Top Dental Colleges in India 2025 include reputed institutes like MAIDS Delhi, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Saveetha Dental College and SRM Dental College. Admission is mainly through NEET with BDS and MDS programs offered across government and private colleges. Fees range from ₹1 lakh to ₹25 lakh, while placements provide opportunities in clinics, hospitals and research with average packages between ₹4–12 LPA. Explore rankings, cutoffs, fees and placements to choose the right dental college.
Dentistry is one of the most sought-after fields in medical education after MBBS in India. With rising awareness of oral health and cosmetic dentistry, the demand for qualified dental professionals is increasing rapidly. India has some of the best dental colleges, offering undergraduate (BDS), postgraduate (MDS) and diploma courses in dental sciences. Admission is primarily through NEET-UG for BDS and NEET-PG/MDS for postgraduate programs.
This blog provides an in-depth look at the Top Dental Colleges in India 2025 based on NIRF ranking, fees, admission process, cutoff, placements and ROI to help you make the right choice.
Highlights 2025
Here’s a quick overview of dental education in India:
| Particulars | Details |
| No. of Colleges | 300+ dental colleges in India |
| Courses Offered | BDS, MDS, Diploma in Dental Sciences |
| Entrance Exam | NEET-UG (BDS), NEET-MDS (PG courses) |
| Duration | BDS – 5 years (including internship), MDS – 3 years |
| Top Specializations | Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, Periodontics, Oral Surgery, Conservative Dentistry |
| Top Colleges | Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Saveetha Dental College, SDM Dharwad, Nair Dental College Mumbai |
| Average Fees | Govt. colleges – ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakh; Private colleges – ₹4 lakh to ₹12 lakh per year |
| Placements | Average package ₹4–12 LPA; top recruiters include hospitals, research centers, and private clinics |
Top Dental Colleges in India: NIRF Ranking 2024
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) releases annual rankings based on teaching, research, resources and placements. Below are the best dental colleges in India 2024:
| College Name | NIRF 2022 | NIRF 2023 | NIRF 2024 |
| Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, Delhi | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Udupi | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Nair Hospital Dental College, Mumbai | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| SDM College of Dental Sciences, Dharwad | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| SRM Dental College, Chennai | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Government Dental College, Bangalore | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Amrita School of Dentistry, Kochi | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| Faculty of Dental Sciences, KGMU Lucknow | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Top Dental Colleges in India: Admissions 2025
Admission to dental colleges in India is based on NEET scores.
- BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery):
- Duration: 5 years (4 years study + 1 year internship)
- Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology (50% marks)
- Entrance Exam: NEET-UG
- MDS (Master of Dental Surgery):
- Duration: 3 years
- Eligibility: BDS degree from a recognized institute + internship
- Entrance Exam: NEET-MDS
Top Government Dental Colleges in India
Government colleges are more affordable compared to private ones. Here are the top government dental colleges with fees and NIRF rankings:
| College Name | Tuition Fees | NIRF 2024 Rank |
| Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, Delhi | ₹15,000 – ₹25,000 per year | 1 |
| Nair Hospital Dental College, Mumbai | ₹60,000 per year | 5 |
| Government Dental College, Bangalore | ₹70,000 per year | 8 |
| Government Dental College, Nagpur | ₹85,000 per year | 12 |
| Faculty of Dental Sciences, KGMU Lucknow | ₹1.5 lakh per year | 10 |
Top Private Dental Colleges in India
Private colleges offer excellent infrastructure and placements but come with higher tuition fees.
| College Name | Tuition Fees (BDS) | NIRF 2024 Rank |
| Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Udupi | ₹6–8 lakh per year | 2 |
| Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College, Pune | ₹5–6 lakh per year | 3 |
| Saveetha Dental College, Chennai | ₹5–7 lakh per year | 4 |
| SDM College of Dental Sciences, Dharwad | ₹4–5 lakh per year | 6 |
| SRM Dental College, Chennai | ₹4–6 lakh per year | 7 |
Top Dental Colleges in India: Fees vs Placement
ROI (Return on Investment) plays an important role in selecting the right college.
| College Name | Average Annual Fees | Average Placement Package |
| Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, Delhi | ₹25,000 | ₹12 LPA |
| Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Udupi | ₹7 lakh | ₹10 LPA |
| Saveetha Dental College, Chennai | ₹6 lakh | ₹8 LPA |
| Nair Hospital Dental College, Mumbai | ₹60,000 | ₹9 LPA |
| SDM College of Dental Sciences, Dharwad | ₹4.5 lakh | ₹7 LPA |
Top Dental Colleges in India: Cutoff 2025
Admission cutoffs vary each year depending on NEET scores.
- Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, Delhi: 640+ (NEET-UG)
- Manipal College of Dental Sciences: 580+
- Nair Dental College, Mumbai: 600+
- Saveetha Dental College, Chennai: 550+
- KGMU Lucknow (Faculty of Dental Sciences): 590+
Highest Salary Offered by Top Dental Colleges in India
The top placement offers for dental graduates in India range between ₹6 LPA – ₹18 LPA, depending on specialization and college.
- Highest Packages: ₹18 LPA (Manipal, Saveetha, MAIDS Delhi)
- Average Packages: ₹6–9 LPA (Govt. Colleges & SDM Dharwad)
- Top Recruiters: Apollo Hospitals, Fortis, AIIMS-affiliated hospitals, Dental research labs, Private clinics
Conclusion
The top dental colleges in India 2025 like MAIDS Delhi, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Saveetha Dental College and Nair Dental College Mumbai are among the best choices for students aiming for a career in dentistry. Admission is competitive through NEET-UG and NEET-MDS, so preparation is key. While government colleges offer affordability and strong ROI, private colleges provide world-class infrastructure and global exposure.
Read Also:
- Top Medical Colleges in Delhi 2025
- Top Medical Colleges in Mumbai 2025
- Top 10 Medical Colleges in India (2025)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the No. 1 dental college in India in 2025?
Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (MAIDS), Delhi, holds the No. 1 position in India according to NIRF Ranking 2024, known for low fees and high placement packages.
2. What is the entrance exam for dental colleges in India?
Admission to BDS and MDS courses is primarily through NEET-UG and NEET-MDS, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
3. What is the fee for BDS in government dental colleges?
The average BDS fees in government dental colleges range from ₹20,000 – ₹1.5 lakh per year, making them highly affordable.
4. How much does a private dental college cost in India?
Private dental colleges charge between ₹4 lakh – ₹12 lakh per year for BDS, depending on the institute and specialization.
5. What is the duration of a BDS course in India?
The BDS program in India is 5 years long, including 4 years of academic study and a 1-year compulsory internship.
6. What is the duration of an MDS course in India?
MDS, or Master of Dental Surgery, is a 3-year postgraduate program after completing BDS.
7. Which dental colleges in India have the best placements?
MAIDS Delhi, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Saveetha Dental College, and Nair Dental College Mumbai offer the best placement opportunities in India.
8. What is the average placement package for BDS graduates in India?
The average placement package for BDS graduates ranges from ₹4 LPA to ₹12 LPA, depending on the college and specialization.
9. What is the cutoff for BDS admission in top dental colleges?
The cutoff varies but generally, MAIDS Delhi requires 640+ NEET marks, while private institutes like Saveetha accept 550+ marks.
10. Which are the top government dental colleges in India?
Some top government dental colleges are MAIDS Delhi, Nair Hospital Dental College Mumbai, Government Dental College Bangalore, and KGMU Lucknow.
11. Which are the top private dental colleges in India?
Leading private dental colleges include Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Dr. DY Patil Dental College Pune, Saveetha Dental College, and SRM Dental College Chennai.
12. What specializations are offered in MDS in India?
Popular MDS specializations include Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, Periodontics, Oral Surgery, Pediatric Dentistry, and Endodontics.
13. Is BDS a good career in India?
Yes, BDS offers a promising career with opportunities in private practice, hospitals, academics, and cosmetic dentistry, along with good salary growth.
14. Do dental colleges in India offer internships?
Yes, all BDS programs include a 1-year compulsory rotatory internship in affiliated hospitals or clinics.
15. Which city has the best dental colleges in India?
Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, and Bangalore are popular hubs for top-ranked dental colleges offering excellent academics and placements.
16. What is the salary of a dentist after BDS in India?
A fresh BDS graduate earns around ₹4–6 LPA, while experienced dentists and MDS specialists can earn up to ₹15–20 LPA.
17. Is NEET mandatory for BDS admission in India?
Yes, NEET-UG is compulsory for admission to all government and private BDS colleges in India.
18. Which dental college in India has the lowest fees?
Government colleges like MAIDS Delhi and Nair Dental College Mumbai offer the lowest fees, ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹70,000 per year.
19. Which private dental college in India has the highest package?
Manipal College of Dental Sciences and Saveetha Dental College record the highest packages up to ₹18 LPA for top-performing students.
20. Is studying dentistry abroad better than in India?
While studying abroad offers global exposure, India’s top NIRF-ranked colleges provide affordable fees, recognized degrees, and strong job prospects.