Karnataka NEET MDS 2026 Counselling Reopens: New Window for Aspirants After Percentile Cut

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued an order on October 12, 2026, implementing a significant cut of 20.576 points in the NEET MDS 2026 qualifying percentile. This decision comes in response to a noticeable drop in dental PG admissions this year, which left a considerable number of MDS seats vacant after the initial two rounds of counselling. Earlier, the National Dental Commission (NDC) had already eased the cutoff on September 29, 2026, by 10 percentile points across all categories. The latest directive from the Ministry further deepens this relief, providing a broader pool of eligible candidates for the remaining seats.

Candidates can now check the updated qualifying percentiles for NEET MDS 2026, which are significantly lower than the initial requirements. This revision opens doors for many who previously did not meet the eligibility criteria:

Activity / Parameter	Details & Schedule
General and EWS Category	40th Percentile (Previously 50th)
SC, ST, and OBC Categories	30th Percentile (Previously 40th)
UR PwD Category	35th Percentile (Previously 45th)
SC, ST, and OBC PwD Categories	30th Percentile (Previously 40th)

The KEA has already completed two rounds of state counselling for NEET MDS 2026. This reopened registration window is specifically for the upcoming third and final round. Here’s a quick look at the key dates:

Activity / Parameter	Details & Schedule
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 (Expected)

For candidates who now meet the revised eligibility criteria and wish to participate in the Karnataka NEET MDS 2026 counselling, the registration process is entirely online. Follow these essential steps:

• Visit the official KEA website: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/pgmds2026.
• Locate and click on the 'NEET MDS 2026 Online Application' link.
• Register by providing your NEET MDS Roll Number and other required personal details.
• Fill out the application form carefully, ensuring all information is accurate.
• Upload scanned copies of all necessary documents as per the specifications.
• Pay the registration fee online through the available payment gateways.
• Review your application thoroughly before final submission and take a printout for your records.

Ensure you complete all steps within the stipulated deadline to be considered for the upcoming counselling round.

This reopened registration window is a golden opportunity for dental graduates who previously did not qualify based on the higher NEET MDS 2026 percentiles. If your score now falls within the revised cutoffs, you are eligible to apply and be considered for the remaining state PG dental seats in Karnataka. Candidates must act swiftly to complete their registration. This final round of counselling is crucial for securing a seat. To get a clear picture of your admission chances based on your revised eligibility, we highly recommend using the NEET College Predictor. This tool can help you assess which colleges you might qualify for with your NEET MDS score.

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