Course Overview
What is BDS in Maharashtra?
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) is the five-year undergraduate dental degree (including a one-year internship). In Maharashtra it is offered at 30+ DCI-approved colleges and institutions.
For international students, admission requires a valid NEET-UG score and is offered through the State CET Cell. This programme is available to the NRI category only through the FN Portal.
Maharashtra's dental colleges are DCI-approved with modern clinical facilities. The entire process — registration, document verification, merit listing, and college allotment — is handled on a single official portal, fn.mahacet.org, run by the State CET Cell. It is the only authorised channel for international admissions to this programme in Maharashtra.
Specialisations
Subject & Clinical Areas
BDS colleges in Maharashtra offer a range of focus areas. Availability varies by institution and intake capacity; confirm current offerings with the college during choice filling.
Eligibility Criteria
Who Can Apply for BDS in Maharashtra?
Eligibility is determined by academic qualification and student category. The table below shows requirements per category for A.Y. 2025-26 as published on fn.mahacet.org.
| Category | Academic Requirement |
|---|---|
| NRI (Only Category) | Passed 10+2 with PCB and a qualifying NEET-UG score, minimum 50% in PCB at 10+2 + qualifying NEET score. NEET-UG qualification mandatory. AIU equivalency certificate required for foreign board qualifications. |
ℹ️ Eligibility per A.Y. 2025-26 as published on fn.mahacet.org. Verify annually before applying.
Fees
Fee Structure for BDS in Maharashtra
Costs are split into two parts: the State CET Cell portal fees (fixed, paid to fn.mahacet.org) and college tuition fees (variable, paid to the allotted college).
- Eligibility FeeUSD 50
- Processing FeeUSD 1,150
- TotalUSD 1,200
- Government CollegesLower range
- Private CollegesMid range
- Autonomous / NITHigher range
Preparation Guide
How to Prepare Before Applying
Preparation has two parts: academic and exam readiness (course-specific), and gathering the right documents for your category. Start both at least 8–12 weeks before the fn.mahacet.org application window opens.
- 1Register and qualify NEET-UG: NEET-UG is mandatory and conducted by the NTA once a year. Register at nta.ac.in and secure a score that meets your category cut-off before applying on fn.mahacet.org.
- 2Strengthen your 12th PCB: Admission depends on NEET plus a strong Class 12 Physics, Chemistry, and Biology record. Revise NCERT-level PCB thoroughly.
- 3Get your AIU equivalency certificate: If your qualification is from outside India, apply for the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) Eligibility Certificate 6–8 weeks before the portal opens. It is mandatory at verification.
- 4Prepare your documents in advance: Scan clear originals: passport, academic marksheets, passing certificate, birth certificate, and migration certificate. Non-English documents need a certified English translation.
- 5Shortlist your colleges before choice filling: Identify colleges from the 30+ that offer this programme across Pune, Mumbai, Nagpur, and other hubs, noting government vs private tuition differences.
NRI Students
- Valid Indian Passport of Student
- NRI Certificate (Indian Embassy/Consulate)
- Sponsor's Proof (Parent/Legal Guardian)
- Academic Marksheets
- Passing Certificate
- Birth Certificate
- Valid NEET-UG Score Card
Application Process
How to Apply for BDS in Maharashtra
All international admissions go through a single six-step process on fn.mahacet.org. There is no offline application route.
Top Colleges
Top BDS Colleges in Maharashtra for International Students
The following colleges are among the most sought-after for this programme. The full list of participating colleges is published annually in the fn.mahacet.org portal during the choice-filling round.
| College | City | Type | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government Dental College Mumbai | Mumbai | Government | Premier government dental college |
| Government Dental College Nagpur | Nagpur | Government | Central India dental hub |
| Nair Hospital Dental College | Mumbai | Government | Reputed clinical training |
| D.Y. Patil Dental College | Pune | Private (Deemed) | NMC/DCI approved, NRI quota |
| Bharati Vidyapeeth Dental College | Pune | Private (Deemed) | Established deemed university |
| M.A. Rangoonwala Dental College | Pune | Private | DCI approved |
| YCMM Dental College | Ahmednagar | Private | Western Maharashtra |
| VSPM Dental College | Nagpur | Private | Vidarbha region |
College list is indicative. Final participating colleges are published on fn.mahacet.org during the choice-filling round each year.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions — BDS in Maharashtra
Is NEET-UG required for BDS in Maharashtra?
What is the minimum qualification for BDS?
What is the portal fee for BDS?
Which categories can apply for BDS?
Is a Maharashtra BDS degree recognised internationally?
How long is the BDS programme?
Further Reading
BDS Guides for International Students
Five in-depth guides covering every part of your application — from category-wise eligibility to fees, the best colleges, and what the degree is worth after you graduate.