BDS to MBBS Bridge Course: Eligibility, Duration, Admission, Best Universities
In India, both Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) and Bachelor of Medicine, as well as Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), are among the most respected degrees in the healthcare sector. While BDS focuses on dental studies, MBBS covers a broad spectrum of medical sciences, preparing students to become licensed doctors.
With a growing demand for medical professionals in general practice, some BDS graduates consider the possibility of bridging into the MBBS program. Recently, NITI Aayog has approved the BDS to MBBS bridge course as a way to upskill professionals in the medical field. The course is designed to provide a pathway for these graduates to expand their scope of practice and become qualified medical doctors.
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There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.Q: Can I get an MBBS seat with a NEET score of 350?
If you belong to SC /ST category, you can get a MBBS seat with 350. for OBC and general category, cut-off score is much more higher than 350. So, prepare well. All the best.
Q: Can I get MBBS admission with a 300 score in NEET 2024?
It is possible to get admission to a private medical college with a score of 300 in NEET 2023. For government medical college, one should ideally obtain a score above 600. The NEET cutoff for the Government medical colleges vary as per the institute rank and round of counselling. Hence, it can be said that a score of 300 in NEET 2023 may not be sufficient for admission to Government medical colleges. As per past years' trends, a score between 500 to 700 or above is in the cutoff marks for NEET.
Q: Is there any age limit for NEET exam?
The upper age limit criterion was removed by NMC on March 9, 2022, based on the judgment made by the Supreme Court of India. Earlier, the case was under trial in the apex court. However, there is a lower age limit of 17 years as of December 31 of the academic year. Unless candidates meet the lower age limit criterion, they would not be considered eligible to appear for NEET.
The bridge course builds on their existing knowledge, focusing on additional Medical subjects that BDS graduates must cover to meet the MBBS standards. This type of program is particularly beneficial for those who wish to pursue a career as a general physician or specialist doctor beyond dentistry.
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What is the BDS To MBBS Bridge Course?
The BDS to MBBS bridge course is tailored for BDS graduates who want to extend their practice beyond Dental surgery and into the broader field of Medicine.
Once the course is completed, graduates are expected to fulfil any additional clinical requirements and examinations before being licensed as medical practitioners.
BDS to MBBS Bridge Course Duration
Many Indian medical universities have set a 3-year course duration for students planning to pursue MBBS after completing BDS.
The duration of a BDS to MBBS bridge course is typically shorter than a standard MBBS degree since BDS graduates already have foundational medical knowledge.
Q: How many times can I appear for NEET?
According to NTA a candidate can appear for NEET any number of times. There is no restriction on the number of attempts permitted. Moreover, ever since the upper age limit of NEET has been removed, there is even more flexibility in terms of the number of NEET attempts.
The exam is conducted once a year, hence candidates can appear only once in an academic year. But unless candidates fulfil the eligibility criteria, they would not be able to get admission even if they score the qualifying cutoff marks for NEET.
Q: Can a class 12 student appear for NEET?
A Class 12 student can appear for NEET, provided he/she fulfills the eligibility criteria for the exam stated by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the exam conducting body. Although there is no upper age limit for appearing in NEET, but the lower age limit is still applicable. A candidate must of at least 17 years as of December 31 of the academic year. Unless candidates meet the lower age limit criterion, they would not be considered eligible to appear for NEET for the particular year. The other factors of eligibility include studying Physics, Chemistry and Biology as core subjects.
Q: How many attempts are allowed in NTA NEET UG exam?
There is no limit to the number of attempts to appear in the NTA NEET UG exam. While NEET UG is conducted once a year and candidates can appear only once in one year, an overall basis, an aspirant can appear for the exam as many times as he/she wishes to. Given the fact that the upper age limit has been removed, there is no barrier to the highest number of attempts.
Q: What is the minimum NEET score required to get an MBBS seat?
According to last year's NEET cutoff marks, a General or OBC category candidate should secure at least 500 marks to get an MBBS seat at a standard medical college in India. However, for a reserved category candidate, a score of 300 to 400 may get them an MBBS seat. Students must note that the minimum NEET score mentioned here is indicatie and not absolute. The minimum marks or the NEET cutoff marks will vary based on the qualifying cutoff, number of seats, number of aplications, andother factors. Candidates with a relatively low score must be patient and participate in multiple rounds of counselling untill they get the seat of their choice. Candidates may also participate in both national as well as state-level counsellings to expand their chances of admission.
Q: Can I get a government medical college with 470 marks in NEET 2023? I belong to SC category and I am from Haryana.
It is possible to get a government medical college with 470 marks in NEET 2023 if you belong to the SC category and are from Haryana. However, it is important to note that the competition for government medical colleges is very high, and your chances of getting a seat will depend on a number of factors, including your rank in the NEET exam, the number of seats available in government medical colleges in Haryana, and the reservation policy for SC candidates.
Here are some of the factors that can affect your chances of getting a government medical college with 470 marks:
- Your rank in the NEET exam: Your rank in the NEET exam is the most important factor that will determine your chances of getting a government medical college. The higher your rank, the better your chances of getting a seat.
- The number of seats available in government medical colleges in Haryana: The number of seats available in government medical colleges in Haryana is limited. The number of seats available will depend on the number of colleges in Haryana that offer MBBS courses and the number of seats each college has.
- The reservation policy for SC candidates: The reservation policy for SC candidates will also affect your chances of getting a government medical college. Under the reservation policy, a certain percentage of seats in government medical colleges are reserved for SC candidates. This means that if you belong to the SC category, you will have a better chance of getting a seat in a government medical college than if you did not belong to the SC category.
If you are serious about getting a government medical college, it is important to start preparing for the NEET exam early. You can start by taking online practice tests and reviewing the NCERT textbooks. You can also consider joining a coaching institute to help you prepare for the exam.
It is also important to stay motivated and focused during your preparation. The NEET exam is a challenging exam, but it is possible to clear it with hard work and dedication.
Topics you might be interested in:
Scored 300 Marks in NEET 2024? Know MBBS and BDS Admission Chances in India
Total Government MBBS seats in India through NEET 2024
Eligibility Criteria For BDS To MBBS Bridge Course
To be eligible for the BDS to MBBS bridge course, candidates generally need to meet the following criteria:
- BDS Degree: Candidates must hold a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from a recognized institution in India.
- Licensure: A valid registration with the Dental Council of India (DCI) is typically required.
- Minimum Experience: Some institutions may require candidates to have a minimum amount of clinical experience in dentistry.
- Entrance Exam: Depending on the university or regulatory requirements, candidates might need to pass an entrance examination.
Quick Links for MBBS course:
Top Universities For BDS To MBBS Bridge Course
The best universities providing BDS to MBBS bridge courses are known for their robust medical programs and may offer bridge courses once approved by the regulatory bodies.
Candidates can check the table below to see the list of top popular colleges that offer BDS to MBBS bridge courses:
- All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
- Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry
- Christian Medical College, Vellore
- King George’s Medical University, Lucknow
- Armed Forces Medical College, Pune
- Kasturba Medical College, Manipal
- Madras Medical College, Chennai
Suggested Links:
List of Medical Colleges in India accepting NEET Scores
Total AIIMS Colleges in India: Complete List with Fees, Courses, Ranking, and Total Seats
How To Switch From BDS To MBBS?
For BDS graduates looking to transition to MBBS, here are the general steps to follow:
- Stay Updated: Keep an eye on announcements from the Medical Council of India (MCI) or the National Medical Commission (NMC) regarding the official introduction of the bridge course.
- Prepare for Entrance Exams: In some cases, an entrance exam may be required.
- Enroll in a Bridge Course Program: Once the program is officially available, apply to a recognized institution offering the bridge course.
- Complete the Curriculum and Clinical Rotations: Follow the prescribed course structure, complete the additional studies, and undergo clinical training.
- Obtain Licensure: After completing the bridge course, graduates may need to pass a licensing exam to practice as medical doctors in India.
Relevant Links:
What is a Good Score in NEET UG 2024?
NEET 2024 Last Minute Preparation Tips by Experts and Toppers
What is the Difference Between BDS and MBBS?
MBBS provides the broadest scope, with opportunities in various medical specialities while BDS specialises in dental care.
Candidates can check the table below to see the comparison between the two courses below:
| Particulars |
MBBS |
BDS |
|---|---|---|
| Course Level |
UG |
UG |
| Course Duration |
5 years + 6 months internship |
5 years |
| Course Fees |
Government: INR 10,000 - INR 50,000 per year Private: INR 3 Lakh - INR 25 Lakh per year |
INR 16,500 - INR 42.5 Lakh |
| Admission Criteria |
Entrance-Based |
Entrance-Based |
| Eligibility Criteria |
Class 12 & NEET |
Class 12 & NEET |
| Entrance Exams |
NEET |
NEET & KEAM |
| Popular Colleges |
Government - AIIMS Delhi, JIPMER, KGMU, AIIMS Rishikesh, etc. |
KGMU, SRIHER, SRM Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, etc. |
| Job Profiles |
MBBS Doctors, Medical Surgeons, Medical Officers, Paediatricians, General Physicians, Medical Assistants (Surgery), etc. |
Dentists, Dental officers in Defense Services, Dentists in Indian Railways, Lecturers, Researchers, etc. |
| Average Salary |
INR 2.5 LPA - INR 15 LPA |
INR 3 LPA - INR 9 LPA |
| Top Recruiters |
Medanta Hospitals, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Fortis Healthcare Ltd, Wockhardt Ltd, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Apollo Hospitals Enterprises Ltd, etc. |
Hospitals, Dental Clinics, Educational Institutes, Dental Product Manufacturers etc. |
Useful Links:
Top 20 Medical Colleges in India Based on NIRF Ranking
BAMS vs BDS – Differences, Eligibility, Syllabus, Jobs, Salaries, and More!
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