Hello Aspirants! Are you planning to pursue MDS admission in Gujarat, but unsure about the admission and counselling process? Don’t worry– I’m here to help you out. I am Dr. Pratiksha Gupta, Senior Quality & Research Expert at CareerMudhra. I will guide you through the MDS admission process in Gujarat by sharing my knowledge in this article.
Admission Committee for Professional Post Graduate Medical Courses (ACPPGMEC), Gandhinagar, conducts admission to the 12 dental colleges offering MDS courses in various specializations in Gujarat. ACPPGMEC manages admission through the state counselling to the 3 government dental colleges and 8 self-financing/ private dental colleges under state, management, and NRI quotas. Admission to the 1 deemed university is handled by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) under the All India Quota.
When planning for MDS admission, it’s common to have questions about the process, eligibility, and especially whether NEET-MDS is required. Before getting into the details, let’s make this clear—NEET-MDS is compulsory for admission to MDS courses in Gujarat, irrespective of the quota you choose. This guide will answer all your queries, including the admission process, counselling, eligibility, fees, and seat-related information.
Contents
MDS Admission Process in Gujarat
Admission to MDS courses in Gujarat is conducted through the state MDS counselling for government and self-financing dental colleges, while deemed university admission is managed through MCC counselling. It is mandatory to undergo counselling for all candidates, irrespective of the seat category they are applying to. Qualifying in NEET-MDS serves as the preliminary criterion for MDS admission in Gujarat. I will explain each stage involved in the admission process in detail for your better understanding.
- Step 1: PIN Purchase and Online Registration
Candidates must purchase a PIN through the ACPPGMEC portal by paying the prescribed fee. Using the PIN, candidates must log in to the portal to fill in the registration form with the required personal details and upload the necessary documents.
- Step 2: Document Verification
Registered candidates must take prior appointment for document verification at the help centres and produce the required original documents along with photocopies.
- Step 3: Merit List Publication
ACPPGMEC publishes a state merit list based on the NEET-MDS ranks. Candidates who appear on the merit list are only eligible to participate in the choice filling.
- Step 4: Choice Filling and Locking
Candidates must provide their preference for courses and colleges in order of priority during the choice filling. The choices must be locked before submission.
- Step 5: Seat Allotment
Seat allotment is usually made in multiple rounds. Seats are allotted based on ranks, seat availability, college choices, and reservation criteria. The allotment list is published online on the counselling portal.
- Step 6: Payment of Tuition Fee and Document Submission
Seat allotted candidates must make payment of the prescribed tuition fee within the time specified by ACPPGMEC and submit the original documents at the help centre to confirm admission.
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How to Take MDS Admission in Gujarat
MDS admission in Gujarat is conducted through both state counselling and MCC counselling. Government and self-financing dental colleges offer admission through the ACPPGMEC, and the deemed university admissions are conducted by MCC. Candidates who qualified the NEET-MDS examination conducted by the NBE are only eligible to participate in the counselling. I will provide more information on the counselling and the admission quotas, which are available below.
NEET MDS Counselling in Gujarat
Gujarat NEET-MDS counselling is conducted by the Admission Committee for Professional Post Graduate Medical Courses (ACPPGMEC), Gandhinagar. NEET-MDS qualified candidates must register with their official portal– https://www.medadmgujarat.org/ to participate in the state counselling.
- In government dental colleges, 50% of the seats are reserved for Gujarat domicile candidates and are allotted through ACPPGMEC, and the remaining 50% seats are allotted by MCC under the All India Quota.
- Private/ self-financing dental colleges offer 100% of seats through ACPPGMEC, under state, management, and NRI quotas. State quota seats are typically reserved for Gujarat domicile candidates, whereas students from other states can apply for management and NRI quota seats.
- The deemed university seats are allotted through MCC under the All India Quota, with no domicile restrictions. Students from outside Gujarat can also participate in the counselling. Candidates must choose the deemed university category during choice filling in the MCC counselling.
MDS Admission Through Management Quota in Gujarat
One of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to MDS admission is whether direct admission is possible and if NEET is required. Yes, direct admission is possible for MDS courses, but with the NEET-MDS qualification.
Direct admission to MDS, generally known as MDS admission through management quota, offers paid seats that come with a higher fee structure in self-financing dental colleges. The cutoff requirements for these seats are generally lower, allowing candidates with lower NEET scores to secure admission. There are no domicile restrictions for this quota. It means that if you are a candidate from outside Gujarat or anywhere in India, you can still take MDS admission through management quota in Gujarat.
MDS Admission Through NRI Quota in Gujarat
Similar to other quotas, admission to NRI quota seats also mandatorily requires NEET-MDS qualification. Candidates who are NRIs or wards of NRIs can apply for admission in private self-financing dental colleges in Gujarat under the NRI quota. In addition, candidates must meet the basic eligibility criteria, including holding a DCI-approved BDS degree.
Candidates must have an NRI sponsor who is a first-degree relative (parents/spouse/siblings/legal guardian), and they must submit documents such as the sponsor’s valid passport/visa and a notarized sponsorship declaration.
Foreign medical graduates can apply for the NRI quota after qualifying the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (Screening Test) conducted by NBE.
MDS Eligibility Criteria in Gujarat
The state mandates that students follow certain conditions before participating in the counselling. Candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements for MDS admission in Gujarat.
| Criteria | Requirements |
| Examination | Candidates must have qualified in the NEET-MDS examination with a minimum required percentile. General – 50th percentile SC/ST including PwD – 40th percentile General PwD – 45th percentile |
| Educational Qualification | Candidates must possess a BDS degree from an institution recognized by the Dental Council of India (DCI). |
| Internship Completion | Candidates must have completed the compulsory rotatory internship by 30th June of the admission year. |
| Dental Council Registration | Candidates must have Permanent or Provisional Registration with the DCI or a State Dental Council. |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit for MDS courses |
| State Quota | Candidates who completed BDS from Gujarat or Gujarat-domiciled candidates who completed BDS in Gujarat or outside the state are eligible under the state quota. |
| NRI Quota | NRIs or NRI wards with a DCI-recognized BDS degree are eligible for this quota. Candidates must have an NRI sponsor with a valid passport/visa and must submit a notarized sponsorship declaration. |
| NRI Quota (Foreign Medical Graduates) | Candidates must have passed the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (Screening Test) conducted by NBE and verified the marksheet at the help centre. |
NEET-MDS Cutoff in Gujarat 2026
The official NEET-MDS cutoff in Gujarat for the year 2026 has been released by NBE. Refer to the table below to understand the category-wise cutoff and the minimum qualifying score required for admission. Keep in mind that this cutoff changes every year based on the number of applicants and seat availability.
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Percentile | Cut-off Score (out of 960) |
|---|---|---|
| General/EWS | 50 Percentile | 308 |
| GeneralPwBD | 45 Percentile | 289 |
| SC/ST/OBC (Including PwBD of SC/ST/OBC) | 40 Percentile | 271 |
Documents Required for MDS Admission in Gujarat
Candidates must upload the necessary documents and certificates during online registration and produce the originals along with photocopies for document verification at the help centre. The table below lists all the documents required for MDS admission in Gujarat:
| S.No | Documents | Applicability |
| 1 | Allotment Letter of ACPPGMEC | All candidates |
| 2 | Tuition Fee Receipt | All candidates |
| 3 | NEET MDS Admit Card & Marsheet | All candidates |
| 4 | All year attempt-wise BDS marksheets | All candidates |
| 5 | Internship completion certificate | All candidates |
| 6 | BDS Degree/ Provisional Certificate | All candidates |
| 7 | Permanent / Provisional Registration Certificate from DCI/State Dental Council | All candidates |
| 8 | School Leaving Certificate / Transfer Certificate (showing DOB proof) | All candidates |
| 9 | Identity Proof (Aadhar/ PAN/ Voter ID) | All candidates |
| 10 | Passport-size Photographs | All candidates |
| 11 | 12th Marksheet | Candidates who have done BDS outside Gujarat |
| 12 | Domicile Certificate | State quota candidates |
| 13 | Caste Certificate | For reservation |
| 14 | EWS Certificate | For reservation |
| 15 | Disability Certificate | For reservation |
| 16 | Valid Passport and Visa / Resident permit / OCI / PIO card as applicable | NRI quota candidates |
| 17 | Notarized NRI Sponsorship Declaration | NRI quota candidates |
| 18 | NBE Screening Exam Marsheet | NRI quota candidates(FMG) |
The original documents must be submitted at the help centre to confirm admission after tuition fee payment. These include NEET-MDS admit & marksheet (qualification proof), BDS degree & internship certificates (educational proof), domicile certificate (for state quota candidates), Identity Proof, and other necessary certificates if applicable for reservation or NRI Quota.
MDS Fees in Gujarat
MDS fees for government and self-financing dental colleges are fixed by the state government and the Fee Regulatory Committee. The deemed universities have the autonomy to set their fee structure as granted by UGC. These fees vary across different seat categories as specified below:
| Category | Fees per Annum |
| State Quota | INR 1,00,000/- to INR 8,00,000/- |
| Management Quota | INR 4,00,000/- to INR 12,00,000/- |
| NRI Quota | INR 7,00,000/- to INR 13,00,000/- |
| Deemed Universities | INR 2,20,000/- to INR 10,45,000/- |
As you can see, the state quota fees are much lower compared to the other seats. State quota seats are offered in government and private colleges. However, if you are looking for BDS seats with a very affordable budget, you should consider government colleges. The fee structure in private colleges varies based on the seat categories, which are comparatively higher. The deemed universities have a wide range of fee structures, which allows candidates to choose a college according to their budget.
MDS Colleges and Seats in Gujarat
Now, let’s see how many colleges and seats are available for MDS in Gujarat. The state has a total of 12 MDS colleges, including 3 government, 1 deemed, and 8 self-financing/ private institutions. These colleges offer a total of 310 MDS seats, including 78 government, 44 deemed, and 188 self-financing seats. Let’s take a look at the college-wise MDS seat distribution in Gujarat.
Government MDS Seats in Gujarat
| College Name | Total MDS Seats |
| Government Dental College and Hospital, Ahmedabad | 44 |
| Government Dental College Hospital, Jamnagar | 19 |
| AMC Dental College, Ahmedabad | 15 |
| Total | 78 |
Deemed MDS Seats in Gujarat
| College Name | Total MDS Seats |
| K.M. Shah Dental College & Hospital, Vadodara | 44 |
| Total | 44 |
Self-Financing MDS Seats in Gujarat
Wrap Up
Gujarat is home to 12 MDS colleges, including 3 government, 1 deemed, and 8 self-financing/ private institutions. Admission to the government and self-financing dental colleges is conducted through the state counselling by the Admission Committee for Professional Post Graduate Medical Courses (ACPPGMEC), and the deemed university admissions are managed by the MCC. The NEET-MDS qualification serves as the primary criterion for admission to MDS courses in Gujarat.
A clear understanding of the admission process and requirements in advance helps students to avoid errors and secure admission smoothly. At Career Mudhra, we provide complete guidance and counselling support for dental courses. Connect with us today and let our expert help you through the entire process from college selection to seat confirmation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who conducts MDS admission in Gujarat?
The Admission Committee for Professional Post Graduate Medical Courses (ACPPGMEC) conducts MDS admission in Gujarat.
2. How to apply for MDS admission in Gujarat?
Candidates must qualify NEET-MDS exam and register with the ACPPGMEC counselling portal to apply for MDS admission in Gujarat.
3. How many MDS seats are available in Gujarat?
A total of 310 MDS seats are available in Gujarat, including 78 government, 44 deemed, and 188 self-financing seats.
4. How many MDS colleges are available in Gujarat?
A total of 12 MDS colleges are available in Gujarat, including 3 government, 1 deemed, and 8 self-financing institutions.
5. Is NEET mandatory for MDS admission in Gujarat?
Yes, the NEET-MDS qualification is mandatory for MDS admission in Gujarat.
6. Can I take MDS admission through management quota without NEET?
No, NEET-MDS qualification is mandatory for MDS admission through management quota.
7. Can students from other states take MDS admission in Gujarat?
Yes, students from other states can take MDS admission in Gujarat through the management quota in self-financing dental colleges.
8. Do NRI candidates require NEET-MDS qualification?
Yes, NRI candidates mandatorily require NEET-MDS qualification for MDS admission in Gujarat.
