Ritik Kumar · August 12, 2025 
Introduction
Are you ready to explore the top 10 dental colleges in India based on NIRF 2024 ranking, seats, cutoff, and location? If you aim for a career in dentistry or advise someone who does, choose your college wisely to shape the path ahead. In this article, we walk you through the top colleges, explain the NIRF 2024 ranking, share seat availability, provide insights about NEET cutoffs, and highlight their locations. We source all information exclusively from trusted references to help you make well-informed decisions
What is NIRF, and why is it Important for Dental College Rankings?
The Ministry of Education, Government of India, uses the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) to rank higher educational institutions across the country. Established in 2015, NIRF evaluates institutions using several parameters, including teaching, learning and resources, research and professional practices, graduation outcomes, outreach and inclusivity, and perception.
For dental aspirants, NIRF rankings provide a reliable benchmark to assess the quality of education, infrastructure, faculty, and overall reputation of dental colleges across India. NIRF updates these rankings annually to reflect the current standing of institutions, giving students an invaluable resource to make crucial decisions about their academic future.
What are the Top 10 Dental Colleges in India According to NIRF 2024?
Ranking, Seats, Cutoff, and Location, showing the ranking along with other details:
| 1 | Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences | Chennai | Tamil Nadu | 1 | 100 | ~55,000–65,000 (Private) | 4,550,000 |
| 2 | Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal | Manipal | Karnataka | 2 | 100 | ~44,000–51,000 (Private) | 11,050,000 |
| 3 | Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences | New Delhi | Delhi | 3 | 50 | ~25,196 (Govt.) | 17,000 |
| 4 | King George’s Medical University (Faculty of Dental Sciences) | Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh | 4 | 70 | ~31,000–32,000 (Govt.) | 273,000 |
| 5 | Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth | Pune | Maharashtra | 5 | 100 | ~50,000–60,000 (Private) | 50,00000 |
| 6 | A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences | Mangaluru | Karnataka | 6 | 100 | ~52,000–56,000 (Private) | 25.65 lakhs |
| 7 | SRM Dental College | Chennai | Tamil Nadu | 7 | 100 | ~54,000–59,000 (Private) | 1,960,000 |
| 8 | Jamia Millia Islamia (Faculty of Dentistry) | New Delhi | Delhi | 8 | 50 | ~52,185 (Govt.) | 208,875 |
| 9 | Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan | Bhubaneswar | Odisha | 9 | 100 | ~58,000–65,000 (Private) | 3,000,000 |
| 10 | Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education & Research | Chennai | Tamil Nadu | 10 | 100 | ~57,000–62,000 (Private) | 3,000,000 |
This table provides a clear view of the NIRF 2024 dental college rankings alongside important admission and fee details for easy comparison and decision-making.
How are Seats Distributed in These Top Dental Colleges?
Seat distribution in the top dental colleges follows a structured pattern based on different categories:
Government and Government-Aided Colleges
In government institutions like Maulana Azad Dental College and King George’s Medical University, seats are typically distributed as follows:
- All India Quota (AIQ): 15% of total seats reserved for candidates from across India
- State Quota: 85% of seats reserved for candidates from the respective state
- Reserved Categories: Within each quota, seats are reserved for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwD candidates as per government regulations.
Private and Deemed-to-be Universities
Private institutions like Manipal College of Dental Sciences and Saveetha Institute maintain slightly lower but still competitive cutoffs:
General Category: Usually ranges between the 85th and 95th percentile (approximately 500–600 marks)
OBC Category: Generally ranges between the 80th and 85th percentile (approximately 450–500 marks)
SC/ST Categories: Typically ranges between the 70th and 80th percentile (approximately 400–450 marks)
These cutoff trends are approximate and can vary significantly each year because factors like the difficulty level of NEET, the number of applicants, and seat availability influence them.
What are the Admission Processes for These Top Dental Colleges?
The admission process for these top dental colleges generally follows a structured pattern:
NEET Examination
Mandatory Requirement: You must qualify in NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) to gain admission to any dental college in India.
Registration: You register for NEET through the official NTA (National Testing Agency) website.
Examination: NTA conducts NEET once a year in pen-and-paper mode.
Result Declaration: NTA announces the results a few weeks after the examination.
Counseling Process
Registration for Counseling: Qualified candidates register for the respective counseling processes.
Choice Filling: Candidates fill in their preferences for colleges and courses.
Seat Allotment: Authorities allot seats based on NEET rank, category, and seat availability.
Document Verification: Candidates verify their documents at designated centers.
Fee Payment and Admission: Candidates pay the required fees and complete admission formalities after seat allotment.
Different Counseling Authorities
DGHS (Directorate General of Health Services): Conducts counseling for 15% All India Quota seats in government colleges and all seats in deemed-to-be universities.
State Counseling Authorities: Conduct counseling for 85% state quota seats in government colleges and all seats in private colleges within the state.
Individual Institutions: Some deemed-to-be universities conduct their own counseling for management and NRI quota seats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Which is the No.1 dental college in India as per NIRF 2024?
A. Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, is ranked No.1 by NIRF 2024.
Q2. How many marks are required in NEET for top dental colleges?
A. For government colleges like MAIDS, a NEET score above 620 is usually required. Private colleges may accept scores in the 300–500 range.
Q3. What is the average fee for BDS in India?
A. It ranges from INR 50,000 in government colleges to over INR 40 lakhs in top private institutions.
Q4. Is location important when choosing a dental college?
A. Yes, cities with good hospitals and patient inflow offer better clinical exposure
How Career Plan B Can Help Shape Your Dental Career
Now that you have comprehensive information about the top 10 dental colleges in India based on NIRF 2024 ranking, you may wonder how to take the next step toward achieving your dental career goals. Career Plan B can make a significant difference in your journey.
At Career Plan B, we provide personalized career counselling that goes far beyond just selecting a college. We guide you through every stage of your dental education and career development:
Personalized Career Counselling: Our expert counsellors work one-on-one with you, understand your strengths, interests, and career goals, and help you choose the right dental college and specialization that match your aspirations.
Psycheintel and Career Assessment Tests: We use advanced assessment tools to evaluate your aptitude, personality traits, and career compatibility, ensuring you make informed decisions about your future in dentistry.
Admission and Academic Profile Guidance: Our team supports you throughout the admission process—preparing you for NEET, assisting with applications, and guiding you through counselling—to increase your chances of securing a seat in your preferred dental college.
Career Roadmapping: We help you create a detailed career plan that maps your journey from dental school to specialization, practice setup, or alternative career paths in dentistry.
Post-Graduation Support: We continue to support you after admission by connecting you with the best career opportunities, including the latest job openings, residency programs, and advanced specialization options.
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Conclusion
Choosing the right dental college will shape your entire professional journey. The top 10 dental colleges in India based on NIRF 2024 ranking deliver exceptional education, infrastructure, and career opportunities, each with its unique strengths, admission requirements, and fee structures. Whether you aim to join a prestigious government institution like Maulana Azad Dental College or a private deemed university like Manipal College of Dental Sciences, you must conduct thorough research and seek proper guidance.
Feel unsure? Visit www.careerplanb.co, We support you every step of the way, from helping you understand your options to mapping out your future.
