Karnataka NEET MDS 2026 Counselling Registration Closes Today (17 August 2026): Check Eligibility, Registration Steps, Next Steps & More

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) is set to close the Postgraduate Entrance Test (PGET) MDS 2026 counselling registration today, August 17, 2026, at 11:59 pm. Qualified candidates seeking admission to postgraduate dental seats for the 2026-27 academic session in Karnataka must complete their applications on the official portal, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/pgmds2026. This registration is mandatory for all aspirants aiming for MDS admissions through KEA.

This marks a critical deadline for NEET MDS 2026 qualified candidates, as failure to register by tonight will preclude them from participating in any of the subsequent counselling rounds. The KEA conducts the state-level counselling for Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) admissions, encompassing both government and private dental colleges across Karnataka.

Karnataka NEET MDS 2026 Registration: Key Dates

The KEA officially commenced the registration process following the release of the official notification on August 13, 2026. The e-Brochure, detailing the counselling process and seat matrix, was subsequently published on August 15, 2026. While registration concludes tonight, candidates will have an additional day to complete the fee payment.

Eligibility Criteria for Karnataka NEET MDS 2026 Counselling

Only candidates who have successfully qualified the NEET MDS 2026 examination are eligible to register through the KEA portal. As per the official guidelines, the minimum cut-off for general category candidates is the 50th percentile in NEET MDS 2026. Applicants belonging to SC, ST, and OBC categories qualify at lower percentiles, as stipulated by NEET MDS rules. non-Karnataka residents cannot claim SC, ST, or OBC reservation benefits under this state counselling process.

How to Apply for Karnataka NEET MDS 2026 Counselling

Candidates must ensure they complete their registration before the 11:59 pm deadline today. The process involves accessing the dedicated PGET MDS 2026 portal on the KEA website and submitting the required information. The fee payment window remains open until 6 pm on August 18, 2026.

1. Go to the official KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/pgmds2026.
2. Click on the link for PGET MDS 2026 counselling registration.
3. Fill in all the required details accurately in the online application form.
4. Upload necessary documents as per the specifications mentioned in the e-brochure.
5. Review the application form thoroughly before final submission.
6. Proceed to pay the registration fee online by 6 pm on August 18, 2026.

Karnataka NEET MDS 2026 Seat Matrix

The Karnataka NEET MDS 2026 seat matrix lists college-wise seats under four categories—Government (G), Private (P), NRI (N) and Other Management/Minority (Q)—as detailed in the KEA e-brochure released on August 15, 2026.

Karnataka NEET MDS 2026 Counselling Rounds

Karnataka NEET MDS 2026 counselling conducted by KEA will be held across four rounds, with registration required for participation.

• Round 1: Initial seat allotment and admission.
• Round 2: Second round of seat allotment for eligible candidates.
• Mop-up Round: Conducted to fill seats remaining after the regular rounds.
• Stray Vacancy Round: Final round to fill any seats still vacant.
• Candidates who miss the registration deadline will not be eligible to participate in the subsequent counselling rounds.
• After registration closes, KEA is expected to release the detailed seat matrix and choice-filling schedule.