MBBS vs BDS vs BAMS: Eligibility, Difference, Admission, Advantages, Colleges, Salary, Scope 2024

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Waqar Niyazi

Content Curator | Updated on - Apr 30, 2026

MBBS, BDS and BAMS are the 3 most widely studied medical courses in India. MBBS allows you to gain more in-depth knowledge of medicines and surgery, while BAMS allows you to gain knowledge on the traditional Indian system of Ayurveda, and BDS allows you to obtain knowledge in the field of dental studies. 

Admission to MBBS, BAMS, or BDS is only provided through NEET. In 2022, 13.66 lakh candidates appeared for MBBS out of which 7.71 lakh qualified. The total number of seats available for MBBS, BAMS, and BDS are 83,075, 52,720, and 26,949 respectively. 

MBBS vs BDS vs BAMS: Course Highlights

Course MBBS BAMS BDS
Full Form Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery Bachelor of Dental Surgery
Duration 5.5 Years 5 years 6 months 5 years ( 4 years + 1 year of compulsory paid internship).
Eligibility Criteria 50% or above in 10+2 in PCM/PCB with English as a mandatory subject 10+2 with a minimum of 50% Compulsory subjects include Physics, Chemistry, Biology Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology
Fees INR 5-12 Lakhs per annum INR 1-3 Lakhs per annum INR 3-6 Lakhs per annum
Admission Criteria Entrance Exam Entrance Exam Entrance Exam

MBBS Course Highlights

MBBS is an undergraduate program that can be done in 5.5 years in India. It comprises 5.5 years of the academic course and one year of the required internship program. 

In the last year of internship, candidates get an opportunity to work in hospitals or healthcare units as Physicians, consultants, or medical assistants. 

Full-Form Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
Duration 5.5 Years
Average Fees INR 11,000 to 80 lakh
Average Annual Salary INR 5-12 lakh per annum
Eligibility Criteria 50% or above in 10+2 in PCM/PCB with English as a mandatory subject
Admission Criteria NEET Entrance Exam
Job Profiles General Physician, Medical Officer, Medical Coder, Dietician, Dermatologist, etc, and many more
TopRecruiters Medanta Hospitals, Fortis Healthcare Ltd, Apollo Munich Health Industries Co Ltd, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Cipla Ltd, etc.

BDS Course Highlights

BDS is one of the best sought-after medical programs in India. It is a UG (Undergraduate) course that can be done in 5 years. It comprises 4 years of academic courses and 1 year of mandatory internship. 

These students who select to pursue BDS make a bright future as a dentist. These professionals are responsible for taking care of the oral health of the patients. 

Full-Form Bachelor of Dental Surgery
Duration 5 years ( 4 years + 1 year of compulsory paid internship).
Examination Type Semester Based
Eligibility 10+2 with a minimum of 50% Compulsory subjects include Physics, Chemistry, Biology
Admission Process Entrance Exam (NEET)
Average Course Fee INR 1-6 lacs per annum
Average Initial Salary INR 4-10 lacs
Top Recruiters Hospitals, Dental Clinics, Educational Institutes, etc.
Job Positions Dental Research Scientist, Dentist, Lecturer, etc.

BAMS Course Highlights

BAMS is a 5.5-year-long graduate degree that includes the study of the integrated system of traditional Ayurveda and modern medicine.

The basic eligibility criteria for pursuing this program is that the candidates must have done their class 12th with Biology with a minimum of 45-45 percent from a recognized board. 

The Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery admission process is centralized and depends on the marks obtained in the NEET exam.

Full-Form Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery
Course Level Undergraduate
Duration 5 years 6 months
Examination Type Yearly
Eligibility Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology
Admission Process NEET, followed by centralized counseling based on the performance
Average Fees INR 10,000- 50,000
Job Positions Lecturer, Teacher, Sales Representative, Pharmacist, Therapist, Scientist, Ayurvedic Doctor, Panchakarma Practitioner, etc.
Top Recruiting Areas Health Care. Dabur, Baidyanath and Himalaya firms, University of Madras, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Ayurveda, etc.
Average Salary INR 20,000- 80,000 in government sector and INR 20,000-50,000 in private sector

MBBS vs BDS vs BAMS: Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for studying MBBS, BAMS and BDS are different from each other. The marks required are also different for each course. 

MBBS Eligibility Criteria

Students must meet the minimum eligibility process to apply for the MBBS course. The eligibility criteria are as follows:

  • The candidate should have completed 12th form a recognized board
  • The important subjects in class 12th must be Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
  • The candidate should be secured a minimum of 50 percent in the PCM subject
  • The at least age of student must be 17 years

See More: MBBS Top Colleges

BDS Eligibility Criteria

Candidates who wish to apply for the BDS course must meet the following eligibility process;

  • The student must have passed a senior secondary exam for a recognized board
  • Candidates must have PCB as the compulsory subject in Class 12th
  • Students must have scored a minimum of 50% in Physics, Chemistry, Maths, and class 12th exam
  • The candidate minimum age of the student must be 17 years

See More: BDS Top Colleges

BAMS Eligibility Criteria

To follow a BAMS degree, prospective students must fulfill the following process:

  • Candidates should score a minimum of 60% in class 12th from a recognized board.
  • Candidates must have had Physics, Chemistry, Maths, and English as compulsory subjects.
  • Students who satisfy the above qualification models must show up for the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test and pass it. Admission to the BAMS program is through a unified directed dependent on the NEET merit board.

See More: BAMS Top Colleges

MBBS vs BDS vs BAMS: Admission Process

All the medical courses take admission based on NEET. There is some difference in the admission process for each of the entrance exams. 

MBBS Admission Process

  • The admission of the student for the MBBS course in the medical institute is based on the marks scored in the entrance test. 
  • The admission criteria for MBBS begin with the students appearing for the national level MBBS entrance exams, they can attend the counseling procedure and get admission in one of the MBBS institutes.

BDS Admission Process

  • Gateway to BDS is through the national-level NEET exam conducted across the country.
  • It has been made mandatory since 2016 that admissions to medical courses like MBBS, BDS, etc. require students to appear for NEET.
  • To be eligible for the course, the student must attain a minimum of 50% in the 10+2 qualifying examination.
  • The candidates are allowed to enter the admission process of the college only if they meet the eligibility criteria.
  • Once the students clear the cut-off set for the exam, they can proceed with the counseling sessions for admission to the college.
  • Some Institutes also conduct entrance exams at the institute level.

BAMS Admission Process

Admission is completed based on the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). The test is now mandatory for admission into several medical programs, comprising BAMS. After scores get in the NEET, centralized counseling takes place which chooses your place in an institute based on your performance. Institutes may take a personal interview round afterward to further screen the candidates.

The steps that candidates should be taken to fruitfully done the admission criteria are mentioned below:

  • Step 1  Apply for the Entrance Exam.
  • Step 2 Appear for the exam.
  • Step 3 Students who qualify for the exam will be called for a counseling session.
  • Step 4 Selected students will be allotted seats in the BAMS course.

MBBS vs BDS vs BAMS: Top Colleges

There are a total of 542 medical colleges in India, 300 dental colleges, and 352 AYUSH colleges in India. The colleges for MBBS, BAMS and BDS are different from each other. The colleges that provide the courses are mentioned separately with NIRF Rankings.

MBBS Top Colleges in India

BDS Top Colleges in India

Name of the College Average Course Fee Average Annual Salary
Faculty of Dental Sciences, IMS BHU Below 1 lacs INR 4-6 lacs
Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences INR 1 - 1.5 lacs INR 6-7 lacs
Faculty of Dental Sciences King George's Medical University INR 1.5 - 2 lacs INR 8-9 lacs
Government Dental College and Hospital INR 2 - 2.5 lacs INR 3-8 lacs
Government Dental College and Hospital INR 2 - 2.5 lacs INR 3-8 lacs
Dr. R Ahmed Dental College and Hospital Below 1 lacs INR 3-6 lacs
Manipal College of Dental Sciences INR 25-30 lacs (approx.) INR 4-8 lacs

BAMS Top Colleges

MBBS vs BDS vs BAMS: Career Prospects

MBBS, BDS or BAMS graduates have a plethora of job options to choose from. Candidates can compare the job options in the section below.

MBBS: Career Prospects

There are many job opportunities for candidates after completing the MBBS program. 

  • Candidates can opt for any postgraduate studies after the completion of MBBS. PG studies help the student to be important in a particular field of study. 
  • Candidates can either go for MD and MS after completing their MBBS. Many specializations comprise Gynaecology, Internal medicine, Endocrinology, Paediatrics Psychiatry, Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology, Plastic surgery, etc.

See More: MBBS Jobs

BDS: Career Prospects

There are ample opportunities for candidates who successfully completed 5 years of the BDS program. 

  • Several of the best medical institutes offer placement opportunities for candidates in government and private hospitals after the completion of graduation. There are right and good job opportunities after completion of BDS. 
  • Candidates can opt for higher education from the best colleges abroad and in India. After certain years of practice and experience. The student can set up his dental clinic.

See More: BDS Jobs

BAMS: Career Prospects

The best option after studying BAMS was to become a doctor in a private college and a government college. Over time ample chances in sectors such as clinical practice, research, academics, administration, and drug manufacturing will be offered.

  • With time people have opened developing interests in the wonders of Ayurveda in human life for issues such as longevity, treatment of diseases such as diabetes, better mental health, blood pressure, and even cancer.
  • Employment sectors for graduates of BAMS comprise the healthcare community, life sciences sector, pharma area, etc.

See Also: BAMS Jobs

MBBS vs BDS vs BAMS: FAQs

Ques. Is BAMS the same as the doctor?

Ans. Of course, students who have finished their BAMS degree are capable to become a doctor and practice in the area of allied science and Ayurveda.

Ques. How can I get admission in Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery?

Ans.  Admission is completed based on marks scored in NEET, followed by counseling to get admission to a registered institute. You must have passed your class 12th with at least 45 to 50% marks.

Ques. Is a BAMS degree valid in the USA country?

Ans.  No, BAMS degrees are not valid in the USA Country.

Ques. Is Sanskrit necessary in BAMS?

Ans. Of course, Sanskrit is taught as a necessary language in the BAMS course.

Ques. What is the requirement for an Admission to MBBS degree?

Ans. Any country candidate can apply for admission to Study MBBS in China, for an MBBS degree. Your HSC mark has to be at least 60 % in PCB subjects. And for Indian candidates, the NEET exam must be qualified.

Ques. What are the overall fees required for an MBBS course?

Ans. The hostel and the tuition fees do vary as per the colleges, thus we would grow if you would kindly choose the college from the Chinese Universities. Kindly notify us of the university you are liked in and we will send you the information accordingly. Normally it costs nearby 5000 USD to 7000 USD.

Ques. Is NEET essential for admission to BDS?

Ans.  Of course, you cannot get admission to the BDS program if you do not pass NEET. There is no entrance exam for admission to the BDS program in India.

Ques. What are the fees criteria for the BDS course?

Ans. The fee for BDS courses varies from one college to another. The tuition fee for the BDS course ranges from INR 15000 to INR 12, 00,000.

Ques. Can a BDS candidate do MS after finishing the course?

Ans. No, a BDS graduate can only pursue a master’s degree in dentistry. If a BDS student wants to build a career in surgery, he/she can opt for MDS in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Ques. Is the Indian BDS degree recognized worldwide?

Ans. No, the Indian BDS degree is not recognized worldwide. In the greatest countries, an Indian BDS graduate has to appear for a screening exam to be able to practice dentistry.

Ques. Can a BDS doctor perform surgery?

Ans.  Of course, a BDS doctor can perform surgery but they are limited to the head and neck region only.

Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery [MBBS] : 118 answered questions

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Ques. Do students of AIIMS Delhi get opportunity to go to US UK during MBBS?

● Top Answer By Yogesh Choudhary on 30 Apr 26

Ans. yes, AIIMS Delhi students do get opportunities to go to US/UK during MBBS — but the reality is a bit more complicated than it sounds. ICMR research grants: if you do solid research and get it approved by ICMR, the trip is fully funded. this is the best route. but you need actual research output, not just applying randomly Self-funded electives: Oxford, Hopkins, Harvard all have elective programs open to AIIMS students. most students who go this route pay out of pocket. AIIMS administration actually discourages it since it means missing classes, but students manage it during vacations or by getting internship extended later Formal exchange programs: AIIMS has MoUs with Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Yale, Oxford. spots are limited and selection is competitive — academic performance and research experience matter a lot real talk — most AIIMS students are genuinely too busy during MBBS to go abroad. the ones who do are usually research-oriented or from very well-off families who can self-fund. if you're planning post-MBBS though, AIIMS is a great launchpad for USMLE (US medical licensing) and UK PLAB prep — the brand carries serious weight internationally.Read more
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Ques. Which is better for an MBBS course, KMC Manipal or Mangalore?

● Top Answer By Anjana Yadav on 30 Apr 26

Ans. both KMC Manipal and KMC Mangalore are part of the same Manipal group, but they're different campuses with real differences worth knowing: KMC Manipal (Kasturba Medical College, Manipal): older and more established (est. 1953), stronger brand recognition nationally and internationally large campus, Manipal town has a full student ecosystem with multiple colleges more competitive cutoff — general category NEET cutoff ~600+ better research infrastructure, more publications and funded projects KMC Mangalore (Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore): also a strong college, affiliated to Manipal Academy of Higher Education city location in Mangalore — excellent hospital (AJ Institute + Wenlock govt hospital nearby), good clinical variety slightly lower cutoff than KMC Manipal — more accessible option smaller campus feel compared to Manipal, but genuine advantages of a city location for pure brand and research, KMC Manipal wins. for clinical exposure in a city setting with slightly easier admission, KMC Mangalore is a very respectable choice. if you're getting KMC Manipal — take it. if you're choosing between KMC Mangalore and other unknown private colleges, go Mangalore without second thought.Read more
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Ques. How much marks should I score in the AIIMS entrance exam to secure an MBBS seat in AIIMS Delhi??

● Top Answer By Amala Samuel on 30 Apr 26

Ans. AIIMS Delhi no longer has a separate entrance exam — it joined the NEET system in 2020. so admission to AIIMS Delhi is through NEET UG marks only . to get AIIMS Delhi (MBBS), you need to be among the top ~50-100 NEET rankers nationally (general category). in practice that means: NEET score: 715-720 out of 720 (general category, recent trends) NEET rank: approximately AIR 1-100 for general category AIIMS Delhi closing rank for general typically falls between rank 1-50 this is the most competitive MBBS seat in India. getting even 700 in NEET would not guarantee AIIMS Delhi for general category. for the newer AIIMS institutions (AIIMS Bhopal, Patna, Jodhpur, Rishikesh, Bhubaneswar, etc.): NEET rank ~100-1000 for general category gets you into one of these these are also excellent government medical colleges, world-class in terms of government funding focus on maximizing your NEET score. 700+ keeps your options open for all AIIMS campuses.Read more
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Ques. Are only Christians allowed in CMC Vellore for MBBS?

● Top Answer By Hema Pilli on 28 Apr 26

Ans. No, Christians are not the only ones allowed at CMC Vellore for MBBS. This is one of the most common misconceptions about the college. CMC Vellore does have a unique admission system, but it's not exclusively for Christians: Christian sponsored seats: ~53-55% of MBBS seats are reserved for Christian candidates sponsored by registered church bodies/Christian organisations. These candidates need a church sponsorship letter. Open/All India seats: The remaining ~45-47% seats are open to candidates of all religions via NEET merit. These are highly competitive — CMC open category NEET cutoff is typically 650+ marks. so there are TWO different tracks at CMC: Christian track — lower NEET cutoff (since competition is within Christians only), requires church sponsorship Open track — very high NEET cutoff, no religion requirement CMC Vellore is a Christian minority institution (run by the Christian Medical College & Hospital Society) so the Christian seat reservation is legally protected. but they have never been exclusively for Christians. some of India's finest doctors from all backgrounds have graduated from CMC. if you score 650+ NEET, you can apply for the open merit seats regardless of religion.Read more
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Ques. How are the placements for Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery [MBBS] at CMC Vellore?

● Top Answer By Mathew raj kamal on 07 Nov 24

Ans. The students in their internship will get around 35000 per month excluding their mess fees, they have the option to opt out of the mess. And once they finish their internship they had to do two years bond in places where the colleges allot them and the salary for those two years will be decided by the place the person goes and itll be definitely more than what they get during internship.Read more
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Ques. What is the admission process at M.B.B.S. CMC Vellore?

● Top Answer By Mathew raj kamal on 07 Nov 24

Ans. I chose this college because this is one of the best colleges in the world and this college got the second ranking in the NIRF ranking in India . And my parents wanted me to join a college which brings out the best of me and it sure does.Read more
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Ques. What is the fees for M.B.B.S. in CMC Vellore?

● Top Answer By Mathew raj kamal on 07 Nov 24

Ans. The tuition fee including travels and others will be around 30000 to 50000 depends on the clinical year the person gets into. The college provides scholarship for certain applicable students and the amount will be around 60000 per year which will cober the hostel fee tooRead more
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Ques. How is the course curriculum of Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery [MBBS] in CMC Vellore?

● Top Answer By Mathew raj kamal on 07 Nov 24

Ans. The curriculum is well planned for every year students , there wont be any clash in the academics between senior batches and the fresher batches. Everything is scheduled properly. And the patients we see here in the hospital is very high in number , which helps us to learn a lot than other colleges where where even a normal cases in CMC would be a rarer casesRead more
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Ques. How are the placements for Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery [MBBS] at JIPMER?

● Top Answer By Tayyab Aman on 15 Nov 21

Ans. Several students get placed in JIPMER itself after their MD specialisations. MBBS is a basic qualification for a doctor. So a major portion of students go for post graduation. After that job offers are more.Read more
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Ques. What is the admission process at M.B.B.S. JIPMER?

● Top Answer By Anonymous on 28 Dec 24

Ans. Because the teaching is very good. And the practical gain of knowledge is very much in this institute. And the faculties are well experienced ones and the knowledge gaining from them is very helpful for our careerRead more
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