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BDS Syllabus Overview
BDS is a five-year undergraduate program with four years of academic learning and one year of mandatory internship. After completing the compulsory internship in hospitals and clinics, the Dental Council of India (DCI) allows the students to practice dentistry.
The course has a mix of theory, lab work, and real-world hands-on experience with patients.
In India, for admission to BDS courses, it is mandatory for students to qualify for a 10+2 exam or an equivalent degree with at least 85% from a recognized institute. As of now, NEET-UG is the only entrance exam for admission into BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) programs in India.
There are many colleges in India, ranging from government to private. As of the 2024–25 cycle, there are over 370 dental colleges in India, offering around 30,000 BDS seats in total, including both government (~3,900 seats) and private institutions (~27,000+ seats). After completing the 5-year BDS course, fresh graduates typically earn between INR 3–5 lakh per annum as junior dentists, while those pursuing government service or private clinics with experience may earn more. Many of them start self-practicing and earn a good amount of money, but it's usually dependent on the location and patients.
Many graduates pursue MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) for specialization, while others explore fields like dental teaching, hospital management, clinical research, or cosmetic and digital dentistry. Some also prepare for licensing exams to practice abroad, such as NBDE (USA), ORE (UK), or ADC (Australia).
Also read - NEET MDS Exam 2025
BDS Syllabus Highlights
As stated above, it's a five-year course, with four years of classroom with one year of mandatory internship. Each year ends with university-level annual semester exams, both in theory and practicals. It has a mix of written exams, vivas, practical demonstrations, and internal assessments throughout the year. Most universities follow a minimum pass percentage of 50% in both theory and practicals.
| Particulars | Details |
| Course Duration | 5 Years (4 years academic + 1 year mandatory internship) |
| Exam Format | Annual university exams (theory + practicals), internal assessments, vivas, and practical demonstrations |
| Pass Criteria | Minimum 50% in both theory and practicals (as per most university standards) |
| Teaching Format | - Theory classes for concept clarity - Lab work (wax carving, pre-clinical on models) - Clinical postings (from 3rd year) - Seminars & case discussions - Patient interaction under supervision |
| Core Curriculum | - Basic Sciences: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Microbiology - Dental Subjects: Oral Histology, Periodontology, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, etc. - Radiographic Imaging & Diagnosis - Public Health Dentistry (camps, outreach) |
| Internship (Final Year) | - Duration: 1 year full-time clinical training - Rotations: Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, Pedodontics, etc. - Responsibilities: Assisting in diagnosis, treatment, procedures (fillings, RCTs, extractions, etc.) - Must complete department-wise clinical quotas - Includes rural health camps for practical exposure |
List of Subjects in BDS (Year-Wise Breakdown)
Let's check the semester wise BDS Syllabus in the following table -
BDS Core Subjects (In 3rd & 4th Years)
These are the backbone of clinical dentistry:
BDS Elective Subjects (College-specific / optional)
These are some of the optional subjects in the course syllabus. They are often offered in the final year or during an internship as optional certifications, workshops, or short-term modules -
BDS Specializations
After finishing their Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), many students choose to continue their studies with a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS). This course lets dentists specialise in a specific branch, helping them build different skills and knowledge in that area. Here are a few common specialisations you can choose after BDS:
- Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge - This branch is all about replacing missing or damaged teeth. It includes making complete dentures, fitting crowns and bridges, and working on smile design or aesthetic treatments. Prosthodontists help restore how the teeth look and work, so you can chew, talk, and smile better.
- Periodontology - This specialisation deals with the gums and other structures that support the teeth. Periodontists treat gum diseases and look into the causes behind them, using their understanding of how the mouth’s tissues work. Their job is key to keeping the foundation of the teeth healthy.
- Paediatric Dentistry (Pedodontics) - This field focuses on treating kids, from infants to teenagers. It covers how children's teeth grow, what kind of dental problems they may face, and how to prevent them. Paediatric dentists are trained to work gently with children and make sure they get the right care for their age and needs.
Also read - BDS Salary
Books and Authors Related to BDS
Below are some of the useful and recommended books for the BDS syllabus.
BDS Entrance Exam
To get into any BDS program in India, you must qualify for the NEET-UG exam -
NEET Overview
- Conducted By: NTA (National Testing Agency)
- Subjects Covered: Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Class 11 & 12)
- Type: Objective MCQs
- Time: 3 hours
- Eligibility: 10+2 with PCB and 50% aggregate (40% for reserved categories)
Your NEET score determines the college you’ll get, whether government or private.
BDS Syllabus for Distance Programme
The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program is exclusively offered as a full-time, on-campus course. There is no availability for distance or online learning options for the BDS program. Dentistry involves practical, hands-on training. The Dental Council of India (DCI) does not recognize any distance-learning BDS degree. However, practicing dentists can take online short courses in:
- Aesthetic dentistry
- Oral implantology
- Laser techniques
- Digital smile design
These are not substitutes for a BDS degree.
Top Colleges for BDS
The following is a rating of the best dental schools in India based on reputation and recent NEET cutoffs:
1. In Delhi, the Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences
2. Manipal & Mangalore's Manipal College of Dental Sciences
3. Public Dental Colleges in Bangalore, Chennai, and Mumbai
4. Chennai's Saveetha Dental School
The fifth is Dr. R. Ahmed Dental College in Kolkata.
Sixth, Nair Hospital Dental College in Mumbai
7. Davangere's Bapuji Dental College
Tamil Nadu's Sri Ramachandra Dental College
9. BHU (Varanasi) Dental Sciences Faculty
In Chandigarh, the PGIMER Dental Wing
Also read - Top BDS Colleges In India
