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NEET MDS 2026, Exam dates, Application, Eligibility and Counselling
The National
Board of Examinations (NBE) is expected to announce the NEET MDS 2026 exam
date in January 2026, coinciding with the release of the NEET MDS 2026 application form and information bulletin. This
comprehensive guide covers all the essential details regarding the NEET MDS
2026 exam, including important dates, eligibility requirements, registration
process, exam pattern, syllabus, result declaration, and other crucial aspects
of the examination. Stay updated for the latest information to help you navigate
the NEET MDS 2026 application and preparation process effectively.
NEET MDS 2026
Exam Dates
The NEET MDS (National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test for Master of
Dental Surgery) is conducted annually at the national level. It is a mandatory
exam for students who wish to secure admission to MDS programs in various
institutes and universities across the country.
|
Events |
Dates (Tentative) |
|
Application form release |
1st week of December 2026 |
|
Last date to fill form |
1st week of January 2026 |
|
Correction window |
2nd week of January 2026 |
|
Final edit |
2nd week of January 2026 |
|
Admit card date |
3rd week of January 2026 |
|
Exam date |
4th week of January 2026 |
|
Result announcement |
1st week of March 2026 |
|
Cut Off |
3rd week of March 2026 |
|
Counselling |
1st week of April 2026 |
NEET MDS 2026
Application Form
●
NEET MDS 2026 registration form will be available
online.
●
The application form can be accessed from the
first week of December 2025.
●
Ensure to review the eligibility criteria before
filling out the form.
●
Applicants must provide details such as name,
email, qualifications, and contact information.
●
A scanned image of the photograph, signature, and
left thumb impression must be uploaded in the specified format.
●
An edit window will be available to correct any errors
in the application.
●
The submission deadline for the registration form
will be the first week of January 2026.
●
Applicants should keep a printed copy of the
completed application form for future reference.
MDA
2026 Application Fee:
he NEET MDS 2026 application fee will be paid through online methods.
Payment options include Credit Card, Debit Card, and Net Banking.
The non-refundable registration fee is as follows:
●
Rs 3500/- for General, OBC, and EWS candidates.
●
Rs 2500/- for SC, ST, and PWD candidates
NEET MDS Exam
Pattern 2026
The NEET MDS 2026 exam pattern is expected to follow the same
structure as the previous year. Last year, the National Board of Examinations
(NBE) introduced time-bound sections in the exam. The exam will be a
computer-based test (CBT) lasting for three hours, consisting of 240
multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The test will be divided into two sections:
Part A and Part B, with durations of 75 minutes and 105 minutes, respectively.
Part A will contain 100 questions, while Part B will have 140 questions. The
detailed breakdown of the exam is provided in the table below.
|
S. No. |
Subjects |
Number of Questions |
|
|
Part A |
100 |
|
1. |
General Anatomy including embryology and histology |
14 |
|
2. |
General Human Physiology and Biochemistry |
14 |
|
3. |
Dental Anatomy, Embryology & Oral Histology |
14 |
|
4. |
General Pathology and Microbiology |
14 |
|
5. |
General and Dental Pharmacology and Therapeutics |
14 |
|
6. |
General Medicine |
15 |
|
7. |
General Surgery |
15 |
|
|
Part B |
140 |
|
1. |
Dental Materials |
14 |
|
2. |
Oral Pathology and Oral Microbiology |
14 |
|
3. |
Oral Medicine and Radiology |
14 |
|
4. |
Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry |
14 |
|
5. |
Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics |
14 |
|
6. |
Periodontology |
14 |
|
7. |
Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge |
14 |
|
8. |
Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics |
14 |
|
9. |
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery |
14 |
|
10. |
Public Health Dentistry |
14 |
|
|
Grand Total (Part A + Part B) |
240 |
MDS Eligibility
Criteria 2026
To pursue admission into the Master
of Dental Surgery (MDS) program—MDS
full form in medical—candidates must meet the following eligibility
criteria:
●
Educational
Qualification: Applicants should hold a Bachelor
of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree awarded by a dental college or university
recognized by the Dental Council of India
(DCI).
●
Internship
Completion: Candidates must have successfully
completed the mandatory BDS internship before seeking admission into the
MDS course.
●
Minimum Marks
Requirement: Certain institutions may require a minimum aggregate score, often around 55% in the BDS program, for eligibility. This benchmark may vary
across colleges.
●
Entrance Exam
Qualification: Candidates must also secure a qualifying
rank in relevant d/ental entrance exams, such as NEET MDS or any other
examination specified by the admitting authority.
MDS Eligibility
Criteria for Top Colleges in India
|
College |
Eligibility
Criteria for MDS Admission 2026 |
|
Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER),
Chandigarh |
- Possession of a BDS degree from a university recognized by the
Dental Council of India (DCI). - Mandatory registration with a State Dental Council (provisional or
permanent). - Completion of a one-year rotatory internship in a DCI-approved
institution. - Candidates can apply if the internship is set to conclude on or
before 31st March 2026. - A certificate from the Head of Institution is required if the
internship is still ongoing. |
|
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi |
- BDS degree recognized by the DCI. - Minimum 55% aggregate marks in BDS for General/OBC candidates (50%
for SC/ST). - Must have completed or be completing the 12-month compulsory
internship by 31st July 2026. - AIIMS may conduct its own entrance process or consider NEET MDS
score based on the admission cycle. |
|
Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (MAIDS), New Delhi |
- Must hold a BDS degree from a DCI-recognized institution. - Completion of a 1-year compulsory internship by 31st March 2026. - Candidates must qualify NEET MDS. - 85% seats are reserved for Delhi domicile candidates, while 15%
fall under the All India Quota. - Internship completion certificate and Delhi domicile proof (if
applicable) are required. |
|
Manipal College of Dental Sciences (MCODS), Manipal/Mangalore |
- BDS qualification from an institution recognized by DCI. - Completion of internship before the start of academic session
(typically around July/August 2026). - Valid NEET MDS score. - No specific domicile requirement; open to national and
international students. - Candidates must meet the minimum qualifying percentile as
prescribed by NEET MDS authorities. |
FAQs
Is NEET PG
required for MDS?
In India, candidates aspiring to pursue a Master of Dental Surgery
(MDS) program must usually qualify for the NEET MDS exam, a national-level
entrance test tailored specifically for admission to postgraduate dental
courses.
How many MDS PG
seats are there in India?
India offers a total of 6,965 Master of Dental Surgery (MDS)
postgraduate seats, which are distributed among 36 government dental colleges,
32 deemed universities, and 207 private dental institutions.
Which MDS is best
after BDS?
There isn't a universally "best" MDS specialization, as the
right choice depends on your personal interests and career objectives. However,
some of the most popular and respected MDS specializations after completing BDS
include Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Conservative Dentistry &
Endodontics, Periodontology, and Prosthodontics & Crown & Bridge.
How much rank is
required for NEET MDS in government college?
Securing a seat in a government dental college for MDS through NEET
demands a competitive rank. Typically, candidates from the general category
need a rank under 500 for sought-after specializations in top government
colleges. For less competitive specializations or mid-tier colleges, a rank
ranging from 500 to 1,000 may be adequate.
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