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
Select your preferred subject to view the chapters

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: 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: 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.

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: 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.

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Questions related to NEET

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to NEET ?

The options for a PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) medical student are vast, even if they don't pursue or crack NEET!

The best careers utilize the strong scientific foundation gained in high school.

A PCB background prepares you well for entrance exams like AIIMS Paramedical, JENPAS UG, or BITSAT. Don't limit yourself to NEET; use your science skills for highly in-demand careers in diagnostics, research, and therapy.

This article details a range of science career options available after Class 12: https://www.careers360.com/careers/articles/career-options-after-12th-science-pcb-counar


Hello,

Neet exam ke liye sabse important or crucial book NCERT hai.

Kisi bhi or book ko krne ke pehle make sure ki aap ncert achhe se krlo.

Uske baad physics me grip achhi krne ke liye hc verma kr skte hain mechanics le portion ke liye

Inorganic, organic chemistry or biology le liye strictly NCERT follow karein

Physical chemistry ke liye kisi module ki help lein

Hello,

The NEET application form usually opens in February and the last date is usually in March . The exam is generally held in May . The form is filled online on the official NTA NEET website.

For the SC category , you need at least 40% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in Class 12 to be eligible. The minimum age required is 17 years , and there is no upper age limit .

You can fill the NEET form only through the official NTA website when the registration starts.

Hope it helps !

Hello,

Yes, NEET 2026 study materials and books covering most scoring concepts are available in Hindi medium.

Here is most scoring concept in NEET:

Biology (50% weightage )

  • Human Physiology
  • Genetics & Evolution
  • Ecology & Environment
  • Cell Structure & Function

Chemistry

  • Organic Chemistry (Hydrocarbons, Biomolecules)
  • Physical Chemistry (Thermodynamics, Equilibrium)

  • Inorganic Chemistry (Coordination Compounds, p-block elements)

Physics

  • Mechanics (Laws of Motion, Work, Energy, Power)

  • Modern Physics (Semiconductors, Nuclear Physics)

  • Optics & Electrostatics

You can access book in Hindi from mentioned link below:

https://medicine.careers360.com/hi/articles/best-books-for-neet

Hope it helps.

Hello,
Many private and government-affiliated institutions in India have specfial quotas for foreign nationals.
Admission under this category usually depends on her valid passport or citizenship status and her qualifying exam. Some colleges may also require entrance exams, depending on the course.
Hope this helps you.