MBBS Vs BDS: Which is a Better Course after Class 12?

MBBS vs BDS, which is a better course after 12th is a common question that is asked by the applicants who are planning to complete their higher studies in the medical field. The  Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) are two of the most sought after medical courses in India. The demand and competition for medical courses have always been high, and in recent years, there has been significant development in the medical field. In order to understand which is a better course between MBBS and BDS, it is crucial to do a comparison between the two courses.

The BDS Course has a shorter duration, lower fees, and high chances of admission to top colleges. On the other hand, MBBS Course can benefit from having a highly rewarding career, as doctors' average salaries are higher than those of dentists. The main entrance exam for MBBS and BDS courses is the NEET 2025 Exam. However, If students are still wondering which course to choose between MBBS vs BDS, understand your passion first, then go through the difference between MBBS and BDS to choose the right Medical course.

MBBS Vs BDS: Comparative Analysis

A comparative analysis of MBBS vs BDS suggests that the duration of the two courses is 5 years. Both courses require students to clear the NEET Entrance Exam. Read the table below to learn more about a detailed analysis of MBBS vs BDS courses.

Parameter	MBBS	BDS
Duration of Course	5.5 years (including 1-year internship)	5 years ( including 1-year internship)
Degree	Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery MBBS	Bachelor of Dental Surgery BDS
Examination to undertake	NEET-UG	NEET-UG
Eligibility	Must have completed Class 12th Mandatory subjects in 12th are Biology, Physics, and Chemistry Must have scored at least 50% in PCM Age should not be less than 17 years	Must have completed Class 12th Mandatory subjects in 12th are Biology, Physics, and Chemistry Must have scored at least 50% in PCM Age should not be less than 17 years
Fees Structure	Government colleges: INR 11,000 to 7.5 lakh Private colleges: INR 20 lakh to 80 lakh	Average tuition fees: INR 50,000 to INR 12 lakh
Career Option	Join a government or private college Can undertake MS or MD after completion of MBBS Can set up one’s own clinic or hospital after some years of experience	Join a government or private college Can undertake MDS Can set up own dental clinic after certain years of experience

MBBS Vs BDS: What is the Difference Between MBBS and BDS?

A comparative analysis of MBBS vs BDS suggests that the duration of the two courses is 5 years. Both courses require students to clear the NEET Entrance Exam. Read the table below to learn more about a detailed analysis of MBBS vs BDS courses.

MBBS Vs BDS: Eligibility Criteria

Given below are the eligibility criteria for MBBS and BDS courses. Know which course is more suitable for you by checking out its eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Criteria for MBBS

Applicants are required to fulfil specific eligibility criteria to be eligible for enrollment in the MBBS program. The outlined criteria are as follows:

1. Educational Qualification: The candidate must have completed the 12th grade from a recognized board.

2. Mandatory Subjects: In Class 12th, the applicant should have studied Biology, Physics, and Chemistry as mandatory subjects.

3. Minimum Percentage in PCM: The student is required to have secured a minimum of 50% in the aggregate of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).

4. Minimum Age Requirement: The candidate should be at least 17 years old at the time of application.

Eligibility Criteria for BDS

Aspiring students seeking admission to the BDS program must satisfy the following eligibility criteria:

• Educational Qualification: Successful completion of a senior secondary examination from a recognized board.

• Mandatory Subjects: Inclusion of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as mandatory subjects in the Class 12th curriculum.

• Minimum Percentage in PCM: Attainment of a minimum score of 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCM) in the Class 12th examination.

• Minimum Age Requirement: The candidate should be at least 17 years old to be eligible for admission.

MBBS vs BDS: Admission Process

For MBBS and BDS courses, students must appear in the NEET UG 2024 Exam , as it is the single UG medical entrance exam in India conducted for admission into MBBS, BDS, Nursing, AYUSH, and other courses. Students must pass class 12 with a minimum of 50% aggregate scores for Unreserved category students, and 40% for reserved category students.

Students appear in NEET to enroll in any medical course, and during NEET Counselling 2024 , they will get an opportunity to choose between MBBS, BDS, or any other medical courses. Based on the registration and choice-filling process conducted by MCC at mcc.nic.in, students get their admission in the MBBS or BDS course they have chosen.

MBBS Vs BDS: Fees Structure

There are significant differences between MBBS and BDS courses. During the analysis of MBBS vs BDS: which is a better course, it is important to have an idea about the average course fee depending on the type of institution. Refer to the table below to learn more.

MBBS Course Syllabus

The MBBS course has a vast syllabus that covers every aspect of modern medical therapy. The course syllabus is divided in three major parts namely Pre-Clinical, Para-Clinical, and Clinical phases. The Syllabus of the MBBS course is mentioned below -

Pre-Clinical Phase

• Anatomy

• Biochemistry

• Physiology

Para - Clinical Phase

• Forensic Medicine and Toxicology

• Microbiology

• Pathology

• Pharmacology

Clinical Phase

• Anesthesiology

• Community Medicine

• Dermatology and Venereology

• Medicine

• Obstetrics and Gynecology

• Ophthalmology

• Orthopedics

• Paediatrics

• Psychiatry

• Surgery

Specializations after MBBS

After successfully completing their MBBS, students have the option to pursue higher education in medicine by undertaking MD (Doctor of Medicine) or MS (Master of Surgery) programs, or they can opt for a postgraduate diploma, which allows them to specialize in specific fields. MD and MS degrees typically have a duration of three years, while postgraduate diploma programs usually take two years to complete.

Various specializations are available for students pursuing advanced medical degrees after MBBS. These specializations include but are not limited to:

1. Anatomy

2. Dermatology & Venereology

3. Biochemistry

4. Internal Medicine

5. Orthopaedics

6. Paediatrics

7. Psychiatry

8. Surgery

9. Anaesthesiology

10. Pathology

11. Microbiology

12. Physiology

These are just a few examples, and there are many more specializations to cater to diverse medical interests and career paths. Pursuing these advanced degrees allows medical professionals to become specialists in their chosen fields, contributing to the depth and expertise within the medical profession.

MBBS Career Scope

There are various job opportunities for students after the completion of the MBBS course. Students can join any private or government hospitals after the completion of course. Candidate can opt for any postgraduate studies after the completion of MBBS. Postgraduate studies help the candidate to specialise in a particular field of study. Students can either go for MS or MD after MBBS. Various specialisations include the following

• Pediatrics

• Psychiatry

• Gynaecology

• Orthopaedics

• Endocrinology

• Ophthalmology

• Internal medicine

• Plastic surgery, etc.

Ultimately, the completion of MBBS opens doors to diverse career paths, ranging from hospital roles to specialized postgraduate studies, offering students a spectrum of opportunities for impactful contributions to the healthcare sector.

Benefits of Pursuing MBBS

The MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) program in India holds a distinguished position and offers a multitude of advantages that set it apart from other academic pursuits. Below is an extensive exploration of its importance:

1. Esteemed Reputation: The MBBS program enjoys a prestigious standing in India, commanding respect and admiration from students, parents, and the wider community.

2. Career Advancement and Opportunities: The medical field offers a vast landscape for professional growth, offering a wide array of exciting career opportunities. Medical practitioners have the option to specialize in various areas such as surgery, pediatrics, or cardiology, ensuring continuous avenues for progression.

3. A Noble and Gratifying Calling: The medical profession is often considered one of the noblest vocations. Physicians shoulder the profound responsibility of saving lives and actively contributing to the enhancement of the quality of life for numerous patients. The sense of fulfillment derived from aiding others is immeasurable.

4. Financial Prosperity: In addition to the inherent nobility of the profession, the medical field also presents substantial financial prospects. Experienced and specialized medical professionals can attain lucrative salaries, reflecting their dedication and the years invested in honing their expertise.

Top MBBS Colleges in India: NIRF Ranking

Candidates can explore the top dental colleges in India according to the NIRF ranking. This ranking helps us know which colleges excel in dental education and are recognized in the industry. Check out this list of private and government medical colleges to complete MBBS in India:

Rank	Name	State	Score
1	All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi	Delhi	91.6
2	Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research	Chandigarh	79
3	Christian Medical College	Tamil Nadu	72.84
4	National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences, Bangalore	Karnataka	71.56
5	Banaras Hindu University	Uttar Pradesh	68.12
6	Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research	Pondicherry	67.64
7	Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences	Uttar Pradesh	67.18
8	Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham	Tamil Nadu	66.49
9	Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram	Kerala	65.17
10	Kasturba Medical College, Manipal	Karnataka	63.89
11	King George`s Medical University	Uttar Pradesh	61.68
12	Madras Medical College & Government General Hospital, Chennai	Tamil Nadu	60.71
13	Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences	Delhi	58.79
14	St. John's Medical College	Karnataka	58.49
15	Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research	Tamil Nadu	57.92
16	All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur	Rajasthan	57.47
17	Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth	Maharashtra	57.41
18	Siksha 'O' Anusandhan	Odisha	57.21
19	Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital	Delhi	57.15
20	S.R.M. Institute of Science and Technology	Tamil Nadu	57.05
21	Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research	West Bengal	57.02
22	Aligarh Muslim University	Uttar Pradesh	56.19
23	Maulana Azad Medical College	Delhi	55.94
24	Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences	Maharashtra	55.21
25	Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences	Tamil Nadu	54.73
26	All India Institute of Medical Sciences Bhubaneswar	Odisha	54.71
27	Govt. Medical College & Hospital	Chandigarh	54.02
28	University College of Medical Sciences	Delhi	53.62
29	Lady Hardinge Medical College	Delhi	53.44
30	Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology	Odisha	53.05
31	Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore	Karnataka	52.83
32	Maharishi Markandeshwar	Haryana	52.81
33	Jamia Hamdard	Delhi	52.51
34	JSS Medical College, Mysore	Karnataka	52.47
35	PSG Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Coimbatore	Tamil Nadu	52.44
36	Christian Medical College, Ludhiana	Punjab	51.89
37	Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute	Gujarat	50.87
38	M. S. Ramaiah Medical College	Karnataka	50.7
39	Chettinad Academy of Research and Education	Tamil Nadu	50.35
40	Dayanand Medical College	Punjab	50.32
41	Sawai Man Singh Medical College	Rajasthan	49.93
42	Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences Deemed University, Karad	Maharashtra	49.76
43	Medical College	West Bengal	49.73
44	SCB Medical College and Hospital	Odisha	49.02
45	Padmashree Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Mumbai	Maharashtra	48.59
46	Regional Institute of Medical Sciences	Manipur	48.21
47	Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute	Pondicherry	48.05
48	All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh	Uttarakhand	47.98
49	All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur	Chhattisgarh	47.44
50	B. J. Medical College	Gujarat	46.53

Also Read: MBBS in India Versus MBBS Abroad

BDS Course Syllabus

The BDS course syllabus includes all aspects of Dental sciences and surgery. BDS is a 4 year course and the dental aspirants can refer for the syllabus mentioned below -

BDS First Year Syllabus

• Human Anatomy including Embryology and Histology

• Human Physiology and Biochemistry, Nutrition and Dietetics

• Dental Anatomy Embryology and Oral Histology

• Dental Materials

• Pre-clinical Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge

BDS Second Year Syllabus

• General Pathology and Microbiology

• Dental Pharmacology and Therapeutics

• Dental Materials

• Preclinical Conservative Dentistry

• Pre-clinical Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge

• Oral Pathology & Oral Microbiology

BDS Third Year Syllabus

• 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

BDS Fourth Year Syllabus

• Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics

• Oral Medicine & Radiology

• Paediatric & Preventive Dentistry

• Periodontology

• Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

• Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge

• Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics

• Public Health Dentistry

Specialisations after BDS

After completing the degree, students with a BDS title can choose to go for higher education in dental science. There are many options to choose from, depending on the students' interest, expertise and career path as a dentist. A PG degree in dental science offers more scope in various fields depending on the specialization chosen. MDS or Master of Dental Science is a 3-year program that mainly focuses on advanced dental sciences and oral surgical techniques. The MDS course trains the students to become dental specialists and practitioners or consultants in their field of Dental Science. The doctors studying MDS can specialize in

• Prosthodontics

• Orthodontics

• Operative Dentistry

• Oral and Maxillofacial surgery

• Conservative Dentistry

• Periodontics

• Oral Medicine and Radiology, etc.

BDS Career Scope

Upon successful completion of the 5-year BDS program, students find a plethora of opportunities in various avenues. Reputed medical colleges often facilitate placement opportunities for graduates in both private and government hospitals. While job prospects are available at this stage, pursuing a Master's in Dental Surgery (MDS) unlocks even more promising career pathways.

MDS, a postgraduate course, becomes an option after obtaining a BDS degree. Students can choose to pursue higher education in esteemed institutions, either within India or abroad, thereby enhancing their expertise in specific dental specialties.

Furthermore, with accumulated experience and practice, individuals have the option to establish their own dental clinic. This entrepreneurial avenue allows practitioners to build their careers independently and contribute to oral healthcare. The diverse array of opportunities post-BDS reflects the dynamic and rewarding nature of a career in dentistry.

Benefits of Pursuing BDS

Being a pocket friendly medical course and the guarantee of a stable income are some obvious benefits of pursuing a BDS course after completing class 12. The field offers plenty of opportunities in the public as well as in the private sector. Here are some major advantages of studying BDS.

• Financial Accessibility : Compared to the MBBS course, the BDS course often comes with lower annual course fees, which makes it accessible to Indian students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
• Streamlined Course Duration : While the MBBS course duration is of 5.5 years, the BDS program can be completed in 5 years.
• More Accessible Opportunities : When securing a seat in a medical course, the competition can be intense. However, the BDS program offers a greater chance of obtaining a seat under merit due to its lower competition compared to MBBS.
• Specialized Qualification : Pursuing BDS course gives specialized knowledge and skills in the field of dentistry. Unlike MBBS, which qualifies you for general medicine, BDS allows you to specialize in dental practice right from the undergraduate level.
• Simplified Admission Process : Securing admission into a BDS course is comparatively easier than getting into an MBBS program.
• Immediate Job Opportunities: A career after pursuing a BDS course opens doors to a high profit potential. Dentists can start earning soon after completing their BDS degree, allowing for faster financial stability.

Top BDS Colleges in India: NIRF Ranking

Explore the leading dental education institutions in India as per the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), offering valuable insights into academic excellence and industry recognition. Here is the list of private and government medical colleges to study BDS in India:

Name	City	State	Score	NIRF Rank
Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences	Chennai	Tamil Nadu	84.08	1
Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal	Manipal	Karnataka	77.51	2
Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth	Pune	Maharashtra	73.08	3
Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences	Delhi	Delhi	70.96	4
A.B.Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences	Mangaluru	Karnataka	69.21	5
SRM Dental College	Chennai	Tamil Nadu	67.02	6
Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research	Chennai	Tamil Nadu	63.96	7
Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore	Mangalore	Karnataka	62.44	8
Siksha `O` Anusandhan	Bhubaneswar	Odisha	61.56	9
Jamia Millia Islamia,New Delhi	New Delhi	Delhi	61.14	10
JSS Dental College and Hospital	Mysuru	Karnataka	60.06	11
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham	Coimbatore	Tamil Nadu	59.82	12
Postgraduate Institute of Dental Sciences	Rohtak	Haryana	59.66	13
M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences	Bangalore	Karnataka	58.99	14
Govt. Dental College, Nagpur	Nagpur	Maharashtra	58.87	15
Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research	Chennai	Tamil Nadu	58.31	16
Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research	Wardha	Maharashtra	57.63	17
Banaras Hindu University	Varanasi	Uttar Pradesh	56.05	18
Nair Hospital Dental College	Mumbai	Maharashtra	55.7	19
Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology	Bhubaneswar	Odisha	55.68	20
Government Dental College	Ahmedabad	Gujarat	55.62	21
SDM College of Dental Sciences & Hospital	Dharwad	Karnataka	55.29	22
M. G. R. Educational and Research Institute	Chennai	Tamil Nadu	55.15	23
Government Dental College, Bangalore	Bangalore	Karnataka	54.94	24
Government Dental College	Thiruvananthapuram	Kerala	54.49	25
Vishnu Dental College, Bheemavaram	Bhimavaram	Andhra Pradesh	54.41	26
Chettinad Dental College and Research Institute	Kelambakkam	Tamil Nadu	53.9	27
Yenepoya Dental College	Mangaluru	Karnataka	53.77	28
Govt. Dental College, Mumbai	Mumbai	Maharashtra	53.09	29
Christian Dental College	Ludhiana	Punjab	52.84	30
Aliigarh Muslim University	Aligarh	Uttar Pradesh	52.83	31
Govt. Dental College, Indore	Indore	Madhya Pradesh	51.63	32
Army College of Dental Sciences	Secunderabad	Telangana	51.53	33
Panjab University	Chandigarh	Chandigarh	51.21	34
KLE Vishwanath Katti Institute of Dental Sciences	Belgaum	Karnataka	50.62	35
Bapuji Dental College & Hospital	Davangere	Karnataka	50.52	36
Karnavati University	Gandhinagar	Gujarat	49.87	37
Padmashree Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Mumbai	Mumbai	Maharashtra	49.69	38
Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) Dental College and Hospital	Pune	Maharashtra	49.48	39
Saraswati Dental College & Hospital	Lucknow	Uttar Pradesh	49.32	40

Also Read: Alternative Courses in Medical Field

BDS Vs MBBS: Conclusion

In conclusion, the decision between pursuing MBBS or BDS should be driven by individual passion and understanding of the differences between the two courses. Students must note that BDS course is a good option as it's annual course is less and chances of admission is high. On the other hand, MBBS course can also be considered it is ensures high income and stability.

While MBBS offers a comprehensive study of the entire human body with the potential for highly rewarding careers and specialization opportunities, BDS focuses on dental sciences and provides avenues for establishing dental clinics or pursuing further studies in dentistry. Ultimately, both paths offer fulfilling career opportunities, and making an informed decision is crucial as it shapes one's professional journey for years to come.

For more information difference between MBBS and BDS, stay tuned at CollegeDekho!