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 ?

First, understand the NEET syllabus clearly for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Focus only on the NCERT syllabus, as most NEET questions are directly or indirectly based on NCERT, especially in Biology and Chemistry. Avoid unnecessary reference books at this stage.

Divide your 4 months into phases. In the first 2 months, focus on completing the entire syllabus. Study Biology daily, as it carries the highest weightage. Read NCERT Biology line by line, make short notes, and revise regularly. For Chemistry, give priority to NCERT for Inorganic and Organic Chemistry. Practice basic numericals and reactions consistently. In Physics, focus on understanding concepts and practicing standard questions rather than memorizing formulas.

In the third month, start intensive revision along with topic-wise and full-length mock tests. Analyze each test carefully to identify weak areas and work on them. Improve time management and accuracy during this phase.

In the last month, focus mainly on revision and mock tests. Revise NCERT multiple times, especially Biology diagrams, tables, and examples. Avoid learning new topics at the last moment. Maintain a proper sleep schedule and take short breaks to avoid burnout.

Stay consistent, avoid distractions, and believe in your preparation. Even a few focused hours daily with proper planning can make a big difference. All the best!

Scoring 600+ marks in NEET within 4 months is definitely challenging, especially if you are starting almost from scratch, but it is not impossible. It largely depends on your discipline, daily study hours, clarity of basics, and how smartly you plan your preparation.

First, you need to be very realistic and focused. In 4 months, your main goal should be to strengthen NCERT-based concepts rather than trying to study everything in extreme detail. NEET questions are largely NCERT-oriented, especially in Biology and Chemistry. If you can master NCERT thoroughly, your chances improve significantly.

Biology should be your top priority because it carries the maximum weightage and is comparatively scoring. Read NCERT line by line for both Class 11 and 12. Revise multiple times and practice MCQs daily. Even if Physics feels tough initially, focus on high-weightage and formula-based chapters like Modern Physics, Current Electricity, Semiconductors, Ray Optics, and Laws of Motion. Chemistry can be divided smartly: give more time to Organic and Inorganic NCERT, and practice numericals regularly for Physical Chemistry.

You should ideally study 10–12 focused hours daily with a fixed timetable. Daily revision and weekly full-length mock tests are extremely important. Initially, your mock scores may be low, but what matters is consistent improvement and learning from mistakes. Analyze each test carefully to understand weak areas.

Since you are already enrolled in another college, time management becomes even more important. Try to minimize distractions and use early mornings or late evenings effectively. Avoid too many reference books; stick to NCERT and one reliable question bank.

That said, aiming for 600+ in 4 months is ambitious and depends on your learning speed and consistency. Even if you fall slightly short, a strong score improvement can still open opportunities in government or private colleges depending on category and cutoff trends.

Stay disciplined, trust the process, and do not compare your journey with others. Many students have made significant jumps in short durations with focused effort. All the best.

Hello,

Here are the important naming reactions for the NEET preparation.

Naming Reaction for NEET Preparation

Hope it helps your preparation. Good luck.


Hello

If you are asking about Motilal Nehru Medical College (MLN Medical College), Prayagraj, then admission is strictly through the NEET exam. For MBBS in this medical college, students usually need a high NEET rank because the cutoff is quite competitive.

In recent years, the closing ranks have often been within the top 20,000–30,000. This means you need a strong score to secure a seat. The exact marks may change every year depending on difficulty and competition.

You can get more information by visiting Careers360.com.

Hi

If you are a class 12th (Arts Stream) student, then you are not directly eligible for the NEET exam because you must belong to the Medical Science stream and have main subjects like Physics, Chemistry and Biology. This exam contains questions from these three subjects. But you can fulfil your dream to become a doctor by completing these subjects in class 12th from an open school like NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling), and then you will be eligible for the NEET exam. You need to score 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry and Biology. This step is the correct way for you.

Thank you.