

Established in 1956, the Government Dental College & Hospital in Patiala is one of the oldest and most respected dental institutions in Punjab. As a government-run college, it is affiliated with the Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS), Faridkot, and is fully recognized by the Dental Council of India (DCI), ensuring a high standard of dental education and clinical training. Its long-standing reputation makes it a top choice for aspiring dentists in the region. The college primarily offers the undergraduate Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program and postgraduate Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) courses across various specializations. For the 2025 admission cycle, entry into the 60 BDS seats will be based on NEET-UG scores, with counselling managed by BFUHS. Given its government status, the cutoffs are typically very high, attracting the state's top-ranking students. The anticipated annual fee for the BDS program for the 2025 batch is expected to be around INR 1.15 lakhs, making it a highly affordable option. Unlike engineering colleges, dental institutions do not have a conventional placement cell. The career path here is different. Upon completing the four-year BDS course, students undertake a mandatory one-year paid rotational internship at the associated hospital, which is crucial for practical experience. For the 2025-2026 period, this internship provides a valuable stipend. After the internship, graduates often prepare for the NEET-MDS exam to pursue specialization, start their own private practice, or apply for government jobs as dental surgeons in civil services or the armed forces.