Government MDS Seats in India: Eligibility, Admission, Fees & State-Wise Seat Matrix
Explore government MDS seats in India, including eligibility, admission process, seat distribution, fees, and top specializations for aspiring dental specialists.

The path to Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) specialization requires a significant move for dental graduates. Indian students value MDS programs in government institutions because they combine low fees with top-tier educational standards and topnotch facilities.
In this article you will get an overview of everything you need to know about government MDS seats in India including eligibility criteria, admission process, types of MDS seats and there distribution, and common questions to guide you on your MDS journey.
Government MDS Seats in India
Government MDS refers to postgraduate dental seats offered by government dental colleges in India. These seats are funded by the government, which makes them much more affordable than those in private or deemed universities.
The lower fees, combined with experienced faculty and a higher number of patients for practical learning, make government MDS seats a popular choice among students. Those who complete their MDS from a government college also have better chances of getting government jobs or academic positions after their studies.
You can refer to the table below for an overview of Government MDS:
Course Name |
MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) |
Offered By |
Government Dental Colleges in India |
Fee Structure |
Affordable (₹15,000 – ₹1,00,000 annually approx.) |
Admission Exam |
NEET MDS (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – MDS) |
Eligibility |
BDS degree + Internship completion + NEET MDS qualification |
Seat Types |
All India Quota (50%) & State Quota (50%) |
Popular Specializations |
Orthodontics, Oral Surgery, Endodontics, Prosthodontics |
Benefits |
Low fees, experienced faculty, high patient inflow, better job opportunities |
Website |
Read More: Best Government Dental Colleges in Rajasthan for Aspiring Doctors
Government MDS Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a government MDS seat in India, you need to meet the following criteria:
Criteria |
Requirement |
Educational Qualification |
BDS degree from a recognized college/university |
Internship Completion |
Must complete 1-year internship before 31st March of the admission year |
NEET MDS Exam |
Mandatory – you must qualify NEET MDS |
Minimum Marks in NEET MDS |
50th percentile (40th for reserved categories) |
Registration |
Must be registered with State Dental Council or DCI |
Admission Process for Government MDS Seats
The National Board of Examinations (NBE) organizes NEET MDS to admit candidates into government MDS seats. The admission procedure conducts central counseling sessions which incorporate State-level together with All India rounds.
Step-by-Step Admission Process:
-
Appear for NEET MDS – This is the only entrance exam for MDS in India.
-
Qualify the exam – Meet the minimum cut-off percentile.
-
Register for counselling:
-
For All India Quota (AIQ) seats: Through MCC (Medical Counselling Committee) website.
-
For State Quota seats: Through respective State Counselling Authorities.
-
Choice filling & locking – Select your preferred colleges and specializations.
-
Seat allotment – Based on rank, preferences, and seat availability.
-
Document verification & admission – Report to the allotted college with documents.
Read More: NEET PG Counselling 2025
Types of Government MDS Seats
There are mainly two types of government MDS seats available:Some states may also have Institutional Quota or PWD (Persons with Disability) Quota under state seats.
Type of Seat |
Description |
All India Quota (AIQ) Seats |
50% of seats in government dental colleges are reserved for AIQ. Students from any state can apply. |
State Quota Seats |
The remaining 50% seats are reserved for students of that particular state. |
Some states may also have Institutional Quota or PWD (Persons with Disability) Quota under state seats.
Government MDS Seats Distribution
The MDS seat availability in India reaches 7,175. Private dental colleges account for 6,363 seats whereas government dental colleges make up 956 seats. Private MDS seats in Karnataka represent the largest number throughout all states thus attracting numerous students towards MDS study programs.
State |
No. of government colleges |
No. of seats in government colleges |
No. of private colleges |
No. of seats in private colleges |
Karnataka (Highest Number of MDS Seats) |
1 college |
27 seats |
38 colleges |
1,165 seats |
Assam |
1 college |
10 seats |
No private colleges |
|
Delhi |
4 college |
36 seats |
No private colleges |
|
Haryana |
1 college |
33 seats |
9 college |
248 seats |
Himachal Pradesh |
1 college |
33 seats |
3 college |
76 seats |
Pondicherry |
1 college |
19 seats |
3 college |
55 seats |
Maharashtra |
5 college |
158 seats |
32 college |
821 seats |
West Bengal |
1 college |
33 seats |
3 college |
92 seats |
Tamil Nadu |
2 college |
79 seats |
26 college |
687 seats |
Jharkhand |
No government colleges |
- |
3 college |
64 seats |
Andhra Pradesh |
2 college |
47 seats |
15 college |
428 seats |
Bihar |
1 college |
2 seats |
3 college |
82 seats |
Chandigarh |
1 college |
17 seats |
No private colleges |
- |
Chhattishgarh |
1 college |
26 seats |
6 college |
144 seats |
Goa |
1 college |
25 seats |
No private colleges |
- |
Gujarat |
3 college |
78 seats |
12 college |
307 seats |
J&K |
2 college |
42 seats |
No private colleges |
- |
Kerala |
3 college |
71 seats |
19 college |
335 seats |
Madhya Pradesh |
1 college |
34 seats |
12 college |
275 seats |
Odisha |
1 college |
27 seats |
3 college |
74 seats |
Punjab |
2 college |
27 seats |
10 college |
148 seats |
Rajasthan |
1 college |
22 seats |
12 college |
331 seats |
Telangana |
1 college |
27 seats |
11 college |
303 seats |
Uttar Pradesh |
4 college |
93 seats |
21 college |
612 seats |
Uttarakhand |
No government colleges |
- |
2 college |
36 seats |
Although the number of government seats is limited compared to private colleges, with the right preparation and a good NEET MDS score, aspirants can secure a seat. Stay updated with the counselling process and plan your choices wisely to achieve your dream of becoming a specialist in dentistry.
Read More: Best Books for NEET PG
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is the fee for Government MDS seats?
Ans. The tuition fees for MDS courses in government colleges usually range from ₹15,000 to ₹1,00,000 per year, depending on the state. This is much more affordable compared to private colleges.
Q2. Can I apply for a government MDS seat in another state?
Ans. Candidates applying to All India Quota (AIQ) seats can submit applications to government medical colleges throughout India. State Quota availability requires students to have state residency status.
Q3. What is the total no. of MDS seats in India?
Ans. Currently there are 7,175 government MDS seats.
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