Overview
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) Course Overview
The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is an undergraduate programme that prepares students for professional practice in dentistry. It develops knowledge and clinical skills in diagnosing, preventing, and treating conditions affecting the teeth, gums, and mouth.
The programme comprises four years of academic study followed by a one-year compulsory internship. It includes classroom lectures, laboratory sessions, and supervised clinical training. BDS requires in-person study and is not offered through distance or fully online learning.
BDS admission is conducted through NEET UG, followed by the applicable counselling process. Eligibility generally requires Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Biotechnology, and English, along with the prescribed minimum marks. Qualifying marks and applicable relaxations depend on the candidate’s category and admission rules.
The BDS syllabus includes Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Public Health Dentistry, Prosthodontics, Orthodontics, and Paediatric Dentistry, alongside foundational medical and dental subjects.
Indicative annual BDS fees range from INR 80,000 to INR 5 lakh, although costs can differ considerably across institutions. Applicants should check tuition, hostel, equipment, and other charges before applying.
Institutions to explore include IMS BHU, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, King George’s Medical University, and government dental colleges. Admission depends on entrance performance, counselling, seat availability, and applicable eligibility requirements.
Graduates can explore opportunities in dental clinics, hospitals, public healthcare services, and research. Government and defence dental appointments involve separate recruitment requirements, while teaching and specialised roles may require postgraduate qualifications.
Indicative annual salaries after BDS range from INR 2–12 LPA, depending on experience, employer, location, and specialisation. Earnings from private practice also depend on patient demand and operating expenses.
Eligibility
BDS Course Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the BDS course have been mentioned below:
- All candidates must have completed their 10+2 or its equivalent from a recognised board.
- All candidates must have the following as their core subjects in their 10+2: Chemistry, Biology & Physics.
- All candidates must secure a minimum of 50% aggregate (for General category students) and 40% (for reserved category students) in their qualifying examination.
- The lower age limit for candidates to be eligible for BDS course admission is 17 years, whereas, the upper age limit for the same is 25 years.