Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences, Ernakulam: Admission, Courses, Fees, Placements

IGIDS with locations in Kothamangalam, Ernakulam, Kerala was set up in the year 2007 and has carved a niche for it self in Dental education. This affiliated college is approved by the Dental Council of India (DCI) and it provides standard education in dental science at its 3.65 acres’ land area. IGIDS has an academic gender equity enrolment whereby it has 442 students, of which 13% of students are male and 87% are female. It has more than 177 members of faculty and has a healthy student faculty ratio for providing intimate and effective education. IGIDS currently delivers a one single standard undergraduate program known as Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) that focuses on dental sciences.

The students of the institute has been benefited with the following facilities for improving their learning environment. It includes boys and girls’ hostels which Caefund believes can provide out-station students with a good accommodation. Situated over a spacious area of 4,695 square feet, a rich stock of over 1,600 books and a variety of current journals and periodicals to support learning. It also has a health centre with first aid equipment, sports and recreational facilities including a gym. IGIDS focuses on educational technology and offers technologically advanced smart classroom and advanced Information Technology Facilities. Further, the campus being multi-functional has an auditorium for occasions and seminars, practical demonstration rooms, and an eating hall for students and employees.

Thus IGIDS is primarily concerned with dental education and training and it provides only one full time course, viz the four and half year programme Bachelor of Dental Surgery. This under graduate course is of five years duration, the course which is designed to give an approved intake of one hundred student, is aimed at producing competent dentists with adequate theoretical background and practical experience in dental sciences. The institute’s focus on dental education is seen from the concentration placed on this area of study and on the facilities that cater to this program.

IGIDS follows merit structure for admission and follows the CEE norms of the Government of Kerala norms for admission. There is provisions for admitting student who have to attempt the Kerala Engineering Architecture & Medical Examination (KEAM) and then the admission is made purely based on the score obtained in NEET and then KEAM rank list. KEAM examination is the premier entrance test for BDS admissions to the institute. IGIDS also has prospect for scholarships to cater for deserving students,statistics from the year 2021 showed that out of 493 students,120 students were given some form of reimbursment. This commitment to a financial aid is an indication of the institute’s desire to ensure that as many students enroll for the quality dental education as possible.

The present study finds Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences, Ernakulam, positioned itself as a focused and dedicated institution for dental education in Kerala. IGIDS stays to serve as a major influence in the formation of future dental health care professional by constantly upgrading physical framework, pioneer faculty and student care.