Manipal College of Dental Sciences: Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Mangaluru Campus Life

About Manipal College of Dental Sciences - [MCODS] Mangalore

Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore (MCODS Mangalore) is a premier dental institution established in 1987 in Mangaluru, Karnataka, as a constituent college of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), a Deemed-to-be University. It functions as a private, self-financing college under MAHE and operates with a strong clinical base through its attached teaching hospitals and satellite centres in and around Mangaluru.

MCODS Mangalore is part of MAHE, which holds NAAC A++ accreditation, and the college is consistently ranked among the top dental colleges in India, securing All India Rank 11 in the NIRF 2025 Dental category. It offers BDS, MDS and various certificate programmes in dental specialities, with a strong focus on clinical exposure, research, community outreach and student achievements highlighted through annual academic and awards ceremonies.

Key Highlights

Admission Dates 2026

Manipal College of Dental Sciences (MCODS) Mangalore offers BDS, MDS and PG Certificate courses under MAHE, with admissions routed through NEET UG for BDS and NEET MDS for MDS/PG Diploma, followed by MCC counselling; PG Certificate admissions run on institute-level merit. The overall admission cycle for 2026 will align with NEET-based counselling timelines and MAHE’s central schedule.

Admission Process

Manipal College of Dental Sciences (MCODS) Mangalore admits students to its BDS and MDS programmes through all-India entrance tests. BDS admission is through NEET-UG with MCC/DGHS counselling, while MDS admission is through NEET-MDS/NEET-PG with MCC/DGHS counselling, followed by online registration on the MAHE/MCODS portal.

BDS Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Register and appear for NEET-UG conducted by NTA.
2. Register for MCC/DGHS BDS counselling and fill choices for MCODS Mangalore.
3. Check MCC seat allotment result and download the allotment letter.
4. Complete MAHE/MCODS online registration and upload 10th, 12th, NEET-UG documents.
5. Report to MCODS Mangalore with originals, undergo verification and pay first-year fees to confirm admission.

MDS Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Register and appear for NEET-MDS/NEET-PG for dental programmes.
2. Register for MCC/DGHS MDS counselling and fill choices for MCODS Mangalore specialities.
3. Download allotment letter after seat is allotted.
4. Complete MAHE/MCODS online application, uploading BDS, internship, registration and NEET-MDS documents.
5. Report to MCODS Mangalore, complete document verification and pay first-year MDS fees to confirm the seat.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

Documents Required

• Class 10 marks card and passing certificate
• Class 12 marks card and passing certificate
• NEET-UG / NEET-MDS scorecard and rank letter
• MCC/DGHS allotment letter
• BDS degree certificate and all BDS marks cards (for MDS)
• Compulsory rotatory internship completion certificate (for MDS)
• DCI/State Dental Council registration certificate (for MDS)
• Transfer and Conduct/Character certificates
• Category / reservation certificate, if applicable
• Government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar/Passport/PAN)
• Recent passport-size photographs

Cutoff 2025

Manipal College of Dental Sciences (MCODS) Mangalore BDS cutoffs through NEET UG 2025 for General All India candidates have become moderately competitive, with closing ranks in the high 3‑lakh range. MDS NEET MDS 2025 cutoffs for General AI span from low 3‑thousand to mid‑1‑7‑thousand ranks across specialisations, indicating stronger competition for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Prosthodontics.

Placements 2025

Placement data for Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore for the 2025 cycle is not yet available in the public domain through official placement reports, NIRF 2025, or verified news sources.

Rankings & Accreditations

Manipal College of Dental Sciences (MCODS), Mangalore is consistently placed among the top dental colleges in India, securing rank 11 in NIRF 2025 Dental rankings with a score above 62/100. It also features in leading private rankings such as India Today and Outlook in the dental category.

NIRF 2025

Other Rankings

Accreditations

• NAAC: MAHE (parent university) accredited with A++ grade
• NBA: Not applicable to BDS/MDS (professional dental programmes are regulated by DCI)

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Manipal College of Dental Sciences (MCODS) Mangalore students receive financial aid mainly through MAHE’s own merit-based dental scholarships and government-funded schemes routed via the National Scholarship Portal and Karnataka’s State Scholarship Portal, subject to academic merit and family income. BDS and MDS students can secure substantial tuition-fee waivers if they meet NEET rank, marks, and other eligibility norms.

Institute Scholarships

Government Scholarships

External Scholarships

• Education Loans via SBI (Nodal Branch): Need-based education loans for MCODS Mangalore students (BDS/MDS) routed through SBI Manipal, covering tuition and related expenses, with limits and interest rates SBI education loan norms.

Comparison

Manipal College of Dental Sciences (MCODS) Mangalore is a top private dental college consistently ranked in the NIRF top 15 for Dental, making it a natural peer to other high-ranking private institutions like A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangaluru and SRM Dental College, Chennai, which attract similar students for BDS and MDS. All three have strong clinical exposure in major healthcare hubs and feature in the NIRF 2025 Dental list.

Key Strengths

• Manipal College of Dental Sciences - [MCODS] Mangalore: Strong NIRF ranking, A++-graded MAHE backing, and extensive clinical exposure through Kasturba Medical College hospitals and associated centres.
• A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangaluru: Higher NIRF rank with strong research and community dentistry outreach under NITTE University’s healthcare network.
• SRM Dental College, Chennai: Consistently top-10 NIRF performer with large patient inflow in Chennai and support from an A++-graded SRM university ecosystem.

Campus & Infrastructure

Manipal College of Dental Sciences (MCODS) Mangalore operates from two urban health‑science campuses at Light House Hill Road and Attavar in central Mangaluru, integrated with Kasturba Medical College Hospital and health‑science library, and is supported by nearby multi‑sport and fitness facilities like the Marena sports complex. The compact city campus focuses on clinical dental training with advanced dental equipment, smart lecture halls and strong connectivity to rail, road and air transport. MCODS Mangalore is located in Hampankatta, Mangaluru, with two teaching campuses at Light House Hill Road and Attavar within the city’s medical-education hub. It is closely linked to the 651-bed Kasturba Medical College Hospital and the centrally located health sciences library, with easy access from Mangalore Junction railway station and Mangaluru International Airport.

Campus Details

Academic Facilities

• Library: 4-storey health sciences library with over 1,000 Indian and international journals and 24×7 access
• Labs: Pre‑clinical and clinical laboratories with 260 dental chairs and advanced dental equipment (digital X‑ray, CBCT, microscopes, CAD‑CAM)
• Classrooms: Air‑conditioned lecture halls with smart boards and seating capacity of about 250 students each

Hostel

Other Facilities

• Marena health centre and sports complex with gym, table tennis, squash court, badminton courts, indoor stadium, synthetic running track and cafeteria
• 651‑bed Kasturba Medical College Hospital attached for clinical exposure
• College cafeteria with seating for about 200 students plus on‑campus fast‑food outlet
• 24×7 campus Wi‑Fi across hostels, library and academic blocks

Frequently Asked Questions

What entrance exam is required for BDS admission at MCODS Mangalore?

NEET UG is mandatory for BDS admission. After qualifying NEET, candidates participate in Karnataka NEET UG Counselling conducted by Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) for seat allocation based on merit and availability.

What is the minimum eligibility criteria for BDS at MCODS Mangalore?

Candidates must have passed Class 12 with minimum 50% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. You must be at least 17 years old at the time of admission or turn 17 by December 31st of the admission year.

How many BDS seats are available at MCODS Mangalore?

The total seat intake for BDS programme is 100 seats. All seats, including NRI/Management Quota seats, are allotted by merit under state quota through NEET-UG counselling.

What is the fee structure for BDS at MCODS Mangalore?

Specific annual fee details are not publicly listed in standard formats. You must contact the official admissions office or visit the college website for current 2025-26 fee structure, as fees vary based on quota (general/reserved) and category.

Is NEET PG required for MDS admission at MCODS Mangalore?

Yes, NEET PG is mandatory for MDS admission. You must have a BDS degree recognized by the Dental Council of India (DCI). The college offers MDS in nine specialities with 26 total seats.

What documents are needed for BDS admission confirmation?

Required documents include NEET UG scorecard, Class 10 and 12 certificates, ID proof (Aadhar/PAN/Passport), eight passport-size photographs, Provisional Allotment Letter, and caste/PwD certificates if applicable. All original documents must be submitted with 3 attested copies.

Does MCODS Mangalore offer scholarships to students?

The college offers scholarships, though specific scholarship amounts and eligibility criteria are not detailed in public information. Contact the admissions office directly for current scholarship schemes and application procedures.

What is the hostel accommodation like at MCODS Mangalore?

Separate hostels exist for boys and girls with rooms accommodating two students. Rooms include bed, storage, attached bathroom, water purifier, and geyser. AC rooms are limited and allocated on first-come, first-serve basis. Amartya Sen hostel offers single occupancy with AC and continuous hot water.

Is hostel compulsory for first-year BDS students?

First-year BDS students undergo training at Centre for Basic Sciences, Bejai with separate hostel facilities provided at that campus. Hostel accommodation appears to be available but specific compulsory status is not stated in official guidelines.

What are the library facilities at MCODS Mangalore?

The college has a 24/7 centrally air-conditioned library with over 1000 Indian and international journals, Wi-Fi access, and separate sections for undergraduate, postgraduate, and staff. A 4-storey health science library serves all students with ample study spaces.

How many dental chairs and clinical facilities are available?

MCODS Mangalore has 260-311 dental chairs with state-of-the-art equipment. Clinical training facilities are available at Light House Hill and Attavar campuses, with access to Kasturba Medical College Hospital (651-bedded facility) for medical subject training.

What sports and recreation facilities are available on campus?

The college has a complete health center named Mareena with gym, table tennis court, squash court, badminton court, indoor stadium, and synthetic running pads. Sports complex facilities are considered among the best available at the institution.

How is the food quality in the college mess?

Mess food is generally rated as good with both North Indian and South Indian cuisines available. Student reviews consistently mention healthy and tasty food at affordable prices within student budgets.

What is the placement rate and average package at MCODS Mangalore?

Specific placement statistics and average package information are not available in official public data. Contact the placement cell directly for current placement records, recruiter details, and salary packages for BDS and MDS graduates.

Does MCODS Mangalore have research opportunities for students?

The college has research labs and conducts dental camps for community outreach. In 2016, MCODS successfully conducted 409 dental camps screening and treating 32,613 patients, providing practical research and clinical exposure opportunities.

What is the faculty qualification and student-to-faculty ratio?

Specific faculty qualification details and student-to-faculty ratios are not publicly disclosed. Student reviews mention faculty friendliness and good academic support, but exact metrics should be verified directly with the admissions office.

How far is MCODS Mangalore from the city center and what is the commute like?

The college is located in Mangalore with transport provided from hostels to the institution. Exact distance from city center is not specified, but the location allows access to peripheral areas for dental camps and community service within 60 minutes.

Can international students apply for BDS at MCODS Mangalore?

Candidates with foreign qualifications must obtain an Equivalence Certificate from the Association of Indian Universities, New Delhi equating their qualifications to Indian Class 12. NRI hostel facilities are available for international students.

How does MCODS Mangalore compare to MCODS Manipal campus?

Both are part of Manipal Academy of Higher Education. MCODS Manipal is on a 313-acre campus with 30,000 students. MCODS Mangalore has separate campuses at Bejai, Light House Hill, and Attavar. Both offer similar BDS and MDS programmes with comparable infrastructure standards.