Army College of Dental Sciences: Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Secunderabad Campus Life

About Army College of Dental Sciences - [ACDS] Secunderabad

Army College of Dental Sciences (ACDS), established in 2001, is located in Secunderabad, Telangana. It is a private dental institution managed by the Army Welfare and Education Society (AWES) under the Ministry of Defence. The college is affiliated with Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences (KNRUHS), Warangal.

ACDS holds a NAAC 'A' grade accreditation with a CGPA of 3.22 and is ranked 40th in the NIRF 2025 Dental category. The college offers undergraduate (BDS) and postgraduate (MDS) programs with a total intake of around 55 students annually. It is recognized by the Dental Council of India and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, featuring a sprawling 35-acre campus with modern facilities and a strong focus on clinical training.

Key Highlights

Overview

Army College of Dental Sciences (ACDS), established in 2001, is located in Secunderabad, Telangana. It is a private dental institution managed by the Army Welfare and Education Society (AWES) under the Ministry of Defence. The college is affiliated with Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences (KNRUHS), Warangal.

ACDS holds a NAAC 'A' grade accreditation with a CGPA of 3.22 and is ranked 40th in the NIRF 2025 Dental category. The college offers undergraduate (BDS) and postgraduate (MDS) programs with a total intake of around 55 students annually. It is recognized by the Dental Council of India and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, featuring a sprawling 35-acre campus with modern facilities and a strong focus on clinical training.

Key Highlights

Admission Dates 2026

Admission to Army College of Dental Sciences (ACDS), Secunderabad for BDS and MDS courses is based on NEET UG and NEET MDS scores respectively. Candidates must participate in KNRUHS counselling, selecting ACDS as their preferred college. The admission process includes application, counselling, document verification, and fee payment.

Admission Process

Admission to Army College of Dental Sciences (ACDS), Secunderabad, is primarily through NEET UG for BDS and NEET MDS for postgraduate MDS courses. Candidates must be dependents of eligible Army personnel and participate in the Telangana state counselling conducted by Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences (KNRUHS).

BDS Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Register and appear for NEET UG conducted by NTA.
2. Qualify NEET UG with the required cutoff and obtain a valid scorecard.
3. Register for Telangana NEET UG counselling through KNRUHS official portal.
4. Fill and lock choices, selecting Army College of Dental Sciences as preferred college.
5. Attend document verification at the counselling centre with all required certificates.
6. Pay the admission fees after seat allotment to confirm admission.

MDS Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Register and appear for NEET MDS conducted by NBEMS.
2. Qualify NEET MDS with the required cutoff and obtain a valid scorecard.
3. Register for Telangana NEET MDS counselling through KNRUHS official portal.
4. Fill and lock choices, selecting Army College of Dental Sciences as preferred college.
5. Complete document verification with all necessary certificates.
6. Pay the admission fees after seat allotment to confirm admission.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

Documents Required

• NEET UG/NEET MDS scorecard and admit card
• Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and pass certificates
• BDS degree certificate and internship completion certificate (for MDS)
• Proof of age (10th certificate or birth certificate)
• Migration certificate
• Character certificate from Head of Institution
• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• PwD certificate (if applicable)
• Passport-size photographs
• Allotment letter from KNRUHS counselling
• Medical fitness certificate
• Proof of Army background (serving/discharge book, ECHS card, dependency certificate, etc.)

Cutoff 2025

The NEET cutoff ranks for Army College of Dental Sciences (ACDS) Secunderabad in 2025 show a trend of moderately high closing ranks, reflecting competitive admission primarily through Telangana state NEET counselling. The general category closing ranks ranged approximately between 167,000 and 227,000, with reserved categories having higher closing ranks. The cutoff ranks have slightly increased compared to previous years, indicating growing competition and demand for BDS seats at ACDS.

Placements 2025

Army College of Dental Sciences (ACDS) Secunderabad maintains a strong placement record for both BDS and MDS students, with median salaries of ₹4.2 LPA for UG and ₹7.2 LPA for PG students in the 2024 academic year. The college collaborates with reputed dental clinics like Clove Dental Pvt Ltd and offers opportunities in private practice, Army Dental Corps, and healthcare institutions. Placement rates have improved significantly, reflecting robust clinical training and professional support.

Placement Statistics

Top Recruiters

Healthcare/Dental: Clove Dental Pvt Ltd, Apollo Hospitals, Fortis Healthcare, Max Healthcare

Defense: Army Dental Corps

Branch-wise Placement

Rankings & Accreditations

Army College of Dental Sciences (ACDS), Secunderabad, is ranked #40 in the NIRF 2025 Dental category and holds a strong position in national rankings, including #21 by India Today in 2025. The college maintains NAAC 'A' grade accreditation valid until 2027, reflecting its quality in dental education.

NIRF 2025

Other Rankings

Accreditations

• NAAC: Grade A (CGPA 3.22) (Valid till 28-11-2027)

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Army College of Dental Sciences (ACDS), Secunderabad offers various scholarships based on academic merit, defense background, and all-round performance. Scholarships include merit-based awards up to ₹1,00,000, special scholarships for wards of army personnel, and government scholarships for economically weaker sections. Students can also apply for central and state government scholarships via the National Scholarship Portal.

Institute Scholarships

Government Scholarships

External Scholarships

• ICMR-STS Research Scholarship: Awarded to selected final year students for research projects

Comparison

Army College of Dental Sciences (ACDS) Secunderabad is compared with Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal and SDM College of Dental Sciences & Hospital, Dharwad as these are well-established private dental colleges in India with strong NIRF rankings, NAAC accreditation, and recognized for quality dental education and placements.

Key Strengths

• Army College of Dental Sciences - [ACDS] Secunderabad: Focus on dental education for wards of Army personnel with strong clinical exposure and high NEET PG qualification rates.
• Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal: One of the oldest and top-ranked dental colleges in India with extensive research facilities and international collaborations.
• SDM College of Dental Sciences & Hospital, Dharwad: Known for comprehensive clinical training and strong alumni network with consistent NIRF presence.

Campus & Infrastructure

The Army College of Dental Sciences (ACDS) in Secunderabad is situated on a sprawling 35-acre campus managed by the Army Welfare and Education Trust. The campus features well-maintained academic and residential facilities, including a gymnasium, auditorium, sports fields, and a temple, all within walking distance of student hostels.

Campus Details

Academic Facilities

• Library: Extensive collection of standard textbooks and regularly updated Indian and foreign journals
• Labs: Multiple well-equipped dental and medical labs (exact number not specified)
• Classrooms: Smart classrooms with modern teaching aids

Hostel

Other Facilities

• Gymnasium with a nominal fee of ₹600 per year
• Auditorium named Sushruta Auditorium for cultural and academic events
• Sports fields and indoor play areas
• Cafeteria and dining hall with student-managed mess ensuring hygiene
• Temple and garden within campus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the admission process for BDS at Army College of Dental Sciences?

Admission to the BDS program requires qualifying NEET with a competitive score. Candidates must have completed 10+2 with at least 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The college follows counseling based on NEET ranks for seat allotment.

What are the eligibility criteria for postgraduate MDS courses at ACDS?

Applicants must hold a BDS degree from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% marks and qualify in the relevant entrance exam for MDS admission. The college offers MDS in six dental specialties.

What is the total fee structure for the BDS course at ACDS?

The total tuition fee for the 5-year BDS program is approximately ₹1.80 lakh. Hostel fees are separate, around ₹70,000 annually, covering accommodation and mess facilities.

Are scholarships or education loans available for students at ACDS?

While the college does not have specific scholarships listed, students can avail education loans from banks. Priority admission is given to wards of Army personnel, which may include financial benefits through Army Welfare schemes.

What is the placement scenario for dental graduates from ACDS?

ACDS primarily focuses on clinical training and internships rather than campus placements. Graduates often pursue government jobs, private practice, or higher studies. The college has a strong alumni network supporting career growth.

Does ACDS provide internship opportunities during the BDS course?

Yes, a mandatory one-year in-house internship is part of the BDS curriculum, providing hands-on clinical experience in the college’s multi-specialty dental hospital.

What specializations are offered in the MDS program at Army College of Dental Sciences?

ACDS offers MDS specializations in Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Periodontics, Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, and Pedodontics & Preventive Dentistry.

How experienced is the faculty at Army College of Dental Sciences?

The faculty comprises well-qualified and experienced dental professionals who provide comprehensive theoretical and clinical training, ensuring high academic standards and practical exposure.

What are the campus facilities available at ACDS?

The 35-acre campus includes smart classrooms with smart boards, a well-stocked library with Wi-Fi, separate boys’ and girls’ hostels with single rooms, sports facilities, gymnasium, auditorium, and herbal garden.

Is hostel accommodation compulsory for students at ACDS?

Yes, hostel accommodation is compulsory due to the college’s location. Hostels provide single rooms with 24/7 electricity, water supply, clean bathrooms, and student-managed mess facilities.

How is the quality and hygiene of mess food in the hostels?

The mess is student-managed, maintaining good hygiene standards. Food quality is considered decent and varied, with multiple meal options served daily.

What is the daily commute like for students not staying in the hostel?

The college is located on the outskirts of Secunderabad, making daily commute challenging without hostel accommodation. Public transport options are limited, so most students prefer staying on campus.

Are there opportunities for extracurricular activities and sports at ACDS?

Yes, the campus has facilities for volleyball, basketball, cricket, football, badminton, and an indoor gym. Cultural fests and celebrations like Ganesh Puja and Christmas are regularly organized.

Does ACDS have a dress code or uniform policy for students?

Students are required to follow a professional dress code, especially during clinical postings, which includes wearing white coats and maintaining hygiene and decorum in the hospital and campus.

How does ACDS compare with other dental colleges in Telangana in terms of reputation?

ACDS is NAAC 'A' accredited, ISO certified, and ranked among the top dental colleges in India, known for its disciplined environment and strong clinical exposure, especially for wards of Army personnel.

What is the student-to-faculty ratio at Army College of Dental Sciences?

The college maintains a low student intake of 40 seats per batch, ensuring personalized attention and a favorable student-to-faculty ratio for effective learning.

Are laptops or specific technology devices required for students at ACDS?

Laptops are not mandatory but recommended for accessing digital resources, e-books, and research journals, as the campus provides Wi-Fi connectivity in hostels and library.

What kind of research opportunities are available for students at ACDS?

ACDS encourages research in emerging dental fields, supported by access to updated Indian and international journals, and promotes student participation in scholarly activities and publications.

Is there a strong alumni network for Army College of Dental Sciences?

Yes, ACDS has an active alumni network of over 650 graduates who contribute to mentoring current students and facilitating career opportunities.

Are part-time jobs or internships outside the college allowed for students?

Due to the demanding curriculum and clinical postings, part-time jobs outside the college are generally discouraged to ensure focus on academics and practical training.