Is BDS equal to MBBS: Choosing MBBS or BDS can confuse candidates as they are not overly aware of their differences. Questions like which is better, MBBS or BDS? Which programme is advantageous? Is MBBS or BDS equivalent? Arise makes the whole process of choosing a course difficult because of insufficient information. MBBS is regarded as the most prestigious profession, followed by BDS. MBBS covers all the medical fields, whereas BDS only focus on dentistry. Readers will learn about the difference between MBBS and BDS, course duration, colleges, admission procedure, and more through this article.
Table of Contents
Difference Between MBBS and BDS
The most compared medical courses are MBBS or BDS, so here is an overview of the Comparison between BDS and MBBS :
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Particulars | MBBS | BDS |
---|---|---|
Full Form | Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Medicine | Bachelor of Dental Surgery. |
Exam Conducted By | NTA | NTA |
Entrance Exam | NEET | NEET |
Course Duration | 4.5yr + 1yr | 4yr + 1yr |
BDS Course
BDS is a popular name for the degree in bachelor of dental surgery. In India, BDS is the most popular degree programme for those who want to pursue a career in dentistry after high school. Dental students who complete the programme care for their patient’s oral hygiene.

After high school, one of the most promising job alternatives in the medical field is the bachelor of dental surgery (BDS). It is a thoughtfully constructed undergraduate programme that, in terms of medical education, is equal to the MBBS. All students enrolling in this course to pursue a career are given the necessary training to understand the basics of dentures, dental issues, and surgery. BDS courses duration is 5-6yrs same as MBBS programmes.
Course Duration
BDS is a five-year undergraduate programme that results in a degree. The five years required for the BDS degree will be divided into four years of theory and one year of rotational internship.
BDS Career Option
Dentists, Dental surgeons, endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial pathologists, Oral surgeons, orthodontics, Paedodontic and more.
No. of Seats and Colleges
There is a huge difference between no. of seats and applicants in Indian medical colleges. Here is the list of no. of seats and colleges for BDS in India:
Total no. of Seats | 27,000+ |
Total no. of Colleges | 300+ |
MBBS
Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Medicine, or MBBS, is a frequent abbreviation. Its Latin name, Medicinae Baccalaureus, Baccalaureus Chirurgiae, is where the name MBBS was first used. One of India’s most popular ways to become a doctor of modern medicine is to complete the MBBS programme, which is the country’s main undergraduate medical programme.

The MBBS programme is the most difficult and highly sought-after undergraduate medical programme in India for students in Class 12 Science (PCB). Aspirants who want to become doctors in India now recognise that MBBS is the finest path. To become a doctor of contemporary medicine, you must complete the MBBS programme. The colleges accredited by the National Medical Council (NMC) will offer admission to the MBBS programme.
Course Duration
For those hoping to become doctors, the undergraduate medical degree known as MBBS is available. The 5.5-year MBBS programme is divided into 4.5 years of theory-based instruction and 1 year of required internship.
Aspirants are required to participate in a variety of hospital ward training sessions throughout their MBBS internship. Aspirants used to have practical applications for their academic knowledge during this time.
MBBS Career Options
Specialist Doctor, Physician, Surgeon, Medical Professor, Lecturer, Research Scientist and many others.
No. of Seats and Colleges
There is a huge difference between no. of seats and applicants in Indian medical colleges. Here is the list of no. of seats and colleges for MBBS in India:
Total no. of Seats | 92793 |
Total no. of Colleges | 612 |
Admission Procedure of MBBS and BDS
Particulars | Description |
---|---|
Qualification | Students must get a minimum of 50% in aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in their 12th grade to be eligible for BDS or MBBS admission in India. For students in the reserved category, the minimum is 40%. |
Entrance Exam | A single entrance exam called the National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET) is used to admit students to the MBBS and BDS programmes. |
Aspirants must register separately for counselling for both the MBBS and BDS programmes because they will be completely different from one another. Admission will be awarded to medical and dentistry universities around the country based on the information provided on the application, the merit list, and the counselling procedure.
Top 10 Colleges of BDS and MBBS
Every student dreams of getting admission to top medical colleges, so here is the list of top MBBS and BDS colleges:
Conclusion
The medical field has two branches: MBBS and BDS. The MBBS name is for Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Medicine, and BDS stands for Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree and is related to dental problems especially. Both are very important in the medical sector; it depends on “what you choose to study.” Compared to the MBBS NEET cutoff, the BDS NEET cutoff is lower.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is BDS degree a good option?
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is one of the most promising career options in the medical industry after class 12th. It is a well-designed undergraduate program equivalent to the MBBS in the medical education field.
Is BDS less than MBBS?
BDS programme takes five years, whereas MBBS takes 5.5 years to complete. BDS degree is awarded to students quite earlier compared to the MBBS degree.
Which is easier BDS or MBBS?
Both are equally difficult and easy. BDS stands for Bachelor of Dental Surgery, meaning the graduate will be a dentist. MBBS stands for Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Medicine, meaning the graduate will be a surgeon.
What is the career scope of BDS?
After completing BDS, candidates will be hired by the medical college, hospitals, nursing homes, health corporations, health ministries, and back office medical consultancy. One can also open a dental clinic or work as a dentist in government and private hospitals.
What is the career scope of MBBS?
After completing MBBS, candidates can work in Defence Services, Hospital Chains, Research and Academics, Hospital Management or open their own clinic.
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