How to become a Dentist (BDS) in India
दंत चिकित्सक (बीडीएस)
Prevent, diagnose and treat problems of the teeth, gums and mouth.
- Streams
- Science (PCB)
- Time it takes
- 5 years after Class 12 for BDS; 3 more years for MDS
- Key exams
- NEET
What you actually do
- Examine teeth and gums, take X-rays and plan treatment
- Do fillings, root canals, extractions, cleaning and fit dentures or crowns
- Teach patients how to keep their mouths healthy
A day in the life
A steady list of appointments — a check-up, a filling, a root canal session — with time between patients to sterilise instruments, review X-rays and explain treatment costs.
The path, step by step
- Class 9–10: strong science; good hand–eye coordination helpsabout 2 yr
- Class 11–12: Science with PCB and Englishabout 2 yr
- Entrance: NEET (UG) for BDS seats in government and private collegesabout 6 mo
- BDS (5 years including a 1-year compulsory internship); register with the State Dental Councilabout 5 yr
- Optional: MDS (3 years) through NEET MDS, or clinical experience under a senior dentistabout 1 yr
- First job: Dental Surgeon in a clinic or hospital, or start your own practiceabout 1 yr
Entrance and recruitment exams
| Exam | Conducted by | How often |
|---|---|---|
| NEET (UG) | National Testing Agency (NTA) | Once a year (usually May) |
Exam dates, eligibility and patterns change every cycle. Always read the latest notice on the official website before you apply.
Cost and pay
Government / public route
Government dental colleges: roughly ₹10,000 to ₹1.5 lakh per year in tuition
Private route
Private dental colleges: roughly ₹2–8 lakh per year in tuition; setting up a clinic needs further investment
Approximate. Fees change every year and differ by state, institute and category (fee waivers and scholarships may apply). Always check the official fee notice.
Salary
Income depends on whether you join a clinic, a hospital or set up your own practice, and on location. No reliable official salary series exists; check government dental surgeon recruitment notices for public posts.
Skills that matter
Is this for me?
Good fit if…
- You are good with your hands and precise work
- You like regular hours more than hospital night duty
- You may want to run your own clinic
Maybe not, if…
- You are uncomfortable working very close to people’s faces
- You do not want to invest in equipment or a clinic later
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Common questions
How do I become a Dentist (BDS) in India?
1. Class 9–10: strong science; good hand–eye coordination helps 2. Class 11–12: Science with PCB and English 3. Entrance: NEET (UG) for BDS seats in government and private colleges 4. BDS (5 years including a 1-year compulsory internship); register with the State Dental Council 5. Optional: MDS (3 years) through NEET MDS, or clinical experience under a senior dentist 6. First job: Dental Surgeon in a clinic or hospital, or start your own practice
Which entrance exams lead to a career as a Dentist (BDS)?
NEET (UG) (National Testing Agency (NTA)). Check each official website for current dates and eligibility.
Which stream should I choose after Class 10 to become a Dentist (BDS)?
Science (PCB).
How long does it take to become a Dentist (BDS)?
5 years after Class 12 for BDS; 3 more years for MDS
How much does it cost to become a Dentist (BDS)?
Government route: Government dental colleges: roughly ₹10,000 to ₹1.5 lakh per year in tuition. Private route: Private dental colleges: roughly ₹2–8 lakh per year in tuition; setting up a clinic needs further investment. Approximate. Fees change every year and differ by state, institute and category (fee waivers and scholarships may apply). Always check the official fee notice.
What is the salary of a Dentist (BDS) in India?
Income depends on whether you join a clinic, a hospital or set up your own practice, and on location. No reliable official salary series exists; check government dental surgeon recruitment notices for public posts.
Sources and last check
We list every rate, limit and date this page relies on, where it comes from and when we last checked it. Rules change: please confirm on the official website before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
- Dentist (BDS): path, eligibility and costsVerified 13 Oct 2026
Approximate. Fees change every year and differ by state, institute and category (fee waivers and scholarships may apply). Always check the official fee notice.
- Entrance and recruitment examsVerified 13 Oct 2026
Frequency shown is typical; dates, eligibility and patterns change every cycle.
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