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

MBBS Vs BDS: Choosing the right career path after completing Class 12 is a critical decision, particularly for those with aspirations in the medical field. Among the myriad options available, two prominent courses that often take center stage in the minds of aspiring medical professionals are MBBS and BDS i.e MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) and BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery). These programs i.e MBBS vs BDS, while sharing a common thread in the pursuit of healthcare, diverge significantly in their focus, curriculum, and career trajectories. In this article, we embark on a comprehensive exploration of MBBS and BDS, unraveling the nuances of each course to aid students in making informed decisions aligned with their unique interests, skills, and career goals. Whether one envisions themselves as a general physician, surgeon, or dentist, understanding the distinctions between MBBS vs BDS is paramount for charting a successful and fulfilling career in the medical realm.

MBBS VS BDS: Course Comparison

The table below compares the BDS vs MBBS on the basis of various parameters:

Bachelor of Surgery Bachelor of Medicine (MBBS)

Bachelor of Surgery Bachelor of Medicine is an undergraduate course that can be completed in 5.5 years in India. It includes 4.5 years of the academic programme and 1 year of the mandatory internship programme. In the final year of internship, students get a chance to work in hospitals or healthcare units as consultants, physicians, or medical assistants. They help in generating awareness among the people about the diseases and medicines The candidates who successfully complete MBBS become certified doctors in India. They are registered as doctors by the Medical Council of India (MCI).

MBBS Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the minimum eligibility criteria to apply for the MBBS programme. The eligibility criteria are as follows:

• The student must have completed 12th from a recognised board
• The mandatory subjects in Class 12th should be Biology, Physics, and Chemistry
• The student must have secured at least 50% in PCM
• The minimum age of the candidate should be 17 years

MBBS Admission Process

The admission of the candidate for MBBS programme in medical colleges is based on the marks scored in the entrance examination. The admission process for MBBS begins with the candidates appearing for the national level entrance examinations such as NEET, AIIMS or JIPMER. Once candidates clear the examination, they can attend the counselling process and get admission in one of the MBBS colleges.

MBBS Fees Structure

The MBBS fee structure varies for the government, private and deemed universities. The average fees for government colleges in India range from INR 11,000 to 7.5 Lakhs for the complete course. The fees for private colleges can range between INR 20 lakhs to INR 80 lakhs.

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 phase. The Syllabus of 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

• Opthalmology

• Orthopedics

• Pediatrics

• Psychiatry

• Surgery

Specializations after MBBS

After completing their MBBS, students can go for higher education in medicine as MD (Doctor of Medicine), MS (Master of Surgery), or pursue a postgraduate diploma that will help them to become specialists in their fields. MD and MS degrees are usually for three years of duration , while post-graduate diploma programs take only two years.

Specializations after MBBS include

• Anatomy

• Dermatology & Venereology,

• Biochemistry,

• Internal Medicine

• Orthopaedics

• Paediatrics

• Psychiatry

• Surgery

• Anaesthesiology

• Pathology

• Microbiology

• Physiology and more.

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 Pediatrics,Psychiatry, Gynaecology, Orthopaedics, Endocrinology, Ophthalmology, Internal medicine, Plastic surgery, etc.

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

Here is the list of private and government medical colleges to complete MBBS in India:

Also Read: MBBS in India Versus MBBS Abroad

Bachelor of Dental Surgery BDS

The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) stands out as one of the most sought-after medical courses in India, offering a comprehensive undergraduate curriculum spanning 5 years. This duration comprises 4 years of academic study and a mandatory 1-year internship. Those opting for BDS embark on a career path as dentists, entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring the oral health of their patients. The increasing awareness of dental health renders BDS a burgeoning career choice for students across India.

Within the BDS program, various specializations exist, each with distinct roles and responsibilities:

• Oral Pathology: Specialists in oral pathology focus on diagnosing diseases that impact the oral cavity.

• Periodontics: This specialization involves the care of gums and management of diseases associated with them.

• Orthodontics: Professionals in orthodontics concentrate on the alignment of teeth and jaws, addressing issues related to dental positioning.

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Practitioners in this field are responsible for tooth extractions, surgical procedures, and the management of injuries pertaining to teeth or gums.

BDS Eligibility Criteria

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

1. Successful completion of a senior secondary examination from a recognized board.

2. Inclusion of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as mandatory subjects in the Class 12th curriculum.

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

4. The candidate should be at least 17 years old to be eligible for admission.

BDS Admission Process

Students who want to pursue BDS must undertake a national level medical test examination. The popular entrance examination is NEET- UG. The other national level medical entrance examinations include AIIMS and JIPMER. Students must clear the entrance examination and attend the counselling process to get into one of the medical colleges.

BDS Fee Structure

The fees structure for BDS varies for government colleges, private colleges, and deemed universities. The average fees for BDS in India range from INR 50,000 to Rs. 12 lakh for the complete course.

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

BDS course teaches students the art of dentistry. The field offers plenty of opportunities in the public as well as in the private sector. Here are some major advantages of studying BDS.

• Dentists comprise several career options and paths post-graduation.

• Dentists have an onus for taking care of the oral hygiene of their patients and, just like doctors, can be responsible for improving the lives of people significantly.

• With the assistance of constant skill upgradation and staying abreast with the latest developments in the field, dentists are able to unlock a career that is intellectually stimulating.

Top BDS Colleges in India: NIRF Ranking

Here is the list of private and government medical colleges to study BDS in India:

Also Read: Alternative Courses in Medical Field

The comparison above highlights the differences between MBBS vs BDS and provides the medical aspirants with some clarity regarding the scope and job opportunities of the two courses. Students can analyse the two courses and choose the field according to their area of interest. Students who still have a doubt about MBBS and BDS can fill up the common admission form on Collegedekho and take the help of counsellors.