MDS
Top Entrance Exams for MDS Admission (2026)
Admission to MDS (MDS) programmes in India is primarily through entrance examinations. There are 2 major entrance exams for MDS admission . Candidates should check the eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and important dates for each exam before applying. These exams are accepted by 12+ colleges offering MDS across India.
MDS Entrance Exams - Quick Overview
Explore each exam's details, eligibility, syllabus, and colleges accepting the score
National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Master of Dental Surgery
NEET MDS is the national-level entrance exam for admission to postgraduate dental courses (MDS) in India. Conducted by the National Board of Examinati...
National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Postgraduate)
NEET PG is the national-level entrance exam for admission to MD, MS, and PG Diploma programmes in medical colleges across India. Conducted by the Nati...
MDS Entrance Exam Schedule 2026
Key dates for upcoming MDS entrance exams. Dates marked as tentative are based on previous year patterns and may change.
| Exam | Registration | Exam Date |
|---|---|---|
| NEET PG | 10 Jan 2026 * | 22 Mar 2026 * |
| NEET MDS | 01 Dec 2025 * | 16 Feb 2026 * |
* Tentative - dates based on previous year trends and subject to official confirmation.
Tips for MDS Entrance Exam Preparation
- Start early - begin preparation at least 6-12 months before the exam date, focusing on fundamentals first.
- Practice previous years' papers - solve past exam papers to understand the pattern, difficulty level, and frequently tested topics.
- Apply for multiple exams - register for several relevant exams to maximize your chances of admission to a preferred college.
- Track deadlines - keep a calendar of registration dates, admit card releases, and exam dates so you never miss a window.
Frequently Asked Questions - MDS Entrance Exams
NEET MDS is the national entrance exam for admission to MDS programmes. Only BDS graduates who have completed their one-year compulsory internship are eligible. The exam covers all dental subjects from the BDS curriculum.
NEET MDS is highly competitive, especially for popular specialisations like Orthodontics in government colleges. The limited number of PG dental seats relative to BDS graduates makes it challenging for many candidates.
There is no restriction on the number of NEET MDS attempts for eligible BDS graduates. Many candidates attempt the exam multiple times to secure a seat in their preferred specialisation.