If you are planning to pursue MDS in Maharashtra, understanding the Maharashtra NEET MDS Counselling 2026 process is extremely important. The counseling process determines your admission into government, private, and minority dental colleges across the state.
This detailed guide covers:
- Maharashtra MDS Counselling 2026 Dates
- Registration Process
- Eligibility Criteria
- Seat Matrix
- Maharashtra MDS Cutoff 2025 (Expected Trends)
- Documents Required
- Round-wise Counselling Process
- FAQs
Overview of Maharashtra MDS Counselling 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | NEET MDS 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | CET Cell Maharashtra |
| Admission For | MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) |
| Official Website | cetcell.mahacet.org |
| Admission Basis | NEET MDS 2026 Rank |
| Counselling Mode | Online |
The CET Cell Maharashtra conducts the state quota counselling for MDS admission in Maharashtra.
Maharashtra NEET MDS Counselling 2026 Important Dates (Tentative)
Since the NEET MDS exam is expected around early May 2026, the counselling timeline is likely to follow this schedule:
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| NEET MDS 2026 Exam | May 2026 |
| Result Declaration | June 2026 |
| Registration Starts | June 2026 |
| Choice Filling | June 2026 |
| Round 1 Allotment | June/July 2026 |
| Round 2 Counselling | July 2026 |
| Mop-Up Round | August 2026 |
| Academic Session Begins | August/September 2026 |
Note: Exact dates will be updated once the CET Cell releases the official notification.
Eligibility Criteria for Maharashtra MDS Admission 2026
To participate in Maharashtra MDS Counselling 2026, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Academic Qualification
- Must have completed BDS from a DCI-recognized institute.
- Completion of a 12-month compulsory internship.
- Must qualify for NEET MDS 2026.
Registration Requirement
- Permanent or provisional registration with DCI or the State Dental Council.
Domicile Requirement
- Maharashtra State Quota candidates must fulfill domicile requirements as per CET Cell rules.
Maharashtra MDS Counselling 2026: Step-by-Step Process
The MDS admission process in Maharashtra is conducted completely online.
Step 1: Online Registration
Candidates must register on the official CET Cell Maharashtra website and pay the counselling fee.
Step 2: Document Upload & Verification
Upload required documents and complete verification as per schedule.
Step 3: Publication of Merit List
The CET Cell releases the State Merit List based on NEET MDS scores.
Step 4: Choice Filling & Locking
Candidates select preferred colleges and MDS specializations.
Step 5: Seat Allotment Result
Seats are allotted based on:
- NEET MDS Rank
- Reservation category
- Choices filled
- Seat availability
Step 6: Reporting to Allotted College
Candidates must report physically with original documents and pay admission fees.
Seat Distribution in Maharashtra MDS Counselling
Seats are divided under
- State Quota Seats
- Institutional Quota
- Management Quota (Private Colleges)
- NRI Quota
- Minority Quota
Maharashtra has several reputed government and private dental colleges offering MDS seats in specializations like
- Oral Surgery
- Orthodontics
- Conservative Dentistry
- Prosthodontics
- Periodontology
- Pedodontics
Maharashtra MDS Cutoff 2025 (Previous Year Trends)
Understanding the previous year’s cutoff helps estimate your admission chances.
NEET MDS 2025 Qualifying Cutoff (National Level)
| Category | Percentile |
|---|---|
| General | 50th Percentile |
| SC/ST/OBC | 40th Percentile |
| General-Pw | 45th Percentile |
Maharashtra Government College Closing Rank (Approximate Trend 2025)
| Specialization | Expected Closing Rank |
|---|---|
| Oral Surgery | Top 2500 |
| Orthodontics | Top 3000 |
| Conservative Dentistry | 2500–3500 |
| Prosthodontics | 3000–4000 |
Note: The exact 2026 cutoff may vary based on difficulty level and seat matrix.
Documents Required for Maharashtra NEET MDS Counselling 2026
Candidates must carry:
- NEET MDS 2026 Admit Card
- NEET MDS Scorecard
- BDS Mark Sheets
- BDS Degree Certificate
- Internship Completion Certificate
- Dental Council Registration Certificate
- Domicile Certificate (if applicable)
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Valid Photo ID
Failure to submit original documents may result in seat cancellation.
Reservation Policy in Maharashtra MDS Counselling
Reservation is provided as per Maharashtra Government norms, including:
- SC
- ST
- OBC
- EWS
- VJ/NT Categories
Candidates must upload valid certificates during registration.
Why Choose Maharashtra for MDS?
- Well-established Government Dental Colleges
- Affordable fee structure in Government institutions
- Good clinical exposure
- High patient flow
- Advanced specialization options
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who conducts Maharashtra NEET MDS Counselling 2026?
The counselling is conducted by CET Cell Maharashtra.
2. Is domicile mandatory for the Maharashtra MDS State Quota?
Yes, domicile proof is required for state quota seats.
3. How many counseling rounds are conducted?
Usually:
- Round 1
- Round 2
- Mop-Up Round
- Stray Vacancy Round
4. Can I upgrade my seat in Round 2?
Yes, candidates can opt for an upgrade.
5. Is NEET MDS mandatory for MDS admission in Maharashtra?
Yes, admission is strictly based on NEET MDS rank.
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