Guide to NEET 2 Scores for Admission in Dental Courses (BDS)

The requirements for securing a seat in a Dental Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program through the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET 2) can vary significantly based on several factors, including the type of college, geographical location, and candidate's category. In this guide, we will delve into the minimum score requirements and rank criteria for both government and private institutions.

Government Dental Colleges and Private Colleges

The score needed to secure a seat in a government dental college is generally higher compared to private colleges. For government dental colleges, candidates need to secure a minimum score of 530. This score is slightly lower than the general requirement for MBBS admissions, which is around 540. For good private colleges with a lower budget, a score of 480 is often sufficient.

It is crucial to understand that the score requirements can vary depending on the state and the college you apply to. It is recommended to apply for state counselling and deemed all India counselling after the NEET exam results become available. After applying, you will need to wait for your seat matrix to be released.

Score Based on Category and Percentile

For candidates belonging to other categories (Other Backward Classes (OBC)/Scheduled Castes (SC) Scheduled Tribes (ST)/Persons With Disability (PwD)), the requirements can be slightly lower. According to the latest guidelines, the cutoff is as follows:

General category: 40th percentile or 430 marks (minimum 430 - note that the minimum score may vary from year to year) OBC/SC/ST/Persons With Disability (PwD): 30th percentile or 375 marks

The exact cutoffs can vary from year to year and from state to state. For instance, in 2013, a student who scored 195 marks (equivalent to around 79.9 percentile) was admitted. It is essential to keep these general guidelines in mind while preparing for the exam.

Post-NEET 2 Counseling

After securing your NEET 2 score, you must apply for counseling. The cutoffs can vary from one round to another, and it is not uncommon for a significant number of seats to remain vacant, especially in private colleges. Therefore, it is advisable to apply even if you fall below the expected cutoff as your chances of getting a seat in a private college through subsequent counseling rounds are relatively high.

Recent Cutoffs

For example, the All India Counselling (AIC) 2nd Round for BDS admission in 2018 had a cutoff rank of 17,093 for the General category, equivalent to approximately 513 marks. This highlights the fluctuation in cutoffs and the importance of continuous preparation and application.

Conclusion

Securing a seat in a Dental Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program through NEET 2 requires a strategic approach, considering your category, state, and preferred institution. While the minimum required marks or percentiles can vary, it is essential to stay informed and keep your options open for the best possible outcomes.

All the best in your preparations and future endeavors!