BDS Admission 2026: Fees, Entrance Exam, Dates, Eligibility, Selection Process

BDS admission 2026

NEET UG is conducted for 28,088 BDS seats available in more than 320 government, private, and deemed universities. The medical entrance test is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) once a year. Admission to BDS course is done through All India Quota and state quota seats. Soon after the announcement of NEET results, the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) conducts NEET UG counselling and grants BDS admission to 15% All India Quota seats in government and private institutions. BDS admission to 85% state quota seats is granted by the counselling authorities of the respective states.

BDS Highlights

BDS course duration

The BDS course duration typically spans over a period of 5 years which is divided into four years of theory and one year of rotatory internship. During the course, a rigorous curriculum including theoretical and practical aspects of dental care are provided. Students undergo comprehensive training in various aspects of dentistry and cover subjects such as human anatomy, physiology and get aware about the latest dental treatment techniques. After completion of BDS course, the successful graduates become qualified dental professionals and practice as licensed dentists to maintain the oral health of patients.

BDS admission 2026 - Eligibility criteria

Aspirants need to have the eligibility criteria set by the National Medical Commission (NMC) to pursue the BDS course. Check the BDS admission eligibility criteria below.

Educational qualification: Candidates must have passed 10+2 from a recognised board with Physics, Chemistry, Biology as core subjects.

Marks required: To get BDS admission, aspirants must score a minimum of 50% for unreserved candidates in Class 12 and 40% for SC, ST, and OBC category candidates.

Minimum age: An applicant must be 17 years of age at the time of BDS admission.

BDS admission in India

In order to pursue BDS course in India, it is mandatory for candidates to qualify NEET UG exam. The aspirants are shortlisted for BDS admission on the basis of marks scored in NEET exam. Check the BDS decision procedure below.

Top entrance exams for BDS course

As mentioned above, the NEET UG is required for admission to BDS programme in India. The NEET is conducted by NTA once a year. Students who have passed or appearing for Class 12 can appear in the test. The conducting authority prescribes NEET exam syllabus for all interested candidates who wish to get BDS admission in government and private colleges. Aspirants must be aware of the NEET exam pattern which is released by the NTA. As per the exam pattern, a total of 200 MCQs are asked for BDS admission. Candidates need to attempt only 180 questions in three sections - Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The total time offered to NEET aspirants is 3 hours and 20 minutes.

To qualify the exam, candidates need to secure the NEET qualifying marks. The candidates who score the NEET cutoff as specified by the NTA are eligible for the counselling process. During the process, the candidates are required to register, pay the fee and fill up their preferences of courses and colleges from the list they wish to study within the stipulated time and date. The selected candidates will have to report to the allotted colleges along with the original documents to confirm their BDS admission.

NEET 2026 cut off for government colleges
NEET Cut off for MBBS
MBBS admission 2026

Documents required for MBBS admission

• NEET Admit Card

• NEET Scorecard or Rank Letter

• Class 10 certificate and mark sheet (for date of birth)

• Class 12 certificate and mark sheet

• ID proof (Aadhar/PAN Card/Driving License/Passport)

• Eight passport size photographs

• Provisional Allotment Letter

• Caste Certificate (if applicable)

• PwD Certificate (if applicable)

Is BDS possible without NEET?

BDS is a prestigious course which equips dental students with the knowledge and skills in order to provide best oral healthcare to the community. NEET UG is mandatory for admission to BDS and MBBS course in India. NEET remains the primary route for the students to opt for BDS admission. Meanwhile, without NEET, it is not possible to pursue BDS in India.

BDS admission - List of Dental colleges

Candidates who qualify NEET UG and secure the required percentile in the exam can get admission in the below given colleges. Check below the list of colleges that offer BDS admission.