Dental surgeons across India are bracing for the commencement of the NEET MDS 2026 application process. Following the official tentative calendar released by NBEMS, the registration link is expected to go live on natboard.edu.in anytime within the next few days. This year, the board has significantly streamlined the process, but students must remain vigilant about the May 31, 2026, internship completion deadline—a non-negotiable eligibility criterion that has historically caused concern among final-year BDS rotatory interns.
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MDS 2026: Official & Tentative Schedule
While the exam date is fixed, the registration and result timelines are based on the latest NBEMS projections.
| Event | Official / Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Online Registration Starts | February 2026 (Expected Shortly) |
| Registration Deadline | March 2026 (Tentative) |
| Internship Completion Cutoff | May 31, 2026 (Confirmed) |
| NEET MDS 2026 Exam Date | May 2, 2026 (Saturday) |
| Declaration of Results | May 19, 2026 (Expected) |
Revised Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
The 2026 session will continue with the time-bound section format introduced recently to enhance the competitive nature of the test.
- Structure: The paper consists of 240 MCQs divided into Part A (100 questions) and Part B (140 questions).
- Marking: Each correct response earns +4 marks, while an incorrect response leads to -1 mark (25% negative marking).
- Timing: The exam will be held from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM in a computer-based format at designated centers nationwide.
Critical Document Checklist for Registration
Aspirants are advised to keep digital copies of these documents ready to avoid errors during the high-traffic initial hours of the registration portal:
- Real-time Photograph: A new requirement where candidates must use a webcam to capture a live photo during the application.
- BDS Degree/Provisional Certificate: Issued by a recognized university in India.
- State Dental Council (SDC) Registration: Permanent or provisional registration is mandatory.
- Scanned Thumb Impression: Must be clear and meet the KB size limits specified by NBEMS.
What Happens If You Miss the Internship Cutoff?
NBEMS has been strict regarding the May 31 cutoff. Candidates who complete their 12-month compulsory rotatory internship even a day later will be ineligible for the 2026 admission cycle. If your internship was delayed due to administrative reasons, keep an eye on official notices for any potential extensions.
For a comprehensive guide on the high-weightage topics in Oral Pathology and Periodontology for the 2026 paper, follow Only Education News.