BDS in India (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) is one of the most popular medical courses after MBBS. It is a professional undergraduate program designed to train students in dental science, oral healthcare, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental diseases. With a growing demand for dental professionals, studying BDS in India offers excellent academic quality, strong clinical exposure, and wide career opportunities.
BDS Course Details
The BDS course in India focuses on both theoretical knowledge and practical clinical skills. Students are trained using modern dental equipment and are exposed to real patients during clinical postings. The curriculum is regulated by the Dental Council of India (DCI), ensuring standardized education across all colleges.
BDS in India at a Glance
Particulars
Details
Course Name
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
Course Level
Undergraduate
Course Duration
5 Years
Internship
1 Year (Compulsory)
Eligibility
10+2 with PCB
Entrance Exam
NEET-UG
Teaching Medium
English
Approval
DCI / NMC
BDS Course Duration
The BDS course duration in India is 5 years, structured as:
4 years of academic education
1 year of compulsory rotating internship in dental hospitals and clinics
Why Study BDS in India?
Studying BDS in India offers multiple advantages for students who wish to build a career in dentistry:
Affordable BDS course fees compared to many countries
Strong clinical exposure due to high patient inflow
Availability of BDS in India government colleges
English-medium education
Globally recognized degree
Wide range of private and government colleges
BDS in India Eligibility
BDS Course Eligibility & Admission Criteria
To pursue BDS in India, candidates must fulfill the following:
Minimum age: 17 years
Passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry & Biology
Minimum qualifying marks:
General: 50%
SC/ST/OBC: 40%
Qualification of NEET-UG is mandatory
BDS Admission Process in India
Step-by-Step BDS Admission
Register and appear for NEET-UG
Secure minimum qualifying score
Participate in All India / State / Private counseling
Seat allotment based on merit
Document verification
Final admission and reporting to college
BDS Exams in India
NEET-UG is the only entrance exam for BDS admission
Conducted once every year
Required for both government and private BDS colleges in India
BDS in India Government Colleges
BDS in India government colleges are highly preferred because of:
Very low BDS in India fees
High-quality education
Experienced faculty
Excellent patient exposure
Strong academic reputation
BDS Course Fees in India
BDS Course Fees Structure
College Type
Approx Fees (Per Year)
Government Colleges
₹10,000 – ₹1,00,000
Private Colleges
₹2 – ₹8 Lakhs
Deemed Universities
₹4 – ₹10 Lakhs
BDS Course Fees in Private College
BDS course fees in private colleges in India tend to be higher than in government institutions due to better infrastructure, modern dental labs, advanced equipment, and additional facilities offered to students. Private dental colleges attract many aspirants who may not secure seats in government colleges but still want quality education and strong clinical exposure.
Here’s an overview of BDS in India private college fees:
Approximate Fee Structure (Per Year)
Tuition Fees: ₹2,00,000 – ₹8,00,000
Library & Lab Charges: ₹20,000 – ₹80,000
Hostel & Mess (Optional): ₹80,000 – ₹2,00,000 annually (varies by city and facility)
The BDS course syllabus in India is divided year-wise and focuses on pre-clinical and clinical subjects.
Major Subjects Include:
General Anatomy
Dental Anatomy & Histology
Oral Pathology
Oral Medicine & Radiology
Prosthodontics
Orthodontics
Periodontology
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Community Dentistry
Teaching Methodology for BDS in India
Classroom lectures
Pre-clinical laboratory training
Clinical case discussions
Hands-on patient treatment
Internship-based learning
What’s Trending on BDS?
Modern trends shaping dentistry include:
Digital dentistry
Cosmetic & aesthetic dentistry
Dental implants
Laser dentistry
AI-based dental diagnostics
BDS Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary & Top Recruiters
Career Options After BDS
Dental Surgeon
Government Dentist
Private Dental Practitioner
Hospital Dentist
Dental Lecturer
Specialist (after MDS)
Salary After BDS
Freshers: ₹20,000 – ₹40,000 per month
Experienced Dentists: ₹60,000 – ₹1,50,000+ per month
Top Recruiters
Government hospitals
Private dental clinics
Dental hospital chains
Educational institutions
Course Cutoffs
Government BDS colleges have higher NEET cutoffs
Private BDS colleges have moderate cutoffs
Cutoffs vary every year based on NEET score and seat availability
Most Popular Courses After BDS
MDS (Master of Dental Surgery)
Dental Implantology
Cosmetic Dentistry
Public Health Dentistry
MBA in Healthcare Management
Final Conclusion
BDS in India is a promising medical career option for students passionate about dentistry. With affordable fees, strong clinical training, and growing demand for dental professionals, BDS offers a stable, respected, and rewarding career path in the healthcare sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) in India is a 5-year course, including 4 years of academic study and 1 year of compulsory internship.
Yes, qualifying NEET-UG is mandatory for admission to BDS in both government and private dental colleges in India.
Students must have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) with at least 50% marks (40% for reserved categories) and must qualify NEET.
Freshers can earn around ₹20,000 – ₹40,000 per month. With experience or private practice, income can increase significantly.
Government colleges: ₹50,000 – ₹1.5 lakh per year
Private colleges: ₹2 lakh – ₹6 lakh per year
Fees vary depending on the college and state.
After BDS, students can:
Start private dental practice
Work in hospitals or clinics
Pursue MDS (Master of Dental Surgery)
Apply for government jobs
Work abroad after clearing required exams
Some top dental colleges include:
Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, Delhi
Manipal College of Dental Sciences
Government Dental College, Mumbai
King George’s Medical University, Lucknow
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) is a 5-year undergraduate dental course in India, including 4 years of academic study and 1 year of compulsory internship. It is regulated by the Dental Council of India.