Overview
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) at National Medical College, Birgunj
The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program at National Medical College, Birgunj is a bachelor-level dental course affiliated with Tribhuvan University. The program runs for 5 years 6 months and has an approved intake of 25 seats at the college. It combines academic study, clinical dental education, and internship training within a medical college environment that includes academic departments, a teaching hospital, library facilities, hostels, and student support services on a single campus in Birgunj, Parsa.
National Medical College was established in 2001 and operates within an integrated health science setting that includes medical, dental, nursing, and paramedical education. The college is affiliated with Tribhuvan University and recognized by the Nepal Medical Council, Nepal Nursing Council, and Nepal Professional Health Council. For BDS students, the college offers a campus structure where academic learning, clinical exposure, library use, and residential facilities remain closely connected. The program follows the MECEE-BL entrance framework, and after completing the academic and internship requirements, graduates proceed to the Nepal Medical Council Licensing Examination (NMCLE).
Quick Highlights
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Course: Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
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Institution: National Medical College
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Location: Birgunj, Parsa, Nepal
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Affiliation: Tribhuvan University
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Level: Bachelors
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Duration: 5 years 6 months
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Seat Capacity: 25
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Entrance Exam: MECEE-BL
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License Exam: Nepal Medical Council Licensing Examination (NMCLE)
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Email: info@nmcbir.edu.np
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Phone: +977-51-591014, +977-591320
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Address: Post Box No. 78, Birgunj, Parsa, Nepal
Course Overview
BDS is an integrated undergraduate dental program designed to prepare competent dental graduates for professional practice in oral health care. The course combines basic medical sciences, clinical medical sciences, and clinical dental sciences across the academic years, followed by a one-year rotatory internship.
The program is intended to prepare dental graduates who can identify, investigate, treat, and help prevent dental health problems. It also supports the development of communication skills, ethical practice, clinical judgment, and the ability to provide dental care in hospital and community settings. At National Medical College, this learning takes place within an institution that already supports broader health science education and hospital-linked training.
Duration and Structure
Duration: 5 years 6 months
The BDS program is structured in two major parts:
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4 years 6 months of academic study
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1 year of rotatory internship
The academic phase progresses from foundational medical sciences and preclinical dental study to clinical dental exposure and applied professional training. This structure allows students to move from theory and laboratory-based preparation into direct clinical learning and internship practice.
Academic Components
The program is organized around three major academic areas:
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Integrated Basic Medical Science
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Clinical Medical Science
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Clinical Dental Science
These components support a broad dental education base. In the earlier stage of the course, students build understanding of core medical and dental subjects. In the later years, the focus shifts more directly toward clinical dentistry, dental specialties, and applied patient care.
Program Direction and Graduate Development
The BDS program is intended to produce dental graduates who are professionally capable and socially responsible. Its academic direction supports the development of knowledge, clinical skill, ethical understanding, and patient-centered practice.
The course is designed to help graduates develop the ability to:
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understand the principles and practice of dentistry
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identify and manage common dental health problems
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provide preventive, curative, and promotive dental care
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communicate effectively with patients and their families
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take part in oral health education and community health activities
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respond appropriately to professional responsibilities within their level of competence
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work with awareness of dental ethics and team-based care
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continue learning through higher study, continuing education, and research-oriented engagement
The program also supports professional attitudes such as compassion, accountability, and responsible care in different patient settings.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet one of the following academic routes:
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10+2 Science or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, with at least 50 percent aggregate marks or CGPA 2.4
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A-Level or another equivalent qualification with a grading system considered equivalent to the required academic standard
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Health Science Proficiency Certificate Level or Diploma in General Medicine, Medical Lab Technology, Ophthalmic Science, Dental Science, Pharmacy, Ayurveda, Radiography, or Physiotherapy, with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, along with certificate of equivalence to Grade 12 Science from the National Examination Board
For diploma-based applicants, at least 50 percent aggregate marks are required in both the diploma qualification and the equivalence examination. Registration in the relevant council is also required according to the educational background.
Entrance and Admission
Entrance Exam: MECEE-BL
Admission to the BDS program follows the integrated admission process under MECEE-BL. Candidates must secure at least the required 50 percentile to pass the entrance process. The examination awards one mark for each correct answer and deducts 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.
Candidates selected for admission are required to submit original documents along with photocopies at the time of admission. These include:
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certificate of qualification, transcript, and character certificate of 10+2 and SLC or SEE or equivalent
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copy of citizenship or passport
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admit card of the entrance examination
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documents submitted for reservation
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certificate of equivalence for students with certificates from foreign institutions
Foreign candidates applying for vacated seats for foreign students must complete the required online application within the stated timeline and mention the chosen academic program.
Curriculum Structure
The BDS curriculum under Tribhuvan University is arranged across the academic years and internship phase as follows.
Year 1
The first year focuses on integrated basic medical sciences and foundational dental study. Subjects include:
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Integrated Basic Medical Sciences (IBMS)
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Anatomy
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Biochemistry
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Microbiology
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Pathology
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Pharmacology
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Physiology
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Dental Material Science
Year 2
The second year continues the basic science foundation and introduces preclinical dental areas. Subjects include:
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Integrated Basic Medical Sciences (IBMS)
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Anatomy
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Biochemistry
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Microbiology
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Pathology
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Pharmacology
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Physiology
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Oral Anatomy
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Preclinical Conservative
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Preclinical Prosthodontics
Year 3
The third year moves further into applied clinical subjects. Subjects include:
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Oral Pathology
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General Medicine
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General Surgery
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Anaesthesiology
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Forensic Medicine
Year 4
The fourth year emphasizes clinical dental fields and community-oriented learning. Subjects include:
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Oral Medicine and Radiology
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Orthodontics
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Pedodontics
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Community Dentistry
Year 5 (First 6 Months)
The final academic phase focuses on major clinical dental disciplines. Subjects include:
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Prosthodontics
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Conservative and Endodontics
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Oral Surgery
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Periodontics
Internship Phase
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Rotatory Internship
Academic Progression and Barrier Provisions
The BDS program includes defined progression requirements.
First Phase Barrier
Students admitted to the BDS program must pass the first-year examination within a maximum of six attempts, including the regular attempt. The second-year examination must be passed within a maximum of four attempts, including the regular attempt. Students are allowed to join second-phase classes only after passing all subjects in the first phase.
If a student does not pass the first-phase examinations within the permitted limits, admission is canceled and the student is removed from the program.
Absence from an examination during the stated period is counted as an attempt. Under the stated conditions, and subject to approval from the Dean’s Office, a maximum of two attempts within the first phase may remain uncounted.
Academic Session Exit Barrier
Every student must pass all subjects within ten years from the start of the academic session. If the program is not completed within that period, admission is canceled after the expiry of the permitted time.
Mandatory Requirement
Students must present themselves at their respective campus or college within 15 days from the commencement of classes.
Internship and Licensing
The BDS program includes one year of rotatory internship after completion of the academic phase. This internship is part of the full 5 years 6 months duration of the course and forms the practical closing stage of undergraduate dental training.
After successful completion of the program requirements, graduates proceed to the Nepal Medical Council Licensing Examination (NMCLE). This licensing step is part of the professional route that follows graduation from the BDS program.
Scholarships
Scholarship provisions for BDS are governed by the National Medical Education Act, 2018 and the National Medical Education Regulations, 2020.
Learning Environment at National Medical College
National Medical College provides a single-campus setting of about 40 acres where the teaching hospital, academic departments, nursing school, hostels, staff quarters, and central library are located together. For BDS students, this campus structure supports continuity between academic study, clinical exposure, and student life.
The central library is one of the major academic resources of the college. It is housed in a separate double-storied building and has seating capacity for 250 readers. The collection includes textbooks, reference books, journals, WHO publications, research reports, theses, Nepalese health literature, Ministry of Health publications, and related academic materials. HINARI journal access, photocopy support, and audiovisual learning facilities are also available.
Hostel accommodation is available separately for boys and girls. Internet access is available through Fiber Optic LAN and WiFi in hostels and residential quarters. The campus also includes canteens, sports facilities, a gymnasium, an aerobic exercise hall, an auditorium, and banking services including ATM support. This wider campus environment supports both academic activity and everyday student needs.
Why the Course Setting Matters
The BDS program at National Medical College benefits from being situated within an established medical college environment rather than in an isolated academic setting. The presence of academic departments, a teaching hospital, library resources, and student facilities within one campus strengthens the connection between theoretical learning, clinical exposure, and professional preparation.
The location in Birgunj also places the college within a major urban and commercial center near the Indo-Nepal border. Within the college, the academic setting is structured around health science education, clinical service, and professional training, which supports the broader learning environment of dental students.
Contact
National Medical College
Post Box No. 78, Birgunj, Parsa, Nepal
Email: info@nmcbir.edu.np
Phone: +977-51-591014, +977-591320
FAQ
What is the duration of the BDS course at National Medical College?
The BDS program runs for 5 years 6 months, including 4 years 6 months of academic study and one year of rotatory internship.
Which university is the BDS program affiliated with?
The program is affiliated with Tribhuvan University.
How many seats are available in BDS at National Medical College?
The approved seat capacity for BDS at the college is 25.
Which entrance exam is required for BDS admission?
Admission follows the MECEE-BL entrance examination framework.
What licensing examination follows BDS completion?
Graduates proceed to the Nepal Medical Council Licensing Examination (NMCLE).
What are the major academic components of the BDS program?
The program is organized around integrated basic medical science, clinical medical science, and clinical dental science.
Does the BDS course include internship training?
Yes. The program includes one year of rotatory internship as part of the full course duration.
What facilities support BDS students at National Medical College?
Students have access to academic departments, a teaching hospital, central library, hostels, internet services, canteens, sports facilities, auditorium, and banking support within one campus.
