Once BDS is done, the next option on every dentist's mind is to clear the NEET MDS. Because NEET MDS opens many options like doing MDS or joining the Indian Army or so much more.
So, if you are a recent BDS graduate or you are planning to take the NEET PG 2026, here’s everything you need to know about the exam. Because you all already know how competitive and intense this exam can be. Here’s where you need a clear plan.
In this blog, you will get to know the exam dates, eligibility, syllabus and how to prepare for the exam.
What is NEET MDS?
NEET MDS stands for National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Master of Dental Surgery.
It is a national-level entrance exam for dentists conducted once a year. Managed by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). The exam is the only gateway for admission to postgraduate dental courses (MDS) in:
- Government dental colleges
- Private dental colleges
- Deemed universities
- Central universities (except AIIMS, which conducts INI-CET)
Why is NEET MDS Important?
- Single-window exam: You don’t need to write multiple state/college-level exams.
- Merit-based admissions ensure a fair and transparent seat allocation process.
- Wide acceptance: Used for 50% All India Quota seats and state quotas across India.
- Specialization choice: Helps you choose your MDS specialty like Oral Surgery, Prosthodontics, Pedodontics, Orthodontics, etc.
In short, if you want to do MDS in India, you have to pass the NEET MDS.
NEET MDS 2026: Important Dates (Tentative)
The official dates for NEET MDS 2026 have not been announced yet. It will be announced by NBEMS (National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences) in early 2026. But based on past trends, here’s what you can expect:
| Event | Tentative Date |
| Official Notification | February 2026 |
| Application Window Opens | Feb–March 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | March 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | April 2026 (1–2 weeks before exam) |
| NEET MDS 2026 Exam Date | Third week of April 2026 |
| Result Declaration | May 2026 |
| Counselling & Seat Allotment | June–July 2026 |
NEET MDS 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for the NEET MDS 2026, you have to check whether you are eligible to write the exam or not. So, here are a few things you might have to check:
| Criterion | Requirement |
| Educational Qualification | BDS degree from a college recognized by the Dental Council of India (DCI) |
| Internship | 12-month compulsory rotatory internship completed by the cut-off date (likely June 30, 2026) |
| Registration | Valid registration (provisional or permanent) with the State Dental Council or DCI |
| Nationality | Indian citizens, OCI/PIOs, and foreign nationals (with relevant permissions) |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit |
| Attempts | No limit on the number of attempts |
NEET MDS 2026 Exam Pattern
Next up is understanding the NEET MDS exam pattern. This is important for creating a strategy to crack the exam:
| Part | No. of Questions | Time |
| Part A | 100 | 75 minutes |
| Part B | 140 | 105 minutes |
| Total | 240 MCQs | 3 hours |
Other Details:
- Mode: Computer-based test (CBT)
- Question Type: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
- Maximum Marks: 960
- Marking Scheme:
- +4 for correct answer
- −1 for incorrect answer
- 0 for unattempted
NEET MDS 2026 Syllabus
The NEET MDS syllabus follows the BDS curriculum prescribed by DCI.
Part A Subjects
- General Anatomy (including Embryology & Histology)
- General Human Physiology & Biochemistry
- Dental Anatomy, Embryology & Oral Histology
- General Pathology & Microbiology
- General & Dental Pharmacology & Therapeutics
- General Medicine
- General Surgery
Part B Subjects
- Dental Materials
- Oral Pathology & Oral Microbiology
- Oral Medicine & Radiology
- Pedodontics & Preventive Dentistry
- Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics
- Periodontology
- Prosthodontics & Crown & Bridge
- Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
- Public Health Dentistry
NEET MDS 2026 Application Process
Follow these steps once the application window opens:
- Register on nbe.edu.in with basic details.
- Fill the online form – personal, academic, internship, and contact info.
- Upload documents – photo, signature, left thumb impression, category certificate.
- Pay the application fee (online).
- Submit & download the confirmation page for future reference.
- Correction window (if needed) – make changes during the given period.
- Download the admit card once released.
NEET MDS 2026 Preparation Strategy
Cracking NEET MDS requires smart preparation, not just hard work. Here’s a phase-wise strategy:
| Phase | Timeline | Key Focus |
| Foundation Phase | 6–9 months before exam | Revise BDS subjects thoroughly, and make concise notes |
| Practice Phase | 3–6 months before the exam | Topic-wise MCQs, subject tests, analyse mistakes |
| Mock & Revision Phase | 1–3 months before the exam | Full-length mocks, previous papers, focus on weak areas |
| Final Sprint | Last 4–6 weeks | High-yield topics, formula charts, timed mocks |
Practical Tips to Boost Your Rank
- Stick to standard books. Don’t read from too many sources.
- Practice MCQs daily. Aim for 100–150 MCQs/day with timed practice.
- Revise notes frequently to avoid forgetting.
- Learn from the mistakes of the mock tests, don't just check scores.
- Avoid random guessing (due to negative marking). Read the question properly, rule out the answers that make no sense and shortlist the ones that make sense.
- Have a good sleep & balanced diet. These improve focus and memory.
NEET MDS 2026 Overview
| Event | Details |
| Exam Name | National Eligibility Entrance Test for Masters of Dental Surgery (NEET MDS) |
| Conducting Body | National Board of Examinations (NBEMS) |
| Exam Level | National-level Postgraduate Exam |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-based test (CBT) |
| Courses Offered | MDS / PG Diploma in Dental Studies |
| Exam Fees | ₹3,500 (General / OBC / EWS) ₹2,500 (SC / ST / PwD) |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours |
| Exam Timing | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Total Questions | 240 |
| Total Marks | 960 |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for correct answer −1 for incorrect answer 0 for unanswered |
| Language | English |
| Official Website | nbe.edu.in |
| Contact Info | Helpline: 022-61087595, 7996165333 Email: helpdesknbeexam@natboard.edu.in |
Step Up for NEET MDS 2026
To pass any national-level, high-competition exam, preparation is a must. So, for the NEET MDS 2026, start early. Doing post-graduation in the favourite department is a dream of many dentists. So, make sure you work the hardest in the room and score the highest marks. This way, you can choose your dream speciality.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact the experts at Academically. They will help you with everything you need. Also, you can get personalized career counselling so that you can decide the best career option for yourself.