 7	Infectious Diseases Diseases of the immune system	Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics Oral Medicine and Radiology
Semester 8	Endocrine Disease Brain Death	Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge
Semester 9	Nervous System Environmental Disorders	-

Note: The provided syllabus is a general outline and therefore may vary.

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MBBS vs BDS: Top Colleges

Both MBBS and BDS courses require rigorous academic preparation and dedication. Selecting a top college can significantly impact the quality of education, clinical exposure, and career opportunities in the respective fields.

Candidates can check the tables below for popular MBBS and BDS colleges in India:

Top MBBS Colleges

The MBBS colleges are generally major universities and research institutions within the medical field. They offer comprehensive medical education, state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities for research and specialization in various medical fields.

Candidates can check the table below to see the popular MBBS colleges in India:

MBBS Colleges	MBBS Course Fees
AIIMS Delhi	6.08 K
CMC	13.5 K
KGMU	2.14 L
JIPMER	30.46 K
KMC, Manipal	80.1 L
MMC	68.02 K
St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences	30 L
AIIMS Rishikesh	51.52 K
SRIHER	1.13 Cr

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

Top BDS Colleges

The BDS colleges are often affiliated with leading medical universities or standalone dental institutions. They focus on providing specialized Dental education, hands-on clinical training, and opportunities for research in Dental sciences.

Candidates can check the table below to see the popular BDS colleges in India:

BDS Colleges	BDS Course Fees
KGMU	1.9 L
SRIHER	24 L
SRM Dental College	17.6 L
Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences	42.5 L
DMIHER	20 L
MMU	9.6 L
Saraswati Dental College	11.72 L
IMS BHU	1.67 L
MAMC	16.48 K

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

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MBBS vs BDS: Jobs and Salary

Choosing between MBBS and BDS depends on career interests, academic strengths, and desired work environment. Both fields offer rewarding careers with opportunities for professional growth and making a significant impact on patients' lives.

Further, candidates can check the table below to see the salary that a graduate can earn after pursuing either of the courses in India.

MBBS Salary in India

MBBS offers a broader range of job opportunities in general medicine, surgery, and various medical specialities. MBBS salary tend to be higher compared to BDS due to the broader scope of practice and higher demand.

Here are some common MBBS job profiles in India:

Job Profile	Average Salary
Medical Surgeon	INR 15 LPA
Medical officers	INR 10.6 LPA
Paediatrician	INR 12 LPA
General Physician	INR 7.2 LPA
Medical Assistant (Surgery)	INR 2.5 LPA

Note: The salary has been taken from Ambitionbox.com.

BDS Salary in India

BDS focuses on dental and oral health care, with specialized career paths in dentistry. While BDS salary is generally lower than MBBS, BDS graduates can earn well with experience and specialization.

Here are some common BDS job profiles in India:

Job Profiles	Average Salary
Dental officer in Defense Services	INR 14.6 LPA
Dentist in Indian Railways	INR 7 LPA
Lecturer	INR 5.7 LPA
Dentist	INR 4 LPA
Researcher	INR 5 LPA

Note: The salary has been taken from Ambitionbox.com.

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MBBS vs BDS: Academic Scope

Both MBBS and BDS offer rewarding careers with opportunities to make a difference in patients' lives. The choice between the two depends on individual interests, career aspirations, and academic strengths.

Candidates can check the table below to see what courses they can opt for after pursuing MBBS as well as BDS.

Courses After MBBS

MBBS offers a broader academic scope covering all aspects of human health and diseases, with extensive clinical exposure and specialization opportunities in various medical fields.

Candidates can check the table below to see the courses they can opt for after pursuing an MBBS course in India.

Courses	Description
MD	MD (Doctor of Medicine) is a postgraduate specialization pursued after completing MBBS, focusing on advanced medical knowledge and clinical training in specialized fields.
Master of Surgery	Master of Surgery (MS) is a postgraduate specialization pursued after completing MBBS, focusing on advanced surgical training and expertise in various surgical disciplines.
MBA in Hospital Management	MBA in Hospital Management is a postgraduate program pursued after MBBS, focusing on developing managerial and administrative skills specifically tailored to the healthcare setting.
DNB	DNB (Diplomate of National Board) is a postgraduate medical qualification offered by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) in India. It is pursued after MBBS and provides specialized training and certification in various medical specialities, equivalent to MD or MS degrees offered by universities.

Courses After BDS

BDS focuses specifically on dental and oral health sciences, with specialized training and opportunities for further education and career advancement in dental specialities.

Candidates can check the table below to see the courses they can opt for after pursuing a BDS course in India.

Courses	Duration
MDS	MDS is an advanced postgraduate program that allows Dental graduates to specialize in various fields providing in-depth knowledge and expertise for specialized Dental practice.
MBA in Hospital Management	The MBA in Hospital Management is a specialized PG course designed to equip healthcare professionals with the managerial skills and knowledge needed to effectively run healthcare facilities.
Clinical Research courses	Clinical Research courses are designed to train healthcare professionals and researchers in the methodologies and regulations governing clinical trials and research studies.
Public Health Management courses	Public Health Management courses are tailored to equip professionals with the skills needed to address public health challenges effectively.

MBBS vs BDS: FAQs

Q. Is BDS better than MBBS?

A. Basically, choosing between BDS and MBBS depends on personal career goals and interests rather than one being objectively superior to the other.

BDS focuses specifically on dental and oral health, preparing graduates to diagnose and treat dental conditions and perform dental procedures. On the other hand, MBBS offers a broader scope in general medicine and surgery, equipping graduates to handle a wide range of medical conditions across various specialities.

The choice between BDS and MBBS should consider one's passion for either dental or medical practice, along with future career goals and opportunities for specialization.

Q. Can BDS students do MBBS?

A. Yes, in general, BDS students can pursue MBBS after completing their dental degree, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and pass the required entrance examinations.

While BDS students already possess a strong foundation in biological sciences and clinical experience, they would need to adapt to the broader scope of medical education and clinical training offered in MBBS programs, which focus on general medicine, surgery, and specialized medical disciplines.

Q. Can BDS be called doctors?

A. Yes, graduates of BDS are commonly referred to as doctors. They earn this title upon completion of their dental degree, which qualifies them to diagnose and treat dental and oral health conditions.

While BDS graduates specialize in dental care rather than general medicine, they are recognized as healthcare professionals who can provide comprehensive dental treatments, perform dental surgeries, and promote oral health.

Q. Is BDS tougher than MBBS?

A. The difficulty of BDS vs MBBS is subjective and depends on individual strengths, interests, and learning preferences.

BDS focuses intensively on dental and oral health sciences, requiring in-depth knowledge of dental anatomy, procedures, and oral pathology. The curriculum includes rigorous clinical training and practical skills development in dental clinics.

In contrast, MBBS covers a broader spectrum of medical subjects including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and various medical specialities, demanding a comprehensive understanding of human health and diseases.

Both programs have their challenges.

Q. Who earns more, MBBS or BDS?

A. The average salary of an MBBS graduate is 15 LPA while that of a BDS graduate is INR 9 LPA.

In terms of earning potential, MBBS generally offers higher salaries compared to BDS, primarily due to the broader scope of medical practice and higher demand for medical doctors.

However, both MBBS and BDS professionals can enhance their incomes through experience, specialization, and practice in urban or specialized healthcare settings.

Q. Why is MBBS considered more prestigious than BDS in India?

A. MBBS entails a broader scope of medical education and training, covering a wide range of medical specialities and conditions beyond dental care. This comprehensive training prepares MBBS graduates to diagnose, treat, and manage various health issues, making them integral to primary healthcare and specialized medical fields.

Secondly, there is typically higher competition and demand for MBBS seats in medical colleges, reflecting its perceived importance and societal value.

Thirdly, MBBS graduates have opportunities for specialization (MD/MS) and further career advancement in diverse medical disciplines, enhancing their professional stature and earning potential.

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