The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Master of Dental Surgery (NEET MDS) is a national-level entrance exam conducted annually for admission to postgraduate dental courses across India. NEET MDS serves as a gateway for dental graduates aspiring to pursue specialised fields in dentistry. The exam tests candidates on various subjects related to dental sciences and is a crucial step in shaping a career in dental surgery. If you are planning your career path and finances, you can check your doctor loan eligibility to explore financial options available for you.
NEET MDS important dates 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| NEET MDS 2026 application start date | April 2026 |
| Last date to apply | May 2026 |
| Admit card release | May 2026 |
| NEET MDS 2026 exam date | End of May 2026 |
| Result declaration | June 2026 |
| Counselling start | July 2026 |
What is NEET MDS?
NEET MDS stands for National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Master of Dental Surgery. It is conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) to streamline admission to various postgraduate dental courses in government and private institutions across India. The exam ensures a standardised assessment of candidates’ knowledge and suitability for postgraduate dental education. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) is responsible for the counselling process based on the NEET MDS ranks.
NEET MDS highlights
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting body | National Board of Examinations (NBE) |
| Exam mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| Number of questions | 240 |
| Language | English |
| Purpose | Admission to MDS courses |
NEET MDS eligibility criteria
Candidates aspiring to appear for NEET MDS 2026 must have a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from a recognized university with completion of one year of compulsory rotating internship by June 30, 2026. They should have obtained provisional or permanent registration with the Dental Council of India or a State Dental Council.
NEET MDS exam pattern
The NEET MDS 2026 exam pattern is expected to follow the previous year's scheme, consisting of 240 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 3 hours and 30 minutes. The exam is conducted in a single session and covers various topics from BDS curriculum.
| Exam pattern details | Description |
|---|---|
| Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Total questions | 240 |
| Total duration | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| Question type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Marks per question | 4 |
| Negative marking | 1 mark deducted for each wrong answer |
NEET MDS exam structure
| Subject area | Number of questions |
|---|---|
| Preclinical subjects | 30 |
| Clinical subjects | 70 |
| Paraclinical subjects | 140 |
| Total | 240 |
NEET MDS marking scheme
| Response | Marks awarded |
|---|---|
| Correct answer | +4 marks |
| Incorrect answer | -1 mark |
| Unattempted | 0 marks |
NEET MDS syllabus 2026
The NEET MDS syllabus covers the topics of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) curriculum. The questions are divided among Preclinical, Clinical, and Paraclinical subjects, testing candidates’ comprehensive knowledge in dental sciences.
NEET MDS subject-wise weightage
| Subject | Number of questions |
|---|---|
| General Anatomy | 15 |
| General Human Physiology and Biochemistry | 15 |
| Dental Materials and Oral Pathology | 30 |
| General Medicine and General Surgery | 30 |
| Dental Anatomy, Embryology and Oral Histology | 30 |
| Microbiology and Pharmacology | 30 |
| Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics | 30 |
| Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics | 30 |
| Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge | 30 |
| Periodontics | 30 |
NEET MDS application process 2026
The NEET MDS application form will be released online by the National Board of Examinations (NBE). Candidates must register, fill in the application details, upload required documents, and pay the application fee online to complete the process.
How to register for NEET MDS
- Visit the official NBE website.
- Click on NEET MDS 2026 registration link.
- Fill in basic details like name, DOB, email, and mobile number.
- Create a password and complete the registration process.
- Login with credentials to proceed further.
How to fill NEET MDS application form
- Login using registered credentials.
- Enter personal, academic, and communication details.
- Upload scanned photograph, signature, and other documents.
- Pay the application fee through available online modes.
- Review and submit the application form.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Registration |
| Step 2 | Fill application form |
| Step 3 | Upload documents |
| Step 4 | Payment of application fee |
| Step 5 | Submit form |
NEET MDS exam day schedule
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Reporting time | 12:00 PM |
| Entry closure | 12:30 PM |
| Exam start time | 1:00 PM |
| Exam end time | 4:30 PM |
NEET MDS exam cities
NEET MDS 2026 exam is expected to be held in around 60 cities across India, expanding from 59 cities last year to accommodate more candidates and improve accessibility.
NEET MDS admit card 2026
The NEET MDS 2026 admit card will be available online a few days before the exam. Candidates must download the admit card and carry it to the exam centre along with a valid photo identity proof.
- Admit card release date: May 2026 (Tentative)
- Important to carry for exam entry
- Contains exam venue and timing details
NEET MDS result 2026
The NEET MDS result is declared online and contains the candidate’s All India Rank (AIR), percentile score, and qualifying status. The results are crucial for admission counselling.
NEET MDS cutoff
The NEET MDS cutoff varies by category and is based on percentile scores. Candidates must score above the cutoff to qualify for counselling and admission.
| Category | Percentile cutoff | Marks (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| General | 50th percentile | 266 |
| SC/ST/OBC | 40th percentile | 230 |
| General-PH | 45th percentile | 250 |
NEET MDS 2026 counselling
The NEET MDS counselling process is conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) for All India Quota seats and by respective state authorities for State Quota seats. Candidates must register separately for counselling, fill choices, and participate in seat allotment based on their NEET MDS rank.
Meanwhile, you can also check your pre-approved doctor loan offer to see if you have financial assistance ready for your educational journey.
Conclusion
NEET MDS is a vital examination for dental graduates seeking advanced education and specialisation in dental surgery. Proper preparation, awareness of dates, and understanding of the application process can significantly improve your chances of success. For aspiring dentists who require financial assistance to pursue their education, exploring options such as professional loan or loans for doctors can be beneficial to support their academic journey.
