NEET MDS (NEET MDS)

CHECKOUT IMPORTANT DATES

01 January 1990

 

NEET  MDS 2026 (NATIONAL ELIGIBILITY CUM ENTRANCE TEST)

Notification | Exam Dates | Application Form | Eligibility | Exam Pattern | Admit Cards | Results | Counselling  

NEET MDS (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Master of Dental Surgery) is a national-level, computer-based entrance examination conducted annually by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) for admission to postgraduate dental courses (MDS/PG Diploma) in India. It serves as the single eligibility-cum-ranking exam for all dental graduates seeking MDS admission in government, private, deemed, and central universities across the country. NEET MDS is the only entrance test recognized for MDS admissions, covering 50% All India Quota (AIQ) seats, 50% state quota seats, and 100% seats in deemed/central universities and private colleges.

The NEET MDS 2026 notification is expected in January 2026 by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). The application window will likely open in late January and close in February 2026. Admit cards are expected by early April, with the exam tentatively scheduled for the third or fourth week of April 2026. The NEET MDS result should be declared in May, followed by NEET MDS counselling starting from June or July 2026.

The NEET MDS 2026 exam consists of 240 objective-type multiple-choice questions, divided into two time-bound sections: Part A (100 questions, 75 minutes) and Part B (140 questions, 105 minutes). The syllabus encompasses pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical subjects taught during the BDS curriculum. The marking scheme awards 4 marks for each correct answer and deducts 1 mark for every incorrect response. The medium of the exam is English only, and the total duration is 3 hours. NEET MDS ensures a standardized, merit-based selection process for postgraduate dental education in India, making it a crucial step for dental graduates aspiring to specialize in their field.

Here in this article aspiring candidates will get the complete details regarding NEET MDS exam which includes, exam dates, application form, syllabus, eligibility criteria, admit card and many other details.

NEET MDS 2026 Exams Highlights

Name of Exam

NEET MDS

Exam Level

National Level

Conducted by

National Board of Examinations in Medical Science (NBEMS)

Courses offered

MDA

Exam Mode

Online (CBT)

Application Mode

Online

Exam Frequency

Once in a year

Exam Duration

3 Hours

Exam Medium

English

NEET MDS 2026 Exam Dates

The NEET MDS 2026 exam is expected to be conducted in the 4th week of January 2026. The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) will announce the official exam date along with the application form and information bulletin, likely in January 2026.

        Events

Event Dates (Tentative)

Application begins

4th week of January 2026

Application closes

4th week of February 2026

Application form correction window

1st week of March 2026

Admit card

1st week of April 2026

Exam Date

3rd week of April 2026

Result

3rd week of May 2026

Cut-Off

3rd week of March 2026

Counselling

June 2026

NEET MDS 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The NEET MDS 2026 eligibility criteria are as follows:

  • Educational Qualification: Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree from recognized institute.
  • Registration: Provisional or permanent registration with DCI or SDC.
  • Internship: 12-month compulsory rotatory internship in recognized dental college.
  • Age Limit: Minimum 20 years, no upper limit.
  • Nationality: Both Indian and foreign nationals eligible, foreign nationals need MHA clearance.
  • Ineligibility: Candidates pursuing postgraduate dental course are not eligible.
Read more about-eligibility criteria

NEET MDS 2026 Application Process

The NEET MDS 2026 application process is conducted entirely online and is expected to begin in the 4th week of January 2026 with the deadline for submission in the first week of February 2026. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step-by-Step NEET MDS 2026 Application Process

  • Visit NBE website and select “New Registration” on “NEET-MDS”.
  • Enter basic details including name, date of birth, gender, nationality, mobile number, and email address.
  • Submit form and receive user ID and password.
  • Fill application form with personal, academic, internship, and registration details.
  • Choose preferred NEET MDS exam center city.
  • Upload documents including passport-size photograph, signature, left thumb impression, and relevant certificates.
  • Pay application fee online via Credit Card, Debit Card, or Net Banking.
  • Review and submit application form and confirm page.
Read More About-application process

NEET MDS 2026 Admit Card

About a week prior to the exam date, in the first week of April 2026, the NEET MDS 2026 admit card is expected to be made available. Candidates will not be permitted admission to the exam center if they do not bring their NEET MDS admit card or hall pass.

To download the NEET MDS 2026 admit card, simply follow these steps:

  • Visit the official NBE website.
  • Log in using your registration/application number and password.
  • Download and print the admit card (preferably in color).

NEET MDS 2026 Syllabus

All of the disciplines covered in the BDS syllabus as stated in the DCI Revised BDS Syllabus Regulations and any later revisions will be covered in the NEET MDS 2026 test, which will adhere to the BDS standard syllabus. The following subjects will be covered in the NEET MDS Syllabus 2026:

  • General Anatomy including embryology and histology
  • General Human Physiology and Biochemistry
  • Dental Anatomy, Embryology and Oral Histology
  • General Pathology and Microbiology
  • General and Dental Pharmacology and Therapeutics
  • Dental Materials
  • General Medicine
  • General Surgery
  • Oral Pathology and Oral Microbiology
  • Oral Medicine and Radiology
  • Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry
  • Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
  • Periodontology
  • Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge
  • Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Public Health Dentistry
Read more- about-Syllabus

NEET MDS 2026 Exam Pattern

Part-A

Subjects

No of Questions

General Anatomy including embryology and histology

                                                                                

14

General Human Physiology and Biochemistry              

14

Dental Anatomy, Embryology & Oral Histology            

14

General Pathology and Microbiology                           

14

General and Dental Pharmacology and Therapeutics   

14

General Medicine                                                       

15

General Surgery                                                        

15

Total

100 Questions

Part-B

Subjects

No of Questions

Dental Materials

14

Oral Pathology and Oral Microbiology

14

Oral Medicine and Radiology

14

Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry

14

Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics

14

Periodontology

14

Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge

14

Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics

14

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

14

Public Health Dentistry

14

Total

140 Questions
Read more about-Exam pattern

NEET MDS 2026 Result

The NEET MDS 2026 result is expected to be declared in the 3rd week of May 2026. The result will be released online by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) on the official website (natboard.edu.in).

To download your NEET MDS 2026 result/scorecard, follow these steps

  • Visit official website: natboard.edu.in or [nbe.edu.in].
  • Select NEET MDS section: click on “Examinations” tab.
  • Access result link: click on “Result/Scorecard” link or find result under latest announcements.
  • Login: Enter registration ID, password, captcha code, or application number and date of birth.
  • Download scorecard: Save in PDF format.
  • Print: Take a printout for future reference.

NEET MDS 2026 Cut-Off

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the Dental Council of India (DCI) will decide the NEET MDS cutoff 2026. The board will make the announcement during the third week of March 2026.

The number of students taking the exam, the amount of seats available for allocation, reservations, cutoff patterns, and other criteria will all be taken into consideration when determining the NEET MDS 2026 cutoff.

Category

Minimum qualifying criteria

General/ EWS

 

50th percentile

General PwD

45th percentile

SC/ST/OBC (Including PwD of SC/ST/OBC)

 

40th Percentile
 Read more about-cut off

NEET MDS 2026 Counselling

The NEET MDS 2026 counselling will be conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) and is expected to begin in June 2026, about a month after the result declaration. The process will be held online and typically involves three to four rounds, depending on seat availability and vacancy after each round.

NEET MDS 2026 Preparation Tips

To prepare effectively for NEET MDS 2026, it’s crucial to start with a solid understanding of the exam syllabus and pattern. 

  • Break down 17 subjects into high-yield areas, focusing on final-year BDS subjects like Oral Surgery, Prosthodontics, Periodontics, and Public Health Dentistry.
  • Create a practical timetable covering all topics and allow for in-depth revision.
  • Regular practice with MCQs, mock tests, and previous years’ question papers to build speed and accuracy.
  • Use an error notebook, flashcards, and concise notes for revision.
  • Balance study schedule with self-care, maintaining a healthy routine, getting enough rest, and avoiding stress.
  • Shift focus to revision as exam approaches, using last days for relaxation and light review.
Read more about-preparation tips

NEET MDS 2026 General Instructions

Here are the general instructions for NEET MDS 2026  are given below for convenience of students-

Exam Mode and Language: The NEET MDS 2026 is a computer-based test (CBT) conducted entirely in English.

Duration and Sections: The NEET MDS exam lasts for 3 hours, divided into two time-bound sections — Part A (100 questions in 75 minutes) and Part B (140 questions in 105 minutes). Candidates must complete each section within the allotted time and cannot return to a previous section once time expires.

Question Type and Marking Scheme: The NEET MDS exam consists of 240 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), each with four options and only one correct answer. A correct answer awards +4 marks, an incorrect answer results in -1 mark, and unattended questions score zero.

Admit Card: Candidates must download their NEET MDS admit card from the official National Board of Examinations (NBE) website and carry it to the exam center. No scribbling or marks should be made on the admit card as it is an important document.

Documents Required: On exam day, candidates must bring:

  • NEET MDS admit card
  • Valid photo ID proof (e.g., Aadhaar card, PAN card, Passport)
  • Any other documents specified by the exam authority

Behavior and Conduct: Use of electronic devices, mobile phones, calculators, and any unfair means is strictly prohibited. Candidates are expected to follow all instructions from exam staff and maintain discipline.

Reporting Time and Venue: Candidates should report at the exam center well before the reporting time specified on the admit card to complete verification and seating formalities.

These instructions are designed to ensure smooth conduct of the NEET MDS 2026 exam and a fair testing environment. Candidates should closely follow the official notification and information bulletin released by NBE for any updates or additional guidelines nearer the exam date.

NEET MDS 2026 FAQs

Ques.1 When will the NEET MDS 2026 exam be conducted?

Ans. The NEET MDS exam 2026 is expected to be held in April 2026, with exact dates announced officially closer to the time.

Ques.2 What is the NEET MDS exam pattern?

Ans. The NEET MDS exam consists of 240 multiple choice questions (MCQs) divided into Part A (100 questions, 75 minutes) covering basic medical sciences and Part B (140 questions, 105 minutes) covering clinical dental subjects. The total duration is 3 hours.

Ques.3 What is the NEET MDS marking scheme?

Ans. Each correct answer awards +4 marks, an incorrect answer leads to -1 mark deduction (25% negative marking), and unanswered questions carry 0 marks.

Ques.4 When and where will the NEET MDS 2026  results be announced?

Ans. NEET MDS 2026 Results are expected to be declared in the third week of May 2026 and will be available online on the official NBEMS website. The scorecard will include marks, percentile, and All India Rank.

Ques.5 How to apply for NEET MDS 2026?

Ans. The application form for NEET MDS 2026 will be available online from the first week of December 2025 on the official NBE website. Candidates must register, fill the form, upload required documents, and pay the application fee online.