International students can study BDS in Maharashtra after qualifying NEET, which is compulsory for all dental seats. Foreign National, NRI, OCI, PIO, and CIWGC applicants who meet the NEET cut-off for their category apply through the 15% supernumerary quota on fn.mahacet.org for this five-year program.
BDS in Maharashtra is open to international students who qualify NEET, which is compulsory for every dental seat. Foreign National, NRI, OCI, PIO, and CIWGC applicants who meet the NEET cut-off for their category register on fn.mahacet.org for a seat in this five-year dental program.
What is BDS in Maharashtra?
BDS, the Bachelor of Dental Surgery, is a five-year undergraduate dental degree that includes a one-year rotating internship. It is offered by recognized dental colleges across Maharashtra and is the qualifying degree to practice as a dentist.
Entrance Exam: NEET is Mandatory
BDS is a medical course, so NEET is compulsory. You must appear for NEET and meet the score cut-off defined for your category. There is no international exception to NEET for dental seats. Your 12th grade must include Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. For how this compares with other streams, read which exam international students need.
Fees: What Will It Cost?
Your costs fall into two parts. The State CET Cell charges a USD 50 Eligibility Fee and a USD 1,150 one-time Processing Fee, both paid online to the portal. College tuition is separate and paid directly to your allotted college.
Dental tuition varies widely by college, and is paid directly to the allotted college. These figures are indicative and change by college tier and year, so confirm the exact tuition with your allotted college before you pay.
Where Can You Study Dental in Maharashtra?
Dental colleges are spread across Maharashtra, with the largest clusters in Pune, Mumbai, and Nagpur. Pune is known as a student city with a dense concentration of campuses, Mumbai offers strong industry links, and Nagpur anchors the Vidarbha region.
The State CET Cell allots your seat from the participating colleges based on your merit and your filled choices. For a college-by-college view, check the live list inside the portal during choice filling, since the participating institutes can change each year.
Who Can Apply?
The State CET Cell is strict about who files the application for Dental. Three applicants are valid.
- Student: You can file your own application.
- Parent: Your Father or Mother.
- Legal Guardian: A guardian holding a valid Court Guardianship Certificate issued by an Indian Court under the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890.
Relatives such as maternal or paternal aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, and siblings cannot file the application, even if they live abroad or hold NRI status. Review the exact list for your category on the category checklist before you register.
The 3-Stage Payment and Verification Process
Admission on fn.mahacet.org moves through three payment stages that you complete in order.
Stage 1: Eligibility Fee
You pay the USD 50 Eligibility Fee and upload your documents for virtual verification.
- Outcome: Your Provisional Eligibility Letter appears in view-only mode. You cannot download it yet.
Stage 2: One-Time Processing Fee
After your eligibility is confirmed, you pay the USD 1,150 Processing Fee.
- Outcome: Download is enabled for your Provisional Eligibility Letter.
- You can upload your Visa, OCI card, or Country ID.
- You become eligible for the Merit List and Seat Allotment.
Stage 3: College Fees
Once a seat is allotted, you pay the college fees through the portal.
- Outcome: Download is enabled for your Provisional Admission Letter.
- You can upload medical and residency proof.
- Physical Document Verification begins.
Important Note on Physical Verification: Physical Document Verification happens only after all three payments are complete, and it takes place at your Allocated College when you report. There is no dedicated facilitation center for this step.
Documents You Will Need
Refer to the document checklist for your exact category, whether Foreign National, NRI, OCI, PIO, or CIWGC.
- You must present Original Documents during physical verification.
- The system requires valid government-issued proof such as passports, birth certificates, residence permits, and visa documents. Documents not officially issued by a recognized government authority will not be accepted.
- If your documents are in another language, provide an English translation, and still present the Original Documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NEET required for BDS?
Yes. BDS is a medical course, so NEET is compulsory and you must meet the cut-off for your category. There is no international exception.
How long is the BDS program?
BDS is a five-year program that includes a one-year rotating internship.
Can NRI and OCI students apply for BDS?
Yes. NRI, OCI, PIO, Foreign National, and CIWGC candidates can apply through the portal after qualifying NEET.