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BDS vs MBBS: Which Course is Better After 12th? Eligibility, Fees, Career Scope & Top Colleges

For students aspiring to enter the medical field after 12th, MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) and BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) are two of the most sought-after and prestigious medical courses in India. Both fields offer distinct career opportunities, but deciding between the two requires clarity on their course structure, duration, fees, career prospects, and admission process.

This guide provides a detailed comparison between BDS vs MBBS, including eligibility, scope, salary, and top medical and dental colleges in India.

BDS vs MBBS: Course Overview

Eligibility Criteria

Qualification: 10 2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English.

Minimum Marks: 50% for General Category; 40% for reserved categories.

Entrance Exam: Qualifying NEET-UG is mandatory for admission to both MBBS and BDS programs.

Course Duration

MBBS: 4.5 years of classroom study plus 1 year of mandatory internship.

BDS: 4 years of academic education followed by a 1-year compulsory rotatory internship in dental clinics and hospitals.

BDS vs MBBS: Syllabus Comparison

MBBS Syllabus

• Anatomy

• Physiology

• Biochemistry

• Pathology

• Pharmacology

• General Medicine

• Surgery

• Pediatrics

• Obstetrics & Gynecology

BDS Syllabus

• Dental Anatomy

• Oral Pathology

• Periodontology

• Prosthodontics

• Oral Medicine & Radiology

• Orthodontics

• Oral Surgery

• Public Health Dentistry

Fees Structure Comparison

Career Scope and Opportunities

After MBBS

• General Physician

• Specialist Doctor (Cardiologist, Neurologist, Oncologist)

• Surgeon

• Medical Researcher

• Hospital Administrator

• Medical Teaching Faculty

After BDS

• General Dentist

• Orthodontist

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

• Endodontist

• Prosthodontist

• Dental Researcher

• Lecturer in Dental Colleges

Salary After BDS & MBBS

Top Medical and Dental Colleges in India

Top MBBS Colleges

1. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi

2. Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore

3. Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi

4. Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune

5. Kasturba Medical College, Manipal

Explore Top MBBS Colleges in India:
https://www.collnod.com/mbbs-colleges-in-india

Top BDS Colleges

1. Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, New Delhi

2. Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal

3. Government Dental College & Hospital, Mumbai

4. Nair Hospital Dental College, Mumbai

5. Saveetha Dental College, Chennai

Explore Top Dental Colleges in India:
https://www.collnod.com/Top-Dental-Colleges-in-India-2025-colleges-in-india

Which is Better: BDS or MBBS

Choosing between BDS and MBBS depends on:

Personal Interest: MBBS is suitable for those interested in general medicine and surgery, while BDS is ideal for students passionate about dental sciences.

Career Goals: MBBS offers a wider range of medical career options, while BDS is specialized in oral healthcare.

Investment & Duration: MBBS requires a higher financial investment and longer duration compared to BDS.

Future Opportunities: Both fields offer lucrative careers, higher studies, research, and private practice.

Conclusion

Both BDS and MBBS are esteemed courses offering distinct career paths in the healthcare sector. If you aspire to become a doctor treating diverse health conditions, MBBS is the preferred choice. If you want a specialized career in dentistry and oral health, BDS provides excellent opportunities with growing demand in India and abroad.

Choosing the right course is a significant decision. Make sure to align your choice with your interests, skills, and long-term career goals.

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