BDS: Course Details, Eligibility, Admission, Duration, Fees

Duration

5 Years

Average Fees

INR 50K - 4 LPA

Rahil Ahmed

Updated on Mar 27, 2023 by Rahil Ahmed

Rahil Ahmed

Updated on Mar 27, 2023 by Rahil Ahmed

BDS or Bachelor of Dental Surgery is a five year bachelor's degree course with a year-long rotational internship that is compulsory for students to complete to be able to graduate with distinct marks. The BDS job scope is vast in the private and public sectors of various reputed organizations in India and abroad, along with excellent perks.

BDS Course Details

Degree Bachelors
Full Form Bachelor of Dental Science
Duration 5 Years
Age Minimum age limit is 17 years
Minimum Percentage It is open for students who have qualified Higher Secondary Examination with a minimum of 50% marks
Average Fees INR 50K - 4 LPA
Similar Options of Study MBBS, BHMS, BAMS, BUMS
Average Salary INR 3.05 LPA (Source: Payscale)
Employment Roles General Dentist, Associate Dentist, Pediatric Dentist, Dentistry Researcher, Assistant Researcher, Dental Hygienist, Dental Surgeon

About BDS

BDS full form stands for Bachelor of Dental Surgery, which focuses on learning practical as well as theoretical study of a denture, dental problems, and surgery. BDS Subjects are focused on developing an understanding of general Human Physiology and Biochemistry, Nutrition and Dietetics, General and Dental Pharmacology, etc.

BDS Job Scope is vast and offers opportunities in various specializations from dental surgeons, medical writers, dentists, etc. both private and government sectors.

Also Read: Complete List of Courses after 12th

Eligibility Criteria for BDS

BDS eligibility criteria require the aspirants to complete their 10+2 with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks with physics, chemistry, and biology as main subjects from any recognized board of education. Also, along with the basic BDS eligibility requirements, the students pursuing the course must have scored good marks in the entrance exams such as KCET, KEAM, etc. The minimum age for applying for the Bachelor of Dental Surgery course is 17 years.

Who Should Pursue BDS Course?

The BDS course duration is five years, which is an undergraduate medical program for students interested in a career in dentistry. In addition, students interested in a career in medical science, specifically dentistry, should take this course.

When to do a BDS Course?

If a student wants to pursue a career in medical science or dentistry-related field, he or she should begin at the 10+2 level. They must pass 12th class from a recognized board with a minimum of 50% or above marks.

Admission Process for BDS Course

The admission process for the BDS course in India can be done in two distinct ways. BDS admission without Neet is also a possibility for the students, but it depends on the specific college that the aspirants apply to. It can either be done from the college or the university premises directly by approaching the admission office or online from the college or university admission portal. Listed below are the various procedures to get BDS admission:

BDS Admission Process

How to Apply?

The aspirants eager to study BDS can either apply for the course online or offline. Most BDS institutes accept online applications, while some colleges prefer offline mode.

Selection Process

The selection for BDS best colleges in India is either based on merit or an entrance-based selection process. Some of the top colleges for BDS offer admissions strictly based on the candidate’s performance in the entrance examinations. The students have to appear for entrance examinations such as NEET, KCET, to name a few to qualify for the course.

How to Get Admission In A Top BDS College?

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is a 5 year-long undergraduate course.  There are a lot of colleges providing BDS, but to get into top colleges, one must clear all the guidelines issued by colleges. Some essential eligibility criteria that every college looks for are given below:

  • One should have a solid academic background with good grades in 10 + 2 
  • One should score excellent marks in the entrance examination and clear the cut-off to get into the college of their choice. 
  • After clearing the cut-off marks, one should sit for counselling sessions usually held over 3 rounds. 
  • Before applying for any college, one should look after its placement ratio, fee structure, and teaching methodologies to confirm if it matches your requirement or not. 

Types of BDS Courses

Aspirants can pursue the course in full-time, part-time or distance mode. Below are the types of BDS courses in detail:

Full-Time BDS

The BDS course is a five-year graduate course divided into eight semesters. Students who choose the full-time learning option are required to participate in regular classroom instruction. The advantage of a full-time course is that students can gain much more exposure and experience and increase their learning curve.

Part-Time BDS

A part-time BDS course is a five-year course. Professionals who are currently employed and unable to take time off for full-time study can benefit greatly from the part-time BDS program.

Distance BDS

Those who are unable to attend regular classes can enrol in the  BDS distance learning programme in India; an online BDS is one of the most popular alternatives. Many institutions and universities provide distance learning options for BDS courses in India.

BDS Course List

BDS is a five-year course focusing on imparting students with the knowledge and practical skills in dental care and hygiene. Since there is no specialization in the BDS course, the students have to study all the given subjects. Below are some of the core course lists: 

  • General Pathology
  • Microbiology
  • General and Dental Pharmacology
  • Dental Therapeutics
  • Preclinical Conservative Dentistry
  • Oral Pathology
  • Oral Microbiology

There are many entrance exams for the BDS course students should attend. Some of the BDS entrance exams are as follows:

How to Prepare for NEET Exams?

National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET) is the only entrance examination conducted for students who want to enter any medical field. NEET is conducted every year, with over 10 lakhs of students participating in this examination, making it one of the toughest exams in India.

  • Latest Syllabus: Find out the latest syllabus and exam pattern on the official website of NEET and study accordingly.
  • Time Management: Prepare a timetable for study and start maintaining it strictly. 
  • Previous Year Question Paper: Solve the previous year's question paper to check what type of question comes in the exam and are you able to complete it on time or not.
  • Stay Updated: Read daily newspapers and articles to update yourself about what's happening worldwide.
  • Mock test: Take as many mock tests as you can to help you prepare well and be confident on exam day.
  • Study Material: NEET material matters the most, so choose the best NEET material available.

Read More: NEET Exam

State Wise BDS Admissions

Generally, for admission to medical courses, NEET (National Eligibility Entrance Test) is widely accepted across all states. However, some states conduct their state entrance exam for medical. Some of them are listed below:

Sl.No. Entrance Exams State
1 KCET Karnataka
2 KEAM Kerala
3 AP EAMCET Andhra Pradesh

A Quick Glance At the Bachelor of Dental Surgery Entrance Exams

The BDS course eligibility for the entrance exams depends entirely on the conducting body which conducts the exam. The BDS degree course entrance exams include questions related to reasoning, chemistry, physics, biology questions and quantitative reasoning, and current affairs to analyze the aspirants' knowledge abilities. The test includes:

  • The entrance exams include various objective and multiple-choice type questions.
  • The exam is conducted both online and offline, and the duration is 180 minutes.
  • The entrance exam assesses the student's ability in the medical sector, how well the students are aware of the global medical systems, etc.  

Top BDS Colleges in India

Top BDS colleges in India and abroad offer a BDS degree course to students interested in learning medicine and dental science. Some of the top BDS colleges in India are as follows:

Top BDS Colleges in India
Sl.No. Name of the Institute Fees (INR)
1 Manipal College of Dental Sciences 5 LPA
2 Sri Ramachandra University 6 LPA
3 Maharashtra University of Health Sciences 3.2 LPA
4 Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences 4.5 LPA
5 Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences 50,000 PA
6 Mar Baselios Dental College 4.5 LPA
7 SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital Sattur 2.5 LPA
8 Gujarat University 40,000 PA
9 KIIT University 4.4 LPA
10 Coorg Institute of Dental Sciences 49,500 PA

 

Top BDS Colleges

Top BDS Colleges in Mumbai

Mumbai is a host to many BDS colleges. Below is the table with the top colleges offering BDS in Mumbai:

Top BDS College in Mumbai
Sl.No. Name of the Colleges
1 Padmashree Dr D.Y.Patil Vidyapeeth
2 Dental College and Hospital
3 Mahatma Gandhi Mission’s Dental College and Hospital
4 Government Dental College and Hospital
5 Nair Hospital Dental College

Read More: Top BDS Colleges in Mumbai

Top BDS Colleges in Delhi

Many dental schools are located in Delhi. The table below lists the top BDS colleges in Delhi:

Top BDS College in Delhi
Sl.No. Name of the Colleges
1 SDS
2 PDM University
3 SGT University
4 SVSU
5 Manav Rachna Dental College

Read More: Top BDS Colleges in Delhi

Top BDS Colleges in Bangalore

Bangalore is home to several dental schools. The top BDS colleges in Bangalore are listed in the table below:

Top BDS College in Bangalore
Sl.No. Name of the Colleges
1 Dayanand Sagar Insitutions
2 Oxford Dental College and Hospital
3 Government Dental College and Research Institute
4 MSRUAS
5 D.A.Pandu Memorial R.V. Dental College

Read More: Top BDS Colleges in Bangalore

Top BDS Colleges in Hyderabad

Several BDS colleges are located in Hyderabad. The following is a list of the best BDS colleges in Hyderabad:

Top BDS College in Hyderabad
Sl.No. Name of the Colleges
1 Sri Sai College of Dental Surgery
2 Panineeya Institute of Dental Sciences and Research Centre
3 MNR Dental College and Hospital
4 Sri Balaji Dental College
5 Malla Reddy Dental College for Women

Read More: Top BDS Colleges in Hyderabad

Top BDS Colleges in Pune

Pune is home to BDS colleges. The following is a list of the best BDS colleges in Pune:

Sl.No. Name of the Colleges
1 Dr D.Y.Patil Dental College and Hospital
2 Dental College and Hospital
3 Sinhgad Dental College and Hosptial 
4 D.Y.Patil Dental School

Read More: Top BDS Colleges in Pune

Top BDS Colleges in Kolkata

Several BDS colleges can be found in Kolkata. The following are the top BDS colleges in Kolkata:

Top BDS College in Kolkata
Sl.No. Name of the Colleges
1 Guru Nanak Institute of Dental Science
2 Dr R. Ahmed Dental College and Hospital
3 Kusum Devi Sndarlal Durga Jain Dental College and Hospital 

Read More: Top BDS Colleges in Kolkata

Top Government Colleges For BDS

In India, there are approximately 300 government colleges that offer BDS programmes. The BDS fees in government colleges also tend to be lower and more affordable than that of private ones. A list of some of the best government colleges is provided below:

Government Colleges Offering BDS
Sl.No. Name of the Colleges
1 IMS BHU, Banaras
2 King George Medical University, Lucknow
3 GDCH, Ahemdabad
4 MAIDS, Delhi
5 CSJMU, Kanpur
6 JMI, Delhi
7 RIMS, Ranchi
8 KUHS, Thrissur
9 Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences, Vijayawada
10 Nair Hospital Dental College, Mumbai

Top Private Colleges For BDS

There are many premier private institutions in India offering BDS courses. Below is a list of the colleges offering BDS:

Private Colleges Offering BDS
Sl.No. Name of the Colleges
1 KIMS, Maharastra
2 ACDS, Telangana
3 ABSMIDS, Karnataka
4 Mansarovar Dental College, Madhya Pradesh
5 SGT University, Haryana
6 Rajasthan Dental College and Hospital, Jaipur
7 MS Ramiah Dental College and Hospital, Karnataka
8 JSS Dental College and Hospital, Karnataka
9 Shardha University, Uttar Pradesh
10 CIDS Coorg, Karnataka

Other BDS Colleges in India

Given below are other BDS colleges in India that also provide students with a scope of good education

By State By City
BDS Colleges in Maharashtra BDS Colleges in Chennai
BDS Colleges in Kerela BDS Colleges in Lucknow
BDS Colleges in TamilNadu BDS Colleges in Chandigarh
BDS Colleges in Karnataka BDS Colleges in Jaipur

Fee Structure for BDS

BDS course fees in India range from INR 50,000 - 4 LPA. BDS fees may vary depending upon the facilities and amenities provided at the college/university and the level of education offered to the students. When applying to a college, students should be mindful of the BDS course duration and fees. 

The BDS fee structure in India for some of the reputed colleges is as follows:

BDS Course Fees
College Name Fees Per Annum (INR)
Government Dental College and Hospital, Mumbai 2.5 LPA
Dr R Ahmed Dental College and Hospital, Kolkata 1 LPA
Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangaluru 5 LPA
Sree Anjaneya Institute of Dental Sciences, Calicut 3 LPA
Sri Sankara DentalCollege, Trivandrum 3 LPA
Sharda University 3 LPA
Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital 4 LPA

Bridge Courses in BDS

The BDS to MBBS bridge course allows dental graduates to work as general practitioners in India's hospitals, clinics, and organizations. Graduates must spend at least three years in rural areas after completing their studies. The three-year program recommended by the Indian Dental Council has two primary purposes. 

  •  First, the bridging course helps BDS graduates who are still looking for full-time jobs. 
  •  Second, this innovative program allows dentistry students to transition into their careers after obtaining a degree.

To enrol in a BDS-to-MBBS bridge course, candidates must have above-average grades in their degree program, as cumulative grades prioritize admission.

Syllabus and Subjects for BDS

The syllabus and subjects for the BDS course are structured in such a way that the students get various theoretical and practical medical and dental aspects regarding the course as a whole.  Some of the essential subjects of the BDS course are:

  • General Human Anatomy including Embryology and Histology
  • Dental Anatomy, Embryology, and Oral Histology
  • Preclinical Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge
  • General Pathology and Microbiology
  • General and Dental Pharmacology and Therapeutics
  • Preclinical Conservative Dentistry

Read More: BDS Syllabus and Subjects

Why Choose BDS Course?

The answer to "Why choose a BDS course?" and "What is BDS course?" can be explained and interpreted by the following points:

Why Choose BDS?

What is BDS Course All About?

BDS is a course that mainly focuses on specific theoretical and practical skills the students should possess in certain areas, such as medical and dental science sectors.

What Does a BDS Graduate Do?

The essential subjects of the course are General Human Anatomy, including Embryology and Histology, General Human Physiology, and many more. There are various jobs in the given field.

Dentist: A Dentist performs many vital duties in maintaining oral health and preventing various oral-related issues such as gums bleeding. Checkups are a significant part of the job for a dental scientist and are essential for patients to keep on top of their oral care.

Reasons Why BDS Can Fetch You a Rewarding Career

There is a high demand for BDS graduates in India and abroad. There are several hospitals and private and public institutes where there is a scope for the graduates, so this is an enriching career.

Decent Salary and Job Growth: Bachelor of Dental Surgery's scope and salary in India are around INR 3.05 LPA, which may vary depending on specific criteria such as the skills and talent possessed by the graduates. Hence, there is a high potential for growth for the graduates in this field as the work environment is also good.

Read More: BDS Jobs and Scope

BDS College Comparison

Many colleges in India provide the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) course. But before choosing any college for your degree, you should look at different aspects of the college. The comparison of top BDS colleges is given below for a better understanding:

Comparison Parameters Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences Faculty of Dental Sciences, IMS BHU Manipal College of Dental Sciences
Average Course Fee INR 1 - 1.5 LPA Below 1 LPA INR 25 - 30 LPA
Average Initial Salary INR 6 - 7 LPA [Source: Payscale] INR 5 - 6 LPA [Source: Payscale] INR 4 - 8 LPA [Source: Payscale]
Top Recruiters Endolite, Ottobock, etc. Government Hospitals and health care centres (Internship) Government Hospitals and health care centres (Internship)

BDS Course Comparison

BDS stands for Bachelor of Dental Surgery and falls in the medical field. Another popular course in the medical field is MBBS which stands for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. BAMS is another popular course that medical aspirants opt for, and it stands for Bachelor of Ayurvedic Sciences. The section below is a comparison between BDS, MBBS and BAMS.

MBBS vs BDS

There are a lot of courses that the medical field offers, but the two most popular courses among people are MBBS and BDS. By referring to the following table, one can decide which field is of their interest and can choose accordingly:

BDS vs MBBS Course Comparison
Course BDS MBBS
Duration 5 years (4 years + 1 year of rational internship). 5.5 years (4.5 years + 1 year of rational internship)
Average Course Fee INR 1 - 6 LPA INR 1 - 8 LPA
Job Opportunities  Dental Research Scientist, Dentist, Lecturer, etc. Surgeon, Physician, etc.
Top Recruiters Dental Clinics, Hospitals, Educational Institutes, etc. Clinics, Hospitals, etc.
Average Initial Salary INR 4-10 LPA [Source: Glassdoor] INR 4 - 10 LPA [Source: Glassdoor]

Read More: MBBS vs BDS

BDS vs BAMS

Both the courses are very different specializations in the field of medical sciences. While one focuses on Ayurvedic medicines and treatment, the other studies dental and oral problems. Below is a comparison of the course.

BDS vs BAMS Course Comparison
Course BDS BAMS
Duration 5 years (4 years + 1 year of rational internship). 5.5 years (4.5 years + 1 year of rational internship)
Average Course Fee INR 1 - 6 LPA INR 10,000-50,000 P.A.
Job Opportunities  Dental Research Scientist, Dentist, Lecturer, etc. Ayurvedic Specialist, Researcher, Consultant,  etc.
Top Recruiters Dental Clinics, Hospitals, Educational Institutes, etc. Clinics, Pharmacy stores, etc.
Average Initial Salary INR 4-10 LPA [Source: Glassdoor] INR 20,000 - 8 LPA [Source: Glassdoor]

Read More: BAMS

Preparation Tips For BDS Course

  • Develop the Focus Points: While revising the syllabus, the students should understand their weak points and emphasize the same while preparing. In addition, maintaining composure and study ethics are also mandatory.
  • Adhering to a Set Routine: Building a self-made timetable and adhering to it is another mandatory step as it sets the students a target to attain each day or week.
  • Go through Previous Year's Question Papers: Going through previous years' question papers gives the aspirant an idea of the paper pattern and difficulty while allowing the aspirant hands-on practice and experience. It may also provide a sense of confidence to the aspirant students.

Scope For Higher Education

The BDSs course has a broad scope of jobs in India and a decent salary in almost all private and public sectors of various reputed organizations in India and abroad. Graduates willing to enhance their medical and dental science knowledge can opt for an MDS degree course after completing the BDS course. Some of the courses after BDS are as follows:

Specialized Fields After BDS

There are many specialized fields one can opt for after completing their Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS). Some of the top fields that students usually go for are:

  • Periodontology
  • Oral Pathology & Microbiology
  • Paedodontics & Preventive Dentistry
  • Oral Medicine & Radiology
  • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics
  • Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics
  • Prosthodontics, Crown & Bridge
  • Public health Dentistry

Salary of a BDS Graduate

The BDS salary in India ranges from INR 3.05 LPA and some additional benefits such as bonuses and incentives. However, the salary and the additional benefits provided to the graduates may vary depending on the graduates' skills, talent, and experience.

Read More: BDS Salary and Placements

Career Options After BDS

After completing the BDS course in India and abroad, many job opportunities are opened for the graduates with a decent salary figure and additional benefits like incentives and bonuses in the public and private sectors of various reputed organizations operating in India and abroad.

Top BDS Companies

Some of the very best career options for the graduates after the course of BDS in the government sector are as follows:

  • Oral Pathologist
  • Dentist
  • Dental Surgeon
  • Health Advisor
  • Lecturer

Some of the very best BDS careers in the private sector are:

  • Dental Health Consultant
  • Medical Writer
  • Medical Coder
  • Dental hygienist

Read More: Courses and Career Options After BDS

Skills That Make You The Best BDS Graduate

BDS graduates must possess specific skills in their course curriculum, which is essential for performing better in the interview and grabbing a better job with a decent salary package. Some of the skills required for BDS graduates are as follows:

  • Thinking and Reasoning skills
  • Customer Service Skills
  • Verbal Communication skills
  • Problem Solving Skills
  • Interpersonal Skills

Top Dental Entrance Exams

NEET MDS

Exam Date: Mar 01, 2023

Result Date: Mar 10, 2023

BDS Fee Structure

FAQs

Is a BDS course graduate eligible to become a doctor?

Yes, a graduate of the BDS course is eligible to practise dentistry as a certified doctor

Is BDS equivalent to MBBS?

The BDS course is focussed on the dental aspect of human anatomy along with the rehabilitation and treatment of the same. It confers on the graduate the title of Doctor just like MBBS. While it doesn't have the same respect or job opportunities as an MBBS, BDS is better than an MBBS without specializations. 

Is BDS a good career option?

Yes, BDS is a very prospective career option with a large number of potential job opportunities in a large number of hospitals, dental clinics and nursing homes

What is the entrance exam required for BDS?

For admission to BDS courses, you must compulsorily appear for the NEET exam. Other exams include KCET, KEAM and AP EAMCET.

What would be the average course fee for BDS?

The average course fee for BDS courses is around INR 50,000 to 2 LPA.

What would be the average initial salary after BDS?

The BDS salary in India ranges from INR 3.05 LPA and some additional benefits such as bonuses and incentives.

What are the eligibility criteria for BDS?

The prospective candidate must have earned a minimum of a 50 percent aggregate in the 10+2 qualifying exam or an equivalent degree from a recognised institution. Physics, Chemistry, and Biology must have been required coursework for their 10+2 grade.

What is BDS all about?

The study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders, and conditions of the oral cavity are covered in the four-year BDS course, which also has a one-year rotational internship. The primary objectives of the course are to instruct and familiarise the students with the dental sciences and procedures.

How many years is the BDS course?

The course duration of Bachelor of Dental Science [BDS] is 5 years.

Is NEET required for BDS?

Yes, for admission to BDS courses, one must compulsorily appear for the NEET exam.

Which is better: BDS or BAMS?

Compared to BAMS, BDS has a wider range of applications. When you first start working in dentistry, you may be paid between INR 15,000 to 25,000 PA, but with time and experience, you may be paid between INR 45,000 to INR 65,000 PA. Unlike BAMS, it boasts a 100% job placement rate.

See Various BDS Colleges in India

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