Pursue MD/MS in USA
Want to study abroad? Plan your Journey
Foreign Dental Screening Test (FDST) is conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) for dental graduates. The exam will be held once a year for Indian and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) to obtain the registration certificate from the Dental Council of India (DCI) or State Dental Council (SDC).
This Story also Contains
As per the latest update, the NBE will conduct FDST for BDS graduates on January 12, 2025. The exam for MDS and PG diploma graduates will be held on Februry 9, 2025. The NBE is expected to release the FDST application form 2024 soon at natboard.edu.in. Along with the application form, the information brochure of FDST will also be released. Eligible candidates will have to submit the FDST forms before the last date.
The authority releases the FDST admit cards for all registered candidates. As per the FDST exam pattern, the screening test is divided into two parts - Paper 1 & Paper 2. Paper 1 contains 100 questions and in Paper 2, a total of 150 questions are asked. One mark is given for every correct answer, while there is no negative marking in case of wrong answers. Soon after the exam, the results will be announced by NBE on the official website.
Full Exam Name | Foreign Dental Screening Test |
Short Exam Name | FDST |
Conducting Body | National Board of Examinations (NBE) |
Frequency of Exam | Once a year |
Exam Level | National Level Exam |
Languages | English |
Mode of Application | Online |
Application Fee | Rs. 11,800 |
Mode of Exam | Online |
Exam Duration | 5 Hours |
Aspirants can check the important dates related to FDST exam 2024 in the below given table. Check the table for FDST 2024 below.
| Events | Dates |
| FDST 2024 exam date for BDS graduates | January 12, 2025 |
| Exam date for MDS and PG Diploma graduates | February 9, 2024 |
| Application form release date | To be announced |
| Admit card release date | To be announced |
| Result | To be announced |
Foreign graduates who wish to appear in FDST exam 2024 must fulfil the eligibility criteria set by the Dental Council of India (DCI). Check the eligibility criteria of FDST 2024 below:
A candidate must be an Indian national or Person of Indian Origin (PIO) or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI).
Aspirants must obtain a primary dental qualification, PG Diploma or Post Graduate dental qualification from any dental institution outside India.
The foreign college or university must be a recognized institution in the respective country.
Candidates must have qualified NEET UG.
Want to study abroad? Plan your Journey
The steps to fill the application form of FDST are as follows:
Candidates need to visit the official DCI website, dciindia.gov.in and download the FDST application form.
The applicants must fill out the necessary details in the application form and relevant documents should be accompanied with it.
Candidates who previously appeared for the screening test but were either unsuccessful or absent also need to submit a fresh application on or before the last date.
All the information provided by the applicants in the application form must be correct.
The fee for the application form is Rs 11,800 (including GST) will be paid through NEFT / IMPS in the DCI account.
Candidates who successfully submit their application form will be informed by the DCI separately.
FDST admit card 2024 (with a recent passport sized colour photograph with white background pasted on it)
A valid identity proof ( PAN Card/Driving License/Voter ID/Passport/Aadhaar Card .
The FDST 2024 exam will be conducted in Delhi NCR only. Candidates will be informed through admit cards regarding the exact venue.
The FDST exam pattern 2024 includes exam duration, type and number of questions, total marks, medium and mode. Aspirants can check the exam pattern of FDST exam below:
Particulars | Details |
Mode of examination | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
Medium of examination | English |
Number of papers | 2 |
Parts of paper | Part 1 & Part 2 |
Duration | 5 Hours |
Total number of questions | 250 (100+150) |
Type of questions | Multiple Choice Questions |
Total marks | 250 |
Marking scheme | Correct Answer: + 1 mark, |
The FDST syllabus comprises of following subjects:
Anatomy
Physiology
Biochemistry
Microbiology
Pathology
Pharmacology
General Medicine
General Surgery
Dental Anatomy & Histology
Dental Materials
Oral Pathology
Oral Microbiology
Oral Medicine
Oral Radiology
Oral Surgery
Periodontics
Orthodontics
Community / Public Health Dentistry
Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry
Prosthodontics Crown & Bridge
Conservative Dentistry & Endodontic
NBE releases the mock test for all candidates before the actual exam for all registered candidates. With the help of FDST demo test, candidates will get familiarise with the Computer Based Test format. The demo test is released 10 days before the exact date of the FDST exam. The registered candidates need to enter their login credentials to take the practice test. The mock test comprises a tutorial section and a sample test paper which allows candidates to know the dental screening test held for BDS, MDS and PG Diploma candidates.
Foreign graduates who wish to obtain a registration certificate and practice dental in India will have to qualify the Foreign Dental Screening Test. Candidates need to revise the syllabus thoroughly to pass the exam. Check the FDST preparations 2024 here.
Make a study schedule: The aspirants must create a solid study schedule and dedicate time each day to complete the FDST syllabus. Allot time for each important topic and make small notes as no one wants to stick at one topic for hours.
Understanding the exam pattern: Familiarise with the FDST exam pattern and know the type and number of questions asked in the screening test. Knowing the exam pattern will help foreign graduates to excel the test with a high score.
Practice mock tests: The NBE provides FDST mock tests to candidates before the actual exam. Candidates must take these demo tests to understand the time frame and improve time management. The mock tests help candidates to identify their weak areas and prioritise them by preparing accordingly.
Know the syllabus: FDST syllabus is important for candidates which guides them to know about the course. With the knowledge of units, chapters, and important topics, it will help them to prepare for the exam and make notes as per their marks distribution.
The FDST admit card is issued to registered candidates only. The aspirants will be informed through SMS and emails and website notice regarding availability of the admit card. The NBE releases the admit card on the official website, nbe.edu,in. Steps to download the admit card of FDST 2024 are as follows:
Visit NBE website, nbe.edu,in
Click on the FDST 2024 exam tab
Click on the admit card link available on the website
Enter candidate login and password
The FDST admit card 2024 will get displayed on the screen
Verify all the details and download the admit card
Take a printout of the same for future reference
The FDST result 2024 will be released on NBE website, nbe.edu,in. The result will be released in PDF form. The FDST results will mention roll numbers of candidates, scores obtained, status (pass or fail). Candidates who scored 50% in each paper individually will be declared qualified for the written test and can appear in the viva-voce examination. The viva-voice exam consists of 50 marks. Candidates need to score at least 50% marks out of the total marks to qualify the exam.
Ranked as India’s #1 Not for profit pvt. University by India Today | Wide Range of scholarships available
Check your expected admission chances in MD/MS/Diploma courses based on your NEET PG Score
Your one-stop NEET PG counseling package with complete hand-holding throughout the admission journey
NAAC A+ Accredited| Ranked #24 in University Category by NIRF | Applications open for multiple UG & PG Programs
Among top 100 Universities Globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026
Amongst top 3% universities globally (QS Rankings) | Wide Range of scholarships available