Overview
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has released the Karnataka PG Dental 2026 seat matrix for candidates seeking admission to postgraduate dental courses in the state. The matrix provides college-wise, course-wise and category-wise availability of Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) seats for the 2026 counselling process; the consolidated number of seats must be checked in the official matrix.
Candidates who have qualified or are appearing for NEET MDS 2026, subject to the applicable counselling rules, should review the matrix before registration, option entry and seat allotment. Seat availability may be revised during subsequent counselling rounds following approvals, withdrawals or conversion of unfilled seats.
Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|
| Organization | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Post Name | PG Dental 2026 MDS Seats |
| Total Vacancies | As specified in the college-wise official seat matrix |
| Application Mode | Online counselling and option entry |
| Official Website | https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ |
Important Dates
The detailed counselling schedule has not yet been specified in the available notification. Candidates should regularly check the KEA portal for updates.
| Event | Date |
|---|
| Application Start | TBA |
| Last Date | TBA |
| Exam Date | NEET MDS 2026 — TBA |
| Result Date | TBA |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Candidates must possess a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from a university or institution recognised under the applicable dental education regulations.
- Applicants must have completed, or be due to complete, the prescribed compulsory rotating internship by the cut-off date announced for PG Dental admission.
- A valid registration certificate from the Dental Council of India or a State Dental Council, as applicable, is required.
- Candidates must qualify NEET MDS 2026 with the minimum percentile prescribed for their category.
- Karnataka eligibility, domicile, institutional quota and reservation requirements will apply based on the candidate's claim and the documents produced during verification.
- Possessing the minimum qualification does not guarantee admission. Final eligibility will be determined during document verification and counselling.
Age Limit
- No separate general upper age limit has been indicated in the seat matrix notice.
- Candidates must satisfy the age and eligibility conditions prescribed under NEET MDS and Karnataka PG Dental counselling rules.
- Any category-specific relaxation or restriction will be governed by the detailed information bulletin.
Fees
- The registration, counselling and security deposit amounts will be notified through the detailed counselling schedule or information bulletin.
- Tuition fees vary according to the government, private, minority, NRI or other quota under which a seat is allotted.
- Candidates should verify the college-wise fee structure before locking their options.
- Payment should be made only through the authorised online facility or in the manner specified by KEA.
Selection Process
- NEET MDS merit: Candidates must qualify the national-level entrance examination and meet the applicable cut-off percentile.
- Registration and document verification: Eligible candidates must register for Karnataka counselling, pay the prescribed fee and complete verification of academic, identity, category and eligibility documents.
- Option entry and seat allotment: Seats will be allotted based on NEET MDS rank, reservation rules, eligibility, options entered by the candidate and availability shown in the relevant counselling round.
The published matrix is intended to help applicants make informed choices. It does not constitute an individual offer of admission, and the displayed seats may change before or during allotment.
How to Apply
- Visit the official KEA website at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/.
- Open the admissions or latest announcements section and select the link for PG Dental 2026 counselling.
- Download the seat matrix and check the institution name, MDS speciality, quota, category and number of available seats.
- When registration opens, create an account using a valid mobile number, email address and NEET MDS details. Candidates already registered should use their assigned credentials.
- Complete the online form carefully and enter personal, academic, internship, registration and reservation information exactly as shown on supporting documents.
- Upload the required certificates in the prescribed format and pay the applicable counselling fee before the deadline.
- Attend online or offline document verification if directed. Keep the BDS marksheets, degree certificate, internship certificate, dental registration, NEET MDS scorecard, identity proof and category documents ready.
- Enter preferred colleges and MDS specialities during the option-entry period. Review the seat matrix and fee structure before saving or locking choices.
- Download the allotment result after publication and follow the instructions for fee payment, choice selection and reporting to the allotted institution.
- Retain copies of the submitted form, payment receipt, verification slip, option-entry record and allotment order for future reference.
Important Links
FAQs
1. Where can candidates check the Karnataka PG Dental 2026 seat matrix?
Candidates can download or view the matrix through the PG Dental admissions section of the official KEA portal.
2. Is qualifying NEET MDS 2026 compulsory for Karnataka counselling?
Yes. Candidates must qualify NEET MDS 2026 and satisfy the state counselling eligibility and document requirements.
3. Does the seat matrix guarantee admission to an MDS course?
No. Admission depends on rank, category, verified eligibility, options entered and seat