KEA NEET MDS 2026 First Round Seat Allotment Schedule Released
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has officially published the First Round Seat Allotment Schedule for NEET MDS 2026 admissions on September 11, 2026. Candidates seeking admission to Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) courses in government and private dental colleges across Karnataka can now access the comprehensive timetable detailing option entry, choice modification, seat allotment publication, fee deposition, and reporting guidelines.
Overview of KEA NEET MDS Admission Counseling
KEA conducts state-centralized online counseling for NEET MDS qualified candidates targeting Karnataka State Quota, Management Quota, and NRI seats. The schedule provides a structured timeline enabling eligible applicants to lock their choices securely and lock in post-graduate medical seats.
Important Dates and Key Milestones
Candidates must carefully track key dates associated with the KEA NEET MDS First Round Seat Allotment to ensure timely completion of choice filling and reporting procedures:
- Release of Schedule: September 11, 2026
- Option Entry / Choice Filling Windows: As specified in the KEA timetable
- First Round Allotment Result Declaration: Post option entry closure
- Payment of Fees & Downloading Allotment Letter: Post seat confirmation
- Physical Document Verification & College Reporting: Specified admission deadline
Educational Eligibility Criteria for Admission
To participate in the KEA NEET MDS seat allocation process, candidate eligibility mandates:
- Qualification: A recognized Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from an institution approved by the Dental Council of India (DCI).
- Entrance Exam: Must have qualified in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Master of Dental Surgery (NEET MDS 2026).
- Internship: Completion of a mandatory 12-month rotatory internship on or before the cut-off date specified by DCI.
- Registration: Mandatory registration with the State Dental Council or Dental Council of India.
Detailed Counseling & Seat Allotment Procedure
The seat allocation process operates entirely online through the official KEA online portal. The primary steps involved include:
1. Option Entry (Choice Filling)
Candidates must log in using their registration credentials to enter preferred combinations of dental colleges and MDS specializations. It is highly recommended to fill in maximum choices according to individual preference ranking.
2. Mock Allotment & Option Modification
KEA may release a mock allotment result to allow candidates to gauge their chances of securing a seat. Applicants can add, alter, or delete choices based on the mock allotment outcome before final locking.
3. First Round Seat Allocation Result
The final first-round seat allotment is processed based on NEET MDS merit ranking, seat availability, category-wise reservation rules, and submitted preferences.
4. Post-Allotment Choices (Choice 1, Choice 2, Choice 3, Choice 4)
Selected candidates must exercise one of the following choices:
- Choice 1: Satisfied with the allotted seat, willing to join the college, and not participating in subsequent rounds.
- Choice 2: Satisfied with the seat but willing to participate in the second round for higher options.
- Choice 3: Not satisfied with the allotted seat, wish to participate in the second round by surrendering the current seat.
- Choice 4: Exit counseling process and decline the allotted seat.
Fee Payment and Reporting Guidelines
Candidates exercising Choice 1 or Choice 2 must pay the requisite tuition fees via the KEA payment gateway. Candidates selecting Choice 1 must report physically to the designated institute along with original documents and admission order within the stipulated reporting period.
Mandatory Documents Required for Reporting
- KEA NEET MDS Application Form & Verification Slip
- NEET MDS 2026 Admit Card and Score Card
- BDS Degree Certificate or Provisional Passing Certificate
- BDS Course Marks Cards (All Years)
- Compulsory Rotatory Internship Completion Certificate
- State/Central Dental Council Registration Certificate
- Category / Caste / Certificate for reservation benefits (if applicable)
- Valid Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar Card / Passport / Voter ID)