AJ Institute of Dental Sciences

AJ Institute of Dental Sciences (AJIDS), established under the aegis of the Laxmi Memorial Education Trust, is a premier dental institution located in the coastal city of Mangaluru, Dakshina Kannada. Known for its rigorous academic standards and extensive clinical exposure, the college continues to be a top choice for dental aspirants in 2026.

• Affiliation: Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS), Karnataka.
• Recognition: Dental Council of India (DCI) and Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India.
• Campus: Sprawling 30-acre campus shared with AJ Institute of Medical Sciences.
• Patient Inflow: High clinical volume due to its proximity to the 1000-bed AJ Hospital and Research Centre.
• Location: Kuntikana, Mangaluru, offering excellent connectivity to Kerala and other parts of Karnataka.

AJIDS offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs designed to meet global dental standards. The most sought-after programs for the 2026 academic year include:

• Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS): A 5-year comprehensive course including a 1-year compulsory rotatory internship.
• Master of Dental Surgery (MDS): Offered in 9 specializations including Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, and Prosthodontics.
• Diploma Courses: Short-term specialized certifications in Dental Mechnics and Hygiene.
• Ph.D. Programs: Research-oriented doctorates in various dental sub-specialties for academic aspirants.

Admission to AJIDS is strictly based on merit and centralized counseling. For 2026, the process is as follows:

• BDS Admission: Candidates must qualify for NEET-UG 2026. Counseling is conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA).
• MDS Admission: Candidates must qualify for NEET-MDS 2026 followed by KEA PG counseling.
• Eligibility: Minimum 50% marks in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) for UG and a recognized BDS degree for PG.

Note: Check exact dates on the official exam and college websites.

Note: These are approximate figures based on past trends, not official cutoffs. Check the latest official counselling cutoff before applying.

The 2026 cutoffs are projected based on historical trends of the Karnataka State Quota and All India Quota (AIQ). For BDS, the expected closing ranks are:

• General Category: 1,50,000 - 2,10,000 (All India Rank)
• OBC/SC/ST: 2,20,000 - 3,50,000 (All India Rank)
• Karnataka Religious Minority: Significant relaxation applies for local minority candidates.

MDS cutoffs vary significantly by branch, with Oral Surgery and Orthodontics typically closing within the top 5,000 ranks nationally.

Note: Placement figures are indicative and not taken from the official placement report of the college. Please confirm with the college.

In the dental field, placements primarily involve hospital recruitment, private practice setups, and higher education. The 2025 placement trends at AJIDS include:

• Hospital Recruitment: Approximately 30% of graduates were absorbed into corporate dental chains like Clove Dental and Apollo White Dental.
• Internship Stipend: All BDS interns receive a monthly stipend as per RGUHS and Trust norms.
• Higher Studies: Nearly 40% of the 2025 batch opted for MDS or overseas certifications (NBDE/ADC).
• Entrepreneurship: The college provides guidance for alumni starting private clinics in the Mangaluru-Udupi corridor.

Financial aid is available for meritorious and underprivileged students at AJIDS for the year 2026:

• Laxmi Memorial Trust Scholarship: Merit-based fee waivers for top-performing students in university exams.
• State Government Scholarships: SSP (State Scholarship Portal) and NSP (National Scholarship Portal) benefits for SC/ST and OBC students of Karnataka.
• Minority Scholarships: Special financial assistance for religious minority students through the Directorate of Minorities.
• Fee Concessions: Available for children of staff members and economically weaker sections (EWS) under government norms.

The most popular courses at AJIDS are defined by their clinical demand and faculty expertise:

• BDS: The foundation course with a focus on community dentistry.
• MDS in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery: Highly sought after due to the trauma center at AJ Hospital.
• MDS in Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics: Popular for its high-tech clinical equipment and root canal training.
• MDS in Orthodontics: Known for its extensive case-load involving modern aligner technologies.

The fee structure for 2026 is subject to the Karnataka Fee Regulatory Committee's decisions. Estimated annual fees are:

Note: Hostel and mess charges are additional, ranging from ₹80,000 to ₹1,20,000 per year.

The application process for 2026 is primarily digital:

1. Register for NEET: Apply on the NTA website for UG or NBE website for PG.
2. KEA Registration: After NEET results, register on the KEA (Karnataka Examinations Authority) portal for counseling.
3. Choice Filling: Select AJ Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangaluru as your first preference during the option entry rounds.
4. Allotment: If allotted, download the admission order and report to the college in Kuntikana for document verification.
5. Direct Admission: For management/NRI seats, contact the Laxmi Memorial Trust office directly after qualifying NEET.

AJIDS boasts world-class infrastructure tailored for modern dental education:

• Clinics: Specialized clinics for each department with over 300 modern dental chairs.
• Radiology: Advanced imaging facilities including CBCT, OPG, and digital X-rays.
• Library: A massive central library with thousands of journals, E-library access, and quiet study zones.
• Hostels: Separate hostels for men and women with Wi-Fi, laundry, and 24/7 security.
• Auditorium: A fully air-conditioned auditorium for international conferences and student events.

The college is divided into several specialized departments, each headed by experienced clinicians:

• Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology
• Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
• Department of Periodontology
• Department of Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics
• Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics
• Department of Prosthodontics & Crown and Bridge
• Department of Pedodontics & Preventive Dentistry
• Department of Public Health Dentistry
• Department of Oral Pathology & Microbiology

AJIDS alumni have made significant marks globally. Notable mentions include:

• Dr. Ramesh T.: A leading Maxillofacial surgeon practicing in London.
• Dr. Sneha K.: Successful entrepreneur and founder of a chain of dental clinics in Bengaluru.
• Academic Leaders: Several alumni serve as Deans and HODs in various dental colleges across South India and the Middle East.
• Research Scientists: Alumni working with global dental material manufacturers in R&D roles.