BDS Stands for Bachelor of Dental Surgery: Course, Eligibility, Fees and Scope in Pakistan
BDS stands for Bachelor of Dental Surgery, the undergraduate professional degree that trains you to become a dentist. In Pakistan it has traditionally meant four years of study plus a one-year house job, though PMDC has been changing and reviewing the duration, so confirm the current rule before applying. To get in you need more than 60% in FSc Pre-Medical (with Biology and Chemistry) and at least 50% in MDCAT. Public college fees run roughly PKR 20,000–60,000 a year; private colleges charge around PKR 1–2.5 million a year.
What does BDS stand for?
BDS stands for Bachelor of Dental Surgery. It is a professional degree in dentistry, the study of teeth, gums and the mouth. It is not a shorter or lesser version of MBBS. It is a separate degree with its own regulator focus and its own career.
What is the purpose of the BDS degree?
The degree exists to train dentists who can diagnose, treat and prevent oral disease. Graduates perform dental surgery and offer restorative and cosmetic procedures. Where MBBS covers the whole body, BDS concentrates on oral health and the maxillofacial region.
BDS at a glance
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Full form |
Bachelor of Dental Surgery |
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Regulator |
Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) |
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Duration |
Traditionally 4 years plus a 1-year house job. Under review (see below) |
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Eligibility |
FSc Pre-Medical or equivalent, above 60%, with Biology, Chemistry and Physics or Maths |
|
Entry test |
MDCAT, minimum 50% (90 of 180) |
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Public college fee |
About PKR 20,000–60,000 a year |
|
Private college fee |
About PKR 1–2.5 million a year |
|
After the degree |
House job, PMDC registration, then practice or specialisation |
How long is BDS in Pakistan right now?
This is the question with a moving answer. In November 2024 PMDC extended BDS from four to five years, and in January 2025 it postponed the change for a year after private colleges said they lacked the facilities. On 8 July 2026 it announced a five-year framework. On 15 September 2026, PMDC officials told a Senate committee that BDS would remain four years followed by a one-year house job.
Days later, on 19 September, PMDC withdrew the five-year notification and began a review of the BDS structure, including the house-job and internship rules, with a final decision to follow. Some reports that same day described a five-year structure with a tuition-free final year, so the accounts don't line up. Until PMDC issues a clear notification, treat four years plus a house job as the traditional structure and check pmdc.pk and your target college before you pay any fee.
Who can get into BDS?
Under PM&DC's 2025 admission regulations, as SZABMU's admission page applies them, you need:
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A 12th-grade qualification (HSSC or equivalent) with more than 60%.
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Biology and Chemistry, plus either Physics or Mathematics.
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At least 50% in MDCAT.
The MDCAT pass mark is 55% for MBBS and 50% for BDS, which is 90 of 180 marks. In Punjab, 40,457 candidates cleared the BDS mark in MDCAT 2026. Applicants with A-Levels or foreign qualifications need IBCC equivalence, and overseas seats have their own rules. Check your MDCAT 2026 result on our MBBS and MDCAT results page, and see BDS eligibility criteria for details.
Merit is usually a blend of matric, FSc and MDCAT marks, with MDCAT carrying at least half the weight. The exact formula varies by admitting authority.
BDS fees
Public dental colleges are cheap. Annual fees are roughly PKR 20,000–60,000, depending on the college and the source. Private colleges charge about PKR 1–2.5 million a year. Check each college's current fee notification before you commit.
Top dental colleges in Pakistan
Public colleges frequently named as leaders include:
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de'Montmorency College of Dentistry, Lahore
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Dow Dental College, Karachi
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Khyber College of Dentistry, Peshawar
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Nishtar Institute of Dentistry, Multan
Among private options are CMH Lahore Dental College, Jinnah Dental College in Karachi and Islamabad Dental College. Confirm any college is PMDC-recognised before applying.
What you study
Core subjects include Oral Pathology, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, Periodontology and Community Dentistry, alongside basic medical sciences.
What happens after BDS
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House job. A one-year mandatory clinical internship in a recognised hospital.
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PMDC registration once the house job is complete.
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Practice or specialise. Options include private practice, hospital posts and postgraduate training such as FCPS in dental specialties.
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Abroad. Demand exists in the Middle East, the UK and Australia, but you must pass the licensing exam of the country you're targeting.
BDS vs MBBS
Both degrees use the same FSc Pre-Medical background and the same MDCAT. The thresholds differ (55% for MBBS, 50% for BDS). MBBS trains general physicians; BDS trains dentists. Merit for BDS is also competitive, since thousands apply.
FAQ
What does BDS stand for?
BDS stands for Bachelor of Dental Surgery, the undergraduate degree for dentists.
How many years is BDS in Pakistan?
Traditionally four years plus a one-year house job. PMDC has been reviewing the duration, so confirm the current rule on PMDC's website.
How much MDCAT score is needed for BDS?
At least 50%, which is 90 out of 180 marks.
What FSc marks do I need for BDS?
More than 60% in FSc Pre-Medical or equivalent, with Biology and Chemistry.
What is the fee for BDS in Pakistan?
Roughly PKR 20,000–60,000 a year in public colleges and PKR 1–2.5 million a year in private ones.
Is BDS the same as MBBS?
No. MBBS is a general medical degree; BDS is a dental degree focused on oral health.
Can I practise abroad with a Pakistani BDS?
Yes, but you must pass the target country's licensing exams.
