The NEET MDS 2026 is the only national-level entrance examination for admission into Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) courses across India. If you are planning to pursue MDS in government or private dental colleges, this complete guide will help you understand everything about the NEET MDS 2026 exam date, eligibility criteria, syllabus, exam pattern, cutoff, counselling process, and preparation strategy.
The exam is conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) in online mode.
NEET MDS 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | NEET MDS 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | National Board of Examinations (NBE) |
| Course | Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (Online) |
| Exam Date | 2 May 2026 |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Total Questions | 240 MCQs |
| Marking Scheme | +4 (Correct), -1 (Incorrect) |
| Official Website | natboard.edu.in |
NEET MDS 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| Official Notification | January 2026 |
| Application Start Date | January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | February 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | April 2026 |
| NEET MDS 2026 Exam Date | 2 May 2026 |
| Result Announcement | May 2026 |
| Counselling Start | June 2026 |
Students should keep checking the official website for confirmed updates.
NEET MDS 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for NEET MDS 2026, candidates must fulfill the following eligibility requirements:
Educational Qualification
- Must have a recognized BDS degree from a dental college in India.
- Must be registered with the State Dental Council (provisional or permanent).
Internship Requirement
- Completion of a one-year compulsory rotatory internship.
- The internship must be completed before 31 March 2026 (expected cutoff date).
Without fulfilling these criteria, candidates cannot participate in the admission process.
NEET MDS 2026 Application Process
The application form will be available online on the official NBE website. Follow these steps:
- Register using a mobile number and email ID.
- Fill out the NEET MDS 2026 application form.
- Upload required documents (photo, signature, and certificates).
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit and download the confirmation page.
Application Fee (Expected)
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC | ₹4250 |
| SC / ST / PwD | ₹3250 |
NEET MDS 2026 Exam Pattern
| Section | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Part A | 100 |
| Part B | 140 |
| Total | 240 |
Marking Scheme
- +4 marks for each correct answer
- -1 mark for each wrong answer
- No marks deducted for unanswered questions
Since there is negative marking, candidates should attempt questions carefully.
NEET MDS 2026 Syllabus
The NEET MDS 2026 syllabus is based on the BDS curriculum and includes subjects such as:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Pathology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Dental Materials
- Oral Pathology
- Prosthodontics
- Orthodontics
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
- Periodontology
- Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics
- Pedodontics
- Public Health Dentistry
Students are advised to focus on conceptual clarity and revise previous year’s questions.
NEET MDS 2026 Cutoff (Expected)
Based on previous trends:
| Category | Qualifying Percentile |
|---|---|
| General | 50th Percentile |
| SC/ST/OBC | 40th Percentile |
| PwD (General) | 45th Percentile |
The actual cutoff for NEET MDS 2026 may vary depending on difficulty level and number of candidates.
NEET MDS 2026 Result & Scorecard
The NEET MDS 2026 result will be declared online in May 2026. The scorecard will include:
- All India Rank (AIR)
- Percentile Score
- Marks Obtained
No re-evaluation or re-checking will be allowed.
NEET MDS 2026 Counselling Process
Counselling for NEET MDS 2026 is conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) for All India Quota seats, deemed universities, and central universities.
The counselling process includes:
- Online registration
- Choice filling and locking
- Seat allotment result
- Document verification
- Reporting to allotted college
State quota counselling is conducted by respective state authorities.
Documents Required for NEET MDS 2026 Counselling
- NEET MDS 2026 Admit Card
- NEET MDS 2026 Scorecard
- BDS Degree Certificate
- Internship Completion Certificate
- Dental Council Registration Certificate
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- ID Proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport)
- Passport-size photographs
NEET MDS 2026 Preparation Strategy
To secure a good rank in NEET MDS 2026, follow these tips:
- Focus on high-weightage clinical subjects.
- Revise short notes regularly.
- Solve the last 5 years’ question papers.
- Attempt full-length mock tests weekly.
- Improve speed and accuracy through practice.
Consistency and revision are key factors in cracking the NEET MDS exam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the NEET MDS 2026 exam date?
The exam will be conducted on 2 May 2026.
Q2. Is internship compulsory for NEET MDS 2026?
Yes, the internship must be completed before the prescribed cutoff date.
Q3. Is NEET MDS mandatory for private dental colleges?
Yes, admission to all dental colleges in India requires qualifying for NEET MDS.
Q4. How many attempts are allowed in NEET MDS?
There is no fixed limit on attempts.
Conclusion
The NEET MDS 2026 exam is the gateway to MDS admission in India. Understanding the exam pattern, eligibility criteria, and counselling process will help candidates prepare better. Start preparation early, revise regularly, and stay updated with official notifications to secure a good rank.
https://www.bharatadmission.org/tamil-nadu-neet-mds-counselling-2026/