Deemed dental colleges are private dental institutions that function under a Deemed-to-be University. A Deemed-to-be University is a status granted by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, to institutions that meet high academic and infrastructure standards. This status allows dental colleges to operate with academic autonomy over curriculum design, admissions, examinations, and degree awards. The BDS and MDS degrees awarded by these institutions are recognized by the Dental Council of India (DCI).
As of 2026, according to data published by the Dental Council of India (DCI) and the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), there are 34 deemed dental colleges in India offering BDS and MDS programs. The DCI is responsible for approving and regulating dental colleges for each academic year, while the MCC conducts and regulates NEET-UG and NEET-MDS counselling under the All India Quota (AIQ) for admissions to deemed dental universities.
This article provides the complete and updated list of deemed dental colleges in India for the 2026 academic year, along with state-wise distribution and key admission insights.
Quick Data
- Total deemed dental colleges in India: 34
- Highest number of deemed dental colleges: Tamil Nadu
- States with the lowest number of deemed dental colleges (1 each): Kerala, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Puducherry
Contents
Fill out the form and click on “APPLY NOW” and we’ll reach out to you
GET PERSONALISED CAREER COUNSELLING WITH CAREERMUDHRA
List of Deemed Dental Colleges in India
The list below shows the total number of deemed dental colleges in India with their locations.
There are 325 dental colleges in India, out of which 34 institutions operate under deemed-to-be universities, accounting for around 9% of the total dental colleges in the country. These deemed dental colleges are primarily concentrated in Tamil Nadu (9 colleges), Maharashtra (8 colleges), and Karnataka (7 colleges). States such as Kerala, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Puducherry have one deemed dental college each, indicating a limited presence of deemed dental universities in these regions.
Number of Deemed Dental Colleges in Each State
The table below shows the state-wise distribution of deemed dental colleges in India for the 2026 academic year:
| State | Number of Deemed Dental Colleges |
|---|---|
| Karnataka | 7 |
| Maharashtra | 8 |
| Tamil Nadu | 9 |
| Kerala | 1 |
| Haryana | 2 |
| Telangana | 2 |
| Gujarat | 1 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 1 |
| Odisha | 2 |
| Pondicherry | 1 |
| Total | 34 |
Why Choose Deemed Dental Colleges?
- Infrastructure and Facilities:
Most deemed dental colleges provide modern classrooms, advanced laboratories, digital libraries, and well-equipped clinical facilities. These facilities support quality dental education and training. - Counselling and Admission:
Deemed dental colleges admit students through NEET-UG and NEET-MDS counselling. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) conducts counselling under the All India Quota. This system allows students from all states to apply without domicile restrictions. - Academic Autonomy:
Deemed universities have academic autonomy. They control their curriculum, admission process, and examination system. They set their own fee structure and institutional policies within regulatory norms. - Clinical Exposure:
Most deemed dental colleges run attached multi-specialty dental hospitals. These hospitals provide regular patient flow. Students gain hands-on clinical experience during their course. - Student Diversity:
Deemed dental colleges admit students from different states. This diversity improves peer learning and professional exposure.
Conclusion
India has 34 deemed dental colleges. These colleges operate under deemed-to-be universities across different states. These institutions offer structured dental education, clinical training, and research exposure. They prepare students for professional dental practice in India.
Students who want more information about deemed dental colleges and the admission process can contact CareerMudhra for guidance. Our counselling team helps students understand college options, eligibility, and counselling procedures.
Fill out the form and click on “APPLY NOW” and we’ll reach out to you
GET PERSONALISED CAREER COUNSELLING WITH CAREERMUDHRA
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many deemed dental colleges are there in India?
India has 34 deemed dental colleges as of 2026. These colleges are approved by the Dental Council of India (DCI) and regulated for counselling by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC). They offer BDS, MDS, and other dental programs.
Which state has the highest number of deemed dental colleges?
Tamil Nadu has the highest number of deemed dental colleges in India with 9 colleges as of 2026. The counselling for these colleges is conducted and managed by MCC.
Are deemed dental colleges private?
Yes. Deemed dental colleges operate under autonomous private deemed universities. In India, a private dental college can gain “Deemed-to-be University” status if it meets UGC and DCI performance criteria. Most new dental colleges first established as private colleges affiliated with a state university before applying for deemed status.
Which are the best deemed dental colleges in India?
Based on NIRF rankings, accreditation grades, and CareerMudhra research, the top deemed dental colleges in India are:
- Saveetha Dental College, Chennai
- A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangalore
- Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College, Pune
- Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal
- SRM Kattankulathur Dental College, Chennai
These colleges offer high-quality education, clinical training, and research opportunities.
Catch us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube,
