New Delhi: According to information shared by the National Medical Commission (NMC), a total of 443 applications were received over the last five years for establishing new medical colleges, out of which 265 were approved, Union Minister of State for Health Smt Anupriya Patel informed the Lok Sabha recently.

As per the data, the Minister informed that 82 applications were received and 48 were approved in the academic year 2021–22, 83 applications were received and 46 were approved in the academic year 2022–23, 86 applications were received and 54 were approved in the year 2023–24, 112 applications were received and 74 were approved in the academic year 2024–25 and 80 applications were received and 43 were approved in the academic year 2025–26.

The data was presented in Parliament in response to queries raised by two Members of Parliament regarding the number of medical colleges permitted to be opened by the National Medical Commission during the last five years, the number of applications received by the NMC for opening new medical colleges during the last five years and whether the National Medical Commission also permits private applicants to open deemed medical colleges in the country.

In response, Patel informed, "As informed by National Medical Commission (NMC), the total number of applications received and approved for the establishment of new medical colleges by NMC during the last five years are as under:"

Total Number of State/UT wise Under Graduate (UG) Medical Colleges for the last five Years:

Patel further informed that As per section 4 of Chapter-II of the Establishment of New Medical Institutions, Starting of New Medical Courses, Increase of Seats for Existing Courses & Assessment and Rating Regulations, 2023, "No Medical College or medical institutions can be established, or new medical course or courses be started unless it is granted permission by the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) in writing, in response to an application submitted in this regard."

All Important NEET 2026 Information and Key Announcements

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG) 2026, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is India’s largest and most competitive medical entrance examination for admission to MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH courses. Every year, lakhs of students appear for NEET, making it essential to stay updated with all official notifications, including exam date, application process, admit card, answer key, results, and counselling schedule.

As per the latest update, NEET UG 2026 is scheduled to be held on 3rd May 2026, and NTA has also released an important advisory for candidates. This page provides all real-time NEET 2026 updates, key dates, and important announcements in one place, helping you stay informed and ahead in your preparation journey.

NEET UG 2026: Latest Advisory Released for Exam Dates Timeline

• The National Testing Agency is expected to release the NEET UG 2026 City Intimation Slip in mid-April 2026. 

• The NEET UG 2026 admit card will be released by the National Testing Agency on the official website approximately 3 to 4 days before the exam date.

• As per the latest update from the National Testing Agency, NEET UG 2026 will be conducted on Sunday, May 3, 2026. Candidates should now focus on the next stages of the exam process, including the release of the admit card and final preparation.

• The NEET UG 2026 application form window was open from February 8 to March 11, 2026. 

• Students who completed registration were given an opportunity to make corrections during the correction window from March 12 to March 14, 2026.

• With registration now closed, aspirants are advised to stay updated on official announcements regarding the admit card, exam guidelines, and the result timeline.

NEET UG 2026 Major Changes and Important Updates

NEET 2026 introduces several important changes that directly impact the exam pattern, registration process, and verification system. As per the latest updates from the National Testing Agency, students must carefully review them to avoid mistakes and align their preparation strategies.

Key Changes in NEET UG 2026

• Live Photo Capture During Registration: Candidates must upload a real-time photo using a webcam or mobile while filling out the application form to ensure identity verification.

• No Optional Questions (Section B Removed): The exam pattern has been revised to include 180 compulsory questions, removing internal choices. Students must now attempt all questions.

• Reduced Exam Duration: The total exam duration has been reduced to 3 hours (180 minutes), making time management more critical.

• Aadhaar-Based Verification and DigiLocker Integration: Mandatory Aadhaar-based eKYC has been introduced, along with the use of DigiLocker to access documents such as admit cards and scorecards.

• Stricter Entry Guidelines: Candidates will not be allowed to enter the exam centre after 01:30 PM, reinforcing the need for strict adherence to the reporting time.

• Flexible City Selection: Students can now choose up to three preferred exam cities while filling out the application form.

NEET UG 2026 Registration Dates and Application Form Updates

Yes, the NEET UG 2026 registration process has already been completed. The application form was released by the National Testing Agency on February 8, 2026, and candidates were allowed to apply until March 11, 2026 (9:00 PM). The last date for fee payment was extended till 11:50 PM on the same day.

Candidates who have successfully registered can now focus on the upcoming stages, as the NEET UG 2026 exam is scheduled for May 3, 2026.

NEET UG 2026 Syllabus Updates Released by NMC: Updated Topics for Physics, Chemistry and Biology

The NEET UG 2026 syllabus has been officially released by the National Medical Commission through its Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB). As per the official notice dated December 22, 2025, the final syllabus outlines all important topics from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology for the upcoming exam.

The updated syllabus is now available on the official NMC website, helping students align their preparation with the latest exam requirements for the 2026-27 academic session. Aspirants are strongly advised to follow the revised syllabus to avoid studying outdated or irrelevant topics.

NEET UG 2026 City Intimation Slip Release Date and Details

The National Testing Agency is expected to release the NEET UG 2026 City Intimation Slip in mid-April 2026. This slip informs candidates about the city where their exam centre will be allotted, helping them plan travel and accommodation in advance.

It is important to note that the city intimation slip is not the admit card. It does not include details such as the exact exam centre address or reporting time. Candidates can download it from the official NEET website using their application number and date of birth.

Students are advised to check the city details early to avoid last-minute confusion and ensure smooth planning for exam day.

NEET UG 2026 Admit Card Release Date and Important Instructions

The NEET UG 2026 admit card will be released by the National Testing Agency on the official website approximately 3 to 4 days before the exam date.

The admit card is a mandatory document to appear for the exam and includes critical details such as:

• Candidate’s name and roll number

• Exam date and timing

• Exact exam centre address

• Reporting time and exam day instructions

Candidates must download and print the admit card well in advance and verify all the details carefully. In case of any discrepancy, it should be reported immediately to the NTA for correction.

NEET UG 2026 Answer Key Release and Score Calculation Details

• The NEET UG 2026 provisional answer key is expected to be released in June 2026 by the National Testing Agency on the official website

• The final answer key and result will be घोषित after reviewing all objections

• Candidates can challenge the provisional answer key by paying ₹200 per question within the given time window

• To estimate scores, use the marking scheme:

  • +4 marks for each correct answer

  • -1 mark for each incorrect answer

• This helps students predict their expected score and rank before the official result is announced

Check Here: NEET 2026 Answer Key

NEET UG 2026 Cut Off and Safe Score Analysis

• The expected NEET UG 2026 qualifying cut-off for the General category (50th percentile) may range from 135 to 720+ marks

• For OBC, SC, and ST categories (40th percentile), the cut-off is expected to be between 107 and 134 marks

• A score of 610 to 650+ is generally considered safe for securing a top government MBBS college

• A score of 580+ can still provide a good chance in many government or semi-government colleges

• The final cut-off will depend on:

  • Exam difficulty level

  • Number of candidates appearing

  • Total available medical seats

• The actual cut-off will be officially released by the National Testing Agency after the result declaration

Check Here: NEET UG 2026 Cut-off

NEET UG 2026 Result Date and Scorecard Details

The NEET UG 2026 result is expected to be declared in June 2026 by the National Testing Agency

The exam is scheduled to be held on May 3, 2026

Candidates can download their scorecards from the official website after the result declaration

The scorecard will include:

• Marks obtained

• Percentile score

• All India Rank AIR

Students should regularly check official updates for the exact result date and next admission steps

NEET UG 2026 Counselling Process and Important Details

The NEET UG 2026 counselling is expected to start in July 2026.

It will be conducted under two main quotas:

• 15% All India Quota AIQ managed by the Medical Counselling Committee for AIIMS, JIPMER, central universities, and government seats

• 85% State Quota managed by respective state authorities for state government and private colleges

The counselling process includes:

• Online registration

• Fee payment

• Choice filling and locking

• Seat allotment based on NEET rank

• Document verification at the allotted college

Candidates must complete each step carefully to secure admission to their preferred medical college

For students aiming to build a career in dentistry, understanding the BDS cut-off for NEET 2026 is an essential step in planning their admission journey. Although the official cutoffs for government and private dental colleges will be released during the counselling process, aspirants can still estimate their chances by analysing expected cutoff ranges and previous year trends. NEET UG 2026 is scheduled for 3 May 2026, and the final cutoffs will depend on multiple factors, including exam difficulty, the number of candidates, category reservations, quotas, and seat availability.

It is equally important to understand the difference between the NEET qualifying cutoff and the BDS admission cutoff. The qualifying cutoff is the minimum score required to participate in counselling, whereas the admission cutoff is the actual score at which seats are allotted through MCC and state counselling processes, which are often significantly higher.
Since the latest official counselling data is available for the 2025 cycle, the 2026 college-wise cutoffs are yet to be released. Until then, analysing past trends remains the most reliable way to estimate a safe target score for NEET 2026.

NEET Qualifying Cutoff vs BDS Admission Cutoff

Many students think the NEET qualifying cutoff and the BDS admission cutoff are the same, but they are different. This is one of the most important things to understand while checking the BDS cut-off for NEET 2026.

The NEET qualifying cutoff is the minimum score or percentile required to become eligible for counselling. NTA announces this cutoff after the NEET result. For NEET UG 2026, the exam is scheduled for 3 May 2026, so the official qualifying cutoff will be released only after the result is declared.

The BDS admission cutoff is the actual score, rank, or closing rank at which a student gets a BDS seat in a college. This cutoff changes by college, category, quota, state, and counselling round. So, even if a student clears the NEET qualifying cutoff, that does not mean they will automatically get admission to a government dental college. MCC handles counselling for 15% All India Quota MBBS/BDS seats, while the remaining seats are filled through state counselling authorities.

Difference Between NEET Qualifying Cutoff and BDS Admission Cutoff

MCC’s official UG counselling system publishes counselling schedules, allotment results, and seat-processing updates for BDS admissions under AIQ. That means the official BDS admission cutoff for NEET 2026 will be known only during the counselling cycle, not immediately after the NEET exam.

Why This Difference Matters for BDS Admission

If your goal is BDS admission in a top government college, you should not prepare only to cross the qualifying marks. You should aim much higher, because the actual BDS cutoff is usually far above the minimum NEET qualifying cutoff, especially for high-demand colleges and General category seats.

That is why students should use previous year BDS cutoff trends, college-wise closing scores, and category-wise expected ranges to set a realistic NEET 2026 target. Until the official 2026 counselling data is released, this is the best way to plan safely.

Expected BDS Cut Off for NEET 2026 Category Wise

The expected BDS cut-off for NEET 2026 will vary by category, counselling quota, college type, and competition level. Since NEET UG 2026 is scheduled for 3 May 2026, the official qualifying cutoff and college-wise BDS admission cutoffs have not been released yet. Right now, students can only use expected ranges based on previous NEET trends and recent BDS counselling patterns.

To understand this section correctly, remember one thing: the official NEET qualifying cutoff is only the minimum score needed to become eligible for counselling, while the BDS admission cutoff is the actual score or rank needed to secure a seat in a dental college. Since MCC is still showing the latest published 2025 UG counselling schedules and not a 2026 BDS cutoff list yet, the figures below should be treated as planning estimates, not final cutoffs.

Expected BDS Cut Off for NEET 2026

Category-Wise BDS Cutoff Expectations

General Category BDS Cut Off for NEET 2026

For the General category, the expected BDS cutoff is likely to remain the highest. Students targeting top government BDS colleges may need scores in the 520+ to 560+ range, while many other BDS options may open at lower scores depending on state quota and counselling round. The draft you shared estimates top colleges like MAIDS Delhi and Government Dental College, Mumbai in the mid-550s to 570s for the General category.

OBC Category BDS Cut Off for NEET 2026

For OBC candidates, the expected BDS cutoff usually stays slightly below the General category in many counselling pools. A competitive score for stronger BDS colleges may still be around the 480 to 540 range, while broader admission possibilities can start lower depending on state quota and private college participation.

SC Category BDS Cut Off for NEET 2026

For SC candidates, the expected BDS cutoff is generally lower than General and OBC, but top government dental colleges can still remain competitive. A student aiming for a stronger BDS college should ideally target a higher score band instead of preparing only for the minimum qualifying marks.

ST Category BDS Cut Off for NEET 2026

For ST candidates, the expected BDS cutoff may remain comparatively lower, but actual admission still depends on college demand, seat matrix, and category-wise participation in counselling. In some rounds, score movement can be significant, especially in state quota counselling.

PwD Category BDS Cut Off for NEET 2026

For PwD candidates, the expected cutoff depends on both the parent category and the seat availability under PwD reservation. Students in this category should track both the qualifying percentile rules and the college-specific closing trends during counselling. The previous-year trend table in your draft already shows separate bands for UR/EWS-PH and reserved-category PwD candidates.

Important Note on BDS Cutoff 2026

Students should not treat the expected BDS cut-off for NEET 2026 as the final admission score. The actual cutoff will change based on:

• NEET 2026 paper difficulty

• number of candidates appearing

• total BDS seats available

• AIQ vs state quota competition

• counselling round movement

• category-wise seat distribution

That is why this section should be followed by a previous year trends table and a college-wise expected cutoff section. Those two sections make the page much stronger for SEO and much more useful for students.

BDS College Wise NEET Cutoff Trends 2023 to 2025

Checking the college-wise BDS cutoff trends for NEET helps students understand how admission ranks have moved in recent years. Instead of depending only on broad expected score ranges, aspirants can use actual opening rank and closing rank data from previous counselling cycles to estimate which colleges may be realistic targets in NEET 2026. 

BDS College Wise NEET Cutoff Trends 2025

BDS College Wise NEET Cutoff Trends 2024

BDS College Wise NEET Cutoff Trends 2023

BDS Cut Off for NEET Previous Year Trends

Checking the previous year's BDS cutoff trends helps students understand how the cutoff has changed over time. Since the official BDS cut-off for NEET 2026 will be released only after the result and counselling process, these past trends can help aspirants estimate a safer target score for admission.

NEET 2025 BDS Cut Off

NEET 2024 BDS Cut Off

NEET 2023 BDS Cut Off

NEET 2022 BDS Cut Off

BDS NEET 2026 Expected Cutoff for Top Colleges

The table below combines all the top colleges in one place, with college names in a single column and categories as separate columns. These are expected NEET 2026 score ranges based on the draft data you shared, not official 2026 closing cutoffs.

Factors Affecting BDS Cut Off for NEET 2026

The BDS cut-off for NEET 2026 will not be the same for every student, category, or college. It changes every year based on multiple admission-related factors. That is why students should not depend only on last year’s cutoff while setting their NEET target score. As your draft also notes, the cutoff changes with factors such as exam difficulty, number of applicants, and available seats.

1. Difficulty Level of the NEET 2026 Exam

The difficulty level of the paper plays a major role in deciding the cutoff. If the NEET 2026 exam is easier, more students are likely to score higher marks, which can push the BDS cutoff upward. If the paper is tougher, the cutoff may fall slightly because the overall score distribution becomes lower.

2. Number of Students Appearing for NEET

The more candidates who appear for NEET, the higher the competition becomes. A larger number of test-takers usually increases pressure on limited BDS seats, especially in government dental colleges. This can raise the closing scores in both AIQ and state quota counselling.

3. Total BDS Seats Available

The number of BDS seats available in government and private colleges also affects the cutoff. If the total seat count increases, the cutoff may become slightly more flexible in some categories or colleges. If seats remain limited, competition becomes tighter, and cutoffs can rise.

4. Category-Wise Reservation

The BDS cutoff for the NEET 2026 category-wise will vary across General, OBC, SC, ST, and PwD categories. Reserved category candidates usually have different cutoff ranges compared to the General category. This is why students should always check category-specific expected trends instead of looking at one common score range.

5. All India Quota vs State Quota

The cutoff also changes based on the counselling quota. All India Quota (AIQ) seats in top government colleges are usually more competitive because students from across the country compete for them. On the other hand, state quota cutoffs may differ depending on domicile rules, local competition, and the number of participating colleges in that state.

6. Choice of College

Not every dental college closes at the same score. Top colleges, such as highly preferred government dental institutions, generally have a much higher cutoff, while other colleges may have lower closing scores. College reputation, location, fees, and past results all affect student preference and cutoff movement.

7. Counselling Round

The cutoff can change from one round to another. Round 1 often has higher closing scores in top colleges, while later rounds may show some movement depending on seat vacancy, upgradation, resignation, and reporting patterns. Students should therefore track cutoff trends across all counselling rounds, not just the first list.

8. Overall Performance of Candidates

If a larger number of students score in the higher mark range, the BDS admission cutoff may rise even if the exam is not very easy. Similarly, if the overall score pattern is lower, the cutoff may shift downward. This makes yearly cutoff prediction only an estimate, not a certainty.

Can You Get BDS with 300, 400, or 500 Marks in NEET 2026?

Yes, it is possible to get BDS admission through NEET 2026 with 300, 400, or 500 marks, but the chances will depend on your category, quota, college type, state, and the overall cutoff trend for the year. Since the official BDS cut-off for NEET 2026 is not out yet, students should treat these score ranges as planning zones rather than confirmed admission scores. The expected cutoff trends and top college estimates in your draft clearly show that higher scores improve chances in better government colleges, while lower scores may still open options in private colleges or less competitive counselling rounds.

Can I Get BDS with 500 Marks in NEET 2026?

Scoring 500 marks in NEET 2026 can put a student in a competitive position for BDS admission, especially in many government dental colleges under certain categories or state quotas. For reserved category candidates, 500 can be a strong score in many counselling situations. For General category students, 500 marks may still offer a decent chance in some government colleges, but the most competitive colleges may close at a higher score. Your draft already places top government BDS colleges for the General category mostly in the mid-540s to 570s range, which shows that 500 is good, but may not always be enough for the topmost options.

Can I Get BDS with 400 Marks in NEET 2026?

Getting BDS with 400 marks in NEET 2026 is possible, but the chances are usually stronger in:

• state quota counselling

• reserved category seats

• private dental colleges

• later counselling rounds, depending on vacancy

For General category students, 400 marks may be borderline for many government colleges, especially in high-demand states. However, for OBC, SC, or ST candidates, admission chances may improve depending on the category cutoff and state-level competition. This score range should be seen as a possible BDS admission score, but not a safe score for all government colleges.

Can I Get BDS with 300 Marks in NEET 2026?

With 300 marks in NEET 2026, BDS admission is still possible in some cases, but options become much more limited. At this score, students are more likely to find opportunities in:

• private dental colleges

• lower-demand colleges

• reserved category seats in some states

• later rounds if seats remain vacant

For top government BDS colleges, 300 marks is usually not considered a competitive score. Students in this range should stay realistic and carefully explore both state counselling and private college options.

BDS Admission Chances by NEET Score

What Score is Safe for BDS in NEET 2026?

A safe score for BDS in NEET 2026 depends on what kind of college you are targeting. If your goal is a top government dental college, you may need a significantly higher score. If your target is simply to secure a BDS seat in any recognised college, then a lower score may still work depending on the counselling movement, category, and quota. That is why students should use:

• expected cutoff ranges

• previous year trends

• top college cutoff analysis

• category-wise comparison

together before setting a realistic target.

Final Take

If you are asking whether 300, 400, or 500 marks are enough for BDS in NEET 2026, the answer is yes, but the college options will change sharply with the score. 500 marks keep you in a much safer zone, 400 marks gives mixed possibilities, and 300 marks require flexible expectations. The smarter approach is to aim above the minimum and keep both government and private counselling options open. 

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is a professional undergraduate degree designed for students who want to build a career in the field of dentistry. In India, BDS is the primary qualification required to become a certified dentist. The course provides comprehensive knowledge of oral health, dental anatomy, diagnosis, and treatment procedures, along with hands-on clinical training. It is an ideal choice for students interested in the medical field and committed to improving dental and oral healthcare.

The total duration of the BDS course is five years, which includes four years of academic study followed by one year of compulsory internship. During the internship, students gain real-world clinical experience by working with patients under professional supervision. This practical exposure helps them develop essential diagnostic and treatment skills, preparing them for independent practice.

To be eligible for admission into a BDS program in India, students must have completed their 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as core subjects. A minimum of 50% marks is generally required, although this may vary by category. Additionally, qualifying the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is mandatory for admission. The admission process is conducted through centralized counseling, including All India Quota and State Quota, where seats are allocated based on NEET scores.

Throughout the course, students study a wide range of subjects such as Dental Anatomy, Oral Pathology, Pharmacology, General Surgery, Orthodontics, and Prosthodontics. These subjects combine theoretical learning with practical training, enabling students to diagnose and treat various dental conditions effectively. The curriculum is designed to build both academic knowledge and clinical competence.

The fee structure for BDS programs in India varies depending on the type of institution. Government colleges typically offer more affordable tuition, while private colleges may have higher fee structures. After completing the course, graduates have multiple career opportunities, including starting their own dental clinic, working in hospitals, joining government services, or pursuing higher education such as MDS.

BDS is a stable and respected profession with strong potential for growth. With increasing awareness of oral hygiene and dental health, the demand for qualified dentists continues to rise. Students who pursue this course with dedication and proper guidance can establish a successful and rewarding career in dentistry.

NEET 2026 exam centres in Chhattisgarh cover 19 cities including Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg (Bhilai Nagar), Jagdalpur, Korba, and Ambikapur. Candidates select preferences during registration at neet.nta.nic.in; NTA allots centres based on availability and choices.

Choosing nearby centres minimizes travel stress and boosts performance.

Chhattisgarh NEET Exam Centres List (City Codes)

Raipur Centre Highlights
Raipur (Code 1703), the capital, offers multiple venues and excellent connectivity. Nearby districts often prefer it; arrive early to beat traffic.​

How to Choose Centres

• Prioritize nearest city for minimal travel.

• Select 2-3 preferences to ensure allotment.

• Verify transport links (road/rail).

• Book stay nearby to cut exam-day anxiety.​

Exam Day Rules

• Carry: Admit card + passport photo (4x6"), ID (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport/Voter), PwD certificate if applicable.

• Prohibited: Phones, calculators, watches, food/water.

• Dress: Simple clothes, no shoes/heels; early check for religious attire.​

Refer to NTA's official brochure for the latest PDF list and updates.

Ahmedabad: The National Board of Examinations (NBE) has released internship cut-off dates and a tentative exam schedule for postgraduate medical admissions (MD, MS, MDS) in 2026. Unlike past years—when PG NEET typically occurred by May—the 2026 exams are set much later, potentially causing a nationwide shortage of resident doctors in hospitals.

For MD/MS courses, the PG NEET exam is tentatively scheduled for August 30, with candidates required to complete internships by September 30, 2026. Those finishing by this date remain eligible, even if their internship extends beyond the exam.

NEET MDS is slated for May 2, with an internship cut-off of May 31. These are provisional dates, subject to change.

Meanwhile, the third round of counselling for the current year continues nationwide after a lowered qualifying percentile. Sources warn that delayed admissions—likely starting in October or November post-internships—could leave hospitals short-staffed until after Diwali, affecting not just Gujarat but the entire country.