If you are dreaming of becoming a dentist, one of the first things you’ll need to figure out is how to get into a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) course. When it comes to Dentistry, it is not just about fixing teeth but about helping people smile confidently, improving overall health, and building a respected career in healthcare.
But how do you start this journey? The answer lies in one word: NEET. Every year, lakhs of students appear for NEET with the hope of getting into MBBS or BDS. While MBBS seats are fewer and highly competitive, BDS offers an equally fulfilling career path, and yes, it also requires NEET.
This article will walk you through everything you need to know about BDS admission NEET 2025: the required marks, eligibility, counselling process, and a look at some top colleges. We’ll keep things simple, human, and practical, so by the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap.
Why is NEET compulsory for BDS admission?
Since 2016, the government has made NEET the single entrance exam for admission into MBBS and BDS across India. This means that whether you are aiming for a government dental college, a private one, or even a deemed university, you must clear NEET.
There’s no separate entrance exam for BDS anymore. Even private colleges cannot admit students without NEET. This was put in place to make the procedure transparent, equitable, and merit-based.
Therefore, the answer to the question, “Is NEET mandatory for BDS?” is a resounding yes.
Eligibility for BDS via NEET
Let’s determine your eligibility before considering the score:
- Qualifications for Education:
- You must have completed Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English in your 10+2 (or its equivalent) course.
- General category students must score 50% aggregate in PCB,
- OBC/SC/ST students need 40%,
- PwD candidates need 45%.
- You must have completed Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English in your 10+2 (or its equivalent) course.
- Age Requirement:
- Minimum age is 17 years by December 31, 2025.
- There is no upper age limit for NEET currently.
- Minimum age is 17 years by December 31, 2025.
- NEET Percentile Requirement:
- General: 50th percentile
- SC/ST/OBC: 40th percentile
- PwD: 45th percentile
- General: 50th percentile
So if you meet these conditions, you are eligible for BDS admission through NEET 2025.
NEET marks for BDS: How much do you need?
This is where most students get confused. There are two sets of numbers you should know:
1. Qualifying Marks (to be eligible for counselling)
| Category | Percentile | NEET Score Range (2025) |
| General / EWS | 50th percentile | 144 – 686 |
| General-PH | 45th percentile | 127 – 143 |
| OBC / SC / ST | 40th percentile | 113 – 143 |
| OBC-PH / SC-PH / ST-PH | 40th percentile | 113 – 126 |
(Source: Careers360 NEET 2025 cut-off prediction)
These scores only make you eligible. But getting admission is a different story.
2. Competitive Marks (to get a seat)
- Government Dental Colleges:
- General: 500+
- OBC: 480+
- SC/ST: 450+
- Top-tier colleges may require 550–650
- General: 500+
- Private Dental Colleges:
- Often between 400–500+, depending on the state and demand.
- Often between 400–500+, depending on the state and demand.
- Deemed Universities:
- Usually in the 400–450+ range.
- Usually in the 400–450+ range.
For example, with 470 marks, you might get a decent seat in a private college or under the state quota, but you must score much closer to 600 at the Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences in Delhi.
Consider it this way: competitive scores determine whether you get into a prestigious university or have to settle for a less desirable option, while qualifying scores open the gate.
Admission to BDS via NEET
Following your NEET clearance, the following occurs:
- Declaration of NEET Results
- The scorecard containing your percentile, score, and All India Rank is released by NTA following the exam.
- The scorecard containing your percentile, score, and All India Rank is released by NTA following the exam.
- Counselling
- All India Quota (15%): Managed by MCC (Medical Counselling Committee).
- State Quota (85%): Managed by respective state counselling authorities.
- All India Quota (15%): Managed by MCC (Medical Counselling Committee).
- Choice Filling & Seat Allotment
- You register, pay counselling fees, choose preferred colleges, and wait for allotment.
- There are usually multiple rounds: Round 1, Round 2, Mop-up, and Stray Vacancy round.
- You register, pay counselling fees, choose preferred colleges, and wait for allotment.
- Reporting & Admission
- After being assigned, you must confirm your college admission, pay fees, and verify your documents.
- Whether you want to pursue BDS or MBBS, the procedure is the same.
Top Dental Colleges in India through NEET 2025
Here are some reputed dental colleges where you can aim for BDS through NEET:
| College | Location | Approx Closing Rank (BDS) |
| Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences | New Delhi | ~6,000 |
| Government Dental College, Bangalore | Karnataka | ~9,300 |
| Nair Dental College & Hospital | Mumbai, MH | ~10,000 |
| Government Dental College, Thrissur | Kerala | ~5,000 |
| Goa Dental College & Hospital | Goa | ~13,400 |
| Regional Dental College, Guwahati | Assam | ~15,000 |
| Patna Dental College & Hospital | Bihar | ~14,000 |
Note: Closing ranks vary every year based on NEET difficulty and the number of applicants.
If you want to secure a place at a government dental college, aim as high as possible. 500+ marks gives you a safe range in many states.
BDS course fees in India
This is another common doubt. Fees vary significantly depending on the type of college:
| Type of College | Approx Annual Fee Range |
| Government Dental College | ₹15,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
| Private Dental College | ₹2,00,000 – ₹6,00,000 |
| Deemed Universities | ₹3,50,000 – ₹10,00,000 |
Government colleges are highly affordable, while private ones can be costly. Some states also have subsidised fees under the government quota even in private colleges.
Conclusion
To sum it up, BDS admission through NEET 2025 requires a mix of eligibility, preparation, and strategy. You need to:
- Meet the 10+2 eligibility criteria,
- Secure the minimum qualifying percentile in NEET,
- Aim for 500+ marks if you’re targeting government seats, or 400+ marks if you’re looking at private colleges,
- Go through the counselling process carefully, keeping options open.
Dentistry is a rewarding career, and the journey starts with NEET. If you prepare smartly, know the cut-offs, and fill your counselling choices wisely, you’ll be on your way to becoming a dentist.
FAQs
What are the minimum NEET marks for BDS?
General category students need around 144+ marks to qualify, but for admission in government colleges, you should aim for at least 500+.
Is NEET mandatory for BDS?
Yes. NEET is the only way to get admission into BDS across government, private, or deemed colleges.
Can private colleges admit for BDS through NEET?
Yes. Every BDS seat in India is filled through NEET. Private colleges cannot admit students without NEET.
What is the BDS eligibility through NEET?
You must pass 10+2 with PCB and English, score at least 50% (General) or 40% (SC/ST/OBC), and be 17 years or older by December 31, 2025.
What is the BDS course fee?
Government colleges: ₹15,000 – ₹1,00,000 per year.
Private colleges: ₹2 – ₹6 lakh per year.
Deemed universities: ₹3.5 – ₹10 lakh per year.
