Top Dental Colleges in India 2026 – BDS Colleges, NEET Cutoff, Fees
India has established itself as one of the strongest destinations for dental education, with several top dental colleges in India offering a balanced combination of academic excellence, advanced clinical training, and real-world patient exposure. Students can pursue Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) and Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) programs at reputed government and private dental colleges in India, all of which are approved and regulated by the Dental Council of India (DCI). These institutions follow a standardized curriculum while also providing hands-on learning through well-equipped dental hospitals and specialty clinics.
Admission to the best dental colleges in India is conducted through national-level entrance examinations, ensuring transparency and merit-based selection. Aspiring undergraduate students must qualify NEET UG for BDS admissions, while postgraduate aspirants are selected through NEET MDS. Counselling is conducted at both the All India and state levels, allowing students to choose from a wide range of dental colleges based on NEET cutoff, fees, location, and seat availability.
India’s top dental institutions are spread across major academic and healthcare hubs, giving students flexibility in choosing colleges based on regional preference and exposure. Leading cities and states for dental education in India include:
-
Delhi, known for premier government dental colleges
-
Maharashtra (Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur), offering strong government and private options
-
Karnataka (Bengaluru, Mangaluru), a popular hub for NEET-based dental admissions
-
Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Kanchipuram), known for high clinical case volume
Several institutions consistently rank among the top dental colleges in India due to their academic reputation and clinical infrastructure. Notable names include Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, Delhi, Government Dental College, Mumbai, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Saveetha Dental College, Chennai, Dr. R. Ahmed Dental College, Kolkata, and SRM Dental College. These colleges are recognized for experienced faculty, modern laboratories, research opportunities, and strong placement and internship support.
Top Dental Colleges in India by Rankings 2026
The top dental colleges in India in 2026 are ranked after evaluating multiple academic and career-oriented parameters such as NEET UG & NEET MDS cutoff trends, quality of clinical exposure, faculty expertise, infrastructure, research output, hospital footfall, and overall reputation. These rankings help students shortlist the best government and private dental colleges in India for BDS and MDS admissions, especially through competitive exams like NEET UG and NEET MDS. Highly ranked dental colleges are concentrated in major education and healthcare hubs such as Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Manipal, Kolkata, Lucknow, and Thiruvananthapuram, offering strong clinical training, advanced laboratories, and nationwide recognition. For aspirants comparing colleges based on rank, fees, and location, this ranking-based list serves as a reliable starting point for dental admissions in 2026.
Top Dental Colleges in India – Rankings 2026
| Rank 2026 | Dental College Name | City | State | Type | Avg Annual Fees (BDS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (MAIDS) | New Delhi | Delhi | Government | ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 |
| 2 | Government Dental College & Hospital | Mumbai | Maharashtra | Government | ₹45,000 – ₹55,000 |
| 3 | Manipal College of Dental Sciences | Manipal | Karnataka | Private (Deemed) | ₹4,50,000 – ₹5,00,000 |
| 4 | Saveetha Dental College | Chennai | Tamil Nadu | Private (Deemed) | ₹4,00,000 – ₹4,75,000 |
| 5 | Dr. R. Ahmed Dental College & Hospital | Kolkata | West Bengal | Government | ₹30,000 – ₹40,000 |
| 6 | Government Dental College & Research Institute | Bengaluru | Karnataka | Government | ₹65,000 – ₹75,000 |
| 7 | SRM Dental College | Chennai | Tamil Nadu | Private (Deemed) | ₹3,50,000 – ₹4,25,000 |
| 8 | A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences | Mangaluru | Karnataka | Private (Deemed) | ₹4,00,000 – ₹4,50,000 |
| 9 | KGMU – Faculty of Dental Sciences | Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh | Government | ₹55,000 – ₹65,000 |
| 10 | Government Dental College | Thiruvananthapuram | Kerala | Government | ₹30,000 – ₹40,000 |
Government vs Private Dental Colleges in India 2026
Choosing between government and private dental colleges in India is one of the most important decisions for students planning to pursue BDS or MDS admissions in 2026. Both types of institutions are approved by the Dental Council of India (DCI) and follow NEET-based admission processes, but they differ significantly in terms of fees, competition level, infrastructure, clinical exposure, seat availability, and return on investment. Understanding these differences helps aspirants select the right dental college based on NEET rank, budget, location preference, and long-term career goals.
Government Dental Colleges in India 2026
Government dental colleges in India are highly preferred due to their low tuition fees, strong academic reputation, and high patient inflow, which ensures excellent hands-on clinical training. These colleges are funded by central or state governments and admit students mainly through NEET UG (for BDS) and NEET MDS (for postgraduate courses) under All India Quota (AIQ) and State Quota counselling. Because of affordable fees and limited seats, government dental colleges usually have very high NEET cutoff ranks, making them extremely competitive.
Key advantages of top government dental colleges in India include:
-
Significantly lower BDS and MDS fees compared to private colleges
-
High clinical exposure due to large patient footfall in government hospitals
-
Strong faculty experience and academic credibility
-
Better return on investment (ROI) and recognition for higher studies and government jobs
Leading government dental colleges are located in major cities and state capitals such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram, Jaipur, and Patna. Institutes like Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (Delhi), Government Dental College Mumbai, and Dr. R. Ahmed Dental College Kolkata consistently rank among the best government dental colleges in India for 2026.
Top Government Dental Colleges in India 2026
| Rank | Government Dental College | City | State | Avg Annual Fees (BDS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (MAIDS) | New Delhi | Delhi | ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 |
| 2 | Government Dental College & Hospital | Mumbai | Maharashtra | ₹45,000 – ₹55,000 |
| 3 | Dr. R. Ahmed Dental College & Hospital | Kolkata | West Bengal | ₹30,000 – ₹40,000 |
| 4 | Government Dental College & Research Institute | Bengaluru | Karnataka | ₹65,000 – ₹75,000 |
| 5 | KGMU – Faculty of Dental Sciences | Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh | ₹55,000 – ₹65,000 |
| 6 | Government Dental College | Thiruvananthapuram | Kerala | ₹30,000 – ₹40,000 |
| 7 | Government Dental College | Jaipur | Rajasthan | ₹60,000 – ₹70,000 |
| 8 | Patna Dental College & Hospital | Patna | Bihar | ₹25,000 – ₹35,000 |
Private Dental Colleges in India 2026
Private dental colleges in India offer a wider number of seats and comparatively lower NEET cutoff requirements, making them a popular choice for students who may not secure admission in government colleges. Many of the top private dental colleges in India are run by deemed universities and well-established educational groups, offering state-of-the-art infrastructure, advanced dental labs, international exposure, and research-driven learning.
Admissions to private dental colleges are conducted through NEET UG and NEET MDS counselling, including All India Deemed University counselling and state-level counselling. While fees are higher compared to government institutions, private colleges often provide:
-
Modern infrastructure and digital dental technology
-
Better student-to-faculty ratios
-
Opportunities for international exchange programs
-
Strong focus on skill-based and clinical training
Popular destinations for private dental education include Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. Institutions such as Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Saveetha Dental College, SRM Dental College, and A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences are widely regarded among the best private dental colleges in India for 2026.
Top Private Dental Colleges in India 2026
| Rank | Private Dental College | City | State | Avg Annual Fees (BDS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manipal College of Dental Sciences | Manipal | Karnataka | ₹4,50,000 – ₹5,00,000 |
| 2 | Saveetha Dental College | Chennai | Tamil Nadu | ₹4,00,000 – ₹4,75,000 |
| 3 | SRM Dental College | Chennai | Tamil Nadu | ₹3,50,000 – ₹4,25,000 |
| 4 | A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences | Mangaluru | Karnataka | ₹4,00,000 – ₹4,50,000 |
| 5 | Sri Ramachandra Dental College | Chennai | Tamil Nadu | ₹4,50,000 – ₹5,25,000 |
| 6 | JSS Dental College & Hospital | Mysuru | Karnataka | ₹3,00,000 – ₹3,75,000 |
| 7 | Yenepoya Dental College | Mangaluru | Karnataka | ₹3,50,000 – ₹4,00,000 |
| 8 | ITS Dental College | Greater Noida | Uttar Pradesh | ₹2,50,000 – ₹3,50,000 |
Top States for Dental Colleges in India in 2026
India’s dental education ecosystem varies significantly from state to state, making state selection a critical factor for students planning BDS and MDS admissions in 2026. The top states for dental colleges in India stand out due to a combination of number of DCI-approved colleges, NEET seat availability, cutoff trends, fee affordability, clinical exposure, hospital footfall, and counselling transparency.
States like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Kerala, Rajasthan, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal consistently attract dental aspirants from across India. These states host a strong mix of top government dental colleges and reputed private / deemed dental universities, making them ideal for students with varying NEET ranks and budgets.
Below is a detailed state-wise breakdown of the best states for dental education in India, along with leading colleges in each state.
Top Dental Colleges in Karnataka – 2026
Karnataka is widely regarded as the number one state for dental education in India, primarily due to its highest concentration of private and deemed dental colleges, along with reputed government institutions. The state attracts students from all over India because of predictable NEET counselling, wide seat availability, and strong clinical exposure.
Cities such as Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Mysuru, and Manipal are major dental education hubs, known for advanced dental hospitals, research facilities, and consistent academic outcomes. Karnataka is especially preferred by students targeting private BDS and MDS seats with moderate NEET cutoffs.
| College Name | City | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Manipal College of Dental Sciences | Manipal | Private (Deemed) |
| Government Dental College & Research Institute | Bengaluru | Government |
| A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences | Mangaluru | Private (Deemed) |
| JSS Dental College & Hospital | Mysuru | Private |
| Yenepoya Dental College | Mangaluru | Private (Deemed) |
View all Dental Colleges in Karnataka
Top Dental Colleges in Tamil Nadu – 2026
Tamil Nadu is one of the most preferred states for private dental colleges in India, known for high patient inflow, advanced clinical infrastructure, and strong deemed universities. The state offers excellent exposure in both general dentistry and specialized MDS branches.
Cities like Chennai and Kanchipuram host several top-ranked dental colleges with modern labs, digital dentistry facilities, and international collaborations, making Tamil Nadu ideal for students seeking skill-oriented dental education.
| College Name | City | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Saveetha Dental College | Chennai | Private (Deemed) |
| SRM Dental College | Chennai | Private (Deemed) |
| Sri Ramachandra Dental College | Chennai | Private (Deemed) |
| Ragas Dental College | Chennai | Private |
View all Dental Colleges in Tamil Nadu
Top Dental Colleges in Maharashtra – 2026
Maharashtra offers a strong balance of elite government dental colleges and well-established private institutions, making it one of the top states for dental education in western India. The state is especially known for high ROI government colleges and urban clinical exposure.
Major cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur house some of the oldest and most reputed dental colleges in India, attracting students through both AIQ and state quota NEET counselling.
| College Name | City | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Government Dental College & Hospital | Mumbai | Government |
| Bharati Vidyapeeth Dental College | Pune | Private (Deemed) |
View all Dental Colleges in Maharashtra
Top Dental Colleges in Uttar Pradesh – 2026
Uttar Pradesh has rapidly emerged as a high-seat, cost-effective state for dental education, especially for students seeking private dental colleges with lower NEET cutoffs. The state also hosts reputed government institutions offering affordable dental education.
Cities such as Lucknow, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, and Meerut are key dental education hubs in North India.
| College Name | City | Type |
|---|---|---|
| KGMU – Faculty of Dental Sciences | Lucknow | Government |
| ITS Dental College | Greater Noida | Private |
| Subharti Dental College | Meerut | Private |
| Santosh Dental College | Ghaziabad | Private |
View all Dental Colleges in Uttar Pradesh
Top Dental Colleges in Rajasthan – 2026
Rajasthan offers affordable dental education with improving infrastructure and increasing seat availability. Jaipur has emerged as the main dental education center in the state.
| College Name | City | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Government Dental College | Jaipur | Government |
| RUHS College of Dental Sciences | Jaipur | Government |
| Pacific Dental College | Udaipur | Private |
View all Dental Colleges in Rajasthan
Top Dental Colleges in Andhra Pradesh – 2026
Andhra Pradesh is popular among students seeking affordable private dental colleges with relatively lower NEET cutoffs and improving infrastructure, especially in Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada.
| College Name | City | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Government Dental College | Vijayawada | Government |
| GITAM Dental College | Visakhapatnam | Private (Deemed) |
| Sibar Institute of Dental Sciences | Guntur | Private |
View all Dental Colleges in Andhra Pradesh
Top Cities for Dental Colleges in India in 2026
Choosing the right city for dental education in India is a key factor for students planning BDS and MDS admissions in 2026. While college rankings matter, the city plays an equally important role in determining clinical exposure, patient inflow, internship quality, faculty access, cost of living, and career networking opportunities. The top cities for dental colleges in India are known for hosting DCI-approved institutions, large teaching hospitals, and a strong ecosystem for NEET UG and NEET MDS counselling.
Major metropolitan cities and established education hubs such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Manipal, Mangaluru, Lucknow, Jaipur, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Visakhapatnam continue to attract dental aspirants from across the country. These cities offer a mix of top government dental colleges, reputed private institutions, and deemed universities, making them suitable for students across different NEET ranks and budget ranges.
Top Dental Colleges in Delhi
Delhi is home to some of the highest-ranked government dental colleges in India. Dental education in Delhi is highly competitive due to limited seats and very high NEET cutoffs, but it offers excellent academic reputation and unmatched clinical exposure. Colleges here are attached to large government hospitals, providing exposure to complex dental cases across all specialties.
| College Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (MAIDS) | Government |
View all Dental Colleges in Delhi
Top Dental Colleges in Mumbai
Mumbai is one of the best cities for students looking for high return on investment (ROI) in dental education. The city hosts some of India’s oldest and most respected government dental colleges, known for strong academics and heavy patient inflow. Dental students in Mumbai gain exposure to diverse urban dental cases and advanced clinical practices.
| College Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Government Dental College & Hospital | Government |
View all Dental Colleges in Mumbai
Top Dental Colleges in Chennai
Chennai is widely regarded as the best city for private dental colleges in India. The city is known for high patient flow, advanced dental technology, digital learning environments, and strong clinical-focused training. Many top deemed universities offering BDS and MDS courses are located in Chennai, making it ideal for skill-oriented dental education.
| College Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Saveetha Dental College | Private (Deemed) |
| SRM Dental College | Private (Deemed) |
| Sri Ramachandra Dental College | Private (Deemed) |
| Government Dental College | Government |
View all Dental Colleges in Chennai
Top Dental Colleges in Pune
Pune is a well-established education hub offering reputed private dental colleges. The city provides a balanced academic environment with access to clinical exposure through nearby government and private hospitals, making it attractive for dental aspirants.
| College Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Bharati Vidyapeeth Dental College | Private (Deemed) |
View all Dental Colleges in Pune
Top Dental Colleges in Mangaluru
Mangaluru is known for high clinical exposure and multiple reputed private dental colleges. The city is ideal for students looking for intensive hands-on training along with relatively affordable living costs.
| College Name | Type |
|---|---|
| A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences | Private (Deemed) |
| Yenepoya Dental College | Private (Deemed) |
View all Dental Colleges in Mangaluru
Top Dental Colleges in Lucknow
Lucknow houses one of the most prestigious government dental faculties in India, offering affordable education and strong national-level recognition. The city is ideal for students aiming for government dental colleges with excellent academic credibility.
| College Name | Type |
|---|---|
| KGMU – Faculty of Dental Sciences | Government |
View all Dental Colleges in Lucknow
Top Dental Entrance Exams in India in 2026
Admission to BDS and MDS courses in India in 2026 is primarily based on national-level dental entrance exams. These exams determine eligibility for government dental colleges, private dental colleges, deemed universities, and state quota seats. Understanding the exam pattern, cutoff trends, and colleges accepting each exam is essential for students planning a career in dentistry.
Most dental admissions in India are regulated by the Dental Council of India (DCI) and conducted through centralized counselling at the national or state level. Exams like NEET UG and NEET MDS dominate dental admissions, while a few institutes conduct institution-level counselling based on NEET scores.
Dental Entrance Exams in India 2026 – Overview
| Exam Name | Course Level | Institutes Accepting | Expected Cutoff (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEET UG | BDS | All Government & Private Dental Colleges in India | Govt: 550+ Private: 300–450 |
| NEET MDS | MDS | Government, Private & Deemed Dental Colleges | Govt: 250–270 Private: 200–250 |
| NEET UG (State Counselling) | BDS | State Government & Private Dental Colleges | Varies by state |
| NEET MDS (State Quota) | MDS | State Dental Colleges | Varies by specialty |
| Institutional Counselling (via NEET) | BDS / MDS | Deemed Universities (Saveetha, Manipal, SRM, Amrita) | Lower than govt cutoffs |
Top Trending Dental Courses in 2026
With the rapid growth of cosmetic dentistry, implantology, oral surgery, and digital dental technologies, dental education in India is evolving beyond traditional degrees. In 2026, students are increasingly opting for specialized dental courses that offer higher earning potential, global opportunities, and advanced clinical exposure.
From BDS for undergraduate aspirants to high-demand MDS specializations, dental courses today focus on clinical skills, aesthetics, surgery, and research-oriented practice. Below is a list of the top trending dental courses in India in 2026, along with institutes offering them, average fees, and eligibility criteria.
Popular Dental Courses in India 2026
| Course Name | Level | Top Institutes Offering | Average Fees (₹) | Eligibility / Cutoff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) | UG | MAIDS Delhi, GDC Mumbai, Saveetha, Manipal | 1–6 LPA | NEET UG, 300–550+ |
| MDS – Orthodontics | PG | MAIDS, Manipal, SRM, Govt Dental Colleges | 6–20 LPA | NEET MDS, 240+ |
| MDS – Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery | PG | AIIMS Dental Wings, GDCs, Manipal | 8–25 LPA | NEET MDS, 250+ |
| MDS – Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics | PG | MAIDS, Saveetha, Govt Colleges | 7–22 LPA | NEET MDS, 245+ |
| MDS – Prosthodontics | PG | Manipal, SRM, GDCs | 6–20 LPA | NEET MDS, 230+ |
| MDS – Pediatric Dentistry | PG | Govt Colleges, Amrita, Yenepoya | 5–18 LPA | NEET MDS, 220+ |
| Diploma in Implant Dentistry | Diploma | Private Dental Universities | 2–5 Lakhs | BDS Required |
| Cosmetic & Aesthetic Dentistry | Certificate | Deemed Universities, Private Institutes | 1–4 Lakhs | BDS / Final Year |
Cutoff Trends for Dental Admissions 2026
Understanding the cutoff trends for dental admissions in 2026 is essential for students aiming to secure seats in top government and private dental colleges in India. Dental admissions for BDS and MDS courses are primarily conducted through NEET UG and NEET MDS, followed by All India Quota (AIQ), State Quota, and Deemed University counselling.
Over the past few years, dental cutoffs have shown steady fluctuations based on factors such as number of applicants, availability of seats, reservation policies, and student preference for government colleges. In 2026, competition for government dental colleges remains high, while private and deemed universities offer broader cutoff ranges, making dental education accessible to students with varying NEET scores.
Expected NEET UG Cutoff Trends for BDS 2026
-
Top Government Dental Colleges (Delhi, Mumbai, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu)
Expected cutoff: 550+ marks -
Mid-Tier Government Dental Colleges
Expected cutoff: 500–550 marks -
Private Dental Colleges (Reputed)
Expected cutoff: 350–450 marks -
Deemed Universities & Management Quota
Expected cutoff: 250–350 marks
Students with higher NEET UG scores are more likely to secure seats in government dental colleges, while those with moderate scores often find good opportunities in private and deemed universities.
Expected NEET MDS Cutoff Trends for MDS 2026
MDS cutoffs vary significantly based on specialization demand, college reputation, and seat availability.
-
Top Government Dental Colleges (Clinical Specializations)
Expected cutoff: 245–270 marks -
High-Demand Specializations (Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, Endodontics)
Expected cutoff: 240+ marks -
Private & Deemed Dental Colleges
Expected cutoff: 200–240 marks -
Low-Demand Specializations
Expected cutoff: 180–220 marks
Why Choose Dental Education in India in 2026?
Dental education in India has evolved significantly, making 2026 an ideal year for students to pursue a career in dentistry. With globally recognized degrees, modern clinical training, and affordable education options, India continues to be one of the top destinations for dental studies for both Indian and international students.
Key Reasons to Choose Dental Education in India
1. Wide Range of Colleges and Seats
India offers 300+ DCI-approved dental colleges, including government, private, and deemed universities, providing students with diverse options across top states and cities.
2. Affordable Education Compared to Global Standards
Dental education in India is cost-effective compared to countries like the USA, UK, or Australia, especially in government dental colleges, making it accessible to a wider student base.
3. Strong Clinical Exposure
Indian dental colleges are attached to high-patient-flow hospitals, ensuring extensive hands-on clinical training in oral surgery, prosthodontics, orthodontics, and conservative dentistry.
4. High Demand for Dental Professionals
With increasing awareness of oral health, cosmetic dentistry, and preventive dental care, the demand for skilled dentists in India is rising steadily in 2026.
5. Multiple Career Pathways After BDS & MDS
Dental graduates can explore careers in:
-
Private dental practice
-
Government hospitals
-
Corporate dental chains
-
Teaching & research
-
Cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry
-
International practice opportunities
6. Global Recognition of Indian Dental Degrees
Degrees from DCI-recognized dental colleges are accepted in many countries, with additional licensing exams, allowing graduates to pursue higher studies or practice abroad.
FAQs
The cutoff for dental admission in India in 2026 depends on the college type and course.
-
Government dental colleges (BDS): 500–550+ marks in NEET UG
-
Private dental colleges: 300–450 marks
-
Deemed universities: 250–350 marks
For MDS courses, NEET MDS cutoffs range between 180–270 marks, depending on specialization.
NEET UG is mandatory for BDS admission, and NEET MDS is compulsory for MDS admission in all government, private, and deemed dental colleges in India. No separate dental entrance exam is conducted apart from NEET.
Some of the top dental colleges in India in 2026 include:
Yes, BDS is a good career option in 2026 due to growing demand for oral healthcare, cosmetic dentistry, and dental specialists. Graduates can pursue private practice, MDS specialization, hospital jobs, teaching, or international opportunities.
The average BDS fees in India vary by college type:
-
Government colleges: ₹10,000 – ₹1.5 lakh per year
-
Private colleges: ₹2 – ₹5 lakh per year
-
Deemed universities: ₹4 – ₹6.5 lakh per year
States like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Delhi, Kerala, and Uttar Pradesh are considered the best for dental education due to the presence of top government colleges, reputed private institutions, and strong clinical exposure.
