BDS course duration shortened to four years

Kasargod: From 2011-2012 academic year onwards, the duration of BDS course has been shortened from five years to four. The Dental Council of India has issued the notification regarding the same. From 2008 onwards the course was extended for five years. From this year onwards the course would be for four years plus one year internship with stipend.

Students who got admission in 2008 would have to write the examination for fourth and fifth year jointly. There are four papers for a year and they would have to write 8 papers this time. The decision would be a boon for students. But for managements, it would be a loss which had levied five years advance fees. The management colleges, which already accepted fee for five years, would have to give back one year's fee. The Dental Council of India is also bringing in strict rules to regulate the functioning of dental colleges.