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Medical · Undergraduate

BDS: admission 2026, eligibility, entrance exam and counselling

Reviewed by Jayush Patle, Counsellor, Insight Mentors · Updated October 2026
Duration
5 years incl. 1-year internship
Entrance exam
NEET UG
Eligibility
12th with Physics, Chemistry & Biology
Counselling
All-India quota · State quota
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What is BDS?

BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) is the degree for becoming a dentist. It has four years of study followed by a one-year compulsory internship.

Like MBBS, BDS seats are filled through NEET UG: All-India quota seats through MCC counselling and Maharashtra state quota seats through the State CET Cell.

BDS key facts
Full formBachelor of Dental Surgery
LevelUndergraduate, after 12th (Science with Biology).
Duration5 years incl. 1-year internship
Entrance examNEET UG
AdmissionNEET UG → MCC counselling (All-India quota) · State CET Cell counselling (Maharashtra state quota)

Eligibility

Academic
  • 12th with Physics, Chemistry, Biology / Biotechnology and English
  • Minimum marks as set by the Dental Council of India (lower for reserved categories)
Entrance
  • Qualify NEET UG
  • Maharashtra state quota needs Maharashtra domicile documents as per the year’s rules

Admission process after NEET UG

  1. 01Appear for NEET UGYour NEET score and All-India rank decide every seat.
  2. 02Register for counsellingMCC for All-India quota seats, the State CET Cell for Maharashtra state quota. You can register for both.
  3. 03Document verificationCategory, domicile and other certificates are checked.
  4. 04Choice fillingThe list of BDS colleges you fill decides your seat. We fill it with you.
  5. 05Counselling roundsSeats are allotted round by round.
  6. 06Accept or upgradeKeep the seat or try for a better one in the next round.
  7. 07Report to collegePay fees and confirm admission.

BDS colleges

We’re adding BDS colleges. Talk to a counsellor

College lists, fees and cutoffs for medical courses are coming to this site. Our counsellors already guide BDS admissions: which colleges fit your score, how to fill the choice-filling form and what to do in each round.

Request a call back Call 90221 57563

After BDS

Practise as a dentistOwn clinic, multi-speciality dental clinics or hospitals.
MDSPostgraduate specialisation through NEET MDS.
Government serviceDental surgeon posts in government hospitals and the armed forces.

FAQs

Is NEET UG needed for BDS?

Yes. BDS admission across India is through NEET UG.

How long is BDS?

Five years: four years of study plus a one-year compulsory internship.

Is counselling for BDS separate from MBBS?

No. MBBS and BDS seats are offered in the same NEET counselling; you choose dental colleges in the same choice-filling form.