There’s nothing as beautiful or more powerful as a smile. Good, healthy teeth give people the confidence to smile their brightest and express their joy without hesitation. A dentist’s job is to ensure that every individual is confident in their smile.
Dentistry would be a good career path to consider if you have a passion for healthcare, believe in the importance of oral health, enjoy working with your hands, and have an eye for smaller details.
Dentistry offers a unique career opportunity that combines science, precision, artistry and problem-solving skills. The first step towards becoming a skilled dentist is to pursue a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree. However, this first step can prove to be quite expensive.
In this article, we explore how you can overcome the financial constraints faced in becoming a dentist with the help of an education loan for BDS.
What is Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)?
A Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree is a 5-year undergraduate degree program that focuses on dentistry and dental surgery. In this program, students learn about anatomy, dental material, oral health, surgical practices and various dental specialities. This course is the first step towards becoming a dentist.
To join a BDS degree program, you must have completed your 12th grade in the Science (Physics, Chemistry and Biology) stream with at least 50% marks. You should also clear the National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET).
BDS is highly demanded in India and abroad, and there are many job opportunities available. After completing the 5-year program, you may start practising as a dentist or pursue higher education for further specialisation.
Cost of studying BDS in India
The cost of pursuing a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) in India varies depending on the type of institution you choose and the location. In government universities, the fees range between Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 1.5 lakh annually. On the other hand, private dental colleges charge between Rs. 3 to 5 lakhs per year.
In addition to the tuition fees, you must also factor in expenses such as textbooks, clinical tools, hostel and mess fees.
Why take an education loan for BDS in India?
Considering the expenses related to pursuing a BDS degree, an education loan can be the right way to fund your studies. A loan allows you to focus on building your skillset as a dentist and gaining in-depth knowledge to become a leading practitioner without having to worry about your finances.
Here’s why an education loan is an ideal choice for your studies:
1. A loan can fund a major portion of your educational expenses. With the right collateral, you can secure a loan that covers almost all of your expenses beyond just tuition. This means you do not need to worry about a margin money requirement.
3. With the right loan, you can access the best quality education in BDS and attend top universities without worrying about upfront costs.
4. An education loan ensures that you focus entirely on your studies and don’t compromise on your academic performance.
5. Repaying an education loan can help you build a good credit score. A good credit score gives you better financial stability and opportunities in the future.
6. Most loans have a moratorium period during which you do not have to start repaying it. This means you do not have to worry about repayments while you are still in college.
Eligibility criteria for BDS education loan: Private & government colleges
BDS education loan eligibility depends on standard criteria followed by financial institutions and lenders for students admitted to recognised dental colleges, such as:
• The applicant must be an Indian citizen with confirmed admission to a recognised BDS education programme in India or abroad.
• Admission should be secured through merit-based or approved entrance exams, which is essential when applying for BDS loans.
• The dental college must be recognised by the Dental Council of India (DCI) or relevant authorities for an education loan for dental students.
• Academic performance and the co-applicant’s credit profile may influence BDS finance approval.
• Collateral may be required for a higher BDS loan, especially for private dental colleges.
Top banks & NBFCs for BDS education loan in India
When it comes to financing BDS education, Tata Capital stands out as a major NBFC offering student-friendly BDS loans in India. It provides education loans for dental students with competitive interest rates, flexible repayment tenures, and options for both secured and unsecured borrowing. Collateral-free loans are available, while secured loans can go much higher, making it suitable for covering tuition, living costs, equipment, travel, and other academic expenses. Tata Capital also supports education loan for BDS students in India with pre-admission sanction letters and a largely online application process to simplify financing.
Interest rates, margin money & moratorium for BDS loans
Interest rates on BDS loans vary based on the lender, loan amount, institution type, and whether the loan is secured or unsecured. Rates may be fixed or floating and often depend on the co-applicant’s credit profile. Margin money refers to the portion of expenses the student or family must fund themselves, usually lower for studies in India and higher for courses abroad. Most lenders offer a moratorium period covering the entire course duration plus an additional grace period, during which repayment is deferred. This structure helps students focus on their BDS education before starting regular EMIs, making BDS finance more manageable over the long term.
Secured vs unsecured education loan for BDS: What to know
The choice of an education loan for BDS often depends on whether collateral is available and how much funding is required.
Below is a comparison of secured and unsecured education loans for BDS:
Aspect
Secured education loan for BDS
Unsecured education loan for BDS
Collateral
Requires property, fixed deposit, or other assets
No collateral required
Loan amount
Higher amounts usually available
Loan amount is comparatively limited
Interest rate
Generally lower due to reduced lender risk
Slightly higher interest rates
Eligibility
Focuses on collateral value and repayment capacity
Strong academic profile and co-applicant income matter
Approval time
May take longer due to asset verification
Faster processing and disbursal
Best for
Students pursuing costly BDS education
Students needing quick BDS finance without assets
Documents required for education loan for BDS
Having the right paperwork in place is a key step when applying for an education loan for BDS. Commonly requested documents include:
Completed education loan application form
KYC documents of the student and co-applicant (ID and address proof)
Admission letter or offer letter from the recognised BDS college
Fee structure issued by the institution
Academic records, including Class 10, 12, and entrance exam scorecards
Income proof of the co-applicant (salary slips, ITRs, or bank statements)
Recent passport-size photographs
Collateral-related documents, if applying for a secured loan
Government schemes & subsidies for BDS student loans
Several government schemes support BDS education and make financing easier.
They include:
The PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme offers collateral-free loans with up to 3% interest subvention for families earning ≤ ₹8 lakh.
The Central Sector Interest Subsidy (CSIS) provides full interest subsidy during the moratorium for eligible students.
The Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Education Loans (CGFSEL) guarantees up to ₹7.5 lakh of BDS loans without collateral.
The NBCFDC (National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation) Education Loan Scheme offers low-interest loans for OBC/SC students pursuing professional courses.
These schemes ensure affordable education loan for BDS students in India, helping cover tuition, hostel, and study-related expenses.
Common reasons BDS loans get rejected and how to avoid
Securing BDS loans can be challenging if common pitfalls aren’t addressed. Understanding why applications fail helps students improve their chances of approval.
Here are the main reasons and how to avoid them:
Incomplete documentation: Missing admission letters, marksheets, or ID proof can lead to rejection. Always submit complete documents for your BDS education loan application.
Low credit score: Poor credit history of the applicant or co-applicant may affect approval. Maintain timely payments for better BDS finance eligibility.
Insufficient collateral/Income proof: Lenders may reject if income or security is inadequate. Provide valid proof when applying for education loan for BDS students in India.
Course/Institution issues: Loans may be denied for unrecognised colleges. Ensure your BDS loan is applied for a DCI-approved college.
High existing liabilities: Excessive loans or EMIs reduce eligibility. Adjust your debts to secure an education loan for dental students successfully.
Following these steps improves the likelihood of your BDS loans being sanctioned smoothly.
How to apply for BDS education loan in India
1. Visit the Tata Capital website and fill out your basic details. This information will be used to verify your loan eligibility.
2. Once your loan eligibility has been confirmed, you will have to upload all your documents. These include identity and address documents, course structure details, course fee details, and other education documents.
3. Your loan application will then undergo scrutiny, and post-approval, the approved amount will be transferred to your bank account.
Tips to improve BDS loan approval chances
Getting your BDS loan approved can be easier if you follow certain strategies. These tips help ensure smooth processing and increase the chances of securing education loan for BDS students in India:
Maintain a good credit score: Timely repayment of existing debts improves chances of approval for BDS loans.
Submit complete documentation: Provide all marksheets, admission letters, and ID proofs when applying for BDS education loans.
Choose recognised institutions: Ensure your college is DCI-approved to qualify for an education loan for dental students.
Provide adequate collateral or income proof: Financial institutions may reject applications lacking security; include valid proof for your BDS loan.
Limit existing liabilities: Reduce EMIs to strengthen eligibility for education loan for BDS students in India.
Overview of BDS scholarships & grants in India
Aspiring dentists can explore various BDS scholarships to support BDS education, reduce reliance on BDS loans, and manage BDS finance effectively.
BDS scholarships in India:
Sensodyne IDA Shining Star Scholarship Programme
Colgate Keep India Smiling Scholarship
AIMSET Scholarship
Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students
Post-Matric Scholarship Schemes
AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls
BDS scholarships abroad:
International College of Dentists (ICD)
JN Tata Endowment Scholarship
MPOWER Global Citizen / Women in STEM Scholarship
Erasmus Mundus
These scholarships can complement an education loan for BDS students in India or an education loan for dental students, ensuring smoother funding for your BDS education.
Conclusion
Dentists help millions of people achieve perfect smiles and healthy teeth. If your dream is to become a dentist, but your finances are holding you back, apply for an education loan for BDS. With a loan, you can finance your education and invest towards your future.
Choose Tata Capital when you apply for a student loan and step closer to your dream career in dentistry. Tata Capital offers the best options for education loans for BDS in India with competitive interest rates and a hassle-free application process. With quick approvals, pre-admission sanctions, and flexible interest rates, we ensure that you can focus on your education rather than finances.
Tata Capital provides both secured and unsecured education loans. Unsecured loans are available up to Rs 85 lakhs, while secured loans can go up to Rs 200 lakhs. The final loan amount depends on your eligibility and other factors.
Can I get BDS with 400 NEET Score?
A NEET score between 400 and 500 is generally suitable for admission to BDS programmes through state quota counselling. With a score around 300, admission to some private BDS colleges may still be possible, depending on the ranks and scores of other candidates.
Which is better, BDS or BAMS?
BAMS graduates can work as Ayurveda dieticians, therapists, or counselors, while BDS graduates can become dentists or lecturers. The choice depends on individual interests, skills, and career goals.
What is the salary of BDS in India?
As per Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for a BDS graduate in India is Rs. 42,417 per month, with an average base salary of Rs. 25,000 per month.
How many marks are required in NEET for BDS?
For admission to government dental colleges, candidates should target at least 450 marks in NEET 2024. Private dental colleges usually require candidates to meet at least the 50th percentile in the unreserved category.
What are the eligibility criteria for an education loan for BDS in India?
To avail an education loan for BDS students in India, applicants must have secured admission in a recognised college, maintain good academic records, and meet lender-specified income or collateral requirements for BDS education financing.
Can I get a BDS education loan without collateral?
Certain financial institutions offer BDS loans under schemes like the Credit Guarantee Fund, allowing education loan for dental students without collateral for amounts up to ₹7.5 lakh, depending on applicant’s income and repayment capacity.
What expenses are covered under a BDS education loan?
BDS loans generally cover tuition, hostel, books, lab fees, equipment, and study materials, ensuring smooth BDS finance management during your BDS education.
Which are the top lenders for BDS education loans in India?
Tata Capital is a leading provider of education loan for BDS students in India, offering flexible BDS loans with competitive interest rates, coverage for tuition and related expenses, and support for smooth BDS finance management..
What are the typical interest rates for education loans for BDS students?
BDS loans usually carry interest rates ranging from 8% to 13% per annum, depending on the lender, collateral, and subsidy schemes for education loan for dental students.
Are there any government schemes for dental student loans?
Yes, schemes like PM-Vidyalaxmi, Central Sector Interest Subsidy (CSIS), and CGFSEL support BDS education financing with lower interest and collateral-free BDS loans.
When does loan repayment start for BDS student loans?
Repayment for education loan for BDS students in India typically begins after course completion or after a moratorium period, helping manage BDS finance effectively.
What documents are required for BDS student loan application?
Required documents for BDS loans include admission letter, identity proof, academic marksheets, income proof, bank statements, and collateral papers if applicable for your education loan for dental students.
How much education loan can I get for BDS?
Tata Capital provides both secured and unsecured education loans. Unsecured loans are available up to Rs 85 lakhs, while secured loans can go up to Rs 200 lakhs. The final loan amount depends on your eligibility and other factors.
Can I get BDS with 400 NEET Score?
A NEET score between 400 and 500 is generally suitable for admission to BDS programmes through state quota counselling. With a score around 300, admission to some private BDS colleges may still be possible, depending on the ranks and scores of other candidates.
Which is better, BDS or BAMS?
BAMS graduates can work as Ayurveda dieticians, therapists, or counselors, while BDS graduates can become dentists or lecturers. The choice depends on individual interests, skills, and career goals.
What is the salary of BDS in India?
As per Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for a BDS graduate in India is Rs. 42,417 per month, with an average base salary of Rs. 25,000 per month.
How many marks are required in NEET for BDS?
For admission to government dental colleges, candidates should target at least 450 marks in NEET 2024. Private dental colleges usually require candidates to meet at least the 50th percentile in the unreserved category.
