Maharashtra BDS Admission 2026 will be conducted on the basis of NEET-UG 2026 scores. Candidates seeking admission to the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program in Maharashtra must qualify for NEET and participate in the centralized counselling process.
The counselling authority is the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra (CET Cell Maharashtra).
Overview – Maharashtra BDS 2026
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Course | BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) |
| Duration | 5 Years (Including 1-Year Internship) |
| Entrance Exam | NEET-UG 2026 |
| Counselling Authority | State CET Cell, Maharashtra |
| Admission Basis | NEET Rank |
| Seat Distribution | 85% State Quota, 15% AIQ |
| Mode of Counselling | Online |
Important Dates (Expected 2026)
| Event | Tentative Timeline |
|---|---|
| NEET UG Exam | May 2026 |
| NEET Result | June 2026 |
| Maharashtra BDS Registration | July 2026 |
| Round 1 Allotment | July 2026 |
| Round 2 | August 2026 |
| Mop-Up Round | September 2026 |
| Stray Vacancy Round | October 2026 |
Official dates will be announced after the NEET 2026 result.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for Maharashtra BDS Admission 2026, candidates must:
- Qualify NEET-UG 2026
- Pass 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry & Biology
- Minimum 50% marks (General), 40% (Reserved Categories)
- Minimum age 17 years by 31 December 2026
- Maharashtra domicile required for 85% State Quota seats
BDS Colleges in Maharashtra (2026)
Maharashtra has a large number of dental colleges across government and private sectors.
Government Dental Colleges
1. Government Dental College and Hospital
- Location: Mumbai
- Affordable tuition fee
2. Nair Hospital Dental College
- Location: Mumbai
Major Private Dental Colleges
3. Bharati Vidyapeeth Dental College and Hospital
- Location: Pune
4. MGM Dental College and Hospital
- Location: Navi Mumbai
5. DY Patil Dental College and Hospital
- Location: Navi Mumbai
Seat Distribution
- 15% AIQ Seats – Conducted by MCC
- 85% State Quota Seats – Conducted by CET Cell Maharashtra
- Management/Institutional/NRI quota seats available in private colleges
Reservation follows Maharashtra Government norms.
Maharashtra BDS Counselling Process 2026
The counselling process includes:
- Online Registration on CET Cell website
- Document Upload & Verification
- Publication of State Merit List
- Choice Filling & Locking
- Seat Allotment Result
- Reporting to Allotted College
Candidates should participate in all counselling rounds, including Mop-Up and Stray Vacancy.
Documents Required
- NEET 2026 Scorecard
- Class 10 & 12 Marksheet
- Maharashtra Domicile Certificate
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Income Certificate (if applicable)
- Valid ID Proof
- Passport-Size Photographs
Expected NEET Cutoff 2026 (Approximate)
| Category | Expected Score Range |
|---|---|
| General | 400–500 |
| OBC | 370–460 |
| SC | 300–380 |
| ST | 280–360 |
Cutoff varies depending on seat matrix and competition.
Fee Structure (Approximate)
- Government Dental Colleges – Lower annual tuition fee
- Private Dental Colleges – Higher tuition fee depending on quota category
Candidates must verify the official fee structure during counselling.
Why Choose Maharashtra for BDS?
- Largest number of dental colleges
- Strong clinical exposure
- Government & private seat options
- Structured and transparent counselling process
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is NEET compulsory for BDS in Maharashtra?
Yes, NEET qualification is mandatory.
Who conducts Maharashtra BDS counselling?
State CET Cell, Maharashtra, conducts counselling.
Is domicile required?
Yes, for state quota seats.
Are private dental colleges available?
Yes, Maharashtra has many private dental colleges.
When will counseling begin?
Expected July 2026.
Conclusion
Maharashtra BDS Admission 2026 provides excellent opportunities due to a high number of dental colleges and seats. Candidates should regularly check CET Cell notifications and actively participate in all counselling rounds.