BDS General Surgery: Admission 2025, Syllabus, Eligibility, Fees, Colleges, Careers

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is a 5-year undergraduate program, including four years of academic study and one year of internship, designed to train students in the field of dentistry. It focuses on the study of dental sciences, oral health, dental surgery, and the diagnosis and treatment of dental disorders. Upon completion, graduates are qualified to practice as dentists and pursue specialized careers in dental surgery and related fields.

Eligibility for pursuing BDS General Surgery is to pass 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English from a recognized board with an aggregate mark of at least 50% marks. Candidates need to qualify in entrance exams like NEET UG for getting admission at reputed institutes.

The average BDS course fee is INR 1,50,000-10,00,000, based on the type of institution. Colleges under the government usually provide fees less than the fees of any dental colleges that are not under the government. Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (New Delhi), Manipal College of Dental Sciences (Manipal), Government Dental College (Mumbai), and Nair Dental College and SDM College of Dental Sciences (Dharwad) are some of the best colleges that provide such a course.

The doctors of BDS General Surgery have a choice to become Dental Surgeons, Dental Surgeons (with MDS), Clinical Researchers, Healthcare Administrators, etc. They can also be employed in hospitals, working on a part-time basis in a private clinic, a dental equipment company, or even have an academic career. Upon completion of postgraduate education (MDS), one can specialize in Oral surgery, Orthodontics, periodontics, etc. The freshers begin with a salary of approximately INR 4-6 LPA, and the more experienced of those with postgraduate education can get an average salary of between INR 8-15 LPA, depending on their skills and experience.

BDS General Surgery Course Highlights

Given below are the basic key highlights for the BDS General Surgery course:

What is BDS General Surgery?

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is a 5-year undergraduate course (which includes 1 year of compulsory internship) that is designed to provide the student with a strong grip of the science of dentistry, coupled with an introduction to the basics of medicine and surgical concepts. It is a necessary program because students who dream of becoming licensed dental practitioners will pursue this program.

The course integrates theory with clinical practice in the various spheres of dental anatomy, oral pathology, periodontics, prosthodontics, orthodontics, and community dentistry. At the same time, students learn General Medicine and General Surgery to acquire an understanding of systemic disorders related to oral health. During rotations in surgery and hospital care, surgical techniques and methods of handling patients, anesthesia, infection control, and treatment of traumas are highlighted. The program develops the diagnostic, surgical, and patient-communication expertise and eventually creates professionals who are capable of providing comprehensive dental and oral treatment.

Why Study BDS General Surgery?

BDS General Surgery is an honors course as well as a competitive one, where students are taught to become professionals in dental care with an emphasis on surgical diagnosis and surgery. It is not only about teeth; it is about the whole oral and facial setup and treatment of the patient, along with semi-microsurgical accuracy in surgical practice, which can change their lifetime. And here is the list of reasons why BDS General Surgery is a perfect choice:

• You are prepared for one of the most sought-after careers in healthcare, one that is not only changing people's lives but also one that is needed, as dental surgeons treat not only oral ailments but also facial trauma, infections, and congenital abnormalities, so your profession is valuable and honored.
• You get a dual background in medicine and surgery: The program provides you with program-integrated education in human Anatomy, pharmacology, oral pathology, and surgical procedures, bridging the gap between the dental sciences and overall healthcare.
• You become a proficient diagnostician and technician: As a result of years of practical training, laboratory work, clinical placement, and internship, you become a skilled surgeon, a master of manipulating the patient and working with technologies in the field of dentistry.

Who Should Study BDS General Surgery?

Here are the types of candidates best suited for pursuing BDS with a focus on general surgery:

• Students who have enthusiasm in dental health, surgery, and medical sciences and desire to get employed in the sphere of healthcare with emphasis on oral and maxillofacial support.
• Students who feel good with biology and anatomy, have passed NEET UG, and are curious about clinical activity, diagnostics, and the treatment of patients.
• People who have a lot of detail, get along with a steady hand, and have a knack for finishing practical medical issues, particularly in oral care, abnormal alignment of the jaws, and facio-reconstructions.
• Aspiring dental surgeons who hope to establish their practice or join hospitals, dental clinics, or the government health services to provide care to various communities.
• Students with the expectations of further dental training (MDS) at a postgraduate level in specific fields such as Oral Surgery, Implantology, Prosthodontics, and Orthodontics.
• Applicants should be looking towards a vibrant, stable job in the field of medicine where practicing medicine is active in the fields of learning, patient interaction, and surgical abilities.

BDS General Surgery Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for admission to the BDS General Surgery course are as follows. These may differ slightly between colleges or universities:

• Passing 10+2 or the equivalent from a recognized board, having Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English as their compulsory subjects.
• Aggregate, a minimum of 50% marks in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) in the qualifying examination (40% in case of SC/ST/OBC candidates according to the government provisions).
• He should have qualified the NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), which is necessary to get admission to the BDS courses in India.
• A minimum of 17 years old by the 31st December of the admission year.
• Students waiting to appear for the 10+2 examination may also apply provisionally on an eligibility basis to be determined through counseling/admission.

BDS General Surgery Entrance Exam 2025

BDS (General Surgery) admissions across India are based on a single national-level entrance exam.

If you are interested in short-term courses then check Diploma in Dental Mechanics

BDS General Surgery Colleges in India

Below is a list of some of the most reputed dental colleges in India offering BDS with a focus on General Surgery. Admission is highly competitive and is based on NEET UG scores.

BDS General Surgery Admission Process 2025

The admissions to BDS General Surgery is almost similar in all colleges, each following a standardized procedure. For reference, the admission process for enrolling into Manipal College of Dental Sciences is given below:

Step 1: To apply to NEET UG 2025, one can go to the official NTA NEET web portal and take due diligence by entering personal, academic, and category information.

Step 2: Take the NEET UG opening exam in May 2025. Wait and watch the results and the All India Rank (AIR).

Step 3: Take part in the MCC counselling or the Karnataka state counselling through KEA, whichever choice of seat you prefer. In counselling, put Manipal College of Dental Sciences in your first preference.

Step 4: On the basis of NEET scores and filling of choices about NEET, whether you are selected, a provisional allotment letter will be sent to you. Report to the college during the specified dates of admission confirmation.

Step 5: Pay the first-year tuition fee and submit original documents. After confirmation, your admission will be accepted.

Required Documents:

• NEET UG Admit Card and Score Card
• Class 10 and 12 Mark Sheets and Certificates
• Birth Certificate
• Transfer and Migration Certificate
• Caste/Category Certificate (if applicable)
• Passport-sized photographs
• Identity Proof (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.)
• Domicile Certificate (for state quota candidates)

BDS (General Surgery Stream) Syllabus

The BDS course is a 5-year undergraduate program that consists of 4 years of academic work + 1 year of compulsory internship. The third year is devoted to the clinical part of the General Surgery component.

Click to know about higher studies after BDS - Master of Dental Surgery

BDS General Surgery Job Opportunities in India

After completing the BDS program, students can pursue various job profiles. Given below are some of the famous job roles you can pursue after completing the course. Along with the top recruiters and average pay.

BDS General Surgery FAQs