BDS Admission 2024–2025 | Lowest Fees Enquiry Now: 8860031900.

7 min readSep 19, 2024

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is a highly regarded undergraduate program for students aiming to pursue a career in dentistry. As the healthcare sector expands rapidly, dentistry plays a crucial role in improving oral health and overall well-being. The BDS program spans five years, including four years of academic learning and one year of compulsory internship. The course is recognized by the Dental Council of India (DCI) and is offered by various government and private institutions across India.

For Admission Enquiry Now: 8860031900.

For students aspiring to secure a seat in the BDS admission 2024–25 process is set to be highly competitive. The foundation of the admission process lies in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), a nationwide entrance exam for undergraduate medical and dental courses. This blog aims to provide an in-depth guide to BDS admission for the academic year 2024–2025, covering essential aspects such as eligibility criteria, the application process, the role of NEET, counseling, top colleges, fee structures, career prospects, and more.

1. Overview of BDS Course

BDS is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with knowledge and skills related to dental science. The curriculum covers subjects like oral anatomy, dental materials, prosthodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, and oral pathology. The program also includes practical experience and internships that enable students to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.

Key Highlights:

Duration: 5 years (4 years of academic study + 1 year of internship)
Recognizing Body: Dental Council of India (DCI)
Eligibility Test: NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)
Core Subjects: Anatomy, Physiology, Oral Medicine, Surgery, Dental Materials, and more

2. Eligibility Criteria for BDS Admission 2024–2025

Before applying for BDS, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility requirements outlined by the respective regulatory bodies. The eligibility criteria for the BDS program for the 2024–2025 academic year are as follows:

a. Educational Qualification:

The candidate must have passed their 10+2 examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as mandatory subjects.
A minimum of 50% marks in aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology is required for candidates in the General category. For SC/ST/OBC candidates, the requirement is relaxed to 40%.

b. NEET-UG Qualification:

The candidate must qualify for the NEET-UG examination, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). NEET is a mandatory entrance exam for all dental and medical programs in India.

c. Age Limit:

The candidate should have completed 17 years of age by December 31, 2024. The upper age limit for NEET candidates is yet to be confirmed, but it is generally 25 years for the General category and 30 years for reserved categories.

d. Nationality:

Indian citizens, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), and Non-Resident Indians (NRI) are eligible to apply for the BDS course.

3. NEET 2024: Gateway to BDS Admission

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a pivotal step in the BDS admission process. NEET 2024 will be conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in May, and it is the only entrance examination that determines eligibility for admission to dental colleges across India.

Key Features of NEET 2024:

Syllabus: NEET is based on the 10+2 curriculum, primarily covering Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The exam tests students’ knowledge in these subjects, along with their aptitude for medical and dental sciences.
Question Format: NEET consists of 200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), with 50 questions each from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (divided into Botany and Zoology).
Marking Scheme: Each correct answer awards 4 marks, while each incorrect answer results in a deduction of 1 mark.
Score Validity: NEET scores are valid for one academic year and are used for both MBBS and BDS admissions.

To secure a seat in a BDS program, candidates must achieve the minimum qualifying percentile in NEET:

General Category: 50th percentile
SC/ST/OBC Categories: 40th percentile
Physically Handicapped (General): 45th percentile

4. Application Process for BDS Admission 2024–2025

The BDS admission process for 2024–2025 involves several steps, from NEET registration to counseling and seat allotment. Below is a step-by-step guide to the entire application process:

Step 1: NEET Registration

Candidates must register for the NEET-UG 2024 exam by filling out the online application form available on the official NTA website (https://neet.nta.nic.in). The registration window typically opens in January and closes by March.
The application form requires details such as personal information, academic qualifications, and scanned copies of the candidate’s photograph and signature.
The registration fee for NEET is generally ₹1600 for General category candidates, ₹1500 for OBC/EWS candidates, and ₹900 for SC/ST/PwD candidates.

Step 2: NEET-UG 2024 Examination

The NEET-UG exam is expected to be conducted in May 2024 across multiple centers in India. Candidates must download their admit cards from the NTA website and appear for the exam at the designated center.

Step 3: NEET Result Declaration

NEET results are typically announced in June. After the results are declared, the NTA will release an All-India Rank (AIR) and scorecard for each candidate, which will determine their eligibility for BDS admission.

Step 4: Counseling and Seat Allotment

After the NEET results are declared, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) will conduct the counseling process for the All India Quota (AIQ) seats. State counseling authorities will handle the counseling for state quota and private college seats.
Candidates must register for counseling on the respective state or central portals and submit their college preferences.
Seat allotment is based on the candidate’s NEET score, rank, and preference of colleges.

Step 5: Document Verification

After seat allotment, candidates must report to the allotted college for document verification. The required documents typically include:
NEET Admit Card and Scorecard
Class 10th and 12th Mark Sheets
Transfer Certificate
Category Certificate (if applicable)
Domicile Certificate (for state quota seats)

Step 6: Fee Submission and Final Admission

Upon successful document verification, candidates must submit the course fee to confirm their admission. After completing all formalities, the candidate can begin their BDS program.

5. Top Colleges Offering BDS in India

India has several prestigious institutions offering BDS courses. These colleges are renowned for their experienced faculty, modern infrastructure, and excellent clinical exposure. Below is a list of some of the top dental colleges in India:

a. Government Dental Colleges:

Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, New Delhi

Known for its excellent faculty and clinical training.
Seats: 50

2. King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow

One of the oldest and most reputed medical universities in India.
Seats:

3. Government Dental College and Hospital, Mumbai

Offers state-of-the-art infrastructure and clinical training.
Seats: 100

4. Postgraduate Institute of Dental Sciences, Rohtak

Known for its academic excellence and research facilities.
Seats: 60

b. Private Dental Colleges:

5. Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal

A premier private institution with world-class facilities.
Seats: 100

6. SRM Dental College, Chennai

One of the top-rated private dental colleges in South India.
Seats: 100

7. Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Davangere

Offers excellent academic and clinical training in dental sciences.
Seats: 100

8. ITS Dental College, Ghaziabad

A well-established private dental college with a modern campus and experienced faculty.
Seats: 100

6. Fee Structure for BDS Admission 2024–2025

The fee structure for BDS courses varies depending on whether the college is government-run or privately funded. Below is an overview of the typical fee structure for BDS in India:

a. Government Colleges:

The fees for BDS courses in government colleges are relatively affordable and can range from ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 per year. These fees are heavily subsidized by the government to make dental education accessible to all.

b. Private Colleges:

The fees for private dental colleges vary significantly, with some institutions charging between ₹2,50,000 and ₹6,00,000 per year. For management quota or NRI seats, the fees can go as high as ₹15,00,000 to ₹20,00,000 per year.

c. Scholarships and Financial Aid:

Several government scholarships are available for students from economically weaker sections or reserved categories. Additionally, private institutions may offer merit-based scholarships to deserving students. Candidates are encouraged to explore these options to reduce the financial burden.

7. Reservation Policy for BDS Admission

India follows a reservation policy for BDS admissions, ensuring that candidates from various social and economically weaker backgrounds have access to dental education. The reservation criteria are generally as follows:

Scheduled Castes (SC): 15%
Scheduled Tribes (ST): 7.5%
Other Backward Classes (OBC): 27%
Economically Weaker Sections (EWS): 10%
Persons with Disabilities (PwD): 5%

Additionally, some states may have specific reservation policies for local candidates or special categories, such as wards of defense personnel.

8. Career Opportunities After BDS

A BDS degree opens up a wide array of career opportunities. After completing their BDS, graduates can either start practicing as dentists or pursue further studies to specialize in specific fields of dentistry.

a. Clinical Practice:

Many BDS graduates opt to start their own private dental practice or join dental clinics and hospitals. Clinical practice is a rewarding career, with ample opportunities for growth and specialization.

b. Postgraduate Studies (MDS):

Graduates looking to specialize further can pursue a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS). Specializations include orthodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, oral surgery, and pediatric dentistry.

c. Government Jobs:

BDS graduates can apply for government jobs in public hospitals, defense services, or primary health centers. The government sector offers job security and attractive perks.

d. Teaching and Research:

Graduates can also pursue a career in academia by becoming lecturers or professors at dental colleges. Research in dental sciences is another growing field with opportunities in academic institutions and healthcare organizations.

e. Corporate Jobs:

With the growth of the healthcare industry, corporate dental chains are expanding across India. BDS graduates can work as consultants or managers in such corporate setups.

9. Conclusion

The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is a gateway to a rewarding and fulfilling career in the healthcare sector. The admission process for BDS in 2024–2025 is highly competitive, with NEET-UG playing a central role in determining eligibility. By understanding the admission criteria, preparing thoroughly for NEET, and being aware of the available college options, candidates can secure a place in one of India’s esteemed dental institutions. With the right education, dedication, and practical experience, BDS graduates can look forward to a successful career in dentistry.