NEET MDS 2026 is the national-level postgraduate dental entrance exam conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) for admission to Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) programmes across India. The exam was held on May 2, 2026, and NBEMS declared the NEET MDS 2026 result on June 2, 2026 on natboard.edu.in — the topper scored 802 marks out of 960, and 30,435 candidates had registered for this cycle. With the result declared, the next key steps for qualified candidates are scorecard download on June 10 and MCC counselling expected in July 2026.
- Scorecard: NEET MDS 2026 scorecard will be available for download from June 10, 2026 on the NBEMS candidate login portal at natboard.edu.in. Last year, individual scorecards were released 8 days after the result.
- MCC Counselling: MCC NEET MDS 2026 counselling registration is expected to begin in July 2026 for 50% All India Quota (AIQ) seats and central institution seats. In 2025, MCC Round 1 registration opened in late June 2025.
- Seat Allotment: MCC Round 1 seat allotment result is expected in late July–August 2026. Around 7,357 MDS seats are available across 276 DCI-approved colleges in India — roughly 4 candidates per seat at the national level.
- State Counselling: State-level counselling for 50% state quota MDS seats is expected to begin from August–September 2026. Dates vary by state and will be announced by individual state dental councils.
What is NEET MDS 2026?
NEET MDS stands for National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Master of Dental Surgery. NBEMS — the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences — conducts this exam once every year. It is the single national-level gateway through which BDS graduates seek admission to MDS programmes in government, private, and deemed dental colleges across the country.
The Dental Council of India (DCI) has mandated NEET MDS as the qualifying exam for all PG dental admissions in India. The exam is a computer-based test held in English only, with 240 multiple-choice questions across two structured parts. Your score and rank in the merit list determine which college and MDS specialty you get during counselling.
In 2026, 30,435 candidates registered for NEET MDS. They competed for around 7,357 MDS seats in 276 DCI-approved colleges — covering government, private, and deemed institutions.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Form | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Master of Dental Surgery |
| Conducting Body | National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) |
| Exam Level | National (Postgraduate Dental) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Total Questions | 240 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 960 |
| Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Exam Date 2026 | May 2, 2026 (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM) |
| Result Date 2026 | June 2, 2026 (Out) |
| Topper Score 2026 | 802 out of 960 |
| Total Registered Candidates | 30,435 |
| Total MDS Seats | 7,357 (276 DCI-approved colleges) |
| Counselling Authority (AIQ) | Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) — mcc.nic.in |
| Official Website | natboard.edu.in |
NEET MDS 2026 Result
NBEMS declared the NEET MDS 2026 result on June 2, 2026 on natboard.edu.in. The result is published as a merit list PDF containing the roll numbers and marks of all qualifying candidates. The topper of NEET MDS 2026 scored 802 out of 960 marks.
The result is based on the qualifying percentile cutoff. Candidates who score at or above the minimum qualifying percentile for their category are listed in the merit list and become eligible to participate in MCC and state-level counselling rounds.
Note: The result PDF released on June 2 contains only the merit list. Individual scorecards showing subject-wise marks and All India Rank will be released separately on June 10, 2026, on the NBEMS login portal.
How to Check NEET MDS 2026 Result
- Visit the official NBEMS website at natboard.edu.in
- Click on the NEET MDS 2026 Result link on the homepage or the exam-specific page
- Enter your application ID and date of birth when prompted
- Your result will appear — download the PDF and save it for counselling
- Also download the merit list PDF to check your rank and marks
NEET MDS 2026 Result Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Result Declaration Date | June 2, 2026 |
| Topper Score | 802 marks out of 960 |
| Total Registered Candidates | 30,435 |
| Result Format | Merit list PDF (June 2) + Individual scorecard (June 10) |
| Official Result Portal | natboard.edu.in |
| General/EWS Qualifying Cutoff | 50th percentile — 308 marks |
| SC/ST/OBC Qualifying Cutoff | 40th percentile — 271 marks |
NEET MDS 2026 Cutoff
The NEET MDS cutoff is the minimum qualifying percentile that candidates must meet to be eligible for MDS counselling. NBEMS releases the qualifying cutoff along with the result. For NEET MDS 2026, the cutoffs are declared and are as follows.
NEET MDS 2026 Category-wise Qualifying Cutoff
| Category | Qualifying Percentile | Marks Required (out of 960) |
|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | 50th percentile | 308 |
| General / EWS — PwD | 45th percentile | 289 |
| SC / ST / OBC | 40th percentile | 271 |
| SC / ST / OBC — PwD | 40th percentile | 271 |
Source: NBEMS — NEET MDS 2026 Result and Cutoff
The qualifying cutoff is the minimum score required to appear for counselling. Actual admission cutoffs for top government colleges are significantly higher and depend on the number of available seats, candidate choices, and competition during counselling rounds.
NEET MDS Cutoff — Year-wise Comparison
The qualifying cutoff marks change each year based on paper difficulty and the overall score distribution of all candidates. The 2026 cutoff of 308 marks for General category is higher than both 2025 and 2024 — indicating that the NEET MDS 2026 paper was relatively more straightforward or that candidates performed better on average this year.
| Year | General/EWS Cutoff (50th percentile) | SC/ST/OBC Cutoff (40th percentile) | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 308 marks | 271 marks | Declared June 2, 2026 |
| 2025 | 261 marks (original) | 227 marks (original) | Revised downward in August 2025 by MoHFW |
| 2024 | 263 marks | ~229 marks | — |
In 2025, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare recommended a downward revision of the NEET MDS qualifying cutoff by approximately 19.863 percentile for all categories. This was done to ensure an adequate number of qualified candidates were available to fill the MDS seats. The 2026 cutoff is higher than 2025, which suggests the exam was relatively more straightforward or that candidates performed better on average. No similar revision has been announced for 2026 — the declared cutoffs stand as final unless NBEMS notifies otherwise.
NEET MDS 2026 Marks vs Rank
The NEET MDS merit list ranks all qualified candidates based on their total marks. With the topper scoring 802 out of 960, and 30,435 candidates having registered, here is an estimated marks vs rank distribution for NEET MDS 2026 based on historical score distribution trends.
| Marks Range (out of 960) | Expected Rank Range |
|---|---|
| 750 – 802 | 1 – 50 |
| 700 – 749 | 51 – 200 |
| 650 – 699 | 201 – 700 |
| 600 – 649 | 701 – 1,800 |
| 550 – 599 | 1,801 – 4,000 |
| 500 – 549 | 4,001 – 7,000 |
| 450 – 499 | 7,001 – 10,500 |
| 400 – 449 | 10,501 – 14,000 |
| 350 – 399 | 14,001 – 18,000 |
| 308 – 349 | 18,001 – 22,000+ |
These are estimated ranges based on historical NEET MDS score distributions and the 2026 total candidate pool. Your actual rank is available in the official NEET MDS 2026 merit list at natboard.edu.in.
If you scored between 600 and 650 marks, you are likely ranked within the top 1,800 candidates — which puts you in a competitive position for government college MDS seats through the AIQ round. Candidates scoring above 700 are likely to secure MDS seats in top government institutions. Scores below 400 marks typically fall beyond rank 10,500, making government AIQ seats very difficult to secure.
NEET MDS 2026 Scorecard
The NEET MDS 2026 scorecard is different from the result merit list. While NBEMS declared the result on June 2, 2026, individual scorecards will be released on June 10, 2026 on the NBEMS candidate login portal. The scorecard shows your marks, percentile, qualifying status, and All India Rank — and is a mandatory document for all counselling processes.
How to Download NEET MDS 2026 Scorecard
- Visit natboard.edu.in on or after June 10, 2026
- Click on the Candidate Login link on the homepage
- Log in using your application ID and password
- Go to the NEET MDS 2026 result section in your dashboard
- Download the scorecard PDF and save a printed copy
What the NEET MDS 2026 Scorecard Contains
- Candidate name, application number, and date of birth
- Category and sub-category
- Total marks scored out of 960
- Percentile score — used to determine qualifying status
- Qualifying status — Qualified or Not Qualified
- All India Rank (for qualified candidates)
Keep multiple copies of your NEET MDS 2026 scorecard — both digital and printed. It is a mandatory document for MCC counselling registration, state counselling, and for reporting to the allotted college.
NEET MDS 2026 Counselling
NEET MDS 2026 counselling is conducted in two parallel tracks. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) handles All India Quota and central institution seats, while state governments and state dental councils handle the remaining 50% state quota seats. You must register separately for each process.
MCC NEET MDS 2026 Counselling
MCC conducts NEET MDS counselling at mcc.nic.in for the following categories of seats:
- 50% All India Quota (AIQ) seats in government dental colleges
- 100% seats in deemed universities and central universities
- 100% ESIC institute seats
- AFMC dental seats
MCC NEET MDS 2026 counselling registration is expected to begin in July 2026. The official schedule will be published on mcc.nic.in. Last year (2025), Round 1 registration opened in late June and Round 3 seat allotment was declared by August 8, 2025.
MCC NEET MDS 2026 Counselling Schedule (Expected)
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Round 1 — Registration and Fee Payment | July 2026 |
| Round 1 — Choice Filling | July 2026 |
| Round 1 — Seat Allotment Result | Late July / August 2026 |
| Round 1 — Reporting to Allotted College | August 2026 |
| Round 2 — Registration and Choice Filling | August 2026 |
| Round 2 — Seat Allotment Result | August 2026 |
| Mop-Up Round | September 2026 |
| Stray Vacancy Round | September–October 2026 |
These are expected dates based on the 2025 MCC NEET MDS counselling pattern. The official MCC schedule will be released at mcc.nic.in. Check the official website regularly for updates.
Steps for MCC NEET MDS 2026 Counselling
- Step 1 — Register: Go to mcc.nic.in and register using your NEET MDS 2026 roll number and other personal details
- Step 2 — Pay Fee: Pay the online registration fee and refundable security deposit. Keep the payment receipt safe
- Step 3 — Fill Choices: Select your preferred MDS specialties and colleges in order of priority during the choice-filling window
- Step 4 — Check Allotment: Check your seat allotment result when published. If satisfied, proceed to report — if not, you may participate in the next round
- Step 5 — Report to College: Report to the allotted college with all original documents within the reporting deadline. Failure to report within the deadline means you lose the allotted seat
Documents Required for NEET MDS 2026 Counselling
- NEET MDS 2026 scorecard and result printout
- BDS degree certificate or provisional degree certificate
- Internship completion certificate from the recognised dental college
- State Dental Council registration certificate (provisional or permanent)
- Class 10 certificate as proof of date of birth
- Category certificate — SC/ST/OBC/EWS (if applicable) from competent authority
- PwD certificate from a designated medical board (if applicable)
- Valid ID proof — Aadhaar card, passport, or voter ID
- Recent passport-size photographs (at least 10 copies)
State Counselling for NEET MDS 2026
The remaining 50% state quota MDS seats are filled through state-level counselling conducted by each state’s dental council or state authority. Most states are expected to begin their counselling in August–September 2026, after MCC rounds are underway. Check your respective state dental council website for official state counselling schedules and eligibility conditions, which may differ from state to state.
NEET MDS 2026 Important Dates
As of today (June 6, 2026), the NEET MDS 2026 result is declared and the upcoming milestones are scorecard release, MCC counselling, and seat allotment. The table below shows upcoming events first in chronological order, followed by past events.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Scorecard Download | June 10, 2026 | Upcoming |
| MCC Counselling Registration | July 2026 (expected) | Upcoming |
| MCC Round 1 Choice Filling | July 2026 (expected) | Upcoming |
| MCC Round 1 Seat Allotment | Late July / August 2026 (expected) | Upcoming |
| MCC Round 2 Seat Allotment | August 2026 (expected) | Upcoming |
| Mop-Up / Stray Vacancy Round | September–October 2026 (expected) | Upcoming |
| Registration Start | January 2026 | (Over) |
| Registration Close | February 2026 | (Over) |
| Admit Card Release | Late April 2026 | (Over) |
| NEET MDS 2026 Exam Date | May 2, 2026 (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM) | (Over) |
| Provisional Answer Key | May 2026 | (Over) |
| Result Declaration | June 2, 2026 | (Out) |
NEET MDS 2026 Exam Pattern
NEET MDS 2026 was a computer-based test with 240 multiple-choice questions for a total of 960 marks. The exam was held in English only, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM on May 2, 2026. Each correct answer carries 4 marks, and each wrong answer carries a penalty of 1 mark.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) — Online |
| Language | English only |
| Total Questions | 240 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 960 |
| Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Exam Timing | 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM |
| Marks per Correct Answer | +4 |
| Marks per Wrong Answer | −1 (negative marking) |
| Unattempted Question | 0 (no penalty) |
| Question Type | Single best answer MCQ (4 options) |
NEET MDS 2026 Part-wise Structure
The exam is divided into Part A and Part B. Part A covers basic science and pre-clinical subjects, while Part B focuses on clinical dental subjects. Both parts are attempted in one sitting, but each has a fixed time limit. You cannot carry over unused time from Part A to Part B.
| Part | Questions | Time Allotted | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | 100 | 75 minutes | 400 |
| Part B | 140 | 105 minutes | 560 |
| Total | 240 | 180 minutes | 960 |
Part B carries more marks (560 out of 960) than Part A (400 out of 960). This makes clinical subjects comparatively more impactful on your total score and rank. Time management within each part is key — you get an average of 45 seconds per question.
NEET MDS 2026 Syllabus
The NEET MDS syllabus covers the complete BDS curriculum, divided into Part A (basic sciences and pre-clinical subjects) and Part B (clinical dental subjects). NBEMS specifies the syllabus in the official information bulletin released along with the notification each year.
NEET MDS Part A Syllabus — 7 Subjects, 100 Questions
Part A tests foundational and pre-clinical knowledge. These subjects form the base for all clinical dentistry and are important for a strong overall score.
| Subject | Key Areas Covered |
|---|---|
| General Anatomy | Human body anatomy including embryology and histology |
| General Human Physiology | Body system functions, regulatory physiology |
| Biochemistry | Metabolic pathways, enzymes, clinical biochemistry |
| Dental Anatomy, Embryology and Oral Histology | Tooth morphology, development of dentition, oral tissues |
| General Pathology and Microbiology | Disease mechanisms, host defence, infection control |
| General and Dental Pharmacology and Therapeutics | Drug actions, dental drug use, adverse effects |
| Dental Materials | Properties, uses, and applications of dental materials |
NEET MDS Part B Syllabus — 10 Subjects, 140 Questions
Part B tests clinical knowledge across all major dental specialties. Since Part B has 140 questions for 560 marks, it has a greater impact on your final rank. Prioritise high-weightage clinical subjects in your preparation.
| Subject | Key Areas Covered |
|---|---|
| General Medicine | Systemic diseases and conditions relevant to dentistry |
| General Surgery | Surgical principles and concepts applied to oral care |
| Oral Pathology and Oral Microbiology | Oral lesions, cysts, tumours, oral microbiome |
| Oral Medicine and Radiology | Diagnosis of oral diseases, radiographic interpretation |
| Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry | Paediatric dental management, preventive strategies |
| Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics | Malocclusion, orthodontic appliances, growth modification |
| Periodontology | Gum diseases, bone loss, periodontal treatment |
| Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge | Complete and partial dentures, fixed prostheses |
| Endodontics | Root canal treatment, pulp diseases, irrigants |
| Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | Tooth extractions, jaw surgery, facial trauma management |
Among Part B subjects, Prosthodontics, Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, and Oral Pathology tend to have higher question density in NEET MDS papers based on historical analysis. Focus more time on these while also revising all other Part B subjects thoroughly.
NEET MDS 2026 Eligibility Criteria
You must meet all eligibility conditions set by NBEMS to qualify for NEET MDS. The key requirements are your BDS degree, completion of the mandatory internship, and registration with a state dental council. Here is the complete breakdown.
Educational Qualification
- You must hold a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from a university or institution recognised by the Dental Council of India (DCI)
- Foreign dental degrees must be recognised by DCI to be considered eligible
Internship Requirement
- You must complete the 1-year compulsory rotatory internship by May 31, 2026 to be eligible for NEET MDS 2026
- Candidates who complete their internship after May 31, 2026 are not eligible for this cycle — they can apply in the next NEET MDS exam
Dental Council Registration
- You must be registered with a State Dental Council
- Both provisional and permanent dental council registration are accepted
Age Limit and Attempts
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 20 years |
| Maximum Age | No upper age limit |
| Number of Attempts | No restriction on attempts |
Nationality
- Indian nationals, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), and NRIs are eligible
- Foreign nationals with dental degrees from foreign universities must have those degrees recognised by DCI — check the NBEMS information bulletin for specific conditions
NEET MDS 2026 Application Process
The NEET MDS 2026 registration window has already closed. Applications were accepted on the official NBEMS portal — natboard.edu.in — in January–February 2026. A total of 30,435 candidates registered for NEET MDS 2026. The information below is for reference and for candidates who will apply in the next cycle.
NEET MDS Application Steps
- Step 1 — Register on NBEMS Portal: Create a new account at natboard.edu.in using a valid email ID and mobile number
- Step 2 — Fill the Application Form: Enter your personal details, BDS degree information, internship completion details, and state dental council registration number
- Step 3 — Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, BDS degree certificate, internship completion certificate, and dental council registration
- Step 4 — Pay the Application Fee: Pay online using net banking, UPI, or debit/credit card. Note that the fee is non-refundable
- Step 5 — Submit and Save Confirmation: Review all entries carefully before submitting. Take a printout of the application confirmation and keep it safe
NEET MDS 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / EWS | Rs. 4,750 |
| SC / ST / PwD | Rs. 2,750 |
The application fee is non-refundable regardless of exam outcome. Verify the exact fee for future NEET MDS cycles on the official NBEMS website at natboard.edu.in, as fees may be revised annually.
Top Colleges Accepting NEET MDS Score 2026
Your NEET MDS 2026 rank determines which college and MDS specialty you can get. Government dental colleges — accessible through the AIQ round via MCC — are the most sought-after because of lower fees and higher recognition. Here are the top institutions offering MDS programmes.
Top Government Dental Colleges for MDS in India
| College Name | City | State |
|---|---|---|
| Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (MAIDS) | New Delhi | Delhi |
| Government Dental College and Hospital | Mumbai | Maharashtra |
| Nair Hospital Dental College | Mumbai | Maharashtra |
| King George’s Medical University — Dental Wing | Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh |
| Dr. R. Ahmed Dental College and Hospital | Kolkata | West Bengal |
| Government Dental College and Research Institute | Bangalore | Karnataka |
| Government Dental College | Chennai | Tamil Nadu |
| Sardar Patel PG Institute of Dental Sciences | Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh |
Top Deemed and Private Dental Colleges for MDS
| College Name | City | State |
|---|---|---|
| Manipal College of Dental Sciences | Mangalore | Karnataka |
| SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital | Dharwad | Karnataka |
| JSS Dental College and Hospital | Mysore | Karnataka |
| Saveetha Dental College and Hospital | Chennai | Tamil Nadu |
| Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education | Chennai | Tamil Nadu |
| Amrita School of Dentistry | Kochi | Kerala |
| Yenepoya Dental College | Mangalore | Karnataka |
MDS Seats Available in India — State-wise Breakup
Karnataka leads all states with the highest number of MDS seats, followed by Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. The total of 7,357 seats is spread across 276 DCI-approved colleges — split into 42 government colleges (977 seats), 34 deemed universities (1,113 seats), and 200 private colleges (5,267 seats).
| State | Total MDS Seats (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Karnataka | 1,206 |
| Maharashtra | 980 |
| Tamil Nadu | 750 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 520 |
| Rajasthan | 380 |
| Gujarat | 350 |
| Delhi | 210 |
| Other States | 2,961 |
| Total (All India) | 7,357 |
Preparation Tips for NEET MDS
If you are preparing for the next NEET MDS cycle, a structured, subject-wise strategy is essential. The exam tests all 17 subjects from the BDS curriculum across basic sciences and clinical areas. Here are practical tips to help you prepare effectively.
- Prioritise Part B clinical subjects: Part B carries 560 out of 960 marks. Focus more time on Oral Surgery, Prosthodontics, Orthodontics, and Periodontology — which also tend to have higher question frequency
- Do not underestimate Part A: Part A has 400 marks. Pharmacology, Dental Materials, and General Pathology are high-scoring areas that can significantly boost your total
- Solve at least 5 years of NEET MDS papers: NBEMS tends to repeat concept-based questions in different formats. Previous papers also help you understand the question style and difficulty level
- Manage negative marking carefully: Each wrong answer costs you 1 mark. If you are unsure about a question, it is often safer to leave it blank rather than guess randomly
- Practise timed mock tests: With 240 questions in 3 hours, you get about 45 seconds per question. Regular full-length timed tests build speed and help you identify weak areas
- Stick to standard BDS textbooks: Use textbooks you studied during BDS — BD Chaurasia for anatomy, Shafer’s for oral pathology, Mitchell’s for prosthodontics, etc. Avoid over-relying on notes alone
- Revise systematically by part: Revise all 7 Part A subjects first, then move to all 10 Part B subjects. This structured approach prevents you from leaving any subject untouched close to the exam
- Track your weak subjects: After each mock test, note which subjects cost you marks and revise those sections in the following week
- Focus on classification-based questions: Questions testing classifications — for oral lesions (Oral Pathology), Angle’s classification (Orthodontics), Kennedy’s classification (Prosthodontics) — appear frequently in NEET MDS papers
FAQs
Ques. What is NEET MDS 2026?
Ans. NEET MDS 2026 is the national-level postgraduate dental entrance exam conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) for admission to Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) programmes across India. The 2026 exam was held on May 2, 2026, and the result was declared on June 2, 2026. A total of 30,435 candidates registered for this cycle.
Ques. When was the NEET MDS 2026 result declared?
Ans. NBEMS declared the NEET MDS 2026 result on June 2, 2026, on the official website natboard.edu.in. The merit list PDF is available for download. The individual scorecard with subject-wise marks and All India Rank will be released separately on June 10, 2026, on the NBEMS candidate login portal.
Ques. What is the NEET MDS 2026 cutoff for the General category?
Ans. The NEET MDS 2026 qualifying cutoff for the General and EWS category is the 50th percentile, which corresponds to 308 marks out of 960. For SC/ST/OBC candidates, the qualifying cutoff is the 40th percentile (271 marks). For PwD candidates under the General/EWS category, it is the 45th percentile (289 marks).
Ques. When will the NEET MDS 2026 scorecard be released?
Ans. The NEET MDS 2026 scorecard will be released on June 10, 2026. You can download it by logging in to the NBEMS candidate portal at natboard.edu.in. The scorecard contains your total marks, percentile score, qualifying status, and All India Rank — all of which are required for MCC counselling registration.
Ques. When will NEET MDS 2026 counselling start?
Ans. MCC NEET MDS 2026 counselling registration is expected to begin in July 2026 for All India Quota and deemed university seats. The schedule will be published on mcc.nic.in. State-level counselling for 50% state quota MDS seats is expected in August–September 2026. In 2025, MCC Round 1 registration opened in late June 2025.
Ques. How many MDS seats are available in India in 2026?
Ans. Around 7,357 MDS seats are available in 276 DCI-approved dental colleges across India. Of these, 977 seats are in 42 government colleges, 1,113 seats are in 34 deemed universities, and 5,267 seats are in 200 private colleges. Karnataka has the highest number of MDS seats (1,206), followed by Maharashtra (980) and Tamil Nadu (750).
Ques. Is there an age limit for NEET MDS?
Ans. The minimum age to appear for NEET MDS is 20 years. There is no upper age limit. There is also no restriction on the number of attempts — you can appear as many times as needed until you qualify.
Ques. What is the NEET MDS 2026 exam pattern?
Ans. NEET MDS 2026 is a computer-based test with 240 MCQs for a total of 960 marks. The exam lasts 3 hours (2:00 PM to 5:00 PM) and is conducted in English only. It is divided into Part A (100 questions, 75 minutes, 400 marks) and Part B (140 questions, 105 minutes, 560 marks). Each correct answer carries +4 marks and each wrong answer carries −1 mark.
Ques. Can I appear for NEET MDS without completing my internship?
Ans. No. You cannot appear for NEET MDS without completing the 1-year compulsory rotatory internship. For NEET MDS 2026, the internship must have been completed by May 31, 2026. If you completed your internship after this date, you are not eligible for the 2026 cycle and will need to apply for the next NEET MDS exam.
Ques. What MDS specialties can I apply for after qualifying NEET MDS 2026?
Ans. After qualifying NEET MDS, you can apply for 9 recognised MDS specialties: Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge, Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Periodontology, Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral Medicine and Radiology, Oral Pathology and Oral Microbiology, and Public Health Dentistry. Specialty availability in any given counselling round depends on the seat matrix and your rank.
Ques. How many candidates registered for NEET MDS 2026?
Ans. A total of 30,435 candidates registered for NEET MDS 2026. The exam was held on May 2, 2026 in CBT mode across multiple cities in India. The topper scored 802 out of 960 marks. With 7,357 MDS seats available, the overall competition ratio is roughly 4 candidates per seat at the national level.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on official NBEMS announcements and historical trends from previous NEET MDS cycles. Dates marked as "expected" are indicative estimates based on 2025 patterns and are subject to change. Candidates should verify all dates and announcements directly from the official NBEMS website at natboard.edu.in and the MCC counselling portal at mcc.nic.in before taking any action.
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On June 14, 2024, the National Testing Agency (NTA) will release the results of the NEET 2024. The NEET 2024 result may be accessed at neet.ntaonline.in. When the NEET UG 2024 result becomes available, a link to download it will be posted here. Applicants can view the NEET result 2024 by entering their application number and birthdate. May 5 is when the NEET 2024 exam is expected to take place.
Ss you have regsitered for the second round counseling of NEET MDS 2023, you can participate in the Round 3 counseling by filling in fresh choices. However, the deadline for Choice Filling and Locking for Round was September 13, 2023.
There are two parts for the NEET MDS syllabus. You can check the topics included in each part, the important topics, etc. from NEET MDS Syllabus.
The NEET MDS application fee for UR and OBC students is INR 4250, while the application fee for SC, ST and PWD students is INR 3250.