To get admission into a BDS program in India, the first step is to qualify for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG). This is the only national-level entrance exam for dental courses, conducted annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Once you qualify the entrance exam, you must take part in the NEET-UG counseling process for undergraduate medical courses to begin your BDS admission.
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Delhi, under the Government of India, along with the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), conducts the All India NEET counseling for BDS admissions.
You can also take part in state-level counseling conducted by the respective State Medical Directorates for admission to dental colleges within individual states.
The BDS admission process through NEET counseling follows a similar structure across the country. It is conducted in multiple rounds, each with a specific schedule. You can participate in any round and follow the steps outlined below.
Online Registration and Application Submission
Payment of Security Deposit
Choice Filling and Locking (Option Entry)
Seat Allotment and Result Declaration
Reporting to Allotted Institute and Document Verification
In India, the BDS admission process through NEET-UG counseling starts with .
This step includes registering online and paying the required registration fee, which typically ranges from ₹500 to ₹5,000, depending on your category, the state, and the type of counseling (All India or State-level) you choose to participate in.
For example, if you're applying through All India Counseling, the registration fee for BDS candidates is ₹5,000, whereas in Uttar Pradesh state counseling, it is ₹2,500.
Registration with the respective counseling authority is mandatory for all candidates. This process is time-bound and must be completed within the specified registration window to be considered for seat allotment.
Security Deposit
A security deposit is required in every BDS counseling process. All registered candidates must pay this amount to be eligible for seat allotment. The deposit amount varies depending on the type of counseling and can range from ₹25,000 to ₹2,00,000.
There’s no need to worry about the security deposit as it is mandatory for all candidates and is collected only once. After the admission process is complete, the deposit is refunded, although it may take some time. So, rest assured, the amount will be returned to you.
Option Entry
In the option entry round, you will have the opportunity to select your preferred dental colleges and seat categories for pursuing the BDS degree.
In some counseling processes, choice-locking follows the choice-filling stage.
There is no limit to the number of options you can enter, but it’s important to complete the process within the specified timeframe.
Allotment and Results
On the designated date, the counseling authorities will announce the allotment results. Seat allocation for BDS is based on your NEET rank as well as the preferences you selected during the option entry round.
Reporting and Document Verification
Once allotted a seat, students must report for document verification to finalize their admission. Admission is only confirmed for those who successfully complete the verification process.
The reporting procedure takes place at designated nodal centers, and the process may vary depending on the state and counseling authority. However, there are some common guidelines that apply universally.
This involves physically reporting to the designated authorities, and only original copies of the required documents will be accepted.
Failure to comply with these requirements could result in the cancellation of your allotted seat. To avoid this, ensure you have everything ready before attending the verification. I’ve also included the list of required documents below for your reference.
Once the verification is completed successfully, you will receive confirmation of your BDS admission to a dental college in India!