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The NEET MDS 2026 eligibility criteria require candidates to have completed a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from a recognized university or institute approved by the Dental Council of India (DCI). Applicants must also be registered with the State Dental Council or the Dental Council of India, either provisionally or permanently. Additionally, candidates must have successfully finished a compulsory 12-month rotatory internship by the specified cutoff date, usually by March or June 2026, to be eligible for the exam.
There is no upper age limit set for NEET MDS 2026, but candidates must be at least 20 years old at the time of application. Both Indian nationals and foreign nationals are eligible to apply, though foreign applicants need clearance from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MHA). Candidates currently pursuing any postgraduate dental course are not permitted to appear for the exam unless they have completed their existing course.
The NEET MDS 2026 eligibility criteria are as follows:
Educational Qualification: You must possess a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from a university or institute recognized by the Dental Council of India (DCI).
Registration: You must have provisional or permanent registration with the Dental Council of India (DCI) or a State Dental Council (SDC).
Internship: You must have completed a 12-month compulsory rotatory internship in a recognized dental college. For NEET MDS 2026, the expected deadline for internship completion is on or before June 30, 2026.
Age Limit: The minimum age is 20 years. There is no upper age limit for appearing in NEET MDS 2026.
Nationality: Both Indian nationals and foreign nationals are eligible. Foreign nationals must have clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Ineligibility: Candidates still pursuing a postgraduate dental course are not eligible unless they have completed it.
Ques.1 What are the basic eligibility requirements for NEET MDS 2026?
Ans. Candidates must have completed a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from a university or institute recognized by the Dental Council of India (DCI). They should also be registered with the State Dental Council or Dental Council of India (provisional or permanent registration). Completion of a compulsory 12-month rotatory internship by the specified cutoff date (generally by June 30, 2026) is mandatory.
Ques.2 Is there an age limit to apply for NEET MDS 2026?
Ans. There is no upper age limit to appear for NEET MDS 2026. However, candidates must be at least 20 years old at the time of application. Both Indian nationals and foreign nationals can apply, though foreign candidates require clearance from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MHA).
Ques.3 Can candidates currently pursuing a postgraduate dental course appear for NEET MDS 2026?
Ans. No, candidates who are already enrolled in a postgraduate dental program are not eligible to appear for NEET MDS unless they have completed or discontinued their current course.
Ques.4 Are foreign nationals eligible for NEET MDS 2026?
Ans. Yes, foreign nationals can apply if their BDS degree is recognized by the DCI, and they obtain requisite clearance from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MHA)
Ques.5 What happens if the internship is not completed by the specified date? Ans. Candidates who fail to complete the compulsory rotatory internship by the cutoff date will not be eligible to appear for the NEET MDS exam or participate in counselling.