Struggling to choose between MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS? This ultimate guide helps you make a smart career decision after NEET 2025 with clarity.
Choosing the right medical career after Class 12th can be confusing, especially when you’re bombarded with acronyms like MBBS, BDS, BAMS, and BHMS. Each of these degrees leads to a respectable and fulfilling career, but the path, scope, and nature of work are different. So, how do you decide which is best for you?
How to choose between MBBS and other medical courses like BDS, BAMS, or BHMS is a decision many NEET aspirants struggle with. Each course offers a unique path in the healthcare field — from modern allopathy to dental sciences and traditional Indian medicine. This guide will help you compare them based on duration, scope, career options, and your personal interests, so you can make a confident decision.
This guide will break it down—clearly and practically.
🩺 1. Understanding the Courses
Course | Full Form | Duration | Main Focus |
---|---|---|---|
MBBS | Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery | 5.5 years (including internship) | Allopathic medicine (modern medicine) |
BDS | Bachelor of Dental Surgery | 5 years (including internship) | Dental health and oral surgery |
BAMS | Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery | 5.5 years (including internship) | Ayurvedic (Indian traditional) medicine |
BHMS | Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery | 5.5 years (including internship) | Homeopathic system of medicine |
🎯 2. Entrance Exams and Admission Process
All four courses require you to clear NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test). The cut-off varies for each stream and college type (government or private).
Course | NEET Score Required (Approx.) |
---|---|
MBBS | 600+ for Government Colleges |
BDS | 500+ for Government Colleges |
BAMS | 450+ for Government Colleges |
BHMS | 400+ for Government Colleges |
🌟 3. What Kind of Doctor Do You Want to Be?

✅ Choose MBBS if:
- You want to become a general physician or specialize in surgery, pediatrics, dermatology, etc.
- You prefer evidence-based, scientific approaches.
- You’re aiming for a high-paying, socially recognized career.
Scope: MBBS leads to MD/MS, super-specializations, and opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and research.
✅ Choose BDS if:
- You are interested in oral health and want to be a dentist or oral surgeon.
- You’re good with precision and hand coordination.
- You prefer less hectic hours than MBBS professionals.
Scope: BDS can lead to MDS and private practice, especially in urban areas.
✅ Choose BAMS if:
- You believe in Ayurveda and want to treat patients using natural remedies.
- You’re passionate about traditional Indian medicine.
- You prefer a holistic healing approach.
Scope: BAMS doctors are eligible for govt. jobs, can open clinics, or pursue MD in Ayurveda.
✅ Choose BHMS if:
- You are drawn to homeopathy’s ‘like cures like’ principle.
- You want a less aggressive, side-effect-free treatment method.
- You’re willing to build your reputation gradually (as it is more popular in certain regions).
Scope: BHMS doctors can open private clinics, pursue MD in Homeopathy, or teach.
💡 4. Salary Expectations
Course | Starting Salary | With Experience |
---|---|---|
MBBS | ₹50,000–₹80,000/month | ₹1.5–₹3 LPA and higher |
BDS | ₹25,000–₹50,000/month | ₹1–₹2.5 LPA |
BAMS | ₹20,000–₹40,000/month | ₹1–₹2 LPA |
BHMS | ₹15,000–₹35,000/month | ₹1–₹2 LPA |
💬 Note: Salary also depends on location, private/government setup, and your specialization.
🧪 5. Course Content Comparison
Subject | MBBS | BDS | BAMS | BHMS |
---|---|---|---|---|
Anatomy | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Physiology | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Pathology | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Pharmacology | ✅ | ✅ | Ayurvedic | Homeopathic |
Surgery | ✅ | Minor | Ayurvedic Surgery | Basic |
👨⚕️ 6. Career Options After Graduation
Course | Career Path |
---|---|
MBBS | MD/MS, Surgeon, Physician, Hospital Admin, Researcher |
BDS | MDS, Dental Surgeon, Orthodontist, Cosmetic Dentistry |
BAMS | Ayurvedic MD, Panchkarma Expert, Govt. Health Officer |
BHMS | Homeopathic MD, Wellness Coach, Private Practitioner |
📊 MBBS vs BDS vs BAMS vs BHMS: Key Comparison Table:
Course | Duration | System of Medicine | Specialization | Entrance | Average Fees (INR) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
MBBS | 5.5 yrs | Allopathy | High | NEET | 5-15 Lakhs+ |
BDS | 5 yrs | Dentistry | Medium | NEET | 2-10 Lakhs |
BAMS | 5.5 yrs | Ayurveda | Medium | NEET | 1-6 Lakhs |
BHMS | 5.5 yrs | Homeopathy | Medium | NEET | 1-5 Lakhs |
🔍 7. What Should You Consider Before Choosing?
Ask yourself:
- What kind of healthcare system do I believe in (Modern, Ayurvedic, Homeopathic)?
- Am I ready for the academic rigor of MBBS?
- Do I have the patience to build a private practice (in BAMS/BHMS)?
- Would I enjoy performing oral surgeries (BDS)?
- What are the financial and family expectations?
📘 8. Expert Tips to Make the Right Choice
- Shadow a professional – Spend a day at a clinic or hospital.
- Talk to seniors or faculty – Get real insights about college life and scope.
- Check government policies – Some states promote AYUSH systems heavily.
- Have a Plan B – In case you don’t get your first choice, think of how to make the most of your second-best option.
📌 Conclusion: Which One is Right for YOU?
Now that you know how to choose between MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, you can make an informed decision about your future. Each course has its strengths, and the best choice depends on your goals and interests. Don’t just follow the crowd—choose what’s best for you.
If you want to… | Go for |
---|---|
Treat all kinds of diseases and become a general physician | MBBS |
Focus only on dental and oral care | BDS |
Promote natural, herbal-based medicine | BAMS |
Practice side-effect-free homeopathy | BHMS |
Every path has value. The best choice is the one that matches your interest, skills, and vision for your future.