BDS in Nepal: Courses, Colleges, Eligibility and Job Prospects
The field of dentistry is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of dental and oral diseases. The degree of Bachelor in Dental Surgery (BDS) emphasizes a holistic, preventive approach to oral health care, with a minimally invasive approach if restorative treatment is necessary.
This degree focuses mostly on dental surgery, although students will also study biomedical sciences before moving on to clinical dentistry. Even though the degree takes five years to finish, which is longer than other undergraduate degrees, the graduates benefit from the fact that they will be entering a rewarding profession.
BDS degree in Nepal is offered by various institutions affiliated with Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu University, and B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences. To get enrollment in the BDS program, students should sit and pass a common entrance examination; MECEE-BL which selects students based on merit and inclusion criteria.
BDS (Dental) Colleges in Nepal
As of 2024, 15 Dental Colleges in Nepal are offering BDS programs with an enrollment capacity of 545 seats.
Three out of the 15 dental colleges are public ones: Maharajgunj Medical Campus (Institute of Medicine), BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS), and Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences (KUSMS).
Twelve private dental or medical colleges in Nepal offer BDS programs. Three of the 12 institutions offer only dental programs: Peoples Dental College, Kantipur Dental College, MB Kedia Dental College, and Teaching Hospital. The remaining dental colleges also offer MBBS and MD/MS programs as well as BDS programs.
| University | No. of Colleges | Link |
| Tribhuvan University | 8 | Get Detail |
| Kathmandu University | 6 | Get Detail |
| BPKIHS | 1 | Get Detail |
Top BDS Colleges in Nepal
Scholarship
Sub-Sections (4), (6), and (7) of Section 17 of the National Medical Education Act, 2018 and Section 20 of the National Medical Education Regulations 2020 has outlined this process about BDS Scholarships in Nepal.
For details visit:
Medical Education Scholarships Provision of the Government of Nepal
In 2024, the Government of Nepal allocated 109 BDS scholarship seats, with 60 (55%) designated for general scholarships and 49 (45%) reserved for various categories. Read more: BDS Scholarships Seats in Nepal
Eligibility
- Must have studied Physics, Chemistry and Biology from a recognized educational institution and passed with a minimum of 50 percent or 2.4 CGPA/GPA in the proficiency certificate level or Grade 12 Science group.
or
- Students from A-level or other similar programs with different grading systems should have studied Physics, Chemistry and Biology subjects and passed with a minimum of 50 percent or 2.4 CGPA/GPA and must have got equivalence letter.
or
- Proficiency Certificate or Diploma in Health Science (General Medicine or Medical Lab Technology or Ophthalmic Science or Dental Science or Pharmacy or Radiography or Ayurveda or Physiotherapy) with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate and passed in Physics, Chemistry and Biology from the National Examination Board. Must have obtained at least 50% or 2.4 CGPA/GPA marks and have obtained the equivalence of Grade 12th Science group and should be registered in the respective council.
Job Prospects
Graduates of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program have various options for specialization in the Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) program in Nepal.
They can focus on areas such as Community Dentistry, Prosthodontics, Periodontology and Oral Implantology, Orthodontics, Oral Pathology, Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, and Periodontics.
