100+ Free FDST-MDS Practice Questions
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Key Facts: FDST-MDS Exam
2 papers
Paper I (100 questions) and Paper II (150 questions), all single-correct MCQs
DCI Screening Test Regulations 2009 / NBEMS FDST bulletin
250 questions
Total MCQs across the two FDST-MDS theory papers
NBEMS FDST (MDS & PG Diploma) Information Bulletin
300 minutes
Total theory testing time: Paper I 120 min and Paper II 180 min
NBEMS FDST (MDS & PG Diploma) Information Bulletin
50% each paper
Minimum to qualify for the viva-voce; 50% in viva-voce to pass
DCI Screening Test Regulations 2009 (amended Sept 2018)
No negative marking
Each question carries one mark; wrong answers score zero
NBEMS FDST (MDS & PG Diploma) Information Bulletin
Computer-based
Delivered as a CBT in English only at New Delhi for FDST 2026
NBEMS FDST (MDS & PG Diploma) 2026 notice
No attempt limit
There is no restriction on the number of FDST attempts
NBEMS FDST Information Bulletin
100
Free original postgraduate practice questions here
OpenExamPrep
The Foreign Dental Screening Test (MDS & PG Diploma) is the NBEMS computer-based screening exam for foreign-qualified postgraduate dentists seeking registration in India. It has two single-correct MCQ papers with no negative marking: Paper I (100 questions, 120 minutes) on basic and clinical dental sciences and Paper II (150 questions, 180 minutes) in the candidate's chosen MDS specialty, for 250 questions over 300 minutes. A candidate must score 50% in each theory paper to reach the viva-voce, then 50% in the viva-voce to pass, under DCI Screening Test Regulations 2009. There is no limit on attempts, and qualifying does not by itself grant registration. This 100-question bank gives original postgraduate-level practice across all major dental specialties.
Sample FDST-MDS Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your FDST-MDS exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Which oral potentially malignant disorder carries the highest reported risk of malignant transformation?
2A radiolucent lesion at the apex of a non-vital tooth that fails to resolve and is lined by stratified squamous epithelium with a fibrous wall is most consistent with which diagnosis?
3Which histological feature is most characteristic of the odontogenic keratocyst (keratocystic odontogenic tumour)?
4A unilocular pericoronal radiolucency around an impacted mandibular third molar that, on histology, shows ameloblast-like cells palisading around islands with central stellate reticulum is most consistent with:
5Direct immunofluorescence showing a linear band of IgG and C3 along the basement membrane zone is most characteristic of:
6Intraepithelial clefting with acantholytic Tzanck cells and a 'row of tombstones' basal layer is the hallmark histology of:
7Which salivary gland tumour is the most common malignant salivary neoplasm and characteristically contains mucous, intermediate and epidermoid cells?
8A salivary gland malignancy notorious for perineural invasion and a cribriform 'Swiss cheese' histological pattern is:
9Which finding on histopathology of oral submucous fibrosis best explains the progressive trismus seen clinically?
10Multiple jaw cysts (odontogenic keratocysts), bifid ribs, palmar pits and calcification of the falx cerebri suggest a mutation in which gene?
About the FDST-MDS Exam
The Foreign Dental Screening Test (FDST) for MDS Degree and PG Diploma holders is the screening examination that Indian Nationals and OCIs with postgraduate dental qualifications awarded outside India must pass before they can seek registration to practise as dental specialists in India. It is conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) on behalf of the Dental Council of India, under the DCI Screening Test Regulations 2009. The test is a computer-based examination in English with two papers of single-correct multiple-choice questions: Paper I (100 questions, 120 minutes) covers basic and clinical dental sciences, and Paper II (150 questions, 180 minutes) covers the candidate's chosen MDS specialty. There is no negative marking. Candidates must score at least 50% in each theory paper to qualify for a viva-voce, and then 50% in the viva-voce, to pass the Screening Test. The FDST (MDS & PG Diploma) is distinct from and harder than the undergraduate FDST (BDS).
Assessment
Two single-correct MCQ papers delivered as a computer-based test: Paper I has 100 questions on basic and clinical dental sciences and Paper II has 150 questions in the candidate's chosen MDS specialty. There is no negative marking and each question carries one mark.
Time Limit
Paper I is 120 minutes and Paper II is 180 minutes (300 minutes total), split into time-bound sections that cannot be revisited once the allotted section time ends.
Passing Score
A candidate must score 50% in each theory paper individually to qualify for the viva-voce, then score 50% in the viva-voce to pass the Screening Test, per DCI Screening Test Regulations 2009 (amended up to September 2018).
Exam Fee
FDST is a paid examination; the fee is fixed in the NBEMS FDST (MDS & PG Diploma) Information Bulletin for each cycle and paid online during application. Candidates should confirm the current fee in the latest bulletin. (National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), New Delhi)
FDST-MDS Exam Content Outline
Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine & Radiology
Potentially malignant disorders, odontogenic and non-odontogenic cysts and tumours, vesiculobullous and mucosal disease, salivary pathology, radiographic interpretation, radiation protection and CBCT indications at postgraduate diagnostic depth.
Periodontology
The 2017 classification of periodontal and peri-implant diseases, microbiology and host response, regenerative and resective surgery, periodontal-systemic links and supportive periodontal therapy.
Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge
Complete and removable partial dentures, fixed prosthodontics, occlusion, maxillofacial prosthetics, implant prosthodontics and digital workflows.
Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics
Pulp biology, root canal anatomy and instrumentation, irrigation and obturation, adhesive and esthetic restorations, regenerative endodontics and management of endodontic failure.
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Growth and development, cephalometrics, biomechanics, fixed and removable appliances, anchorage, and orthognathic and interceptive treatment planning.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Exodontia and impactions, local anesthesia complications, odontogenic infection, trauma and fracture management, TMJ disorders, and benign and malignant lesion surgery.
Pedodontics and Public Health Dentistry
Pediatric behaviour management, pulp therapy, trauma in children, preventive dentistry, fluorides, epidemiology, indices and oral health survey methodology.
How to Pass the FDST-MDS Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: A candidate must score 50% in each theory paper individually to qualify for the viva-voce, then score 50% in the viva-voce to pass the Screening Test, per DCI Screening Test Regulations 2009 (amended up to September 2018).
- Assessment: Two single-correct MCQ papers delivered as a computer-based test: Paper I has 100 questions on basic and clinical dental sciences and Paper II has 150 questions in the candidate's chosen MDS specialty. There is no negative marking and each question carries one mark.
- Time limit: Paper I is 120 minutes and Paper II is 180 minutes (300 minutes total), split into time-bound sections that cannot be revisited once the allotted section time ends.
- Exam fee: FDST is a paid examination; the fee is fixed in the NBEMS FDST (MDS & PG Diploma) Information Bulletin for each cycle and paid online during application. Candidates should confirm the current fee in the latest bulletin.
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
FDST-MDS Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FDST (MDS & PG Diploma)?
It is the Foreign Dental Screening Test conducted by NBEMS for Indian Nationals and OCIs holding an MDS Degree or PG Diploma dental qualification awarded outside India, taken before they can seek dental specialist registration in India under DCI Screening Test Regulations 2009.
How is the FDST-MDS exam structured?
It is a computer-based test with two single-correct MCQ papers: Paper I has 100 questions in 120 minutes on basic and clinical dental sciences, and Paper II has 150 questions in 180 minutes in the candidate's chosen MDS specialty. There is no negative marking and each question is worth one mark.
What is the passing standard for the FDST-MDS?
A candidate must score at least 50% in each theory paper individually to qualify for the viva-voce, and must then score 50% in the viva-voce to pass the Screening Test, as set out in DCI Screening Test Regulations 2009.
How is FDST-MDS different from FDST-BDS?
FDST (BDS) is for undergraduate foreign dental graduates and tests BDS-level basic and clinical subjects. FDST (MDS & PG Diploma) is for postgraduate holders and includes a 150-question specialty paper at MDS depth, making it more advanced and specialty-focused.
Is there a limit on attempts or negative marking?
There is no restriction on the number of attempts at the FDST, and there is no negative marking in the theory papers; each correct answer earns one mark and wrong or blank answers score zero.
Are these official NBEMS or DCI questions?
No. These are original OpenExamPrep practice questions modelled on the FDST specialty syllabus. NBEMS publishes the official Information Bulletin, blueprint and a demo test separately on its website.