If you are planning to pursue MDS in Tamil Nadu, this complete guide on Tamil Nadu NEET MDS Counselling 2026 will help you understand the eligibility, important dates, merit list, cutoff trends, and counselling process in clear and simple English.
Tamil Nadu is one of the leading states for dental education and offers MDS seats in both government and private dental colleges.
Conducting Authority
Tamil Nadu NEET MDS counselling is conducted by:
Directorate of Medical Education (DME), Tamil Nadu
The counselling process is conducted in online mode through the official state portal.
Tamil Nadu NEET MDS 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | NEET MDS 2026 |
| Course | Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) |
| Counselling Authority | Directorate of Medical Education (DME), Tamil Nadu |
| Admission Basis | NEET MDS Rank |
| Counselling Mode | Online |
| Seat Types | Government Quota, Management Quota |
Important Dates—Tamil Nadu NEET MDS 2026 (Expected)
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| NEET MDS 2025 Exam | 2 may 2026 |
| Result Declaration | June 2026 |
| Online Registration Starts | June 2026 |
| Merit List Publication | June 2026 |
| Choice Filling & Locking | June 2026 |
| Round 1 Seat Allotment | June 2026 |
| Round 2 Counselling | June 2026 |
| Mop-Up Round | June 2026 |
Dates are tentative and based on previous year patterns.
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in Tamil Nadu NEET MDS 2026 counselling, candidates must:
- Qualify NEET MDS 2026
- Hold a recognized BDS degree
- Complete compulsory rotatory internship
- Be registered with Dental Council of India or State Dental Council
- Fulfill Tamil Nadu domicile requirements (for government quota)
Counselling Process – Step by Step
1. Online Registration
Candidates must register on the official DME Tamil Nadu website and pay the counselling fee.
2. Document Verification
Documents are verified either online or physically as per official instructions.
3. State Merit List
A state merit list is prepared based on NEET MDS rank.
4. Choice Filling
Candidates choose preferred colleges and MDS specializations.
5. Seat Allotment
Seats are allotted based on:
- NEET MDS rank
- Reservation category
- College preference
- Seat availability
Tamil Nadu NEET MDS 2026 Cutoff (Expected)
Cutoff varies every year depending on:
- Number of applicants
- Exam difficulty level
- Available seats
- Reservation policy
Expected NEET MDS Qualifying Percentile
| Category | Percentile |
|---|---|
| General | 50th |
| SC/ST/OBC | 40th |
| PwD | 45th |
Tamil Nadu NEET MDS 2025 Cutoff Trend (Previous Year)
| Category | Govt College Closing Rank (Approx) | Private College Closing Rank (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| General | 500 – 1200 | 2500 – 6000 |
| OBC | 800–2000 | 4000–8000 |
| SC/ST | 2000–6000 | 6000+ |
Cutoff varies by specialization such as Orthodontics, Oral Surgery, Conservative Dentistry, Prosthodontics, etc.
Reservation Policy in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu follows its state reservation system, including categories such as
- BC
- BCM
- MBC/DNC
- SC
- SCA
- ST
Reservation is mainly applicable for government quota seats.
Documents Required
- NEET MDS 2025 Scorecard
- Admit Card
- BDS Degree Certificate
- Internship Completion Certificate
- Community Certificate
- Nativity/Domicile Certificate
- ID Proof
- Passport-size photographs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who conducts Tamil Nadu NEET MDS counselling?
The Directorate of Medical Education (DME), Tamil Nadu, conducts the counselling process.
Q2. Is Tamil Nadu domicile mandatory?
Yes, for government quota seats. It may not be required for management quota seats.
Q3. How many rounds are conducted?
Usually two main rounds are followed by a mop-up round.
Q4. Can I participate without qualifying for NEET MDS?
No. Qualifying NEET MDS is mandatory for participation.
Final Advice
Tamil Nadu NEET MDS Counselling 2026 is a great opportunity for dental graduates aiming for postgraduate specialization. Make sure to:
- Track official notifications regularly
- Keep all documents ready
- Check previous year cutoff trends
- Participate actively in all counselling rounds
https://www.bharatadmission.org/up-neet-mds-counselling-2026/