BDS Course 2025, Eligibility, Fee, Duration, and Colleges

BDS Course: BDS is a popular course for students who want to become dentists in India. The full form of BDS is Bachelor of Dental Surgery. It is a professional degree in the field of dental sciences. Students learn how to treat teeth problems and take care of people’s oral health. BDS is the only recognized undergraduate dental course in India by the Dental Council of India.

This course prepares students for a future in hospitals, clinics, and even teaching. Many students choose this course after completing their Class 12 with science subjects. BDS is also a stepping stone for higher studies in dentistry or related fields. It is a respected and rewarding profession.

BDS Course Overview

BDS is a complete course that includes both theory and practical learning. It teaches students about different dental problems and their treatments. The course is designed in a way that helps students gain hands-on experience in dental surgeries and procedures. It also includes working with patients during internships.

Students study subjects like dental anatomy, oral pathology, and surgery. Over the years, BDS has become one of the top career options after Class 12 science. The course not only provides academic knowledge but also helps in developing soft skills like communication, confidence, and patience, which are very important for a dental professional.

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BDS Course After 12th

Many students choose BDS after finishing Class 12 with science. If someone studies Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in 12th grade, they can apply for BDS. After 12th, the first step is to appear in the NEET exam. It is the only entrance test for admission to medical and dental colleges in India.

The NEET score decides if a student gets a seat in a government or private dental college. Based on the rank, students can go for counseling and choose their college. BDS after 12th is a good career option for those who love science and want to serve people through healthcare.

BDS Course Eligibility Criteria

To take admission in the BDS course, students need to follow some rules. These are called eligibility criteria. If students meet these rules, only then they can apply for admission.

• The student must have passed Class 12 or any similar exam from a recognized board.

• They must have at least 50% total marks in Class 12.

• The subjects in Class 12 must include Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

• It is important to clear NEET, which is the entrance exam for all medical and dental courses in India.

• Students who clear NEET must also take part in the counseling process to get a seat.

• There are usually three rounds of counseling in most states

BDS Course Subjects

The BDS course covers a wide range of subjects over the years of study. These subjects help students learn every part of dental science in detail. The course includes both classroom learning and working with real patients.

Some of the important subjects in BDS are:

• Dental Anatomy

• Oral Histology

• Oral Pathology

• General Medicine

• General Surgery

• Conservative Dentistry

• Prosthodontics

• Periodontics

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

• Pedodontics

• Orthodontics

• Public Health Dentistry

These subjects are spread over the years and are taught using lectures, practicals, lab work, and clinical training.

BDS Course Duration

The total duration of the BDS course in India is 5 years. This includes:

• 4 Years of Academic Study: In these years, students attend lectures, lab sessions, and exams.

• 1 Year of Internship: This is compulsory. During this year, students work under expert dentists and treat patients.

Top Colleges for BDS Courses in India

Numerous eminent institutions in India offer candidates seats in BDS Courses . Every college has a separate set of BDS cut offs based on NEET UG scores. Here are a few of the best universities that grant admission to BDS Courses .

BDS Course Admission Process 

NEET is the only dental entrance exam. Only NEET scores will be used to determine admission to the BDS Course . Aspirants must pass NEET before starting BDS Course . The NEET application form must be completed before receiving an admit card, sitting for the test, receiving the results, and receiving counselling.

• Candidates must submit the NEET BDS Course application form and the appropriate payment by the deadlines.
• The admit card for a BDS Course degree will be given to registered candidates and must be brought to the exam location for verification.
• The BDS results will be made available online on a scorecard.
• Candidates can access the BDS result-cum-scorecard by logging in with the required credentials.
• Only those candidates who meet the BDS Course cutoff will be considered qualified and eligible for the counselling process.
• Qualified applicants must register and participate in counselling to be admitted to BDS within the deadlines.

BDS Course Fee

The fee for the BDS course depends on the type of college. Government colleges have lower fees, while private colleges charge more.

BDS Course Fees in Government College

Government colleges offer BDS at a much lower cost. The goal is to make dental education available to students from all backgrounds. In most government dental colleges in India, the yearly fee is between ₹5,000 to ₹20,000.

 This means the total 5-year course fee can be around ₹25,000 to ₹1,00,000. This fee includes tuition, registration, and lab charges. Hostel and food charges are separate and optional.

BDS Course Fees in Private College

Private colleges have more modern infrastructure and may charge a higher fee. The yearly fee in a private BDS college is usually between ₹1,00,000 to ₹3,00,000, and sometimes even more. The full 5-year course may cost ₹5,00,000 to ₹15,00,000 or more. The fees also depend on the reputation, location, and ranking of the college.

Apart from tuition fees, private colleges may have separate charges for hostel, exams, clinical tools, and insurance. Students should check the full fee structure before taking admission.

Top Institutes Offering BDS Courses Abroad

BDS Future Scope and Career 

Students who pursue a BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) degree have excellent employment options. BDS graduates help people with oral health by providing necessary dental treatment. The BDS, or Bachelor of Dental Surgery, degree offers a solid career with various prospects in both the public and commercial sectors. Graduates of the BDS Course can also work at medical colleges as professors or lecturers. BDS graduates with the necessary accreditation administer anaesthetic to relax the patient and prevent severe pain during the tooth extraction. Graduates of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery program frequently get to work in dental offices and complete all of these duties. They can work full-time in a hospital or run their dental practices. BDS graduates have many job options, including those as dental technicians, prosthodontists, dental hygienists, dental consultants, and many more. The career options available for BDS graduates include the following job profiles:

1. Dentist
2. Dental Surgeon
3. Endodontist
4. Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologist
5. Oral Surgeon
6. Orthodontist
7. Pedodontist
8. Periodontist
9. Prosthodontist

BDS aspirants can explore employment opportunities in various sectors, such as:

1. Dental Clinics
2. Hospitals
3. Educational Institutions
4. Pharmaceutical Companies
5. Dental Product Manufacturers
6. Private Practice

These diverse job profiles and sectors offer many opportunities for BDS graduates to build their careers and contribute to dentistry.

BDS Salary and Job Profiles

After completing their BDS degree, students can pursue various job profiles within dentistry. These positions include dentist, dental surgeon, dental scientist, lecturer, oral pathologist, and dental hygienist. Graduates with a BDS degree are highly sought after by international companies as well. In India, the average salary for BDS graduates typically ranges from Rs 15,000 to 30,000. However, this salary can vary based on the specific job profile and level of responsibility. Pursuing higher education, such as an MDS or other advanced degrees, can significantly increase their earning potential. The table above provides an overview of some job profiles in the field of dentistry, along with their respective average salaries:

Difference Between BDS and MBBS

The BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) course and the MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) course are two distinct educational pathways leading to different healthcare professions. While both courses are focused on healthcare, they differ in their areas of specialization, curriculum, and career outcomes. Here are the differences between the BDS Course and MBBS Course:

BDS Course Syllabus