

Government & Private BDS Colleges in India with Seats, Fees & NEET Cut-Off
The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) remains a highly sought-after medical course in India, and NEET UG 2025 is the gateway for entry into leading dental colleges across the country. More than 320 BDS colleges are operational in India, offering recognized education in dental sciences, patient care, and surgery through a rigorous five-year program, including mandatory internship training.
BDS Admission in India: Process and Requirements for 2025
Admission to BDS programs is strictly through the NEET UG exam. Candidates of Indian citizenship, OCIs, and foreign nationals can apply, provided they have completed or are completing 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English. The minimum eligibility includes a NEET percentile of 50% for the General category, and 40% for SC/ST/OBC, with 40% for PwD candidates. Aspirants must also be at least 17 years of age by December 31, 2025.
After the NEET 2025 result, qualified candidates must participate in centralized counselling. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) conducts the process for 15% All India Quota seats, while state authorities handle the remaining 85% state quota seats. Registration on the MCC portal, choice filling, and timely reporting are crucial for securing seats at top colleges. Seat allocation depends on NEET score, category, and candidate preferences.
Top BDS Colleges in India – Ranking, City, and Fee Range
India's top dental institutions consistently rank high for academic excellence, research, and placement offerings. Some of the highest-ranked BDS colleges, according to recent data, include:
| Name of the College | City | State | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences | Chennai | Tamil Nadu | 1 |
| Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal | Manipal | Karnataka | 2 |
| Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences | Delhi | Delhi | 3 |
| King George's Medical University | Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh | 4 |
| Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth | Pune | Maharashtra | 5 |
Fee structures for BDS programs vary greatly among institutions. Some government colleges offer affordable education with fees as low as ₹1.26 lakhs (Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi), while prominent private institutes may charge up to ₹42.50 lakhs (Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai). Aspirants must thoroughly review fee details, facilities, and location before deciding on their preferred colleges.
Leading Government and Private BDS Colleges: Comparison by Fees
| Name of Dental College | Fee (₹) |
|---|---|
| Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, Delhi | - |
| King George's Medical University, Uttar Pradesh | 2.18 Lakhs |
| Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi | 1.26 Lakhs |
| Govt. Dental College, Nagpur | 3.99 Lakhs |
| Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi | 1.49 Lakhs |
| Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai | 42.50 Lakhs |
| Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal | 22 Lakhs |
| Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune | 30.75 Lakhs |
| A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangaluru | 20.14 Lakhs |
| SRM Dental College, Chennai | 15.70 Lakhs |
Choosing between government and private BDS colleges in India depends on factors beyond cost, such as campus infrastructure, attached hospitals, NIRF/NAAC standing, and clinical training exposure.
Program Structure and Subjects in BDS
BDS is a five-year full-time program, including a one-year mandatory internship. Throughout the course, students cover core subjects such as physiology, biochemistry, dental pharmacology, periodontics, pedodontics, orthodontics, microbiology, and general dentistry. This multidisciplinary training prepares graduates for a diverse range of dental and surgical careers.
Placements and campus recruitment opportunities are available at top colleges, and many BDS graduates pursue higher studies like MDS. Some may establish private practice or seek employment as general dentists, dental surgeons, or in academic and research roles.
Understanding NEET for BDS Admission in 2025
Securing a seat in a top BDS college requires qualifying NEET UG 2025. The entrance test consists of 200 MCQs, scored out of 720 marks, with candidates required to answer 180 questions. Counselling and seat allocation are strictly merit-based. The NEET syllabus focuses on Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, and is centrally set by the National Testing Agency.
For students aiming at specific states, understanding local domicile and quota regulations is essential. Consider using the resources on Vedantu for NEET counseling tips or to gain more clarity on seat allotment, eligibility, and examination patterns.
Explore more about NEET Cut Off Marks and NEET Counselling Process to assist with your BDS admission journey. Additionally, read about NEET Syllabus to better prepare for securing your preferred BDS college in 2025.
FAQs on List of Top BDS Colleges in India for NEET Aspirants
1. Which college is best for BDS in India?
Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences is widely regarded as one of the best BDS colleges in India.
Top colleges for BDS include:
- Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (Delhi)
- Nair Hospital Dental College (Mumbai)
- Government Dental College & Hospital (Bangalore)
- Government Dental College & Hospital (Mumbai)
- Faculty of Dental Sciences, King George's Medical University (Lucknow)
2. What is the total number of BDS colleges in India?
There are more than 310 BDS colleges in India as per the latest DCI records, admitting students through NEET UG.
The breakup includes:
- Government BDS colleges: 55+
- Private BDS colleges: 250+
- Deemed universities: 35+
3. How many government dental colleges are there in India?
India has over 55 government dental colleges that offer BDS courses and MBBS-aligned curriculum with subsidised fees.
Main highlights:
- Every major state has at least one government dental college.
- Admissions are based on NEET UG cut-off scores.
- These colleges have lower fee structures and reservation policies as per government rules.
4. What is the NEET cut-off for BDS admission?
The NEET cut-off for BDS admission varies each year based on category and college.
Typical cut-off trends:
- General category: 480-550+ marks for top government colleges
- Reserved categories: Lower cut-offs as per norms
- Private colleges: Cut-off may be lower, around 350-450+ marks
5. Are all BDS colleges affiliated to DCI?
Yes, all legitimate BDS colleges in India must be recognised and affiliated by the Dental Council of India (DCI).
Key points:
- DCI approval ensures the college follows national curriculum and educational standards.
- Check DCI's official list before applying to any dental institution.
6. Is BDS available in all states?
BDS courses are offered in almost all Indian states and union territories through government, private, and deemed colleges.
State-wise points:
- Major states have both government and private BDS seats.
- Some smaller UTs may only have private or fewer dental colleges.
- Admissions are through state and All India Quota counseling.
7. What is the fees structure for BDS in India?
The BDS fees structure varies widely based on the type of college:
- Government colleges: ₹15,000–₹50,000 per year
- Private colleges: ₹2 lakh–₹8 lakh per year
- Deemed universities: ₹3 lakh–₹10 lakh per year
8. Can I download the list of BDS colleges in India as a PDF?
Yes, you can download the complete list of BDS colleges in India in a PDF format for offline use.
Benefits of downloading:
- Quick college comparison
- Reference during NEET choice filling
- Updated with state-wise, government and private dental colleges
9. Which are the top 10 government dental colleges in India?
The top 10 government dental colleges in India based on rankings, NEET cut-offs and academic results are:
- Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, Delhi
- Nair Hospital Dental College, Mumbai
- Government Dental College, Bangalore
- Government Dental College, Mumbai
- Government Dental College, Chennai
- Faculty of Dental Sciences, King George's Medical University, Lucknow
- Dr. R. Ahmed Dental College, Kolkata
- Government Dental College, Thiruvananthapuram
- Government Dental College, Patiala
- Government Dental College & Hospital, Ahmedabad
10. What is the counseling process for BDS admission through NEET?
The BDS admission process through NEET involves centralized counseling by MCC and state authorities.
Steps include:
- Register online for All India Quota (AIQ) and/or State Quota
- Fill in BDS college choices as per preference
- Seat allotment based on NEET rank, cut-offs, and reservation
- Document verification and fee payment at allotted college





















