NEET MDS 2026 Registration Notification Anticipated After Exam Date Confirmation

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) is poised to release the official notification for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Master of Dental Surgery (NEET MDS) 2026. As of today, February 18, 2026, the dental fraternity is on high alert following the board's earlier confirmation that the entrance examination will be conducted on May 2, 2026. This year's notification is particularly significant as it follows a revised academic calendar designed to streamline the postgraduate dental admission process across India. Thousands of BDS graduates are currently monitoring the NBEMS official website for the activation of the registration link, which is expected to trigger a month-long application window for the 2026-27 session.

Expected Application Timeline and Notification Details

With the exam date firmly set for the first Saturday of May, the release of the information bulletin is imminent. Historically, the board issues the detailed notification and the information brochure approximately two to three months prior to the computer-based test to allow for a smooth registration phase.

• Registration Window: Industry experts anticipate that the NEET MDS Registration portal will remain open for at least 21 days, allowing candidates to submit their academic and dental council details.
• Information Bulletin: The upcoming notification will contain crucial details regarding the test city list, the latest 2026-27 reservation policy, and the specific fees for General and Reserved categories.
• Document Readiness: Aspirants are advised to keep their BDS degree certificates and scanned copies of their signatures and photographs ready as per the NBEMS specifications mentioned in previous notices.
• Correction Window: Following the primary registration phase, a short edit window is typically provided to rectify non-critical errors in the application form.

Eligibility Criteria and Internship Cut-off 2026

One of the most critical aspects expected in the 2026 notification is the formal confirmation of the internship completion deadline. This date is the primary filter for eligibility, ensuring that only those who have finished their clinical training can join the master's program.

• Internship Milestone: According to the Tentative Schedule, candidates must complete their one-year compulsory rotatory internship on or before May 31, 2026, to meet the eligibility norms.
• Academic Standards: Only those holding a BDS degree awarded by a university recognized by the Dental Council of India (DCI) will be permitted to register for the 2026 session.
• Registration Proof: A valid permanent or provisional registration certificate issued by a State Dental Council is a prerequisite for completing the online application.
• Citizenship: While Indian citizens are the primary focus, the notification will also outline the specific criteria for OCI and PIO candidates wishing to practice in India.

Conclusion

The anticipation surrounding the NEET MDS 2026 notification on February 18, 2026, reflects the high stakes of postgraduate dental education. As the NBEMS prepares to open the registration portal, candidates are encouraged to focus their preparation on the 240-question computer-based format. Meeting the May 31 eligibility deadline remains a priority for the thousands of interns across the country. With the exam date of May 2 now just ten weeks away, the release of the final information bulletin will provide the necessary clarity on the seat matrix and the 2026 counseling schedule. All aspirants should keep a regular check on the NBEMS News & Events section to avoid missing the start of the application cycle.

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