BDS: Course Details, Eligibility, Admission, Duration, Fees
Duration
5 Years
Average Fees
INR 50K - 4 LPA
Updated on Mar 27, 2023 by 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:
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
Popular Entrance Exams for BDS
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:
| 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 in Mumbai
Mumbai is a host to many BDS colleges. Below is the table with the top colleges offering BDS 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:
| 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:
| 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:
| 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:
| 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:
| 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:
| 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
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:
| 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:
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:
| 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.
| 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:
- MBA in Hospital Management
- MDS in Community Dentistry
- MDS in Pedodontics
- MBA in Public Health
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.
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 BDS [Bachelor of Dental Science] Colleges
Top Dental Entrance Exams
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.
