NEET MDS 2026: All you need to know

New Delhi: The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has released the information bulletin for the National Eligibility Entrance Test for MDS, outlining the exam schedule, eligibility criteria, application process, and other important guidelines for candidates seeking admission to Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) courses across India.

Aspirants planning to appear for the entrance test have been advised to carefully review the bulletin available on the official NBEMS website before submitting their applications.

IMPORTANT DATES

Information for Candidates-

1. NEET-MDS 2026 is the eligibility-ranking examination for admission to various MDS courses of 2026 admission session.

2. NEET-MDS 2026 will be conducted by NBEMS. Candidates may note that the role of NBEMS is limited to the conduct of NEET-MDS, declaration of the result and handing over the result to the designated counseling authority. NBEMS has no role in counseling and allotment of MDS seats. Verification of documents and eligibility determination of the candidates shall be undertaken at the time of counseling / admission process.

3. Candidate may kindly note that appearance in NEET-MDS 2026 does not confer any automatic rights to secure a MDS seat. The selection and admission to Postgraduate seats in any dental institutions recognized for running MDS courses as per Dentists Act, 1948 is subject to fulfilling the admission criteria, eligibility, medical fitness and such criteria as may be prescribed by the respective universities, medical/dental institutions, Dental Council of India, State / Central Government.

4. Candidates are advised to read the Information Bulletin carefully and go through the instructions regarding submission of online application form given in the information bulletin as well as on NEET-MDS 2026 index page on NBEMS website before starting online submission process for NEET-MDS 2026.

5. As per the Gazette No. CG-DL-E-10092025-266044 dt. 09.09.2025, NBEMS is allowed to perform authentication and is permitted the use of Aadhaar number during authentication for establishing identity of Aadhaar number holder. The said gazette is attached at Annexure-D.

NBEMS reserves its right to capture the Aadhaar of the Candidates in accordance with the applicable rules as per Aadhaar Act, 2016.

NOTE: The Aadhaar Number, once submitted in “Identification details” tab in online application form, cannot be modified or updated at any stage or in edit window of the application process. Candidates are advised to enter the Aadhaar Number with utmost care.

6. Candidates are deemed to have read, agreed and accepted the Information Bulletin and the terms and conditions in the Information Bulletin for NEET-MDS 2026 on completing the online submission of application form.

7. Candidate should ensure that all the information entered during the online submission of application form is correct and factual. Information provided by the candidates in the online application form shall be treated as correct and NBEMS will not entertain, under any circumstances, any request for change in the information provided by the candidates. The option of editing certain information entered in the application form shall be available to the candidates during the edit window. Please refer Chapter on Instructions to fill Application Form for details Edit Window.

8. NBEMS itself does not edit / modify / alter any information entered by the candidates at the time of online submission of application form under any circumstances. There is no provision of accessing the application form to make any changes in the information provided in the application form after closure of edit window. Such requests to make any changes shall not be entertained. Candidates, however, shall be able to rectify the deficiencies in their application (if so communicated by NBEMS) regarding images uploaded, by the prescribed cut-off dates.

9. Please refer Chapter on Instructions to Fill NEET-MDS Application Form. Candidates are advised to review their applications submitted and rectify the deficiencies, if found any, within the window as detailed below. Candidates may note that deficiency in the application form pertaining to images uploaded may be communicated to them by NBEMS, however, it shall be the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application submitted is complete in all aspects as per the information bulletin. If any deficiency in the application which was not communicated by NBEMS to the applicant before conduct of the examination, is noted at any later stage, this would not create any equity in favour of the candidate and confer any rights on to the candidates for grant of eligibility for the examination.

9.1. Edit Window : Candidates who have successfully submitted their payment for the application during Application Submission window shall only be allowed to edit their applications during 04-04-2026 to 06-04-2026. No new application can be registered or payment can be made during edit window. However, the balance fee required, if any, in case of change in candidate category and / or PwD status can be paid during the edit window. Any information / document can be changed / corrected during the edit window except for Name, Test City, Nationality, Mobile Number, Aadhaar Number and Email ID. Information can be edited any number of times before the closure of the window. The last submitted information will be saved in records.

9.2. Final Edit Window: Deficiency related to images uploaded (photograph, Signature, Thumb Impression) shall be intimated to the concerned candidates and same can be corrected during the final edit window i.e. 21-04-2026 to 22-04-2026. No further opportunity shall be given to make corrections. Candidates are advised to submit the images in their application as per prescribed image upload guidelines. Failure to submit images as per guidelines and / or failure to rectify the images shall invite rejection of the application.

10. There is no other methodology for application submission. Application submitted through any other mode shall be summarily rejected. Application for NEET-MDS 2026 can only be submitted online through NBEMS website https://natboard.edu.in

11. A candidate can submit NEET-MDS 2026 application form only once. If a candidate is found to have submitted more than one application form for NEET-MDS 2026, NBEMS may issue admit card to the application bearing higher order Application number (application ID) and cancel other application(s) forfeiting the fee for them. In an event any unfair practice is detected by NBEMS at any stage of examination / admission process, NBEMS may cancel the candidature of such candidates and debar them from appearing in any examinations conducted by NBEMS as per provisions of the Unfair Means Guidelines.

12. Candidates who fail to submit duly completed applications with requisite documents and / or fail to rectify the deficiencies in their applications by the last date prescribed for rectification shall be declared ineligible. Admit Card shall not be issued to candidates who are declared ineligible before conduct of examination. In such cases, the entire fees will be forfeited.

13. Applications of candidates producing false or fabricated records will not be considered and such candidates will be further debarred from appearing in the future examinations of NBEMS. Action as deemed appropriate by NBEMS will be taken if false or fabricated records / information is submitted or any unfair means are used.

14. Candidates are advised to ensure that no mandatory column in the online application form is left blank. In the event of rejection of the application form, no correspondence/request for re-consideration will be entertained.

15. Candidates should ensure before applying that they have a recognized BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) degree awarded by an Indian University, in respect of recognized Dental College under Section 10(2) of the Dentists Act, 1948 or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Dental Council of India. If it is found at any time that BDS degree is not recognized, the candidature/ result shall be cancelled / deemed to be cancelled.

16. Candidates should go through this bulletin carefully for eligibility criteria before applying. Queries pertaining to eligibility and other issues will only be entertained if the information requested is not given in the bulletin of information or NBEMS website. No queries of the guardians / parents will be entertained on telephone with regard to the eligibility and disclosure of the results.

17. Submission of incomplete online application form not in accordance with prescribed instructions shall invite rejection of the application. In such cases, the examination fee shall not be refunded.

18. Candidate found ineligible at any stage of NEET-MDS 2026 Examination, will not be permitted to appear in the examination. In an unlikely event of any ineligible candidate appearing and/or passing the NEET-MDS 2026 examination, the results / candidature of such candidate shall be cancelled and / or is deemed to be cancelled, even if result has been declared or score card has been issued.

19. NBEMS reserves the right to withdraw permission, if any, granted inadvertently to any candidate who is not eligible to appear in NEET-MDS 2026 even though the admit card / roll number has been issued or name / roll number is displayed on NBEMS website.

20. Fee shall neither be carried forward to a future exam nor refunded under any circumstances. Application once submitted cannot be withdrawn.

21. Candidates’ eligibility is purely provisional & is subjected to the fulfilment of eligibility criteria as prescribed in this Information Bulletin.

22. Instructions in the Information Bulletin are liable to change based on decisions taken by the NBEMS / MoHFW / DCI from time to time. There is no equity or any rights that are / or deemed to be arising in favour of candidate. Candidates are required to refer to the latest bulletin or corrigendum that may be issued to incorporate these changes. Refer NBEMS website https://natboard.edu.in for latest updates or corrigendum.

23. The existing schedule, pattern, policy and guidelines are for ready reference only but in no way, they are or are ought to be treated as representative or acknowledgment of fact that NBEMS is bound to follow the same in future. NBEMS reserves its absolute right to alter, amend, modify or apply any or some of the instructions / guidelines contained in this information bulletin.

24. In case of any ambiguity in interpretation of any of the instructions / terms / rules / criteria regarding the determination of eligibility / conduct of examinations / registration of candidates / information contained herein, the interpretation of the NBEMS shall be final and binding in nature. In case of any discrepancy in the information contained in English and Hindi version of the bulletin, the information mentioned in English language shall be considered final.

25. Request shall not be entertained for change in date / center of examination under any circumstances. Candidates are advised not to canvass for such representation.

26. Admit Cards for NEET-MDS 2026 shall be available to download at NBEMS website from 29-04-2026 onwards. Candidates found ineligible before conduct of the examination shall not be issued admit cards.

27. Result of NEET-MDS 2026 shall be displayed on NBEMS websites.

28. NEET-MDS 2026 shall be conducted by NBEMS at various exam centers engaged for the purpose. Candidates are advised to familiarize themselves with the route and location of the exam center. Please refer Chapter on details of Test Day Procedures.

29. The examination test center staff on duty is authorized to verify the identity of candidates and may take steps to verify and record the identity of candidates. Candidates are required to extend requisite cooperation.

30. Possession / Use of mobile phones / Electronic devices is strictly prohibited in the premises of NBEMS test Centers. Candidates shall be liable for penal action for Possession/ Use of Mobile phones / Electronic devices. Please go through guidelines detailed in Chapter on use of unfair means in the examination.

31.Demo Test: A demo test shall be available for the benefit of candidates to familiarize themselves with the Computer Based Test format at website https://nbe.edu.in Candidates will be able to access the Demo test tentatively from 20-04-2026 onwards.

32. The candidates should communicate with NBEMS regarding matters related to NEET-MDS 2026 as per prescribed Protocols only, detailed under Chapter on Communication Protocols.

33. Candidates are encouraged to communicate for NEET-MDS 2026 through “helpdesk” tab which can be accessed after the applicant login to its application account. The correspondence through post should be addressed to the Executive Director, National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences, Medical Enclave, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi-110029. Candidates are requested to superscribe the envelope with the subject matter of the correspondence for expeditious processing.

34. The Registration for NEET-MDS 2026 at the time of Counseling to be conducted by designated counseling authority will be as per the details of candidates submitted in NBEMS NEET-MDS 2026 Application Form and will be pre-populated in the Registration Form for counseling. Hence, candidates are advised to maintain their same Registration details e.g. mobile number, Email ID etc. as provided in the NBEMS NEET-MDS 2026 Registration Form.

35. The jurisdiction for court cases/disputes shall be at New Delhi only.

Examination Fee-

*Excluding charges as may be applicable by various payment gateways.

Applications forms once submitted cannot be withdrawn. Fee shall neither be carried forward to a future date nor refunded under any circumstances. Any claim for refund, adjustment or carrying forward of Application fee will not be entertained.

How to pay: The prescribed exam fee should be remitted through payment gateway provided using a Credit Card/Debit Card issued by banks in India/UPI or other modes as may be made available and have been provided on the web page. Fee cannot be deposited through any mode other than the payment gateway available while submitting online application form submission.

Kindly ensure that the payment made for examination fee is successful and confirmation of the same can be seen in the application form under payment status reflected as “S” (for successful). In case the status is shown as pending, the payment might be stuck with your bank and might be cleared at a later date. The application submission process in not completed till such time the status of payment is reflected as “S” in application form. NBEMS shall not be responsible for rejection of your application due to delay in settlement of the payment by your bank to NBEMS.

It is at the discretion of the applicant to make another payment for completing the application submission process. In an event of receipt of duplicate/multiple examination fees towards the same application ID, NBEMS shall refund the excess fees received for an application retaining the prescribed examination fee, after closure of application window.

Examination fees in respect of candidates who are absent or have been declared ineligible due to any reason shall be forfeited. Candidates are advised to read the information bulletin for NEET-MDS 2026 carefully and satisfy the terms and conditions for fulfilment of eligibility criteria before proceeding for payment of fees.

Eligibility Criteria-

The eligibility criteria for admission to MDS Courses is as follows:

A candidate for admission to the Master in Dental Surgery course, must possess a recognized degree of Bachelor in Dental Surgery awarded by a university or institute in India and registered with the State Dental Council and has obtained provisional or permanent registration and has undergone compulsory rotatory internship of a year in an approved / recognized dental college.

A candidate who after passing the final qualifying examination (BDS or the foreign dental degree recognized by GoI / DCI), is undergoing 12-month compulsory rotatory internship / practical training and is likely to complete the same by 31-05-2026 can take up this examination, but he / she shall not be eligible for admission unless he / she has completed the compulsory rotatory internship and obtained provisional or permanent registration on or before by 31-05-2026 or the candidate produces a certificate from the head of Institution that he / she will be completing internship by by 31-05-2026.

The dates indicated by candidates with regard to 12 months Compulsory Rotatory Resident Internship i.e. starting date, completion date, shall be treated as final and candidates will be required to submit the original Compulsory Rotatory Resident Internship completion certificate at the time of counseling. No condonation of internship of 12 months period shall be accepted except

(i) the students of the batch admitted during academic session 2007-08 and have completed 4 ½ year BDS course along with 06 months compulsory rotating internship and (ii) the students admitted during the academic session 2006-07 at Rajah Muthiah Dental College, Annamalai University those have completed 05 years BDS course without internship.

Candidates found to be ineligible at any stage of NEET-MDS 2026 will not be permitted to appear in the examination and / or counseling. In an unlikely event of any ineligible candidate appearing and / or being successful in the NEET-MDS 2026, the results / candidature of such candidate shall be cancelled and/or are deemed to be cancelled.

Requests for appearing in NEET-MDS 2026 from candidates completing internship after 31-05-2026 or having qualifications that are not recognized as per Dentists Act shall be summarily rejected. Candidates are further advised not to canvass for the same.

Some of the Universities / institutions are having regulations that candidates who are already pursuing the PG Course in their University or in another University are not eligible for admission till they complete the course. The candidates who are already pursuing PG Dental Courses either through All India Quota or State Quota and are applying for a seat under All India Quota may confirm the eligibility conditions of that University in this regard. NBEMS / MCC / MoHFW shall not be responsible if such candidates are denied admission. Such candidates may opt for the subject and the college at their own risk and cost.

Eligibility of candidates issued admit card for the examination shall be purely provisional. Appearing in NEET-MDS 2026 does not confer any automatic rights upon the candidate for admission to MDS courses.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR ALL INDIA 50% QUOTA SEATS:

The eligibility criteria for All India 50% quota seats is as per para 4.1 & 4.2 (vide supra).

Candidates who have studied / passed BDS from the UT of Jammu & Kashmir are also eligible for participation in counseling for 50% All India Quota seats. These candidates shall also be eligible for participation in ‘Grant of Short Service Commission in Army Dental Corps’ and for MDS admissions in Armed Forces Institutes.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR FOREIGN NATIONALS:

Their basic Dental Qualification equivalent to BDS should be recognized by the Dental Council of India.

Foreign Nationals desirous of appearing in NEET-MDS and those, who are required to have security clearance as per the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) requirements, shall obtain the security clearance from Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India before applying for NEET-MDS examination. The security clearance shall be required to be submitted while applying for NEET-MDS examination.

The Dental Council of India may, on payment of the prescribed fee for registration, grant temporary registration for the duration of the Post Graduate course limited to the dental college / institution to which he / she is admitted for the time being exclusively for pursuing postgraduate studies. Provided further that temporary registration to such foreign national shall be subject to the condition that such person is duly registered with appropriate registering authority in his own country where from he has obtained his Basic Dental qualification, and is duly recognized by the corresponding Dental Council or concerned authority and Permission / No Objection Certificate from the dental council of that country to allow undertaking Post Graduation in India has also been obtained.

Candidates are advised not to canvass with NBEMS for eligibility in NEET-MDS or issuance of admit card. Queries, if any, can be submitted through Communication Web Portal only. Canvassing in any form shall invite rejection of the application.

Scheme of NEET-MDS

NEET-MDS 2026 shall be conducted in a single day & single session as a computer-based examination on 02-05-2026.

Syllabus: The syllabus for the exam shall be that of BDS standard and shall cover all the subjects / syllabus taught during the BDS course as prescribed in the DCI Revised BDS Course Regulations, 2007 as amended from time to time.

The examination shall be a multiple-choice questions test delivered using computers network (CBT) as per scheme prescribed.

The exam comprises of 240 Multiple Choice Questions with each question having 4 response options / distractors in English language only. Candidates are required to select the correct / best / most appropriate response / answer out of the 4 response options provided in each question. Time allotted is 03hrs.

The question paper for NEET-MDS 2026 will be divided into two time-bound Parts (A & B) in the question paper. Part A will consist of 100 questions with 75 minutes allotted, while Part B will consist of 140 questions with 105 minutes allotted. Candidates will not be able to proceed to the next part until the allotted time for the current part has elapsed. Once the time for a part is over, candidates will not be permitted to review its questions or modify their responses. The next part will begin automatically after the completion of the allotted time for the previous part.

There shall be 25% negative marking for incorrect answers. No marks will be deducted for unattempted questions.

Marking Scheme:

Allocation of marks for each MCQ shall be as follows:

During the examination candidates are given an option to mark any question, whether attempted or not, for review which means that candidate has been given an option to go through these questions again before the examination time ends. Candidates may note that such questions which are marked for review shall be evaluated as per the marking scheme mentioned above.

Allocation of time for NEET-MDS 2026 shall be as follows:

Overview of Computer Based Test:

Admit Card & Test Day Procedures-

Admit Card: Admit cards shall be made live on NBEMS website https://natboard.edu.in on 29-04-2026. Admit cards will not be issued to candidates found ineligible before the conduct of the examination.

Candidates will be informed through SMS / Email alerts and website notice regarding availability of the admit card on NBEMS website. Admit card will not be sent to the candidates by Post / Email.

Candidates are required to download their admit card from the NBEMS website.

TEST DAY PROCEDURES: NBEMS shall be conducting Computer Based Test (CBT) in safe and secure environment maintaining social distancing norms wherever needed. NBEMS reserves its rights to review the test day processes of conduct of CBT.

Entry of Candidates as per Timelines given in the Admit Cards: Candidates are required to report at the ‘Reporting Counter’ of test venue as per time indicated in their admit cards. The exact entry point to the test centre (Reporting Counter) and the main gate of venue might be at a distance. To avoid unforeseen delay in reaching to the test centre entry point (Reporting Counter), candidates are advised to reach well in time and familiarise themselves with the exact point of the entry to test centre in the premises of the venue well in advance. The reporting counter will close 30 minutes prior to the test start time. Any delay in arrival to the test centre entry point (Reporting Counter) shall lead to denial of entry even if the candidate might have arrived to the premises of venue.

Candidates reporting late or beyond the prescribed time shall not be allowed to appear in the exam under any circumstances. NBEMS shall not be responsible for any delayed arrival of the candidate in reaching the centre due to any reason.

Test Centre Location: Exact address and location of the test centres shall be indicated in the admit card. Candidates are advised to familiarise themselves with the test centre and reporting counter locations at least one day prior to the examination day and ensure that they report for the exam as per scheduled time only. Google map location shall be indicated in the admit card for quick reference only. It shall be the responsibility of the candidate to confirm the exact location of the test centre well in advance to avoid any delay in arrival.

Please note that only the candidates who have been issued admit card will be allowed entry inside the examination centre premises subject to fulfilment of documentary requirements.

Friends or relatives accompanying the candidates will not be allowed entry in the examination centre premises under any circumstances and will not be allowed to contact the candidate while the examination process is ongoing.

Barcode / QR Code Reader at Entry Points: The candidate will flash the admit card and ID proof for verification to the exam functionary standing across the table with barcode / QR code reader. Candidate shall be informed about the assigned lab number.

Identity checks will be made upon arrival at the test centre to ensure that there are no unauthorized candidates appearing for the exam.

Candidates MUST bring to the test centre the following documents:

copy of Barcoded / QR Coded Admit card.

Any one of the below mentioned Govt issued photo IDs** (must be original and valid / non-expired):

• PAN Card

• Driving License

• Voter ID

• Passport

• Aadhaar Card (With Photograph) **

Please bring at least one but as many of the above-mentioned Photo IDs which are issued to you and details of which have been provided in the application form.

Candidate who have given their consent for Aadhaar based authentication and provided Aadhaar Number in the Application form, must bring the Aadhaar on the exam day.

In case, any candidate reports to the test center with e-Aadhaar Card with Aadhaar number printed on it or e-PAN card with PAN number printed on it as proof of identity, the e-Aadhaar Card / e-PAN should be a good quality COLOUR print out with clearly visible photograph. The photograph should not have kinks, scratches and stains, and should definitely match with the candidate presenting the e-Aadhaar Card / e-PAN. Decision of NBEMS in this regard shall be final”.

The name on the photo identification must match with the name as shown on the Admit Card. If name has changed due to marriage etc. candidate must show the relevant document to substantiate claim for change in name (Marriage Certificate/Divorcee Decree/ Legal Name Change Document/ Gazette notification for name change). In case of Mismatch in name between admit card and Photo ID proof shown, entry shall not be allowed.

Aadhaar Based Identity Verification ( Applicable only where Aadhaar details have been provided in the application form) : Candidates who have furnished Aadhaar details in the identification information at the time of online application submission are advised to carry original Aadhaar Card / e-Aadhaar / good quality printed COLOUR copy of e-Aadhaar / COLOUR photocopy of Aadhaar Card, for the purpose of identity verification through Aadhaar authentication at the examination centre.

On the day of examination, NBEMS may capture the Aadhaar number solely for identity verification, in accordance with the provisions of the Aadhaar Act, 2016 and applicable regulations (kindly refer Annexure-D).

Candidates must ensure that Aadhaar biometric authentication is NOT locked / disabled on the examination day.

Candidates must ensure that Aadhaar biometric authentication is NOT locked / disabled on the examination day. Candidates with locked biometric authentication may face difficulty in Aadhaar-based verification at the test. Before the exam, it is advisable for candidates to get their Aadhaar biometric data (fingerprint/iris) and demographic details updated at a UIDAI Aadhaar Enrolment Centre. Taking this step will help ensure a smooth authentication process on the day of your exam. Updated, valid Aadhaar data prevents entry issues.

Guidelines to Unlock Aadhaar Biometrics (if locked): Candidates may unlock Aadhaar authentication temporarily by following the steps below:

• Visit UIDAI portal oruse the mAadhaar App

• Click on Lock / Unlock Aadhaar

• Enter OTP received on registered mobile number

• Select Unlock / Disable Aadhaar , Lock and confirm

• Candidates may re-lock Aadhaar authentication after completion of the examination, if desired.

Candidates without original hard copy valid ID proof shall not be allowed to enter the examination premises. Photocopies of Govt. issued ID proofs shall not be accepted. Identity proof shown in DigiLocker shall also not be acceptable as candidates shall not be allowed to carry electronic devices inside the exam centre.

Unfair means case shall be registered against the candidates producing false / forged documents / ID Proofs.

SECURITY AT THE TEST CENTRE: Candidates will not be allowed to take the following items beyond security check point in examination premises under any circumstances:

• Any stationery item like textual material (printed or written), notes, Plastic Pouch, Calculator, Pen, Writing Pad, Pen Drives, Eraser, etc.

• Any electronic device like Mobile Phone, Bluetooth, Earphones, Microphone, Pager, wrist watch/Health Band, Calculator, Electronic Pen/ Scanner etc.

• All ornaments like bracelets, Ring, Earrings, Nose-pin, Chain/Necklace, Pendants, Necklace with pendants, Badge, Brooch etc. Items carried due to religious beliefs, if any, shall only be permitted after thorough examination.

• Other items like Wallet, Goggles, Handbags, Belt, Cap etc.

• Any eatable item opened or packed, soft drinks, water bottle etc.

• Any other item which could be used for unfair means, for hiding communication devices like wireless/Bluetooth device, spy camera etc.

Candidates will be compulsorily required to carry following items with them to the examination lab:

• Admit Card

• Govt issued photo identification proof (Voter ID / PAN Card / Aadhaar Card / Passport / Driving License) in original hard copy

Please read the admit card carefully for items permitted to carry inside the examination centres.

No arrangement will be made at the centres for keeping any articles/items belonging to the candidates. In case any candidate is found in possession of any of the barred items inside the centre beyond the security check point, it will be considered as use of unfair means and action will be taken against the candidate in accordance with the relevant provisions. To avoid any hardship candidates are advised not to bring prohibited items along with them at the test Centre.

Frisking (Hand Held Metal Detector and body pat) will be done at entry to test centre (secure zone) premises.

Any candidate who is found to be under the influence of alcohol and / or drugs shall be denied entry to the examination premises or expelled from the examination, if detected during exam/before exam.

Any candidate found to be in possession of firearms or weapons during the examination shall be denied entry.

Finger Biometrics of candidates shall be captured at the time of registration for the test at test venue in CBT. In addition, Photograph of the candidates shall also be captured on the exam day at the centre at the time of registration, at each bio- break and during the exam. Face ID shall be verified against the photograph(s) captured on the exam day and photograph(s) uploaded in the application from. Therefore, it is essential to upload a recent photograph in the application as per image upload guidelines prescribed, in order to avoid mismatch in Face ID verification process. Candidates are requested to cooperate with this essential activity to avoid any cases of impersonation. This is a security feature which will ensure that only genuine candidate appear for the exam. Any candidate not adhering to the aforementioned security measures will not be allowed to take the test. Manual Attendance with signature and manual thumb impression shall also be done.

After verification of ID and capture of photograph, candidates will be escorted to the designated computer terminal at the test centre ensuring social distancing and an Invigilator will assist the candidate for check-in process of the test.

Candidates are required to keep their admit card and photo identification with them at all times during the conduct of examination.

Candidates are required to listen to the invigilator’s instructions to begin the exam. Each workstation will be blocked from three sides – front, left and right. Candidates are advised not to look around at other candidates as there will be surveillance cameras also that will record video. No rough paper for rough work or pen / pencil shall be provided at the test centre. There is no requirement and no permission to carry a pen / pencil and rough paper inside the test centre.

Any suspicious or disruptive behaviour on part of the candidate may lead to cancellation of candidature. For any issues during the exam, candidate may raise his or her hand to notify Invigilator.

Instructions to Fill Online NEET-MDS Application Form

New User Registration: All candidates desirous of applying for NEET-MDS 2026 shall be required to create an online profile of themselves to generate a UserID and Password.

Applicant Login: This User ID and Password so created will allow the candidate to login as an applicant for NEET-MDS 2026 session and register an online application. The “Go To Application” link will allow the applicant to continue with the application submission immediately after user creation.

If the Login password is lost, it can be retrieved by clicking “Forgot Your Password”.

Name of Candidate: Please mention your full name as in Primary Dental Qualification Certificate. Name as entered by the candidate while creating his/her User ID shall be reflected in a non-editable format in his/her examination application form. No change in the name shall be permissible under any circumstances after submission of an application. The candidate shall be required to produce his/her Govt issued ID proof bearing same name at the test centre on the test day to seek entry. It is strongly advised not to submit an application with an error in the candidate’s name as it shall not be allowed to be edited after application submission. If the user has entered his/her name wrongly while registering the user, please create another user with correct name.

Gender and Date of Birth: Indicate your gender and Day, Month & Year of your birth. Please enter the correct date of birth carefully while registering the user.

Nationality: Please choose your nationality amongst the options given: Indian, Non-Resident Indian (NRI), Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) / PIO and Non OCI Foreign Nationals. Indian Citizens who are not NRI should choose Indian. An Indian Citizen should choose Non-Resident Indian, if he / she is an NRI. If you are a Foreign National but also an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI), please choose OCI / PIO. Foreign Nationals who are not an OCI should choose Non OCI Foreign National.

Email ID: Email ID chosen by the candidate shall be verified through a system generated OTP for user creation. Same email ID cannot be used for registration of any other user concurrently. Please note that all email correspondence with the candidate shall be done at this email ID only. Email chosen by the candidate shall be the primary means to communicate with the candidate for examination purposes. Information related to examinations shall be sent at this email ID. Candidates shall also be able to communicate with NBEMS through this registered email only. Correspondence received from any other email ID of the candidate shall not be entertained. Therefore, candidates are advised to choose the email ID carefully.

Mobile No.: Please provide a unique mobile number for receiving Examinations related communications sent through SMS. Mobile number chosen by the candidate shall NOT be the primary means to communicate with the candidate for examination purposes.

The UserID / Application ID and password so generated shall be sent to the registered email ID of the candidate for future records.

8.10. एनबीईएमएस की वेबसाइट https://natboard.edu.in पर नीट-एमिीएस 2026 के इंिेक्स पेज पर एक डिक डलंक"Already Registered? To login" डदया गया है। यूजर आईिी सफलतापूवाक बनाने के बाद, इस त्वररत डलंक के माध्यम से नीट-एमिीएस 2026 के डलए ऑनलाइन आवेदन फॉमा तक पहुँचा जा सकता है।

The index page of NEET-MDS 2026 at NBEMS website https://natboard.edu.in provides a quick link, “Already Registered? To login”. The online application form for NEET-MDS 2026 can be accessed through this quick link after successful creation of User ID.

The candidate can login using his / her User ID and Password.

The application submission process can be completed either in a single sitting or in multiple sittings, as per the candidate's choice, during the application submission window. However, once an application is successfully completed & submitted, it shall be available for editing certain field only during the “edit window”.

Candidates are advised not to complete & submit their online application in a haste so as to avoid any errors in providing information. Request for making any changes in date of birth, name or any other information provided in the application shall be summarily rejected. NBEMS does not edit/modify/change any information provided by the candidates in their applications of its own. Candidates has the option to make corrections in any information except name, nationality, test city, mobile number and email ID during the edit window.

The candidate shall be required to provide information as asked under various heads. It is strongly recommended to keep the required information handy before start filling the application. Please read the User Manual available at the index page of NEET-MDS 2026 for step wise details asked in the application form.

Upload of Prescribed Images (Photograph, Scanned Signatures and Thumb Impression): Please refer Image Upload Instructions available at NBEMS website https://natboard.edu.in and at the end of this information bulletin for details of specifications for uploading photograph, signatures and thumb impression. Images which are not as per prescribed specification shall not be considered and may lead to rejection of the application. Please ensure that uploaded photograph is a RECENT photograph and in any case should have not been taken more than 3 months before the date of application submission. Uploading a photograph which is not a recent one or which is not as per prescribed image upload guidelines as detailed in this information bulletin and/or failure to rectify the same in the final edit window shall invite rejection of the application.

The test city can be selected from available choices on first come first serve basis. While the city will be chosen by the candidate himself / herself at the time of online submission of application form, allotment of test centre / venue in the chosen city shall be done by NBEMS.

After selection of test city, the candidate shall be required to pay the prescribed examination fee online. The fee can not be paid through any mode other than the payment gateway available in online application form.

Candidates shall be prompted to preview the entire application before submission in order to make any corrections, if so required. They shall be required to submit the application after agreeing to the “declaration”. This shall complete the entire process of application submission.

Acknowledgement of Application Submission: An acknowledgement email shall be sent to the registered email ID confirming submission of an application by the candidate. Submission of application shall be completed only after successful payment of examination fee. Candidate should confirm the status of payment in the application form PDF where ’S’ would stand for “Successful” and “F” would stand for “Failed”.

Candidates are advised to complete and submit the online application form well before the last date and not to wait till the closing hours. NBEMS shall not be responsible for any technical issues such as website congestion, payment failure, server-related problems, or any other difficulties faced by candidates during the last days of submission. Candidates are further advised to submit their application during working days and within the stipulated time so that any discrepancy or error, if noticed, may be resolved in a timely manner. Delay in submission of the application due to any reason shall be solely the responsibility of the candidate, and no request for extension of time shall be entertained.

Edit Window: Candidates who have successfully submitted their payment for the application during Application Submission window shall only be allowed to edit their applications during 04-04-2026 to 06-04-2026. No new application can be registered or payment can be made during edit window. Any information / document can be changed / corrected during the edit window except for Name, Test City, Nationality, Mobile Number, Aadhaar Number and Email ID. Information can be edited any number of times before the closure of the window. The last submitted information will be saved in records.

All editable fields in the application form shall be open for the candidate to make any corrections, if so required. Details of field which cannot be edited are mentioned below.

Information entered in the application form can be changed during the “Edit Window”. However, following fields in the application form shall remain non-editable:

• Name of the Candidate

• Email ID

• Mobile number

• Nationality

• Test City

• Aadhaar

No editing in information provided shall be permissible in the application form, once edit window is over.

NBEMS disclaims any liability that may arise due to incorrect information provided by the candidate during online application form submission.

Subsequent to closure of edit window, deficiency, if any related to images / documents uploaded, in the application form shall be communicated to concerned candidates:

Final Edit Window: Deficiency related to images uploaded (photograph, Signature, Thumb Impression) shall be intimated to the concerned candidates and same can be corrected during the final edit window i.e. 21-04-2026 to 22-04-2026. No further opportunity shall be given to make corrections. Candidates are advised to submit the images in their application as per prescribed image upload guidelines. Failure to submit images as per guidelines and/or failure to rectify the images shall invite rejection of the application.

If a candidate updates his / her category or PWD status during the edit window which requires him/her to make any payment of the difference in Examination Fee to NBEMS, that difference of examination fee needs to be deposited online during the edit window itself. Change of category / PwD status shall not be permissible after closure of edit window under any circumstances.

NBEMS does not edit / modify / alter any information entered by the candidates at the time of online submission of application form under any circumstances. Any requests for change in information by NBEMS shall not be entertained. Candidates are advised to carefully enter the information in the application form as the same details will be used later for the purpose of counseling. The Category / PwD status filled by the candidates while applying for NEET-MDS 2026 will not be changed by Medical Counseling Committee (MCC) of DGHS, Govt of India at the time of counseling. The details submitted by the candidates in the Registration Form for NEET-MDS 2026 will be pre-populated in the Registration Form for counseling. Hence, candidates are advised not to change their email or mobile number till the completion of counseling. Any representation for alteration / modification of details will not be entertained by MCC.

Candidates who fail to submit duly completed applications with requisite documents and/or fail to rectify the deficiencies in their applications by the last date prescribed for rectification shall be declared ineligible. Admit Card shall not be issued to candidates who are declared ineligible. In such cases, the entire fees will be forfeited.

Summary of Steps in Online Application Form Submission:

sequence shall be observed while filing the online application form:

• Fill the user registration form to generate User ID / Application ID and Password.

• User ID and Password will be sent through SMS and Email.

• Complete the application form and upload your Photograph, Scanned signature, Thumb impression & Prescribed documents.

• Choose your Test City and pay Examination Fee

• Agree to the declaration and Submit Application

• Take a print out of the filled Application form with Transaction ID printed on it and payment status mentioned as “S” (Successful) for records.

Result:-

The eligibility criteria for participation in counseling towards allotment of MDS seats conducted by DGHS or State Counseling Authority shall be in accordance with MDS Course Regulations, 2017 notified by DCI with prior approval of MoHFW, Govt. of India.

Provided further that when the number of qualifying candidates in the respective categories on the basis of the above-mentioned percentile are less than three times the number of vacancies, the cut-off percentile will be automatically lowered in such a manner that the number of eligible candidates shall be minimum three times the number of seats in each respective category.

DATE OF DECLARATION OF RESULT:

The result for NEET-MDS 2026 will be declared by 02-06-2026. The result shall be available at NBEMS website.

Candidates can download their score card from NBEMS website using their login credentials.

There shall be NO re-evaluation or rechecking or re-totaling of responses marked by the candidates. Requests / Queries for re-evaluation/re-totaling shall not be entertained.

Before declaration of the result, any question asked in the NEET-MDS 2026 can be challenged for technical errors, if any, with supportive medical literature, in not more than 2 calendar days after conduct of examination. No claims made beyond 2 calendar days (excluding the day of exam) of conduct of examination shall be entertained under any circumstances. No claims pertaining to the difficulty level of a question shall be entertained. Such challenge can only be raised by bonafide candidates who had appeared in the examination through their registered email ID at Communication Web Portal of NBEMS.

VALIDITY OF NEET-MDS 2026 RESULT: The validity of the result of NEET-MDS 2026 shall be only for the admission session 2026.

TIE BREAKER CRITERIA: In the event of two or more candidates obtaining same score, the merit position shall be determined using following tie breaker criteria in descending order:

a. Candidate having lesser number of incorrect responses in the overall paper (Part A & B) will be placed at better merit position.

b. Candidate obtaining higher score in Part B of the question paper will be placed at better merit position.

c. Candidate having lesser number of incorrect responses in Part B of the question paper will be placed at better merit position.

d. Candidate securing higher aggregate marks (in percentage) in all BDS Professional Examinations will be placed at a better merit position i.e. will get a higher rank in the merit list. In case of Indian Citizens/ OCI who have obtained their Primary Dental Qualifications from outside India, their FDST (BDS) aggregate marks (in percentage) in theory test shall be considered in lieu of aggregate marks (in percentage) in all BDS Professional Examination. It is to be noted that the aggregate marks in percentage shall be provided by the applicant while submitting her/his application form to NBEMS. The marks shall be provided as an accurate value rounded down to two decimals. An illustration to this process is as follows

The aggregate marks (in percentage) in all BDS Professional Examinations/ marks obtained in theory test of FDST (BDS) as provided by the candidate in his/her NEET-MDS application form shall be verified against the original credentials at the time of admission by the counseling/ admitting authority. In an event it is noted that the information provided in the NEET-MDS application form is incorrect and this criterion has been utilized to resolve the tie of the concerned candidate, his/her candidature for NEET-MDS shall be cancelled.

If tie could not not be resolved even after applying all above-mentioned criteria, date of birth shall be utilized to resolve the tie. The date of birth provided in the NEET-MDS application form must be accurate and duly supported with the documents which will be verified at the time of admission to PG course.

e. An Older candidate will be placed at better merit position i.e. will get a higher rank in the merit list.

PUBLICATION OF MERIT LISTS:

NEET-MDS 2026 rank: This is the overall merit position of the candidate amongst all the candidates who have appeared in the NEET-MDS 2026. This rank shall be published for all candidates who will appear in NEET-MDS 2026, however, a candidate shall be considered qualified the examination only in accordance with the qualifying cut-off percentiles for the respective category of the candidate. No separate All India 50% quota rank shall be published.

All India 50% quota Category Rank: This is the overall merit position of a candidate in the category (OBC/SC/ST/EWS) as opted by the candidate in the NEET– MDS 2026 amongst the candidates of the same category and is valid only for All India 50% quota MDS courses counseling.

Candidates securing less than 50th percentile (40th in case of SC/ST/OBC, including PWD of SC/ST/OBC and 45th in case of UR PWD candidates) in NEET-MDS 2026 will not be considered for admission to MDS courses and no merit position or rank shall be given to such candidates.

In order to be eligible for admission to Postgraduate Dental Course for an academic year, it shall be necessary for a person with benchmark disabilities as specified under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, to score the minimum marks of 45th percentile for General Category and 40th percentile for SC/ST/OBC in the National Eligibility- Entrance Test (NEET-MDS).

Centres for issuing PWD certificates: 33 Centres have been identified for issuing PwD certificate to claim for 5% PwD reservation in medical courses in 50% All India Quota / Central Universities. Refer Annexure-E to this bulletin for details of these centres.

RESULT FOR STATE QUOTA SEATS:

State quota seats in all Dental Institutions in a State and seats in institutions established by State Govt., Universities established by an Act of State / Union Territory Legislature, Municipal Bodies Trust, Society, Company or Minority Institutions shall be filled by utilizing the merit list of NEET-MDS. No State government/private medical college/ universities shall be conducting any entrance exam at their own level.

NBEMS shall be providing only the data of candidates and their marks in NEET-MDS 2026 to the State Government / Counseling Authority, through Medical Counseling Committee of DGHS, GoI, without applying eligibility criteria, reservation criteria etc of the concerned states. State quota rank, state category rank, benefit for In-service

candidates, rural posting (if applicable) etc shall be determined/ generated by the designated agency / authority of the concerned States / UTs / concerned authority as per applicable Regulations, eligibility criteria, guidelines and applicable reservation policies.

Updates related to the withheld results, if any, of NEET-MDS 2026 subsequent to the declaration of the result shall be published on NBEMS website https://natboard.edu.in

Candidature of some candidates might be cancelled after conduct of examination for varying reasons which is also updated on NBEMS website. The designated counseling authorities shall be required to regularly refer to NBEMS website https://natboard.edu.in for such updates.

NBEMS shall not be preparing the merit list for any State quota seats/ Private Dental College / Universities.

Different states have different eligibility criteria and reservation policies. State Government / Counseling authorities are requested to create their own application forms customized to their requirements to determine the eligibility of the candidates for opting for seats in the concerned state based on their eligibility criteria, reservation policies, benefit to in-service candidates, benefit to candidates who have undergone rural / difficult area postings.

NBEMS does not verify the information provided by the candidates during online submission of application form and hence candidature will be purely provisional subject to fulfilment of eligibility criteria as mentioned in the Information Bulletin for NEET-MDS 2026 & criteria of State / Universities / Institutions concerned.

Candidates must verify from the respective State Government / UTs if at all they will be considered for admission to State Quota Post Graduate seats / Institute Pool based on applicable Regulation and / or domicile criteria, State / Institute of Graduation, reservation policy etc. Merely appearing / passing in NEET-MDS 2026 does not make a candidate qualified and / or eligible for State Quota Seats/ admission to Private Universities & Institutes.

Admissions to MDS Courses at Armed Forces Medical Services Institutions and for SSC entry in Army Dental Corps

Admission to the under mentioned Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) training institutes is open to eligible candidates:

(i) Armed Forces Medical College, Pune

(ii) Army Dental Centre, Army Hospital (Research & Referral), Delhi Cantt.

The candidates shall be considered for admission to the above-mentioned AFMS institutions under the following categories, in the order of precedence :

(i) Priority-I (Serving Army Dental Corps Officers as applicable vide Training Rules-2020 for AD Corps Officers promulgated by the DGAFMS)

(ii) Priority-II (Foreign candidates)

(ii) Priority-III (Para Mil/other Govt. of India sponsored candidates)

(iii) Priority-IV (Ex-SSC AD Corps Officers)

(iv) Priority-V (Civilian Dental Surgeons)

FOR GRANT OF SHORT SERVICE COMMISSION IN THE ARMY DENTAL

CORPS: As per Govt. of India policy on the subject, all the desirous candidates have to appear for NEET-MDS. This includes BDS as well as MDS candidates. NEET-MDS marks shall be used for short-listing of candidates for interview and further selection process will be conducted by the DGAFMS / Army Dental Corps.

In case the candidate is willing to take up post graduate courses in institution / hospital of Armed Forces Medical Services, at the time of online submission of application form for NEET-MDS 2026, the candidates will have to select the option “YES” to “Are you willing to take up post graduate courses in institution / hospital of Armed Forces Medical Services”. Thereafter, they will have to indicate their category as mentioned in Para 12.2

The Dental PG Courses at AFMS training Institutes are reserved for Priority-I & Priority-II candidates. However, any seat remaining vacant after fulfilling the AFMS requirement of seats to Priority-I & Priority-II candidates (balance of seats), shall be taken up for Priority III, IV & V candidates in that order. The counseling for Priority-I & Priority-II candidates will be conducted by O/o DGAFMS and counseling of Priority-III, IV & V will be conducted by MCC. Candidates of all priorities are advised to register themselves on the MCC portal for counselling as per published schedule. More information in this regard will be available on the MCC website and on the AFMS website.

Seat allotment during counseling by MCC is provisional and subject to fulfilment of all eligibility criteria as mentioned in the ‘Information Bulletin for PG courses in AFMS institutions through NEET-PG and NEET-MDS 2026 as uploaded on www.afmcdg1d.gov.in

AFMS reserves the right to deny admission to any candidate who is found to be ineligible as the eligibility criteria enumerated in the information bulletin mentioned above. It is also likely that no seat may be available for some prioritised categories, if the same have been allotted to candidates higher in priority and merit.

Candidates should preserve the Score & admit cards of NEET-MDS 2026, which are required to be produced during counseling to be conducted for admission to Post Graduate courses in their respective categories; the dates of which will be notified separately, at a later date by Army Dental Corps.

Priority-IV candidates only: Ex SSC AD Corps Officers released from service after completion of contractual service and within three years after their release from service and SSC AD Corps Officers in their last year of contractual service are also eligible to apply for this category such that:

(i) The date of release should not be before 01 May 2023 or after 30 April 2026 for the session starting in May 2026 (both dates inclusive)

(ii) SSC AD Corps officers in the last year of contractual service and still not released from service on the day of examination must have had the explicit permission of the DGAFMS for appearing in the written entrance examination (NEET-MDS 2026)

(iii) For further details of terms & conditions, candidates are requested to refer the Info Bulletin on the subject by DGAFMS / Army Dental Corps, as & when the same is notified.

Officers who have resigned their commission/dismissed/removed from service/ not completed their contractual service are NOT eligible under this category. Such officers are also not eligible as Priority-V candidates.

MERIT LIST: A separate merit list of categories ‘PG in AFMS Institutions’ and ‘Grant of Short Service Commission in Army Dental Corps’ shall be provided to the Directorate General of Dental services for admission to Armed Forces institutions.

ALLOTMENT OF SEATS AND RESERVATION:

A separate handbook informing details of the counseling process and applicable reservation shall be released by the designated counseling authority for NEET-MDS 2026.

There is no provision of reservation of seats for SC / ST / OBC / PwD in the Armed Forces Medical Services Institutions conducting Post Graduate Medical Courses.

Eligibility list of Priority-Ill & IV candidates will be provided to MCC by the O/o DGAFMS.

For Priority-V candidates : Maximum permissible age for Priority-V candidates is less than 30 years as on 31 Dec 2026 (i.e. date of birth being on or after 01 Jan 1997).

Detailed scope of the medical examination is available in the Information Bulletin for desirous candidates on AFMS website. Candidates registering under Priority- V are to be counselled and provisionally allotted a seat as per their merit choice and seat availability. The medical examination of the Priority-V candidates, who have been provisionally allotted a seat, will be conducted at their provisionally allotted institute and only those candidates who are found medically fit will be finally admitted.

Candidates are advised to go to website for detailed information / Information Bulletin & notices uploaded on the website in this regard.

Candidates are also advised to stay in touch with MCC website for further updates.

Updates related to the withheld results, if any, of NEET-MDS 2026 subsequent to the declaration of the result shall be published on NBEMS website. 

Candidature of some candidates might be cancelled after conduct of examination for varying reasons which is also updated on NBEMS website.

The designated counseling authorities shall be required to regularly refer to NBEMS website https://natboard.edu.in for such updates.

The redressal of disputes, if any, shall only be through civil courts having jurisdiction of New Delhi alone.