After completing Class 12th, the most common career path for many students is medicine. Many students dream to be a doctor and choose Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as the main subjects after Class 10th. In the medical field, there are mainly two programs available in India, which are MBBS and BDS. But, when it comes to choosing a course, between these two, the students are torn between MBBS and BDS. This is because of their lack of knowledge about the breadth and relevance of both courses. Both of these programs are equally important and provide promising career opportunities. However, it might be a difficult task for students to choose between MBBS and BDS programs after Class 12th. They must make an informed selection based on their areas of interest and academic scope.
MBBS vs BDS: Full Form
MBBS is the short form of Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Medicine. It originated from the Latin name, Medicine Baccalaureus, Baccalaureus Chirurgical. In India, MBBS is a very popular undergraduate program and one of the most common routes to becoming a doctor.
BDS is the short form of Bachelor of Dental Surgery. For candidates who want to pursue their career in the field of dentistry after Class 12th, BDS is the most designated program for them.
MBBS vs BDS: Course Highlights
MBBS is an undergraduate program in the field of medical, with the course duration of total 5.5 years. This program consists of 4.5 years of coursework and academic knowledge and 1 year of internship. After completing the MBBS program, they will become licensed physicians in India. They will get medical licenses issued by the Medical Council of India.
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is a five-year UG program in the field of dentistry. This program consists of four years of academic knowledge and one year of internship. After completing the BDS program, they can work as dentists. These specialists are responsible for the oral health of the patients.
Here is a brief analysis of MBBS and BDS courses:
MBBS:
- Course Duration: 4.5 years+1 year internship
- Name of the Degree: MBBS
- Examination: NEET-UG
- MBBS Course Fees: INR 11,000 to 7.5 Lakhs in Government and INR 20 Lakhs to INR 80 Lakhs in Private Colleges
BDS:
- Course Duration: 4 years+1 year internship
- Degree: Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
- Examination: NEET-UG
- BDS Course Fees: In range between INR 50,000 to INR 12 Lakhs
MBBS vs BDS: Basic Differences Between MBBS and BDS Program
To choose between MBBS and BDS programs, students must have to understand the basic difference between these two programs. Both of the programs target the different aspects of the medicine. The differences between these two programs are mentioned below:
- Focuses of the Courses: MBBS focused on the complete human body. Whereas BDS mainly focused on dental science and surgeries.
- Course Duration & Internship: MBBS is a 5.5-year course, along with a 1-year internship included. Whereas BDS is a 5-year program, along with 1 year internship included with the course.
- Flexibility of Pursuing: After completing the MBBS program, you must take hands-on training in hospital wards and outpatient departments. Whereas you can pursue the BDS program either part-time or full-time.
MBBS vs BDS: Eligibility Criteria
Here are the eligibility criteria for both MBBS and BDS programs mentioned below:
Eligibility for MBBS:
To enroll in the MBBS program, applicant should be aware of the eligibility criteria of the program:
- Educational Qualification: They must have completed their Class 12th grade from a recognized board.
- Mandatory Subjects: They should have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCM) as the main subjects in their Class 12th.
- Minimum Percentage of PCM: They must have secured a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate of PCM.
- Minimum Age Requirements: Applicant should be at least 17 years of age while applying.
Eligibility for BDS:
To enroll in the BDS program, candidates must have to fulfil some eligibility criteria:
- Educational Qualification: Candidates should have completed their Class 12th examination from a recognized board.
- Mandatory Subjects: They should have Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as the mandatory subject in Class 12th
- Minimum Percentage of PCM: Must have secured a minimum of 50% marks in PCM in Class 12th
- Minimum Age Requirements: The candidates should be at least 17 years old to be eligible for admission to this program.
MBBS vs BDS: Admission Process
For admission to the MBBS and BDS program, candidates must have to appear for the NEET-UG Exam. This is a single undergraduate medical entrance exam in India, conducted for admission to the MBBS, BDS, Nursing, and other courses. Students appearing for the NEET Counselling will get the option to choose between MBBS, BDS, and any other medical courses. Based on the registration and choice-filling process conducted by MCC, students will get their admission to the MBBS or BDS they have selected.
MBBS vs BDS: Fees Structure
The MBBS fees in India vary for the government, private, and deemed universities. The average MBBS course fees for the government colleges range between INR 11,000 to INR 7,00,000. The MBBS course fees for the private colleges can range between INR 20,00,000 to INR 80,00,000.
Whereas the course fees for the BDS program vary for government colleges, private colleges, and deemed universities. The average BDS course fees in India range between INR 50,000 to INR 12,00,000.
MBBS vs BDS: Specializations after The Course
Here are the specializations for both of the programs are mentioned below:
Specializations after MBBS:
After completing the MBBS program, students can pursue higher education in the field of medicine by undertaking MD and MS programs. They can also opt for a postgraduate diploma, which allows them to specialize in a specific field. The course duration for both the MD and MS program is three years, whereas a postgraduate diploma takes two years to complete. These are the specializations available to pursue advanced medical degree after MBBS:
Anatomy, Dermatology & Venereology, Biochemistry, Internal Medicine, Orthopedics, Psychiatry, Surgery, Pathology, Microbiology, Physiology, etc.
There are other specializations to cater to deserver medical interests and career paths after MBBS. With these courses, students can pursue advanced degrees which allows medical professionals to become specialists in their chosen fields.
Specializations after BDS:
After completing the BDS degree, students can choose for higher education in the field of dental science. There are various options to select from, based on the student’s interest, expertise, and career path as a dentist. After the BDS, students can pursue the three-year MDS program that mainly focuses on advanced dental sciences and oral surgical techniques. These are some specializations available for the MDS program:
Prosthodontics, Orthodontics, Operative Dentistry, Periodontics, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, etc.
MBBS vs BDS: Career Scope
MBBS: There are many job opportunities available after completing the MBBS program. After the MBBS program, graduates can join any government or private hospital after the course. They can also opt for any PG studies after the program. Ultimately, MBBS opens the doors to diverse career paths, ranging from hospital roles to specialized postgraduate studies.
BDS: After completing the BDS program, students will get various opportunities in various avenues. Many medical colleges often provide placement opportunities for students in both private and government hospitals. They can also opt for the MDS program for even more promising career pathways.
MBBS vs BDS: Top Colleges in India
There are many private and government colleges in India that provide MBBS and BDS degree.
Top MBBS Colleges in India:
These are some of the top MBBS colleges in India as per the NIRF ranking:
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences
- Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh
- Christian Medical College
- National Institute of Mental Health& Neuroscience
- Banaras Hindu University
- Jawaharlal Institute of Post-Graduate Medical Education & Research, Pondicherry
- Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Uttar Pradesh
Top BDS Colleges in India:
These are some of the leading dental education institutes in India according to NIRF ranking:
- Saveetha Institute of Medical & Technical Sciences, Tamil Nadu
- Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal
- D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth
- Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences
- B. Sheety Memorial Institute of Dental Science
MBBS vs BDS: Which One to Choose
In the end, we can say that both of these courses should be driven by individual passion and understanding of the differences between the two courses. BDS course could be a good option as its annual fee is less and chances of getting admission are high. Whereas MBBS courses can also be considered because of its high salary and stability. The MBBS is the comprehensive study of the entire human body, which gives highly rewarding career opportunities. Whereas, BDS mainly focuses on dental science, which provides avenues for establishing dental clinics or pursuing further studies.
