The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has begun the registration process for the first round of counselling for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Master of Dental Surgery (NEET MDS) 2026. Candidates seeking admission through the 50% All India Quota (AIQ) seats must complete their registration on the MCC's official portal by August 23, 2026.
Understanding NEET MDS Counselling and Its Purpose
NEET MDS is a national-level entrance exam for postgraduate dental courses in India. After the exam results are declared, the MCC conducts counselling sessions to allocate seats to qualified candidates based on their ranks and preferences. This counselling is crucial for candidates aiming to secure admission in government and private dental colleges under the AIQ scheme, which reserves half of the seats for eligible applicants from across the country.
The counselling process involves candidates registering online, submitting their preferences for colleges and courses, and then participating in seat allotment rounds. The MCC oversees this process to ensure transparency and fairness in seat distribution.
Key Details About Registration and Fees
- Registration for NEET MDS 2026 round 1 counselling is open until August 23, 2026.
- Candidates must use their NEET MDS roll number and password to register on the MCC website.
- The counselling is applicable for 50% AIQ seats across participating dental colleges.
- Registration fees vary by category: General and Economically Weaker Section (EWS) candidates pay Rs 1,000 as registration fee plus a Rs 25,000 security deposit.
- Applicants from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) categories pay Rs 500 as registration fee and Rs 10,000 as security deposit.
- After registration, candidates can fill in their choices for seat allocation and upload any required documents.
Why Timely Registration Matters for NEET MDS Aspirants
Registering before the deadline is essential for candidates to participate in the counselling process and secure a seat in their preferred dental college. Missing the registration window means losing the opportunity to be considered for the 50% AIQ seats, which significantly limits admission options.
The fee structure also reflects the government’s effort to make counselling accessible while ensuring commitment through the security deposit, which is refundable under certain conditions. Candidates should carefully review eligibility criteria, including having qualified NEET MDS and meeting minimum cutoff percentiles for their category, to avoid disqualification during counselling.
Overall, the MCC’s counselling process is designed to streamline admissions and provide a fair chance to all qualified candidates. Staying informed about registration deadlines, fees, and required documents can help aspirants navigate this critical phase smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who can register for NEET MDS 2026 counselling round 1?
A: Candidates who have qualified the NEET MDS 2026 exam and meet the minimum qualifying percentile for their category are eligible to register for round 1 counselling.
Q: What is the last date to register for NEET MDS 2026 counselling?
A: The registration window closes on August 23, 2026. Candidates must complete registration by this date to participate in seat allocation.
Q: How much is the registration fee for different categories?
A: General and EWS category candidates pay Rs 1,000 as registration fee and Rs 25,000 as security deposit. SC, ST, OBC, and PwD candidates pay Rs 500 as registration fee and Rs 10,000 as security deposit.
