BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery): Course, Duration, Admission, Fees, Eligibility, Syllabus, Scope, Salary, Jobs

The BDS course subjects include a wide range of topics, along with a rotational internship for 1 year after the completion of 4 years of theoretical learning. Check the table below for the key subjects within the BDS curriculum in India 

The BDS course admission process will vary with each college. However, the requirements are common in all cases, and students must pass the NEET UG exam along with their 10+2 exam. Further details regarding the admission process are given below. 

BDS Course Entrance 

The NEET UG exam is required for the Bachelor of Dentistry course across Indian colleges. Students who have cleared the entrance exam can participate in the BDS counselling to get suitable seats. 

BDS Course Admission Process

The following infographic illustrates the specific steps for gaining admission to a BDS program in India. 

Category-wise eligibility criteria for BDS

While the basic eligibility criteria for BDS are the same across various categories. However, the marks required in the qualifying and entrance exams vary with each category. Go through the table below to understand the category-specific eligibility criteria for BDS admissions in India.  

Can I Get BDS without NEET?

NEET is a mandatory requirement for BDS admissions in India. In order to study dentistry without NEET, you can consider options to study BDS abroad. Going for Management quota seats in private colleges can help you studyBDS seats with a low NEET score. 

BDS Course Fees in Government Colleges

Government colleges offering BDS in India are typically less expensive than private ones, but have higher cutoff requirements in NEET. The following table shows the fees at some of the prominent government BDS colleges in India. 

BDS Course Fees in Private Colleges

Private colleges typically have higher fees than government colleges, but offer Management quota seats for candidates with lower NEET ranks. Check the table below for the total BDS fees at some of the prominent BDS colleges in India. 

Many prominent organisations in the medical and healthcare sector can provide career opportunities to BDS graduates in India. The sections below show the range of job roles, expected salary packages, and organisations offering career opportunities to students after BDS. 

BDS Salary in India

BDS graduates are eligible to hold a vast range of job roles with varying expected salary ranges. The table below shows some of the common job roles available to BDS graduates along with their expected annual salary packages. 

BDS Course: Top  Recruiters

The recruiters of BDS graduates and the roles they offer are provided in the table below.  

MBBS vs BDS Comparison

Both MBBS and BDS offer foundations for further specialisations and career paths. However, there are some differences between them that must be considered. The table below shows the most relevant comparisons between MBBS and BDS courses. 

Which is Better, BDS or BAMS?

The better options between MBBS and BAMS depend on the learning requirements of the candidates. Apart from that, there are some key differences between the two programs that determine the more suitable one for a student. Check the table below for the main differences between BDS and BAMS to choose the more suitable one. 

BDS Course: FAQs

Ques: What is the BDS course duration?

Ans: The total duration of the BDS program in India is 5 years. 4 years of this course are assigned to theoretical learning, and the remaining 1 year consists of a rotational internship. 

Ques: What is the 9-year rule for BDS in India?

Ans: According to the 9-year rule for BDS, students must complete the program within 9 years, including the 1-year compulsory internship. Otherwise, they will be discharged from the course. 

Ques: What are the BDS course fees in India?

Ans: Government colleges offering BDS in India have a total fee of ₹20,000 to ₹10,00,000. On the other hand, private colleges in the country have a BDS fee of ₹9,00,000 to ₹48,00,000 or higher. 

Ques: Are placements available after BDS courses in India?

Ans: The BDS course includes a 1-year compulsory internship for all students after the theoretical learning is over. Through this internship, students can gain the relevant skills and apply for various job roles or start their own dentistry clinic. 

Ques: How to apply for the BDS counselling?

Ans: The counselling for BDS courses in India is conducted along with the MBBS counselling by the MCC or the state-level counselling authorities. You can apply for BDS seats through the application portals for the national or state-level NEET UG counselling rounds. 

Ques: What is the starting salary for students after completing BDS?

Ans: Depending on the job role or area of practice, you can expect a salary package of ₹3 LPA to ₹15 LPA or higher with a BDS  degree. The specific package may also vary with each organisation that offers you career opportunities. 

Ques: What is the required NEET score for BDS government colleges?

Ans: The expected NEET score requirement for General candidates at BDS colleges in India ranges from 550 to 570. For reserved categories, the score requirement typically ranges from 350 to 520.