Overview

• Official Name: Army College of Dental Sciences (ACDS), Secunderabad
• Common Short Names: ACDS Secunderabad
• Type: College affiliated to Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences (KNRUHS)
• Year Established: 2000
• Campus Location: Secunderabad, Telangana, India
• Approvals & Affiliations:
  • Recognized by National Medical Commission (NMC) (Dental Council of India under NMC)
  • Affiliated to KNRUHS, Warangal
  • Approved by Ministry of Defence
  • NAAC accreditation status: Not available on official sources as of 2024-06-01
• Official Website: http://www.acdsindia.in/

Quick Facts

• Founder: Indian Army
• Principal: Prof. Dr. Rajendra K. Jaju (as per official website)
• Student Population: Approx. 300+ dental students
• Departments/Faculties: 5 major dental specialty departments (Oral Medicine, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, Oral Surgery, Periodontics)
• Contact: Phone: +91-40-2774 8140 / Email: info@acdsindia.in
• Address: Army College of Dental Sciences, Karkhana, Secunderabad, Telangana - 500009, India
• NAAC Grade: Not available
• Rankings: Not ranked individually by NIRF; recognized as premier Armed Forces dental college

Courses & Programs

• Faculty: Dental Sciences
• Popular Courses:
  • BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) – 5 years (4 years academics + 1 year compulsory internship), regular mode
  • MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) – 3 years in various specializations, regular mode
• Intake: BDS intake approx. 50 seats per year; MDS seats vary by specialization

Admissions

• Admission Mode: Through NEET-UG for BDS, NEET-PG for MDS as per Government of India norms and Directorate General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) guidelines
• Accepted Entrance Exams: NEET-UG, NEET-PG
• Admission Timeline: Typically from June to August for UG; MDS admissions vary, usually July-August
• Application Process:
  1. Visit official website ACDS Admissions
  2. Apply online through the DGAFMS portal or as per the official notification for Armed Forces dental colleges
  3. Submit NEET score and necessary certificates
  4. Follow counseling schedule as notified by KNRUHS and DGAFMS

Eligibility Criteria

• BDS:
  • 10+2 (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) with minimum 50% aggregate marks (40% for reserved categories)
  • Must qualify NEET-UG
  • Minimum age: 17 years on or before 31 December of the admission year
• MDS:
  • BDS degree from a recognized institution
  • Qualify NEET-PG
• Documents Required:
  • Mark sheets and certificates of qualifying exams
  • NEET scorecard
  • Identity proof (Aadhar card, Passport, Voter ID)
  • Category certificate (if applicable)
  • Medical fitness certificate

Fee Structure & Scholarships

• BDS Program Fees (Indicative):
  • Tuition Fees: ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,00,000 per annum
  • Hostel Fees: ₹50,000 – ₹75,000 per annum (optional)
  • Examination and other fees: ₹20,000 approx.
• MDS Program Fees: Approx. ₹2,50,000 – ₹3,00,000 per annum
• Scholarships & Financial Aid:
  • Defence personnel and wards receive special fee concessions under DGAFMS protocols
  • Government scholarships as per Telangana state and central government schemes
  • Reserved category scholarships for SC/ST/OBC/EWS as applicable
  • Telangana Government Scholarships

Placements & Career Outcomes

• Placement Highlights: Mostly absorbed into Indian Army dental corps post-graduation; high placement percentage (above 90%) in Defence services
• Average CTC: Not applicable as most students join Defence Service
• Top Recruiters: Indian Army Dental Corps, Ministry of Defence, Civil dental hospitals for MDS graduates
• Placement Cell Contact: Placement Office - ACDS
• Internship Support: Compulsory one-year internship at Armed Forces hospitals and training centres

Campus & Facilities

• Hostels: Separate hostel facilities for boys and girls with mess facilities
• Sports: Outdoor and indoor sports facilities including basketball, badminton, cricket
• Laboratories: Fully equipped dental labs and clinical training units
• Library: Spacious library with access to dental journals and e-resources
• Healthcare: On-campus medical clinic and emergency care
• Transport: Transport facilities available connecting Secunderabad railway station and college
• Wi-Fi: Campus-wide high-speed internet connectivity
• Research Centres: Research labs focusing on dental materials and oral disease
• Student Clubs & Festivals: Cultural and sports clubs, annual college fest, and community outreach programs

Faculty & Research

• Notable Faculty: Experienced dental surgeons and academicians from Armed Forces and civilian backgrounds
• Research Centres: Oral and Maxillofacial Research Unit, Dental Material Science Lab
• Major Grants & MoUs: Collaborations with Armed Forces Medical Research Institutes; detailed data not publicly listed
• Patents: Not available from official sources as of 2024-06

Rankings & Reputation

• NIRF: Not individually ranked
• NAAC: Not accredited / grade not available
• India Today / Outlook: Featured among top Defence dental colleges; no formal rank listed
• Reputation: Among premier dental colleges under Ministry of Defence catering primarily to Armed Forces community, renowned for disciplined academic environment

Results, Cut-Offs & Seat Matrix

• Results & Seat Allotments: Published via KNRUHS official portal knruhs.telangana.gov.in and DGAFMS portal
• Typical NEET Cut-off Scores (General Category, UG BDS): 280 – 310 (approximate, varies yearly)
• Seat Matrix: Total UG BDS seats – 50; reserved for Defence personnel wards as per policy

How to Reach

• Nearest Airport: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (approx. 35 km)
• Nearest Railway Station: Secunderabad Junction Railway Station (3 km)
• City Connectivity: Well connected by road; city buses, auto rickshaws, and taxis available
• Local Transit: TSRTC city buses and metro rail connect Secunderabad to Hyderabad and surrounding areas

FAQs

1. What is the duration of BDS course at ACDS?

The BDS course duration is 5 years, including a 1-year compulsory internship.

2. Does ACDS provide hostel facilities?

Yes, separate hostels for boys and girls with mess facilities are available on campus.

3. Is NEET mandatory for admission?

Yes, NEET-UG is mandatory for BDS admissions, and NEET-PG is needed for MDS admissions.

4. What is the approximate fee for the BDS program?

Indicative annual tuition fees range from ₹1.5 to ₹2 lakh excluding hostel and other charges.

5. Are there scholarships available for students?

Yes, scholarships are available for Defence wards, SC/ST/OBC/EWS categories and through Telangana Government schemes.

6. How can I apply for admission?

Applications are made online through the official ACDS website or DGAFMS portal following NEET counselling notifications.

7. Does ACDS have placement support?

Placement is primarily through absorption into Indian Army Dental Corps; the college has a dedicated placement cell.

8. Is ACDS accredited by NAAC?

NAAC accreditation status is currently not available from official sources.

9. What transport options are there for reaching ACDS?

Secunderabad Junction is the nearest railway station; Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is the closest airport with city bus and taxi connectivity available.

10. Are there any MDS specializations offered?

Yes, MDS is offered in various dental specialties including Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, and Oral Surgery.