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    MBBS vs BDS - Which is better Career Option BDS or MBBS

    MBBS vs BDS - Which is better Career Option BDS or MBBS

    Manisha TiwariUpdated on 14 Aug 2025, 10:17 AM IST

    Aspirants passing their Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB) in their boards, and wishing to pursue medical courses after class 12 are often confused about opting for the best course between the MBBS and BDS. Choosing between MBBS and BDS is an important decision for students aspiring to enter the medical field. Both degrees offer rewarding career opportunities in healthcare but differ in their areas of expertise, career scope and responsibilities. Read the full article to know which is a better career option among MBBS and BDS.

    This Story also Contains

    1. MBBS vs BDS - Full form
    2. Difference between MBBS and BDS - Admission process
    3. MBBS vs BDS - Syllabus
    4. BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) Syllabus
    5. MBBS vs BDS - Top 10 colleges
    6. BDS is equal to MBBS - Career opportunities
    7. Career after BDS
    8. BDS vs MBBS Salary
    MBBS vs BDS - Which is better Career Option BDS or MBBS
    MBBS vs BDS - Which is better Career Option BDS or MBBS

    While MBBS focuses on diagnosing and treating a wide range of diseases, preparing students for roles as doctors or surgeons, BDS specializes in oral health, teaching students to become dentists. Understanding the key differences between these two courses is essential for making an informed career choice that aligns with one’s interests and long-term goals. MBBS is the most sought-after courses therefore, most aspirants thinking of becoming a doctor end up opting for the MBBS course but BDS is also the best alternative.

    Both the MBBS and BDS courses have their own advantages, so aspirants must know the details about the course before taking the admission. In order to know the details about the aspect of the courses, aspirants can go through the article on MBBS vs BDS to know the major difference between the courses.

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    MBBS vs BDS - Full form

    MBBS is commonly abbreviated as Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Medicine. MBBS originated from its Latin name, Medicinae Baccalaureus, Baccalaureus Chirurgiae. In India, MBBS is the predominant medical undergraduate course and one of the most sought routes for becoming a doctor of modern medicine in the country.

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    BDS is commonly abbreviated as a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. In order to pursue dentistry after class 12th, BDS is the most designated degree courses in India. After completion of the course, dental graduates take care of the oral hygiene of patients.

    MBBS vs BDS - Which is better

    In India, the MBBS course is the most demanding and most sought undergraduate medical course among Class 12 Science (PCB) students. To become a doctor in India, aspirants have to qualify for the NEET exam. MBBS is the only certified course to become a modern medicine doctor. Admission in MBBS course is granted in the medical colleges of India recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC).

    In the health sector after MBBS, one of the most desirable courses is a Bachelor of Dental Surgery, also known as, BDS. Candidates who wish to groom their careers in the dentistry course after 12th need to opt for the BDS course in their Undergraduate. The curriculum of BDS is being regulated by the Dental Council of India.

    Which is better BDS or MBBS - Course duration

    MBBS is an undergraduate medical degree for aspirants seeking to become doctors. The MBBS course duration is 5.5 years out of which four and a half years are theory-based and one year of mandatory internship. During the MBBS internship duration, aspirants are required to participate in various hospital wards training. During this period aspirants can have the real-time experience of their theoretical knowledge.

    BDS is an undergraduate course awarded after five years of duration. Out of the five years of BDS degree duration, four years are for theory and one year is for a rotatory internship.

    Difference between MBBS and BDS - Admission process

    For BDS or MBBS admission in India, students have to qualify 12th with Physics, Chemistry & Biology by scoring a minimum of 50% aggregate marks for General whereas it is 40% in the case of reserved category.

    National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a single entrance test conducted for granting admission to over 1 lakh MBBS, 26,868 BDS, and other undergraduate medical seats offered by 706 medical, 313 dental, and various other colleges in India. Admission to both MBBS and BDS courses is granted on the basis of NEET scores. To secure a seat in the medical or dental colleges in India, candidates have to participate in the NEET counselling process which is conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee.

    MBBS vs BDS - Syllabus

    Aspirants can go through the below-mentioned syllabus for both the MBBS and BDS.

    Specialty wise MBBS syllabus

    Phase

    Subject

    Topics

    Pre-Clinical

    Anatomy

    Gross anatomy, Microanatomy, Embryology, and Genetics, Neuroanatomy

    Biochemistry

    Biological cell, Biomolecules, Enzymes, Metabolic pathways, their regulation, and metabolic interrelationships, Food assimilation, and nutrition, Hormones, Molecular Biology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Environmental biochemistry, cancer and cancer makers

    Physiology

    General Physiology, Nerve–Muscle, Blood, Respiratory System, Cardiovascular System, Gastrointestinal System, Nutrition, Environmental Physiology, Reproduction, Kidney, Neurophysiology, Yoga

    Para-clinical

    Forensic Medicine & Toxicology

    Forensic Medicine, Toxicology

    Microbiology

    Microbiology, Bacteriology, Bacterial Staining and Cultivation, Common Tests for Bacterial identification, parasitology, Virology, Laboratory Diagnosis of Viral Infection, Mycology, Common Laboratory Methods for Diagnosis of Fungal Infections, Collection of Transport of Samples, Host-Parasite relationship, Bacterial, and Viral Genetics, Immunity to infection, Immunodiagnosis, Vaccines, Sterilisation and disinfection, Bacteriology of water and air, Microorganisms associated with gastrointestinal infections, Gastrointestinal infections caused by parasites

    Pathology

    General Pathology, Systemic Pathology, Practical

    Pharmacology

    General Pharmacology, Autonomic nervous system & Peripheral nervous system, Central nervous system, Autacoids, Cardiovascular system, Gastrointestinal and respiratory system, Hormones, Chemotherapy, Miscellaneous

    Clinical

    Anesthesiology

    Preoperative evaluation & optimization, Skills I/V, Cannulation, Oropharyngeal/Nasopharyngeal Airway insertion, Bag-Mask Ventilation, Attaching pulse oximeter, BP cuff, and ECG electrodes and setting up a monitor

    Community Medicine

    Behavioral Sciences, Health Education, Environment, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Nutrition, Maternal & Child Health, Rehabilitation, Epidemiology of Communicable Diseases And Non-communicable Diseases, Important National Health Programmes, Occupational Health, Health Administration, Health Economics, Geriatrics, Counselling

    Dermatology and Venereology

    Ineffective dermatoses, Infective dermatoses, Infestations, Melanin synthesis, Allergic disorders, Drug eruptions, urticaria, erythema multiforme, Vesiculo-bullous diseases, Epidermopoiesis, Psoriasis, Pathogenesis, Syphilis, Gonococcal and Nongonococcal infections, HIV infection, Dermatological Emergencies

    Medicine

    Clinical Pharmacology, Nutritional and metabolic disorders, Water, electrolyte and acid-base imbalance, Critical care Medicine, Pain management and palliative care, Medical Psychiatry, Poisonings, Specific environmental and occupational hazards, Immune response and Infections, Cardiovascular system

    Obstetrics & Gynaecology

    Basic Sciences, Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Contraception, Neonatology and Recent Advances

    Ophthalmology

    Microbiology in relation to eye, Pathology in relation to eye, Pharmacology in relation to eye, Disorders of the Lid, Disorders of the Lacrimal Apparatus, Conjunctivitis & Ophthalmia Neonatorum, Trachoma & Another chronic conjunctivitis, Keratitis and corneal ulcers, Corneal ulcer, Scleritis & Episcleritis

    Orthopedics

    Pediatric orthopedics, Orthopaedic Oncology, Management of Trauma, Sports Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Orthopedic Neurology, Disorders of Spine, Radiology, Fracture

    Otorhinolaryngology

    Oral cavity and oropharynx, Ear, Instruments, Operative Procedures, X-ray

    Pediatrics

    Vital statistics, Growth and development, Nutrition, Immunization, Infectious diseases, Hematology, Respiratory system, Gastro-Intestinal Tract, Central Nervous System, Cardiovascular system, Genito-Urinary System, Neonatology, Pediatrics Emergencies, Fluid-Electrolyte, Genetics, Behavioral Problems, Pediatrics Surgical Problems, Therapeutics

    Psychiatry

    Behavioural Sciences, Emotion and its application to health, Cognitive process and memory, psychiatric disorders, personality disorders, Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorders, Depression, Anxiety neurosis, phobia, and OCD

    Surgery

    Skin, Head and Neck region, Arteries, Veins, Breast, Oesophagus, Stomach and duodenum, Small intestine, Colon and rectum, Appendix, Acute abdomen, Urology

    BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) Syllabus

    First Year of BDS

    • General Human Anatomy including Embryology and Histology

    • General Human Physiology and Biochemistry, Nutrition and Dietetics

    • Dental Anatomy Embryology and Oral Histology

    • Dental Materials

    • Pre-clinical Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge

    Second Year of BDS

    • General Pathology and Microbiology

    • General and Dental Pharmacology and Therapeutics

    • Dental Materials

    • Preclinical Conservative Dentistry

    • Pre-clinical Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge

    • Oral Pathology & Oral Microbiology

    Third Year of BDS

    • General Medicine

    • General Surgery

    • Oral Pathology and Oral Microbiology

    • Conservative dentistry and Endodontics

    • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

    • Oral Medicine and Radiology

    • Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics

    • Paediatric & Preventive Dentistry

    • Periodontology

    • Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge

    Fourth Year of BDS

    • Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics

    • Oral Medicine & Radiology

    • Paediatric & Preventive Dentistry

    • Periodontology

    • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

    • Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge

    • Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics

    • Public Health Dentistry

    NEET Syllabus: Subjects & Chapters
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    BDS is equal to MBBS - Career opportunities

    Aspirants can go through the below-mentioned careers opportunity after pursuing the MBBS and BDS course.

    Career after MBBS

    Candidates after completing their MBBS degree successfully wishing to get jobs in reputed companies across the nation and globe should know the career opportunities after MBBS. There are a lot of job opportunities for deserving and qualified aspirants in the private and government sectors. Everyone has the opportunity to grab the below-mentioned jobs.

    • Doctors

    • Junior Doctors

    • Physicians

    • Junior Surgeons

    • Medical Professors or Lecturers

    • Researcher

    • Scientists

    Career after BDS

    There are plenty of job options available for the BDS graduate. Aspirants after successful completion of a BDS degree can work in both the private and government sector of the country. Aspirants can go through the below-mentioned opportunity after completing the BDS.

    • Set up a private practice

    • Consultant

    • Teaching

    • Oral consultant

    BDS vs MBBS Salary

    the salary of MBBS and BDS graduates depend on several factors. The candidate's dedication, company, experinec and many others decide the salary packages. Below, we have mentioned the salary of MBBS and BDS graduates:

    Salary after MBBS degree

    Job Profiles

    Average Salary

    Doctor

    Rs. 5.4 LPA

    Medical Officer

    Rs. 5.2 LPA

    Surgeon

    Rs. 10.8 LPA

    General Physician

    Rs. 7.2 LPA

    Paediatrician

    Rs. 8 LPA

    Salary after BDS degree

    Job Profiles

    Average Salary

    Dentist

    Rs. 3 LPA

    Lecturer

    Rs. 6 LPA

    Also read

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Q: Why is comparing MBBS vs BDS necessary?
    A:

    Comparing MBBS and BDS is essential for students deciding between careers in general medicine and dentistry. Both fields offer promising opportunities, but they differ in scope, duration, career prospects, and specialization options.

    Q: Is it necessary to clear NEET for both MBBS and BDS?
    A:

    Yes, only NEET qualified candidates is considered for admission to the BDS course and MBBS course. Please note that the qualifying percentile and marks are different for different categories.

    Q: Who regulates MBBS and BDS education in India?
    A:

    The National Medical Commission (NMC) regulates the MBBS education, whereas the curriculum of BDS is being regulated by the Dental Council of India.

    Q: How many marks are required in NEET for MBBS and BDS admission?
    A:

    The cutoff marks depend on various factors like the category of the candidate, sanctioned seats, the performance of candidates in the exam. Also, the cutoff varies from one year to another.

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    Questions related to NEET

    On Question asked by student community

    Have a question related to NEET ?

    Hi! To score good marks in NEET, it is best to practice with NEET previous years’ question papers. This helps in improving time management and also allows you to understand question trends. You can download NEET previous years’ question papers from the link provided below.
    Link NEET previous years’ question

    To get admission at AIIMS, candidates need to score over 620 marks for the SC category. The detailed information can be checked here.
    NEET Cut off for AIIMS

    For BC-D (backward class), a score of over 500 marks in NEET is considered a good score. While scoring around over 400 marks in NEET, candidates can get admission in private medical colleges.

    Hi, NEET UG is not mandatory for paramedical admissions in the 2026–27 session. Earlier, the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions had announced NEET UG as a mandatory exam for admission to paramedical courses. However, later, the commission issued an official notification stating that NEET 2026 is not required