The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) course can be expensive, whether you’re planning to study in India or abroad. However, there are smart loan options, subsidies, and repayment strategies that can make it manageable. Whether you're aiming for a top private dental college or a government one, lenders have tailored options for a BDS education loan for students in India and abroad, which can help you chase your dream without burning a hole in your pocket.
In this blog, let’s walk through BDS education loans in 2025.
Key Takeaways
Secured loans for BDS abroad can go up to ₹2 crore, while non-collateral loans typically range between ₹40–75 lakh, depending on the student profile and college.
BDS education loan interest rates generally range between 7.15%–16%, with lower rates and higher limits for top-ranked BDS institutions.
To apply, students must be Indian citizens, NEET-qualified, have at least 50% in 12th, and a valid co-applicant.
For a 5-year BDS course, repayment begins after 6–12 months of internship completion.
Education loans for BDS in India and abroad cover tuition, hostel, instruments, clinical kits, exam fees, and other essential academic expenses.
Now that you know the basics, here’s a quick look at how BDS loans differ in India vs abroad.
Education Loans for BDS in India and Abroad 2025
Here are the key features of dental residency loans in India and abroad. However, before that you can check out the complete details about BDS in India, with the eligibility and other necessary information.
Also, if you’ve taken an education loan for BDS in India, you may be eligible for tax benefits under Section 80E, which allows you to claim deductions on the interest paid — significantly easing your financial burden after graduation.
What is the interest rate on an Education Loan for BDS in Private College?
BDS education loans for dental students in private colleges generally come at higher interest rates because these institutions have higher fees and often fall outside banks’ premier lists. Major banks and NBFCs usually charge between 8.3% – 16% per annum for BDS loans.
What is the interest rate on an Education Loan for BDS in a Government College?
For BDS loans in government colleges, interest rates are lower because tuition fees are minimal and loan amounts are smaller—reducing lender risk. Major banks and NBFCs usually offer interest rates between 7.10% – 10.80% per annum.
BDS Education Loan Eligibility Criteria
General Eligibility
Collateral Requirements
General Eligibility
Must be an Indian citizen.
A score of at least 50% in 10+2.
Must have passed NEET (if applicable) or secured admission to a recognised BDS college based on merit.
Must attend any required entrance exam for the destination country (if applying for BDS abroad).
Must take language proficiency exams such as IELTS or TOEFL (for BDS abroad).
Collateral Requirements
Depending on the lender, collateral may include:
House property
Fixed deposits
Government bonds
Land (varies by lender policy)
Now that you are here, figuring out whether you are eligible for the BDS loan for students, we believe you are prepping for the course. Hence, here’s a detailed guide for the BDS Syllabus & Subjects to help you ace your exam.
How to Apply for BDS Education Loan in India and Abroad?
Most financial lenders offer a seamless application process for an education loan for BDS in India and abroad, with both online and offline application options. However, the typical processing time for banks is 3–15 days, while NBFCs like Propelld may take 24–72 hours.
Here’s how you can apply step-by-step, both online and offline, as per your convenience:
Online Process
Offline Process
Online Process
Visit the official website of the bank or lender you want to apply through and go to their education loan section.
Click “Apply Now” or the relevant link to start your application.
Select the appropriate BDS loan scheme for students.
Fill out the online application form with the required personal, academic, and financial details.
Upload the scanned copies of all the required documents.
Submit your application and keep a registration ID (if applicable) to track its status.
Await approval and disbursement updates from the lender.
Offline Process
Visit the nearest branch of your chosen bank or NBFC.
Get an education loan application form and fill out the form carefully with all the required details.
Attach physical copies of all necessary documents and submit the completed application and documents at the branch. Pay the fees, if any.
The bank will process and verify your documents.
Attend any in-person verification or interviews if required, and remember to follow up regularly with the branch for loan updates.
Await approval and loan disbursement from the lender.
How to Get Your BDS Loan Approved Easily?
Your BDS education loan in India and abroad is more likely to be approved if:
Your co-applicant is salaried.
Your college fees fall under the lender’s standard list.
Your selected college is DCI-recognised and top-ranked.
Once you’ve applied, your loan type can influence approval chances and interest rates. So, let’s understand them.
If you’ve just completed your secondary education and are looking to finance your higher education, here is an in-depth guide on how to get an education loan after 12th!
Education Loan for BDS: With and Without Collateral
Students can choose dental residency loans for studies in India and abroad between secured loans (with collateral) and unsecured loans (without collateral), depending on their family’s financial profile, fee structure, and comfort with pledging property or assets.
Without Collateral (Unsecured BDS Loan)
With Collateral (Secured BDS Loan)
Without Collateral (Unsecured BDS Loan)
Loan amounts of up to ₹40 lakh are available to cover tuition, hostel, instruments, and clinical expenses.
Ideal for students in private dental colleges with higher fee structures.
Longer repayment periods, often up to 12–15 years, including a moratorium.
Offered by: Axis Bank, IDFC FIRST Bank, ICICI Bank, HDFC Credila, Avanse, Auxilo, InCred, Propelld.
With Collateral (Secured BDS Loan)
Higher loan amounts, often ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore or more, depending on property value and bank norms.
Suitable for students in both government and private BDS colleges seeking lower EMIs.
Flexible repayment options and extended loan tenure.
Offered by: SBI, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, Punjab National Bank, Union Bank of India, Federal Bank, HDFC Bank.
Depending on your profile, you can choose between government, private bank, NBFC, or international lenders.
Types of Education Loans Available for BDS Students
Government-Backed Loans
Government-backed BDS education loans are provided by public sector banks or schemes supported by the Indian government. Some schemes are specifically designed for minority communities or those from economically weaker backgrounds. These loans are more affordable because they offer lower interest, flexible repayment, longer tenures, and subsidy benefits, making medical education accessible for students from diverse backgrounds.
Private Bank Loans
Private banks offer both secured and unsecured BDS education loans tailored to the fee structure of dental colleges. These loans generally provide faster processing, higher loan amounts, and customised repayment options, making them suitable for students studying in private institutions with higher costs.
NBFC Loans
NBFCs like Propelld provide flexible unsecured loans ideal for students needing quick approval or high coverage for private BDS programs. They support no-collateral loans, wide expense coverage, minimal documentation, and flexible repayment, especially useful for high-fee private dental colleges.
International Loans
For students pursuing BDS or equivalent dental degrees abroad, international loan providers and global banks offer dental residency loans to cover tuition, living expenses, travel, insurance, and lab charges, etc.
Below are some popular education loan schemes for BDS students in India, offered by leading banks and financial institutions.
Private BDS Schemes
Baroda Medi Elite
It is designed specifically for medical students who have scored a specified rank in NEET, and offers up to ₹40 lakh. A collateral-free loan with a defined limit, it allows repayment up to 15 years, with tax benefits.
SBI Global Ed-Vantage Scheme
It is designed for students pursuing full-time regular BDS courses globally, and offers loans up to ₹1.5 crore with a flexible repayment period of up to 15 years.
Canara Bank IBA Model Scheme
The scheme provides need-based finance for BDS studies, of up to ₹10 lakh in India and ₹20 lakh for studies abroad. It includes subsidy options and provides standardised lending terms.
Axis Bank Medical Education Loan
Built for high-cost medical programs like BDS, it offers collateral-free loans up to ₹75 lakhs with flexible repayment options and tax benefits.
Federal Bank Special Vidya Scheme
Tailored specifically for professional courses, including BDS, this scheme offers up to ₹10 lakhs for studies in India (amount varies by state) and ₹20 lakhs for studies abroad (depending on program).
Government Schemes for BDS
PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme
Specifically for BDS applicants with an annual family income of up to ₹8 lakh, this is a central government initiative that provides collateral-free, guarantor-free education loans.
Central Sector Interest Subsidy (CSIS)
Offered to BDS students belonging to EWS with an annual parental income up to ₹4.5 lakh, this scheme provides an interest subsidy during the moratorium period (course duration + 1 year) on BDS education loans from any Scheduled Bank.
NSFDC Scheme (National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation)
This scheme offers up to ₹40 lakhs, exclusively for Scheduled Caste (SC) students in India and abroad with a family income of less than ₹3 lakhs.
NBCFDC Education Loan Scheme
The scheme provides loans of up to ₹20 lakhs to OBC students pursuing dentistry. The annual family income should be up to ₹3 lakh from all sources.
Dr. Ambedkar Central Sector Scheme
It offers interest subsidies for OBC and EBC BDS students pursuing postgraduate studies abroad. With a 100% interest subsidy during the moratorium period, it provides loans up to ₹30 lakhs.
Grants and Scholarships for BDS
Both government and private organisations offer scholarships for BDS students that help them cover tuition fees, living expenses, books, and other academic costs.
Below is a list of notable scholarships given depending upon various factors like awarded based on financial need, academic performance, specific categories, or course/region eligibility, etc.:
BDS Scholarships in India
Sensodyne IDA Shining Star Scholarship Programme
For first-year BDS students in government or government-funded colleges.
Colgate Keep India Smiling Scholarship
Offers a one-time financial award of ₹75,000 to BDS students.
AIMSET Scholarship
This program offers scholarships based on entrance exam performance.
Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students
Provides scholarships to deserving students from economically weaker backgrounds. 50% of the scholarships are reserved for girls.
Post-Matric Scholarship Schemes
Covers compulsory non-refundable fees and a maintenance allowance for SC/ST/OBC/Minority students.
AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls
Encourages female students to pursue higher education in medicine.
BDS Scholarships Abroad
International College of Dentists (ICD)
The ICD-WUDAA Scholarship Program provides annual scholarships for dental students.
JN Tata Endowment Scholarship
Designed for Indian students to pursue their postgraduate, PhD, or postdoctoral studies in other countries.
MPOWER Global Citizen / Women in STEM Scholarship
Financially aids female students to pursue dentistry in specified universities in the U.S. and Canada.
Erasmus Mundus
Offers scholarships to global students for medical studies in Europe.
If scholarships don’t fully cover your expenses, or if you aren't eligible for one, explore Propelld’s Education Loan for BDS, tailored as per your needs.
Is Getting a BDS Education Loan the Right Choice for You?
Here are real experiences and concerns about the BDS loan for medical students based on recurring discussions on different online student platforms, including threads like r/personalfinanceindia and r/IndiaEduLoan. Students repeatedly mention the high fee-to-salary mismatch in private BDS, making EMI burden heavier than expected.
Discussions
High Fees in Private BDS Colleges: Across multiple student forums, the biggest concern was the extremely high tuition fees in private BDS colleges, for which banks often hesitated to offer loans. Also, collateral becomes mandatory even for middle-tier colleges. This made many students regret choosing private BDS.
Loan Approval Issues for “Non-Premier” Colleges: Numerous threads mentioned that BDS colleges (except govt. institutions) don’t fall under premier lists, resulting in higher interest rates and tougher approval. Some students were sanctioned for only 60–70% of the total fee.
Delayed Disbursements: A recurring frustration was that banks delay disbursement during peak admission periods, causing a panic-like situation among BDS students.
Long-Term Burden and High Interest: Students often express that BDS does not offer quick financial recovery after graduation, as EMIs start soon, but fresh BDS graduates earn relatively low salaries. This takes many dental graduates 4–6 years to become financially stable, leading to anxiety about repayment and career viability.
Insights:
Private BDS loans create long-term pressure because tuition fees are high, loan amounts are large, and early-career salaries are modest. Many students underestimate the repayment burden.
Government BDS loans are far less stressful, with significantly lower fees, smaller loan amounts, and easier approvals.
Banks prefer collateral for private BDS, while unsecured loan approvals are common for government institutions.
Students often face delays in disbursement, especially during peak admission periods, which puts admission deadlines at risk.
Post-BDS earning delays affect EMI readiness, making Propelld-style flexible repayment options extremely valuable for fresh graduates.
Most students online advise choosing government BDS wherever possible due to long-term financial stability and lower loan dependency.
Pursuing a BDS degree requires significant financial planning. With proper research and understanding of the application process, aspiring dental professionals can secure the necessary funding without compromising their educational goals.
Propelld simplifies this journey by offering faster processing, higher approval rates, and 100% fee financing without collateral requirements, making quality dental education more accessible to deserving students.
An education loan for BDS is a financial product offered by banks and financial institutions to help students cover the cost of pursuing a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree.
Who is eligible for an education loan for BDS?
Students who have secured admission to a recognised BDS program in India or abroad are typically eligible. Some banks may require approval from a co-applicant, such as a parent or guardian.
How much loan can I get to pursue BDS?
The loan amount depends on the bank. Generally, banks offer loans up to ₹10-20 lakhs for studies in India, while for overseas education, the amount can go up to ₹30-40 lakhs or more.
What documents are required to apply for an education loan for BDS?
Required documents include an admission confirmation letter, academic records, fee structure, identity proof, address proof, income proof of co-applicant, and bank statements.
What are the interest rates on education loans for BDS in India?
Interest rates for BDS education loans vary by bank, generally ranging from 8% to 12% per annum. It’s advisable to compare rates across banks before applying.
Do I need to provide collateral for an education loan for BDS?
Collateral requirements vary by bank. Loans above ₹7.5 lakhs often require collateral, while smaller loan amounts may not require any.
Can I apply for an education loan for BDS online?
Yes, most banks and loan aggregators offer online application services for education loans. You can also visit their websites for pre-approval checks and document submission.
When do I have to start repaying my BDS education loan?
Repayment typically starts 6-12 months after completing the BDS course or securing a job, whichever comes first. This is called the moratorium period.
Are there any subsidies available for education loans for BDS?
Yes, certain government schemes like the Central Sector Interest Subsidy Scheme (CSIS) offer subsidies on interest for students from economically weaker sections pursuing professional courses like BDS.
Can I get an education loan for BDS without a cosigner?
Some banks and financial institutions offer unsecured loans that do not require a co-signer or guarantor, but these may come with higher interest rates.
What are the repayment options for education loans for BDS?
Repayment options typically range from 5 to 15 years. Banks may offer flexible repayment plans with step-up EMIs, allowing students to start with lower payments.
Can I take an education loan for BDS to study abroad?
Yes, many banks provide education loans for students pursuing BDS degrees abroad. However, the loan amount, collateral requirements, and interest rates may differ from domestic loans.
What happens if I am unable to repay my BDS education loan?
If you're unable to repay the loan, banks may allow for loan restructuring or offer a grace period. However, defaulting on a loan can affect your credit score and lead to legal action.
Are there any tax benefits for BDS education loans?
Yes, under Section 80E of the Income Tax Act, the interest paid on education loans for higher studies, including BDS, is eligible for tax deduction.
Can I prepay my BDS education loan without any penalties?
Most banks allow for prepayment without any penalties, but it’s important to check the terms and conditions in your loan agreement.
What is the typical processing time for an education loan for BDS?
The processing time can range from 7 to 15 days, depending on the bank and completeness of the application. Some banks offer faster approvals if all required documents are in order.
About the Author
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Shailesh Jain
Chartered Accountant, Finance Strategist, Associate Director
A seasoned Chartered Accountant, Shailesh Jain is a finance and compliance leader specializing in corporate finance, financial operations, and fintech-driven lending models. At Propelld, he scales education loan offerings by shaping financial strategies, optimizing operations, and ensuring regulatory excellence, driving sustainable growth in the edtech and fintech space.
An expert in Fintech & Edtech innovation, Shailesh leverages financial insights to transform education lending, combining analytical rigor with strategic foresight. Previously, he led the finance team at Khatabook, building a new lending venture, and has worked with PwC, ICICI Bank, and Mulberry Silks, gaining strong expertise in audit, risk mitigation, and strategic decision-making.
Passionate about financial innovation, he continues to advance education financing in India, creating efficient, scalable, and compliant lending ecosystems.
A banker turned content marketer with expertise in growth-focused content strategies for the finance and digital sectors. She currently drives data-backed content initiatives at Propelld, through high-impact storytelling.
Before moving into content marketing, Vaishali spent nearly a decade in banking, across their asset and lending divisions and spent almost a decade in finance. An MBA in Marketing and a writer at heart, she finally took up content marketing and now simplifies money talks for the readers.
She is also a certified digital marketer (MICA), combining data-driven insights with creative storytelling to deliver measurable business growth.
Beyond work, Vaishali is a handcrafted brand founder, avid reader, and travel & food blogger, blending creativity and strategy in everything she does.
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