Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is a professional undergraduate program that opens the door to a rewarding and respected career in dentistry. In India, the demand for qualified dental professionals continues to grow, driven by increased awareness of oral health, aesthetic dentistry, and preventive care. Among the states offering top-tier dental education, Maharashtra stands out as a leader, known for its robust academic environment, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and a strong network of government and private dental colleges.
Maharashtra is home to some of India’s most prestigious dental institutions that are recognized by the Dental Council of India (DCI) and affiliated with leading universities like Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS). From budget-friendly government colleges in Mumbai, Pune, and Aurangabad to highly rated private institutions offering cutting-edge facilities, students have access to diverse learning environments tailored to both academic and clinical excellence.
This blog is designed to serve as a comprehensive guide for students and parents considering BDS admission in Maharashtra for the 2026-27 academic session. We’ll walk you through the complete admission process, including eligibility criteria, NEET-UG requirements, top colleges, course fees, career prospects after graduation, and much more. Whether your goal is to pursue clinical practice, postgraduate studies, or global opportunities, this guide will help you make an informed and confident decision about your dental career journey.
Eligibility Criteria for BDS Admission in Maharashtra
To pursue a BDS degree in Maharashtra, candidates must meet the following eligibility conditions:
- Candidates must have completed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board with the following subjects:
Physics
Chemistry
Biology/Biotechnology
English
- This combination is essential to be eligible for NEET and for satisfying Dental Council of India (DCI) requirements.
- General Category: Minimum 50% aggregate in PCB subjects.
- Reserved Categories (SC/ST/OBC): Minimum 40% aggregate in PCB.
- PwD Candidates: Minimum 45% aggregate in PCB (General-PwD category).
- NEET-UG Qualification is Mandatory
- All BDS admissions (government and private) in Maharashtra are based on NEET-UG scores.
- The minimum qualifying percentile in NEET-UG is:
50th percentile (General category)
40th percentile (SC/ST/OBC)
45th percentile (PwD General)
- Without NEET-UG qualification, no student is eligible for BDS admission in India.
- Minimum age should be 17 years as of 31st December in the admission year.
- There is currently no upper age limit, subject to further guidelines from NMC or MCC.
- For State Quota seats in Maharashtra, students must provide Maharashtra domicile/residency proof.
- All India Quota (AIQ) admissions are open to candidates from all over India without domicile restrictions.
Top BDS Colleges in Maharashtra 2026-27
Here’s a curated list of some of the most reputed BDS colleges in Maharashtra based on academic reputation, infrastructure, faculty, and placement support:
| College Name | Location | Type | Approx. Fee (INR) | Affiliation |
| Government Dental College and Hospital, Mumbai | Mumbai | Government | INR 1-1.5 Lakhs | MUHS, Nashik |
| Government Dental College and Hospital, Aurangabad | Aurangabad | Government | INR 1-1.5 Lakhs | MUHS, Nashik |
| Nair Hospital Dental College | Mumbai | Government | INR 1-2 Lakhs | MUHS, Nashik |
| Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College & Hospital, Pune | Pune | Private | INR 5-7 Lakhs | DPU, Pune |
| Bharati Vidyapeeth Dental College & Hospital | Pune | Private | INR 6-8 Lakhs | Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed) |
| MGM Dental College and Hospital | Navi Mumbai | Private | INR 6-7 Lakhs | MGM Institute of Health Sciences |
| Sinhgad Dental College & Hospital | Pune | Private | INR 5-6 Lakhs | MUHS, Nashik |
| VSPM Dental College & Research Centre | Nagpur | Private | INR 5-6 Lakhs | MUHS, Nashik |
Note: Fee structures are subject to revision each academic year. Always check with the respective institution or CET Cell Maharashtra for the most up-to-date figures.
Career Opportunities After BDS in Maharashtra
Graduates from top BDS colleges in Maharashtra enjoy diverse career options spanning across clinical, academic, government, and global sectors.
1. Private Clinical Practice
- Open your own dental clinic or work in multi-specialty hospitals.
- Join leading dental chains like Clove Dental, Apollo White Dental, etc.
- Build a strong local clientele with the help of digital marketing and quality care.
2. Higher Education – MDS
- Pursue Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) in specializations such as:
- Orthodontics
- Prosthodontics
- Periodontics
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
- Pedodontics
- Requires qualifying the NEET-MDS exam.
3. Government Jobs
- Army Dental Corps: Serve in the Indian Army as a dentist.
- ESIC, CGHS, State PSCs, UPSC, and municipal health departments offer permanent dental surgeon roles.
- Government roles provide job security, decent salary, and retirement benefits.
4. Research and Academics
- Work in dental research labs, government-funded health research institutes, or clinical trials.
- Become a lecturer or professor in dental colleges after completing MDS or PhD.
5. Opportunities Abroad
- Appear for global licensing exams such as:
- NBDE (USA)
- ORE (UK)
- ADC (Australia)
- NDEB (Canada)
- Practice dentistry overseas or enroll in international dental PG programs.
6. Public Health & Healthcare Management
- Work in health NGOs, community dental health projects, or health policy planning.
- Pursue an MBA in Healthcare or Hospital Administration for a transition into dental business management.
7. Dental Journalism & Content Creation
- Create educational content for YouTube, dental ed-tech platforms, or health blogs.
- Join health magazines or research journals as dental subject matter experts or editors.
Final Thoughts
Maharashtra stands out as a premier destination for dental education, offering a blend of affordability, academic excellence, and career growth. Whether you are targeting top government dental colleges in Mumbai or private institutions in Pune and Nagpur, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and perform well in NEET-UG. Beyond academics, Maharashtra also provides a thriving ecosystem for career advancement—be it private practice, MDS, research, or international opportunities.
Plan early, stay updated on CET Cell Maharashtra announcements, and choose your college based on both merit and long-term goals. With the right strategy and institution, a rewarding dental career is well within reach.