Choosing BDS or BAMS: What You Need to Know About Leaving for MBBS
When considering medical education, many students are faced with the decision of enrolling in Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) or Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) and then pursuing a Master of Medicine in Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) through the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) the following year. If you get a seat in a government college after taking NEET, can you leave your BDS or BAMS course to pursue MBBS without any issues? Here's what you need to know.
Understanding the Financial Aspect
In many cases, particularly with BDS, there is a financial bond associated with your enrollment. For example, there might be a bond of 10 lakhs (Indian Rupees), which means you need to fulfill certain conditions or face penalties. This is due to the limited capacity of government medical seats and the need to ensure that seats are not wasted. However, BAMS generally has no such bond; you simply pay the full course fees.
Leaving Your Curriculum for MBBS
When considering whether to leave a BDS or BAMS course to pursue MBBS, it's important to understand that this may not be without consequences. If you leave a BDS or BAMS course, you typically have to pay the remaining fees of the course in full or according to the specific terms and conditions of the college. This is because many colleges have clauses in their admission agreements that state you must complete the course or face penalties.
Government College Policies and Penalties
Some government colleges may have specific policies and penalties for leaving the course. For example, MAIDS (Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences) in Delhi may have a security deposit. If you are admitted to a government BDS college, it's crucial to check if the college has a bond. If there is a bond, you should avoid joining that college as you may face significant financial penalties.
Financial Penalties and Requirements
For students who wish to leave a BDS course after the first year to pursue MBBS, a penalty of 20 lakhs (approximately 2.8 lakhs USD) is often required in states like Jharkhand. This amount may vary depending on the state's government policies. It is important to note that this penalty applies to wasting the seat, and it is advisable to be aware of such penalties before making a decision.
The Affidavit and Binding Terms
When you are admitted to a BDS or BAMS course, you and your parents must sign an affidavit. This affidavit includes a clause that states if you want to discontinue the course, you must pay the respective fees for the remaining years. For example, if your course fee is 8 lakhs, you must pay this amount before you can apply for admission to MBBS. While there may not be a direct penalty, you must pay the full course fees in order to pursue MBBS.
Conclusion and Advice
Before making a decision to leave a BDS or BAMS course for MBBS, it's important to think carefully and seek advice from your guidance counselors or professors. Each college and state may have different policies and financial implications. Prioritizing your educational goals and understanding the financial and academic responsibilities is crucial.
Remember, once you enter an academic course, it can be challenging to leave, as it often involves financial penalties and potential repercussions on future admission opportunities.