NEET MDS 2025 Eligibility Criteria: Age Limit, Nationality, Marks Required, Qualification

NEET MDS 2025 Eligibility Criteria: The National Board of Examinations (NBE) has defined the eligibility criteria for NEET MDS 2025. Only candidates who meet these requirements can apply for the postgraduate dental entrance exam. As per the latest update, the internship completion deadline has been extended to June 30, 2025 (earlier March 31).

To be eligible for NEET MDS 2025, candidates must hold a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from a recognised dental college in India. The BDS qualification must be approved by the Dental Council of India (DCI). In addition, candidates must have provisional or permanent registration with the DCI or a State Dental Council (SDC), and must complete a compulsory rotatory internship of 12 months by the new deadline.

The exam is open to Indian citizens, Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs). Candidates from Jammu & Kashmir are not eligible for 50% All India Quota seats unless nominated by the Government of India.

NEET MDS 2025 Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for NEET MDS 2025 outline the essential academic qualifications, registration requirements, and internship completion deadline. It also specifies conditions for candidates applying under the All India 50% Quota, including exceptions for Jammu & Kashmir.

Also Check: NEET MDS 2025 Cutoff

NEET MDS 2025 Detailed Eligibility Criteria

Candidates applying for NEET MDS 2025 must fulfil specific academic and internship criteria set by the Dental Council of India under the MDS Course Regulations 2017. These requirements ensure that applicants have the necessary educational background and clinical training to be eligible for admission to postgraduate dental courses.

NEET MDS 2025 Academic and Internship Eligibility

• Must have a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from a recognised university or institute.
• Must have completed a one-year rotatory internship from a recognised dental college.
• Should hold a permanent or provisional registration with the Dental Council of India (DCI) or a State Dental Council (SDC).
• Candidates still undergoing an internship must complete it by July 31, 2025.
• Candidates whose internship ends after July 31, 2025, will not be eligible for NEET MDS 2025.
• The internship deadline was extended from March 31 to July 31, 2025, by NBEMS.

NEET MDS Eligibility Criteria 2025 for All India 50% Quota Seats

The NEET MDS 2025 eligibility criteria for 50% All India Quota (AIQ) seats come with specific guidelines, particularly for candidates from Jammu & Kashmir. These rules ensure fair allocation of seats and maintain transparency in the admission process.

• Candidates who have completed BDS from Jammu & Kashmir are not eligible for 50% All India Quota (AIQ) seats.
• Exception: Candidates nominated by the Government of India (GOI) under central pool seats to study BDS in Jammu & Kashmir can apply for AIQ seats.
• Such candidates must submit a duly signed affidavit confirming their GOI nomination.
• Without this affidavit, they will not be eligible for AIQ admission.
• Candidates from the Armed Forces category are exempt from these J&K restrictions for admission to Armed Forces Institutes.
• If any candidate is found ineligible at any stage, their application, exam participation, or result may be cancelled by the authorities.

Also Check: NEET MDS 2025 Result

NEET MDS 2025 Eligibility Criteria for Foreign Nationals

Foreign nationals applying for NEET MDS 2025 must meet specific eligibility requirements set by the Dental Council of India (DCI). These include registration norms, qualification recognition, and documentation to be submitted during counselling.

• Foreign nationals are not required to register with the DCI during the NEET MDS exam temporarily.
• On payment of the application fee, temporary registration may be granted by DCI for the course duration.
• Temporary registration is limited to the admitting institution.
• The candidate must be a registered practitioner in their own country.
• The basic dental qualification must be recognised by the relevant authority or dental council in that country.
• The internship dates submitted (start and completion) will be treated as final.
• The original internship completion certificate must be presented at the time of counselling.

NEET MDS 2025 Eligibility Criteria for Jammu and Kashmir Candidates

Candidates from Jammu and Kashmir must meet specific conditions to qualify for NEET MDS 2025 All India Quota seats. These guidelines include exceptions, affidavit requirements, and a designated address for document submission.

• Candidates with a BDS degree from J&K are not eligible for AIQ seats.
• Exception: Candidates nominated by the Government of India under central pool seats are eligible.
• These candidates must submit a signed affidavit confirming the nomination.
• The affidavit should be sent along with the application copy to: Address for Affidavit Submission: Deputy Director (Exams), National Board of Examinations, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Medical Enclave, (Ring Road) Ansari Nagar, New Delhi – 110029

Also Check: NEET MDS 2025 Exam Pattern

NEET MDS 2025 Eligibility Criteria for NRI Candidates

NRI candidates applying for NEET MDS 2025 must follow specific eligibility norms, including completing a 12-month rotatory internship by July 31, 2025, and fulfilling prior academic commitments if enrolled in a postgraduate course.

• A 12-month Compulsory Rotatory Internship certificate must be submitted during counselling.
• Internship must be completed by July 31, 2025 (extended from March 31).
• Candidates pursuing a PG course in any institution/university must complete the current course before applying for NEET MDS admission, if the institution’s rules demand it.

NEET MDS 2025 Number of Attempts

There is no limit on the number of attempts for NEET MDS. Candidates can appear for the exam as many times as required, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for each attempt. This includes holding a BDS degree from a recognised institution, completing a one-year rotatory internship by July 31, 2025, and possessing provisional or permanent registration with a State Dental Council (SDC) or the Dental Council of India (DCI).

Eligible Candidates:

• Indian citizens
• Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs)
• Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs)

NEET MDS 2025 Eligibility FAQs