NEET MDS 2026 Seat Matrix: Total MDS Seats, Institute-Wise and Category-Wise Availability

NEET MDS 2026 seat matrix is expected to be released by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) at natboard.edu.in, listing all Master of Dental Surgery seats available institute-wise and category-wise across participating dental colleges in India.

The NEET MDS 2026 seat matrix covers seats under All India Quota (AIQ) and state quota across government, private, and deemed dental colleges. Based on 2025 trends, over 6,000 MDS seats are expected to be available across India. Students must check the seat matrix before filling choices in NEET MDS 2026 counselling to understand seat availability at their preferred institutes.

• Total MDS seats expected: 6,000 to 6,200 across India (based on 2025 trends).
• AIQ counselling covers 50% of government dental college seats, managed by MCC (Medical Counselling Committee).
• Category-wise AIQ reservation: OBC-NCL 27%, SC 15%, ST 7.5%, EWS 10%, UR 40.5%.
• State quota includes 50% of government college seats plus 100% of private and deemed college seats.
• NEET MDS 2026 seat matrix is expected to be published around July 2026 along with the counselling schedule.

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What is NEET MDS 2026 Seat Matrix?

The NEET MDS 2026 seat matrix is an official document released by NBEMS that lists the total number of MDS seats available at each participating dental college. It classifies seats by quota (AIQ or state), college type (government, private, deemed), specialisation, and category (UR, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, PwD). Students must study the seat matrix carefully before submitting their choices during NEET MDS 2026 counselling.

The seat matrix is used during MCC counselling for AIQ seats and by respective state counselling authorities for state quota seats. It may be revised based on regulatory approvals or court directions before or during the counselling process.

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Total MDS Seats in India 2026

Based on 2025 trends, approximately 6,000 to 6,200 MDS seats are expected to be available through NEET MDS 2026 across all dental colleges in India. Seat intake has grown steadily over recent years as more colleges receive regulatory recognition and expand postgraduate programmes.

Figures above are expected based on 2025 trends. The official 2026 seat matrix will be released at natboard.edu.in with verified counts.

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AIQ vs State Quota Seat Distribution in NEET MDS 2026

NEET MDS 2026 seats are divided between All India Quota and state quota. AIQ covers 50% of total government college seats, filled through MCC counselling and open to all India students. State quota includes the remaining 50% of government seats plus 100% of private and deemed college seats, filled through respective state counselling bodies.

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Category-Wise Seat Reservation for NEET MDS 2026

Category-wise reservation for AIQ seats in NEET MDS 2026 follows Central government norms. For state quota seats, reservation percentages are governed by the respective state’s reservation policy and vary across states.

Students claiming OBC-NCL reservation must produce a valid Non-Creamy Layer certificate from a competent authority. Certificates must be in the Central government format and valid as on the date of document verification during counselling.

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Institute-Wise NEET MDS 2026 Seat Matrix

The institute-wise seat matrix lists MDS seats by specialisation and category at each participating dental college. The nine major MDS specialisations are Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Periodontics, Oral Medicine and Radiology, Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Oral Pathology and Microbiology, and Public Health Dentistry. Below are expected AIQ seats at select major government dental colleges based on 2025 trends:

Seat counts above are expected based on 2025 trends. The complete and final institute-wise seat matrix will be published by NBEMS at natboard.edu.in before counselling begins.

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How to Check NEET MDS 2026 Seat Matrix

The NEET MDS 2026 seat matrix will be available on the official NBEMS website once published. Follow these steps to access it:

1. Visit the official NBEMS website at natboard.edu.in.
2. Click on the NEET MDS 2026 section or the relevant counselling notification on the homepage.
3. Look for the Seat Matrix or Counselling Schedule link in the downloads or notifications section.
4. Click the seat matrix PDF or Excel file link to open it.
5. Use Ctrl+F to search for your preferred college name, state, or specialisation.
6. Download and save the seat matrix for reference while filling choices during NEET MDS 2026 counselling.

For AIQ seats, the MCC portal also publishes the consolidated seat matrix before round 1 of counselling. Students should refer to both portals to get a complete picture of AIQ and state quota availability at their preferred colleges.