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The NEET BDS cutoff 2025 determines the minimum marks required for admission to Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programs across India. With over 27,000 BDS seats available in 323 dental colleges, understanding cutoff trends is essential for aspirants planning their dental education journey. This guide covers expected cutoffs, government college lists, fees, and admission requirements for the 2025-26 academic session.
Table of Contents
NEET BDS 2025 Expected Cutoff
The National Testing Agency (NTA) released the NEET 2025 qualifying cutoff on June 14, 2025. The cutoff varies by category and depends on exam difficulty, candidate performance, and seat availability. For NEET 2025, the qualifying cutoff dropped compared to previous years due to higher difficulty level.
| Category | Percentile | Expected Marks Range | Expected Rank Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| General/EWS | 50th | 686–144 | 1–1,60,000 |
| OBC | 40th | 143–113 | Up to 3,00,000 |
| SC | 40th | 143–113 | Up to 3,00,000 |
| ST | 40th | 143–113 | Up to 3,00,000 |
| General-PwD | 45th | 143–128 | Varies |
| SC/OBC/ST-PwD | 40th | 127–113 | Varies |
NEET BDS 2025 Expected Qualifying Cutoff
The qualifying cutoff represents minimum marks needed to participate in counselling. However, admission cutoffs for government dental colleges are significantly higher. General category students typically need 550+ marks for top government BDS colleges under All India Quota.
Expected Marks for Government BDS Colleges (2025-26)
| Category | Top Government Colleges | Mid-Tier Government Colleges | Private Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | 550–600+ | 450–550 | 300–450 |
| OBC | 520–565 | 440–520 | 280–440 |
| SC | 470–510 | 380–470 | 250–380 |
| ST | 450–495 | 350–450 | 200–350 |
NEET BDS Qualifying Cutoff Trends: Marks (2024–2020)
Analyzing previous year cutoffs helps predict admission chances. The qualifying cutoff has fluctuated based on exam difficulty and candidate performance.
NEET BDS Qualifying Cutoff for General (2024–2020)
| Year | Percentile | Marks Range |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 50th | 720–162 |
| 2023 | 50th | 720–137 |
| 2022 | 50th | 715–117 |
| 2021 | 50th | 720–138 |
| 2020 | 50th | 720–147 |
NEET BDS Qualifying Cutoff for SC/ST/OBC (2024–2020)
| Year | Percentile | Marks Range |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 40th | 161–127 |
| 2023 | 40th | 136–107 |
| 2022 | 40th | 116–93 |
| 2021 | 40th | 137–108 |
| 2020 | 40th | 146–113 |
NEET BDS Qualifying Cutoff for General-PwD (2024–2020)
| Year | Percentile | Marks Range |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 45th | 161–144 |
| 2023 | 45th | 136–121 |
| 2022 | 45th | 116–105 |
| 2021 | 45th | 137–122 |
| 2020 | 45th | 146–129 |
NEET Cutoff Data for BDS Government Colleges
Government dental colleges admit students through 15% All India Quota (AIQ) and 85% State Quota. The AIQ cutoffs are generally higher due to nationwide competition. Below are expected cutoffs for top government dental colleges.
NEET BDS 2025 Expected Opening and Closing Ranks (AIQ – 15%)
| College Name | Opening Rank (General) | Closing Rank (General) | Closing Rank (OBC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, Delhi | 200 | 8,000–10,000 | 25,000 |
| Government Dental College, Mumbai | 5,000 | 35,000–40,000 | 51,000 |
| Nair Hospital Dental College, Mumbai | 6,000 | 38,000 | 55,000 |
| Government Dental College, Trivandrum | 8,000 | 45,000 | 60,000 |
| SCB Dental College, Cuttack | 10,000 | 50,000 | 70,000 |
| King George's University of Dental Science, Lucknow | 7,000 | 42,000 | 58,000 |
| Government Dental College, Bangalore | 9,000 | 48,000 | 65,000 |
| Government Dental College, Ahmedabad | 12,000 | 55,000 | 75,000 |
| HP Government Dental College, Shimla | 15,000 | 60,000 | 80,000 |
| ESIC Dental College, Gulbarga | 20,000 | 70,000 | 95,000 |
NEET 2025 Marks vs Ranks
Understanding the correlation between marks and ranks helps candidates estimate admission chances. Small differences in marks can significantly impact rank due to high competition.
| Marks Range | Expected Rank Range | College Type Possible |
|---|---|---|
| 686–651 | 1–73 | Top AIIMS, MAIDS Delhi |
| 650–601 | 74–1,259 | Top Government Dental Colleges |
| 600–551 | 1,260–10,658 | Good Government Dental Colleges |
| 550–501 | 10,659–39,521 | Mid-tier Government/Private Colleges |
| 500–451 | 39,522–69,503 | State Quota Government/Private Colleges |
| 450–401 | 69,504–88,239 | Private Dental Colleges |
| 400–351 | 88,240–1,05,578 | Private/Deemed Universities |
NEET BDS 2025 Good Score
A good NEET score for BDS depends on your target college type and category. Here is a score-wise analysis for 2025-26 admission.
- 600+ marks: Exceptional score. Guarantees admission in top colleges like MAIDS Delhi and GDC Mumbai under AIQ.
- 550–599 marks: Very good score. High chances in government colleges under both AIQ and State Quota.
- 500–549 marks: Decent score. Suitable for mid-tier government colleges and reputed private institutions.
- 450–499 marks: Fair score. State quota seats and private colleges in tier-2 cities.
- Below 450 marks: Difficult for government colleges but private dental colleges remain accessible.
All India BDS Cutoff and Safe Score 2025
The safe score for BDS admission varies by category. General category candidates should aim for 550+ marks for government colleges. OBC candidates need 520+ marks while SC/ST candidates require 380–450 marks for decent government dental colleges.
Top Colleges Accepting NEET BDS Score
India has approximately 60 government dental colleges and 269 private dental colleges. The total BDS seats stand at 27,618 across 323 institutions. Below are top government dental colleges ranked by NIRF 2024.
| NIRF Rank | College Name | Location | BDS Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (MAIDS) | New Delhi | 50 |
| 7 | Nair Hospital Dental College | Mumbai | 60 |
| 10 | Government Dental College & Hospital, Nagpur | Maharashtra | 60 |
| 14 | Government Dental College, Trivandrum | Kerala | 50 |
| 15 | Government Dental College & Hospital, Mumbai | Maharashtra | 125 |
| 19 | Dr. R. Ahmed Dental College | Kolkata | 60 |
| 21 | Government Dental College, Ahmedabad | Gujarat | 63 |
| 24 | Government Dental College, Bangalore | Karnataka | 125 |
| 25 | SCB Dental College & Hospital | Cuttack | 60 |
| 32 | Government Dental College, Indore | Madhya Pradesh | 40 |
BDS Fees in Government Colleges
Government dental colleges offer affordable education compared to private institutions. Fees range from Rs 15,000 to Rs 1,00,000 per year in most government colleges. Below is a state-wise fee structure.
BDS Fees in Government Colleges (State-Wise)
| State | College Name | Annual Fees (Approx.) | Total Course Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences | Rs 20,000–30,000 | Rs 1,00,000–1,50,000 |
| Maharashtra | Government Dental College, Mumbai | Rs 60,000 | Rs 3,00,000 |
| Kerala | Government Dental College, Trivandrum | Rs 64,000 | Rs 3,20,000 |
| Gujarat | Government Dental College, Ahmedabad | Rs 14,500 | Rs 72,500 |
| Karnataka | Government Dental College, Bangalore | Rs 16,000 | Rs 80,000 |
| Tamil Nadu | Tamil Nadu Govt. Dental College, Chennai | Rs 16,073 | Rs 80,365 |
| Madhya Pradesh | Government Dental College, Indore | Rs 3,200 | Rs 16,000 |
| Telangana | Government Dental College, Hyderabad | Rs 8,000 | Rs 40,000 |
| Uttar Pradesh | King George's University of Dental Science | Rs 30,000 | Rs 1,50,000 |
| Haryana | PGIDS Rohtak | Rs 84,000 | Rs 4,20,000 |
| Goa | Goa Dental College & Hospital | Rs 1,05,900 | Rs 5,29,500 |
| Himachal Pradesh | HP Government Dental College, Shimla | Rs 50,000 | Rs 2,50,000 |
| Punjab | Government Dental College, Amritsar | Rs 45,000 | Rs 2,25,000 |
| Chandigarh | Dr. Harvansh Singh Judge Institute | Rs 55,000 | Rs 2,75,000 |
Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (MAIDS), Delhi – BDS Course
MAIDS Delhi is ranked 3rd in India by NIRF 2024 and remains the most competitive government dental college. The opening rank hovers around AIR 200 for General category while closing ranks reach approximately 8,000–10,000 under AIQ. For OBC category, closing ranks extend to 25,000. The annual tuition fee is approximately Rs 20,000–30,000, making it highly affordable.
Government Dental College & Hospital, Mumbai – BDS Course
GDC Mumbai offers 125 BDS seats and is ranked 15th by NIRF 2024. The 2024 round 4 closing rank for General AI quota was 38,984. For OBC category, the closing rank was 51,323. The total course fee is approximately Rs 3,00,000 for the entire 5-year program.
NEET 2024 BDS Cutoff Ranks for Government Colleges
| College | Opening Rank (Gen) | Closing Rank (Gen) | Closing Rank (OBC) | Closing Rank (SC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAIDS Delhi | 10,590 | 23,578 | 25,179 | 1,42,309 |
| GDC Mumbai | 15,000 | 49,788 | 65,000 | 1,50,000 |
| Nair Dental College, Mumbai | 18,000 | 52,000 | 70,000 | 1,55,000 |
| GDC Trivandrum | 20,000 | 58,000 | 78,000 | 1,60,000 |
| SCB Dental College, Cuttack | 25,000 | 65,000 | 85,000 | 1,70,000 |
NEET BDS Cutoff for Private Colleges
Private dental colleges have lower cutoffs compared to government institutions. Marks ranging from 300–450 are generally sufficient for private BDS admission. However, fees are significantly higher, ranging from Rs 9 lakh to Rs 30 lakh for the entire course.
| College Name | Location | Expected Cutoff (Gen) | Total Fees (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saveetha Dental College | Chennai | 350–400 | Rs 20–25 Lakh |
| Manipal College of Dental Sciences | Manipal | 380–420 | Rs 22–28 Lakh |
| SRM Dental College | Chennai | 320–380 | Rs 15–20 Lakh |
| Bharati Vidyapeeth Dental College | Pune | 350–400 | Rs 18–22 Lakh |
| D.Y. Patil Dental College | Navi Mumbai | 330–380 | Rs 16–20 Lakh |
Final Observations
NEET BDS cutoffs have shown rising trends from 2020 to 2024 due to increased competition and better candidate performance. The year 2022 recorded the lowest cutoffs possibly due to higher exam difficulty. Top government colleges like MAIDS Delhi and GDC Mumbai consistently require ranks within 10,000–25,000 for General category admission. Reserved category candidates experience relatively accessible cutoffs but competition remains strong for premier institutions.
Students targeting government BDS seats should aim for 550+ marks in NEET 2026. Participating in both AIQ and State Quota counselling maximizes admission chances. State quota seats typically have lower cutoffs for domicile candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions
- The NEET score required for BDS admission varies by college type and category. General category students need 550+ marks for top government dental colleges under AIQ. Mid-tier government colleges accept scores between 450–550 marks. For private colleges, 300–450 marks are generally sufficient. Reserved category candidates have relaxed cutoffs with OBC requiring 520+ and SC/ST requiring 380–450 marks for decent government colleges.
- The minimum qualifying marks for NEET BDS 2025 are 144 marks (50th percentile) for General/EWS category and 113 marks (40th percentile) for SC/ST/OBC categories. However, these are only qualifying marks for counselling participation. Actual admission requires significantly higher scores based on college cutoffs and seat availability.
- Yes, 470 marks can secure BDS admission in several scenarios. SC/ST candidates have strong chances in mid-level government dental colleges with this score. State quota counselling offers opportunities as cutoffs are generally lower than AIQ. OBC candidates may get seats in lower-ranked government colleges or reputed private institutions. General category students can explore private dental colleges or state quota seats in less competitive states like northeastern regions.
- Yes, 540 marks provide excellent chances for BDS admission in 2025-26. OBC candidates can secure seats in good government dental colleges under both AIQ and State Quota. General category students have strong possibilities in mid-tier government colleges and almost guaranteed admission in private institutions. This score translates to approximately 25,000–35,000 rank which is competitive for several government dental colleges.
- Yes, 550 is considered a very good score for NEET BDS admission. This score provides high chances of admission in government dental colleges under AIQ and State Quota. General category candidates can expect seats in reputed institutions while reserved category candidates have excellent prospects. The approximate rank for 550 marks is 10,000–15,000 which is competitive for top dental colleges except the most selective ones like MAIDS Delhi.
- India has approximately 3,958 BDS seats in 60 government dental colleges for 2025-26 admission. The remaining 23,660 seats are distributed among 269 private and deemed university dental colleges. Out of government seats, 15% are filled through All India Quota counselling while 85% go to State Quota. States like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh have the highest number of government BDS seats.
- Government dental college fees range from Rs 15,000 to Rs 1,00,000 per year depending on the state and institution. The total 5-year course fee varies from Rs 75,000 to Rs 5 lakh in government colleges. The lowest fees are found in states like Madhya Pradesh (Rs 16,000 total) and Karnataka (Rs 80,000 total). Private colleges charge significantly higher fees ranging from Rs 9 lakh to Rs 30 lakh for the entire program.
- States in the northeastern region and less populated areas generally have lower NEET cutoffs for BDS government colleges. States like Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, and Goa tend to have more accessible cutoffs due to lower competition. General category cutoffs in these states can range between 500–550 marks compared to 550–600 marks required in competitive states like Delhi, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.
- Yes, candidates can participate in both All India Quota (15%) counselling conducted by MCC and State Quota (85%) counselling conducted by respective state authorities. This strategy maximizes admission chances. AIQ counselling allows candidates to apply for government dental colleges across India while State Quota is reserved for domicile candidates of that particular state. Participating in both counselling rounds increases options significantly.
- Essential documents for BDS admission include NEET 2025 scorecard and admit card, Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and certificates, domicile certificate for state quota seats, category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS if applicable), income certificate for EWS candidates, passport-size photographs, Aadhaar card, and medical fitness certificate. Additional documents may be required based on specific college and counselling authority requirements.
