Careers360 Logo
MBBS vs BDS - Which is better Career Option BDS or MBBS

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

Edited By Manisha Tiwari | Updated on Feb 26, 2025 03:43 PM IST | #NEET
Upcoming Event
NEET  Admit Card Date : 01 May' 2025 - 01 May' 2025

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. MBBS vs BDS - Admission process
  3. MBBS vs BDS - Syllabus
  4. BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) Syllabus
  5. MBBS vs BDS - Top 10 colleges
  6. MBBS vs BDS - 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.

Background wave

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.

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.

Most Scoring concepts for NEET
This ebook serves as a valuable study guide for NEET exams, specifically designed to assist students in light of recent changes and the removal of certain topics from the NEET exam.
Download EBook

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 - Brief about the course

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.

MBBS vs BDS - 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.

MBBS vs 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

MBBS vs BDS - Top 10 colleges

Aspirants can go through the below mentioned top medical and dental colleges of India for MBBS and BDS admission in India.

Top medical (MBBS) colleges in India

Top dental (BDS) colleges in India

MBBS vs BDS - 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)

1. Is it necessary to clear NEET for both MBBS and BDS?

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.

2. How many marks are required in NEET for MBBS and BDS admission?

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.

3. Why is comparing MBBS vs BDS necessary?

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.

4. Who regulates MBBS and BDS education in India?

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

Articles

Certifications By Top Providers

Good Pharmacy Practice Pharmaceutical Services
Via Taipei Medical University, Taipei
Forensic Science DNA Analysis
Via University of Cambridge, Cambridge
Toxicology 21 Scientific Applications
Via Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore
Food laws and Standards
Via Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi
Become a Pharmacy Preceptor
Via Taipei Medical University, Taipei
Coursera
 355 courses
Futurelearn
 310 courses
Edx
 233 courses
Udemy
 191 courses
Swayam
 96 courses

Explore Top Universities Across Globe

University College London, London
 Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT
University of Essex, Colchester
 Wivenhoe Park Colchester CO4 3SQ
University of Nottingham, Nottingham
 University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD
University of Alberta, Edmonton
 116 St. and 85 Ave., Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2R3
University of Wisconsin, Madison
 329 Union South 1308 W. Dayton Street Madison, WI 53715-1149

Questions related to NEET

Have a question related to NEET ?

Hello! The acceptable score for BSc Nursing admission through NEET 2025 depends on the category and the college status. The score range for general category students seeking admission in top government institutions should be 550 to 580 marks while OBC candidates should aim for 530 to 560 marks and respective cutoffs for students from SC and ST categories are 400 to 450 and 350 to 400 respectively. Private colleges may accept 300-400. Yearly cutoff changes result from competition together with seat availability therefore choose higher scores. For more details,

check Careers360

  1. Vedantu – Free PDFs (2015-2024) with solutions. Visit Here (https://www.vedantu.com/neet/neet-previous-year-question-paper)

  2. BYJU'S – Download papers with answer keys. Visit Here (https://byjus.com/neet/neet-question-papers/)

  3. Physics Wallah (PW) – NEET papers (2014-2024) with detailed solutions. Visit Here (https://www.pw.live/neet)

Why Practice?

  • Identify frequently asked questions.

  • Improve Time Management

  • Improve accuracy.

Tip: Regular practice and review of solutions boost your NEET preparation!

ALL THE BEST WITH YOUR PREPARATION!!

Hi tithi,

Yes, you are eligible for appearing neet exam . As for SC category, 40% aggregate marks must  be in PCB(physics, chemistry, biology).

By calculating your percentage you got 48.66 % which covers the eligible criteria.

Hope this helps,

Thank you.

Yes, you are eligible for NEET 2027.

As an SC category student, you need a minimum of 40% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Your total is 48.67%, which meets the requirement.

Hello,

For NEET 2025,focus on high-scoring topics from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology:

Physics:

- Mechanics (Laws of Motion, Work, Energy & Power)

- Electrostatics & Current Electricity

- Optics & Modern Physics

Chemistry:

- Organic Chemistry (General Organic Chemistry, Biomolecules)

- Chemical Bonding & Periodic Table

- Coordination Compounds & Thermodynamics


Biology:

- Human Physiology & Genetics

- Ecology & Evolution

- Cell Biology & Biotechnology


Prioritize NCERT and practice PYQs for better scoring.

Hope this helps you,

Thank you

https://medicine.careers360.com/exams/neet


View All

Column I ( Salivary gland)

 

Column II ( Their location)

Parotids

I

Below tongue

Sub-maxillary / sub-mandibular

Ii

Lower jaw

Sub-linguals

Iii

Cheek

Option: 1

a(i), b(ii) , c(iii)

 


Option: 2

a(ii), b(i), c(iii)

 


Option: 3

a(i), b(iii), c(ii)


Option: 4

a(iii), b(ii), c(i)


Ethyl \; ester \xrightarrow[(excess)]{CH_{3}MgBr} P

the product 'P' will be ,

Option: 1


Option: 2


Option: 3

\left ( C_{2}H_{5} \right )_{3} - C- OH


Option: 4


 

    

           

 Valve name                            

             

Function

    I   Aortic valve     A

Prevents blood from going backward from the pulmonary artery to the right ventricle.

    II   Mitral valve     B

 Prevent blood from flowing backward from the right ventricle to the right atrium.

    III   Pulmonic valve     C

 Prevents backward flow from the aorta into the left ventricle.

    IV   Tricuspid valve     D

 Prevent backward flow from the left ventricle to the left atrium.

 

Option: 1

I – A , II – B, III – C, IV – D


Option: 2

 I – B , II – C , III – A , IV – D


Option: 3

 I – C , II – D , III – A , IV – B


Option: 4

 I – D , II – A , III – B , IV – C 

 

 


Column A Column B
A

a) Organisation of cellular contents and further cell growth.  

B

b) Leads to formation of two daughter cells.

C

c) Cell grows physically and increase volume proteins,organells.

D

d)  synthesis and replication of DNA.

Match the correct option as per the process shown in the diagram. 

 

 

 

Option: 1

1-b,2-a,3-d,4-c
 


Option: 2

1-c,2-b,3-a,4-d


Option: 3

1-a,2-d,3-c,4-b

 


Option: 4

1-c,2-d,3-a,4-b


0.014 Kg of N2 gas at 27 0C is kept in a closed vessel. How much heat is required to double the rms speed of the N2 molecules?

Option: 1

3000 cal


Option: 2

2250 cal


Option: 3

2500 cal


Option: 4

3500 cal


0.16 g of dibasic acid required 25 ml of decinormal NaOH solution for complete neutralisation. The modecular weight of the acid will be

Option: 1

32


Option: 2

64


Option: 3

128


Option: 4

256


0.5 F of electricity is passed through 500 mL of copper sulphate solution. The amount of copper (in g) which can be deposited will be:

Option: 1

31.75


Option: 2

15.8


Option: 3

47.4


Option: 4

63.5


0.5 g of an organic substance was kjeldahlised and the ammonia released was neutralised by 100 ml 0.1 M HCl. Percentage of nitrogen in the compound is

Option: 1

14


Option: 2

42


Option: 3

28


Option: 4

72


0xone is

Option: 1

\mathrm{KO}_{2}


Option: 2

\mathrm{Na}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{2}


Option: 3

\mathrm{Li}_{2} \mathrm{O}


Option: 4

\mathrm{CaO}


(1) A substance  known as "Smack"

(2) Diacetylmorphine

(3) Possessing a white color

(4) Devoid of any odor

(5) Crystal compound with a bitter taste

(6) Obtained by extracting from the latex of the poppy plant

The above statements/information are correct for:

Option: 1

Morphine


Option: 2

Heroin


Option: 3

Cocaine


Option: 4

Barbiturates


Orthotist and Prosthetist

Orthotists and Prosthetists are professionals who provide aid to patients with disabilities. They fix them to artificial limbs (prosthetics) and help them to regain stability. There are times when people lose their limbs in an accident. In some other occasions, they are born without a limb or orthopaedic impairment. Orthotists and prosthetists play a crucial role in their lives with fixing them to assistive devices and provide mobility.

6 Jobs Available
Pathologist

A career in pathology in India is filled with several responsibilities as it is a medical branch and affects human lives. The demand for pathologists has been increasing over the past few years as people are getting more aware of different diseases. Not only that, but an increase in population and lifestyle changes have also contributed to the increase in a pathologist’s demand. The pathology careers provide an extremely huge number of opportunities and if you want to be a part of the medical field you can consider being a pathologist. If you want to know more about a career in pathology in India then continue reading this article.

5 Jobs Available
Veterinary Doctor

A veterinary doctor is a professional, working in animal healthcare. He or she conducts medical examinations, diagnoses, and treats various illnesses of animals. Animals have distinct internal organs and functions, requiring specialised attention from a veterinary doctor. A doctor who treats humans cannot offer the same level of care to animals due to these variations. Therefore, a veterinary doctor plays a critical role in animal welfare.

Veterinary professionals prevent illness by providing vaccines and offering advice on animal nutrition and overall health. Their knowledge extends beyond household animals and includes livestock, wildlife, and exotic animals. Individuals who love animals and want to treat their illnesses, injuries, and diseases must opt for a career as a veterinary doctor.

5 Jobs Available
Speech Therapist

Speech therapists are essential medical professionals addressing speech disorders. Whether it's delayed speech in children or difficulties in pronunciation, these experts play a crucial role. This article explores how to become a speech therapist in India, covering courses, colleges, and the responsibilities of this impactful profession.

4 Jobs Available
Gynaecologist

Gynaecology can be defined as the study of the female body. The job outlook for gynaecology is excellent since there is evergreen demand for one because of their responsibility of dealing with not only women’s health but also fertility and pregnancy issues. Although most women prefer to have a women obstetrician gynaecologist as their doctor, men also explore a career as a gynaecologist and there are ample amounts of male doctors in the field who are gynaecologists and aid women during delivery and childbirth. 

4 Jobs Available
Audiologist

The audiologist career involves audiology professionals who are responsible to treat hearing loss and proactively preventing the relevant damage. Individuals who opt for a career as an audiologist use various testing strategies with the aim to determine if someone has a normal sensitivity to sounds or not. After the identification of hearing loss, a hearing doctor is required to determine which sections of the hearing are affected, to what extent they are affected, and where the wound causing the hearing loss is found. As soon as the hearing loss is identified, the patients are provided with recommendations for interventions and rehabilitation such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and appropriate medical referrals. While audiology is a branch of science that studies and researches hearing, balance, and related disorders.

3 Jobs Available
Oncologist

An oncologist is a specialised doctor responsible for providing medical care to patients diagnosed with cancer. He or she uses several therapies to control the cancer and its effect on the human body such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and biopsy. An oncologist designs a treatment plan based on a pathology report after diagnosing the type of cancer and where it is spreading inside the body.

3 Jobs Available
Anatomist

Are you searching for an ‘Anatomist job description’? An Anatomist is a research professional who applies the laws of biological science to determine the ability of bodies of various living organisms including animals and humans to regenerate the damaged or destroyed organs. If you want to know what does an anatomist do, then read the entire article, where we will answer all your questions.

2 Jobs Available
Narcotics Officer

A Narcotics Officer is an officer employed by the state to investigate the usage of drugs and their trafficking. A narcotics officer conducts undercover operations, investigates suspected drug dealers, executes raids and other appropriate actions for arresting these traffickers to reduce the circulation of drugs in the country. 

A narcotics officer works in collaboration with other government agencies to stop drug trafficking at borders. He or she engages with various NGOs and public organisations to teach people about the dangerous effects of drug usage. A narcotics officer plays an important role in reducing the illegal activities of drug dealers and the circulation of drugs in the nation.

4 Jobs Available
Research Associate

If we talk about a career as a research associate, it all comes down to one thing - curiosity towards nature and the passion to find answers. A career as a research associate is full of thrill and excitement. However, a research associate also faces a lot of challenges and failures while working on a project. A job of a research associate includes a spectrum of Science as a subject in detail. 

2 Jobs Available
Drug Inspector

A career as a Drug Inspector is regarded as one of the most diverse in the field of healthcare and pharmacy. Candidates must undergo a screening process administered by the UPSC and or SPSCs in order to become drug inspectors. Those who manage it through the selection process will have a rewarding career with a high salary.

2 Jobs Available
Biotechnologist

A Biotechnologist is a professional who possesses strong knowledge and techniques that are utilised in creating and developing innovative products that improve the quality of human life standards. A biochemist uses biological organisms to create and improve goods and procedures for agriculture, medicine, and sustainability. He or she researches the genetic, chemical, and physical characteristics of cells, tissues, and organisms to determine how they can be used industrially.

2 Jobs Available
R&D Personnel

A career as R&D Personnel requires researching, planning, and implementing new programs and protocols into their organization and overseeing new products’ development. He or she uses his or her creative abilities to improve the existing products as per the requirements of the target market.

2 Jobs Available
Back to top