| Updated On - Oct 16, 2026
KEA has reopened Karnataka NEET MDS 2026 counselling registration after the Union Health Ministry lowered the qualifying percentile by 20.576 points. Candidates can apply at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/pgmds2026 for the remaining PG dental seats.
The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) has reopened the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Master of Dental Surgery (NEET MDS) 2026 counselling registration. The portal went live on October 15, 2026, at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/pgmds2026. This follows a cut in the qualifying percentile by the Union Health Ministry. Candidates who missed the earlier cutoff can now apply afresh.
The fresh window targets dental graduates who were earlier ruled out. KEA will consider the new applicants for the remaining state PG dental seats. The move opens up participation in the final counselling round for 2026.
Why the NEET MDS 2026 Qualifying Percentile Was Reduced
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued the order on October 12, 2026. It cut the NEET MDS 2026 qualifying percentile by 20.576 points. The move follows a sharp drop in dental PG admissions this year. Many MDS seats across states stayed vacant after the first two rounds.
The National Dental Commission (NDC) had earlier eased the cutoff on September 29, 2026. That first revision lowered the mark by 10 percentile points for every category. The latest cut by the ministry deepens the relief for aspirants.
Also Check: Tamil Nadu NEET PG 2026 Counselling Registration Deadline Extended; Check How to Apply
Karnataka NEET MDS 2026 Revised Qualifying Percentile
| Category | Earlier Percentile | Revised Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| General and EWS | 50th | 40th |
| SC, ST and OBC | 40th | 30th |
| UR PwD | 45th | 35th |
| SC, ST and OBC PwD | 40th | 30th |
Who Is Eligible Under the Reduced Percentile?
Only candidates who hold a valid NEET MDS 2026 scorecard can register. They must also meet the Karnataka domicile and eligibility rules set by KEA. The revised cutoff applies to all categories across India uniformly. Internship completion by the stated date remains a strict requirement.
Also Check: MP NEET PG 2026 Round 1 Counselling Registration Begins at dme.mponline.gov.in
Karnataka NEET MDS 2026 Counselling Timeline
KEA has already completed two full rounds of state counselling. The third and final round is pending in October 2026. The current reopened window feeds candidates into this remaining round.
| Stage | Date |
| Round 1 Allotment Published | September 5, 2026 |
| Round 2 Allotment Published | September 18, 2026 |
| Reduced Percentile Registration Opens | October 15, 2026 |
| Round 3 Allotment | October 2026 |
How to Register for Karnataka NEET MDS 2026 Counselling?
Fresh candidates must complete all steps through the official KEA portal. The flow is fully online and needs standard document uploads.
- Visit the official portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/pgmds2026.
- Enter the NEET MDS 2026 roll number and basic details.
- Verify the revised qualifying status under the right category.
- Upload scanned copies of mark sheets, ID, and category papers.
- Pay the processing fee online via net banking, UPI, or card.
- Submit the form and save the acknowledgement slip.
Also Check: Tripura NEET PG 2026 Candidate List Released at trmcc.admissions.nic.in
The reduced percentile offers a lifeline to thousands of dental graduates. Many had scored just below the earlier cutoff mark. They can now compete for leftover MDS seats in Karnataka. Colleges also benefit as vacant seats start filling up fast.
Action Plan for Candidates
- Open cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/pgmds2026 and start fresh registration.
- Check the revised qualifying status under your correct category.
- Keep scanned copies of all required documents ready for upload.
- Pay the processing fee online using any valid payment mode.
- Save the acknowledgement slip and track regular updates on the KEA portal.
KEA will soon publish the revised seat matrix and Round 3 schedule. Watch the KEA portal for the final seat allotment list.
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