Overview
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) released the NEET MDS 2026 first-round seat allotment schedule on September 11, 2026, for candidates seeking admission to postgraduate dental courses in Karnataka. The process covers online choice filling, seat allotment, fee payment, document submission and reporting to the allotted college. The total number of available MDS seats will be confirmed through the official seat matrix; this is an admission process and does not involve recruitment posts.
Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|
| Organization | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Post Name | NEET MDS 2026 First-Round Admission Seats |
| Total Vacancies | Seat matrix to be notified separately |
| Application Mode | Online counselling and choice filling |
| Official Website | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in |
Important Dates
Candidates should follow the event-wise schedule published on the KEA portal. Since the detailed dates are not included in the available notification summary, applicants must verify each deadline before completing counselling formalities.
| Event | Date |
|---|
| Schedule Release Date | September 11, 2026 |
| Application Start | TBA |
| Last Date | TBA |
| Exam Date | TBA — NEET MDS is conducted nationally; KEA will not hold a separate entrance test |
| Result Date | TBA |
| First-Round Seat Allotment | TBA |
| Fee Payment and College Reporting | TBA |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Candidates must possess a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from a university or institution recognised by the competent dental regulatory authority.
- Applicants must have qualified NEET MDS 2026 with the applicable category-wise minimum qualifying score or percentile.
- Completion of the compulsory rotating internship by the prescribed cut-off date is required.
- Candidates must hold permanent or provisional registration with the appropriate dental council, as specified in the counselling rules.
- Karnataka domicile, study and institutional eligibility conditions will apply wherever required for government, private or reserved-category seats.
- Candidates should keep their NEET MDS scorecard, BDS certificates, internship certificate and registration documents ready for verification.
Age Limit
- No separate upper age limit has been specified in the available schedule summary.
- Applicants must satisfy the age and eligibility requirements prescribed under the prevailing NEET MDS and KEA admission regulations.
- Any category-based concession or special condition will be governed by the detailed official notification.
Fees
- The registration or counselling fee, if applicable, must be paid online through the payment options provided by KEA.
- Candidates allotted a seat must pay the prescribed course or admission fee within the specified deadline.
- The amount may vary according to the institution type, seat category and candidate category.
- Applicants should download and retain the payment receipt for admission reporting and future reference.
Selection Process
- NEET MDS Merit and Eligibility: Candidates must qualify NEET MDS 2026 and satisfy KEA’s eligibility and document-verification requirements.
- Choice Filling and Seat Allotment: Eligible candidates must enter and prioritise their preferred colleges and MDS specialisations. Allotment will be based on merit rank, reservation rules, available seats and submitted preferences.
- Fee Payment and Admission Reporting: Allotted candidates must exercise the permitted choice, pay the required fee, download the admission order and report to the designated college with original documents before the deadline.
How to Apply
- Visit the KEA official portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in and open the NEET MDS 2026 counselling section.
- Read the first-round schedule, information bulletin and seat matrix carefully before proceeding.
- Log in using the counselling credentials, NEET MDS roll number or other details requested by the portal.
- Confirm that personal, academic, category and NEET MDS information is correct. Report discrepancies through the prescribed KEA channel without delay.
- Open the option-entry facility and select preferred colleges, courses and MDS specialisations.
- Arrange choices in genuine order of preference. Candidates should review tuition fees, college location, seat category and service obligations before locking options.
- Save and lock the choices within the notified period. Download or print the final option-entry list as proof.
- After allotment, check the result online and follow the applicable choice-selection instructions.
- Pay the admission fee, submit the required documents and download the official admission order.
- Report to the allotted institution with original certificates, photocopies, payment receipt and admission order by the prescribed deadline. Failure to report may lead to cancellation of the seat.
Important Links
FAQs
1. When was the KEA NEET MDS 2026 first-round schedule released?
The first-round seat allotment schedule was released on September 11, 2026.
2. How will KEA allot MDS seats?
Seats will be allotted on the basis of NEET MDS merit, candidate preferences, reservation provisions, eligibility and seat availability.
3. What should candidates do after receiving an allotment?
They must exercise the applicable choice, pay the prescribed fee, download the admission order and report to the allotted colleg
