MDS admission in Tamil Nadu are conducted based on the NEET MDS 2025 exam. Candidates must qualify for the exam to be eligible for state government and self-financing dental colleges.
The Directorate of Medical Education (DME),Tamil Nadu, oversees the admission process, which includes counselling and seat allocation across multiple rounds: Round 1, Round 2, Mop-Up, and Stray Vacancy rounds.
There are a total of 28 MDS colleges in Tamil Nadu that offer MDS courses in different specializations. Of these, 2 are government dental colleges, and the remaining 26 are privately owned dental colleges.
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Note: If you are a candidate looking for admission in other states like Karnataka, you can check the following article: MDS Admission in Karnataka.
Contents
MDS Colleges in Tamil Nadu
MDS Admission in Tamil Nadu: Total MDS Seats in Tamilnadu
Following is the MDS seat matrix for the government and private dental colleges in Tamil Nadu. A total of 774 MDS seats are available, combining both government and private dental colleges in the state. The following data is taken from the DCI.
Total Government MDS seats in Tamilnadu
| College Name | Total Seats |
| Faculty of Dentistry, Rajah Muthiah Dental College & Hospital, Annamalai Nagar | 37 |
| Tamil Nadu Government Dental College & Hospital, Chennai | 46 |
| Total | 83 |
Total Private MDS seats in Tamilnadu
There are a total of 691 MDS seats offered by private dental colleges in the state of Tamil Nadu.
Eligibility Criteria for MDS Admission in Tamil Nadu
The following are the eligibility criteria for candidates seeking MDS seats under the Management Quota, Government Colleges, or Government Quota in Private Institutions.
NEET MDS Qualification:
- Candidates must qualify for NEET MDS 2025 conducted by the National Board of Examinations.
- Eligibility will be determined based on the regulations prescribed by the Director General of Health Services, Government of India.
Citizenship Requirements:
- Candidates must be Indian citizens.
- Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and Foreign Nationals are eligible subject to state and institutional regulations.
- OCI cardholders are treated on par with Indian citizens for Open (General) category seats as per the Supreme Court’s order.
Educational Qualifications:
- Candidates must hold a BDS degree recognized by the Dental Council of India.
- Those from universities other than Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University must obtain an Eligibility Certificate from the university at the time of admission.
CRRI (Internship) Completion:
- Candidates must have completed or be completing their Compulsory Rotatory Residential Internship (CRRI) by the mentioned period.
Minimum NEET MDS Percentile and Cut-off Scores:
The following is the 2024 cut-off score just for your reference, the NEET MDS cut-off score for 2025 will be updated later once after the exam is conducted
| General Category: | 50th percentile (cut-off score: 263 out of 960) |
| SC/ST/OBC (including Persons with Disabilities) | 40th percentile (cut-off score: 230 out of 960) |
| General with Disabilities | 45th percentile (cut-off score: 246 out of 960) |
For Tamil Nadu natives in reserved categories, the minimum is 40th percentile in NEET MDS.
Registration with the Dental Council:
- Candidates must have valid registration with the Dental Council of India or a State Dental Council and provide documentary proof during counselling.
Candidates opting for Government colleges/Government quota in Private institutions
→ Nativity and Community: Candidates claiming Tamil Nadu nativity must submit a Nativity Certificate issued by the Tamil Nadu Revenue Department and Community Certificates for reservation claims.
- Other State Candidates: Candidates from other states who completed their BDS in Tamil Nadu are eligible only for Open (General) category seats.
- Dual Nativity Claims: If candidates claim dual nativity, it will result in disqualification.
→ Service Candidates:
- Service candidates must have completed a minimum of two years of continuous service as of 31.03.2024 in the Tamil Nadu Government or Local Body Institutions.
- Service candidates must have at least five years of service remaining after completing the MDS program.
- Temporary appointees and candidates working in Registered Societies or self-financing institutions are considered non-service candidates.
NRI Quota Guidelines: (For candidates opting for NRI Quota)
- NRI applicants must be of Indian origin and meet certain conditions such as submitting valid Indian passports and other documents proving NRI status and financial support.
- Only bonafide NRIs or their children/wards are eligible under this category.
Eligibility Certificate:
- Candidates from universities other than Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R Medical University must submit an Eligibility Certificate at the time of admission.
MDS Fees Structure in Tamilnadu
The following is the fee structure for the MDS course in both government and private dental colleges in the state of Tamil Nadu
MDS Fees in government colleges
| Course | Fees |
| MDS | ₹30,000/- |
Note:
- Payment Method: The fee must be remitted online via RTGS or Demand Draft, subject to realization.
- Additional Fees: Any balance of the Tuition Fee and other special fees (if applicable) must be paid at the time of admission in the respective colleges.
MDS Self-Financing fees in Tamilnadu
The following is the fee structure fixed in Rs. per annum, and based on the nature of the college, there are slight changes in the fee structure.
Minority Colleges
| Course Name | GovernmentQuota | ManagementQuota |
| M.D.S(Clinical) | 2,50,000 | 8,50,000 |
| M.D.S(Para Clinical) | 2,25,000 | 3,25,000 |
Non-Minority Colleges
| Course Name | GovernmentQuota | ManagementQuota |
| M.D.S(Clinical) | 2,50,000 | 9,50,000 |
| M.D.S(Para Clinical) | 2,50,000 | 3,50,000 |
MDS Admission in Tamil Nadu: A Step-by-Step Guide
Application Process and Form Submission:
- Online Registration:
- Visit www.tnhealth.tn.gov.in or www.tnmedicalselection.net.
- The application portal will open on a specific date and time, which will be announced by the authority and updated soon.
- Submission Guidelines:
- Submit only one application per candidate.
- Double-check that all details entered are true and correct, as changes post-submission are not allowed.
- Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
- Uploading Documents:
Candidates must upload self-attested, visibly clear photocopies of the following:- NEET MDS 2025 Scorecard and Admit Card.
- Aadhaar card, and one of the following for additional ID: Passport, Voter ID, or Driving License.
- BDS Degree or Provisional Pass Certificate.
- CRRI Completion Certificate.
- Permanent or Provisional Dental Registration Certificate (issued by the Dental Council of India/State Dental Council).
- NRI Candidates (if applicable) must provide:
- Verified documents by the Indian Embassy.
- Financial support proof, relationship certificate, and NRE bank account details.
- Eligibility Certificate (for candidates from other universities).
- Community Certificate for reserved categories (native to Tamil Nadu only).
- Recent photograph (same as uploaded in NEET MDS 2024) and a postcard-sized photograph (4”x6”, 50kb–300kb).
- Minority Certificate (if applicable).
- Verification:
Candidates must produce original documents during admission for verification by the institution’s head.
Rank List
- The State Rank List will be prepared based on NEET MDS 2024 scores.
- Provisional rank lists will be published on official websites after all applications have been scrutinized.
MDS Admission in Tamil Nadu Counselling Process: 2025
The counselling process for MDS admissions consists of four rounds: Round 1, Round 2, Round 3 (Mop-Up), and Stray Vacancy Round. These rounds are conducted online, with specific rules and eligibility criteria. The process is subject to changes based on the guidelines of DGHS, DCI norms, and court orders.
Key Steps:
- Registration and Fee Payment: Candidates must register and pay a non-refundable fee of ₹1,000 online using a debit card, credit card, or net banking.
- Round 1:
- All registered candidates can participate.
- Candidates who do not join or resign after seat allotment can still attend Round 2.
- Round 2:
- Vacancies from Round 1 and newly added seats are filled.
- Re-allotment based on rank is allowed.
- Candidates can resign or vacate seats within stipulated dates.
- Round 3 (Mop-Up):
- The remaining seats after Round 2 are allocated.
- Eligible candidates include those unallotted in previous rounds and those who joined but did not resign before the deadline.
- Registration fees, security deposits, and tuition fees are forfeited if allotted candidates do not join.
- Stray Vacancy Round:
- Open to candidates unallotted in previous rounds.
- Candidates holding seats in any prior round are ineligible.
- Allotted candidates must join without fail.
Important Notes:
- Documents Required: NEET MDS Admit Card, Scorecard, ID proof, BDS degree, CRRI completion certificate, and other relevant certificates.
- Non-Joining Penalty: Candidates who discontinue after deadlines or fail to join after allotment must pay a discontinuation fee of ₹15 lakhs.
- Any unauthorised absence exceeding 15 days post-admission is treated as discontinuation, and the seat is reallocated.
Candidates are advised to make informed choices during seat selection to avoid penalties and forfeitures.
Top MDS Colleges in Tamil Nadu
Following is the list of dental colleges in Tamil Nadu which are ranked in the top 50 colleges by NIRF Dental Ranking and are considered to be the best MDS colleges in Tamil Nadu when compared with other colleges.
- Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences
- SRM Dental College
- Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research
- Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research
- Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
- Dr. M. G. R. Educational and Research Institute
- SRM Kattankulathur Dental College
- Chettinad Dental College and Research Institute
- Adhiparasakthi Dental College and Hospital, Kancheepuram
Conclusion
MDS admissions in Tamil Nadu are based on NEET MDS scores and are managed by the Directorate of Medical Education (DME), Tamil Nadu. With 83 government and 774 private seats, candidates must meet eligibility criteria, including nativity, academic qualifications, and CRRI completion. The counselling process includes multiple rounds, offering fair opportunities for seat allocation.
Timely application submission, accurate documentation, and informed seat choices are essential. Tamil Nadu provides diverse options with affordable government colleges and reputed private institutions, making it a top destination for dental specialization.
Also Check Out: MDS Admission in Himachal Pradesh
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FAQs
Q1: What is the cost of an MDS management seat in Tamilnadu?
A1: The cost of MDS Managemenr seat in tamilnadu for minority colleges is around 3,25,000 to 8,50,000 and for Non-Minority Colleges it is 3,50,000 to 9,50,000.
Q2: What is the fees of MDS in Ramachandra Medical College?
A2: The fee for MDS (Clinical) is 9,50,000 and for MDS (Para Clinical) is 3,50,000 in Ramachandra Medical College.
Q3: Who is eligible for state quota in Tamil Nadu?
A3: Candidates who are from Tamil Nadu and have completed their BDS degree in the state are eligible for the state quota. They must also have qualified the NEET MDS exam.
Q4: How many seats are available for MDS?
A4: In Tamilnadu, there are a total of 774 MDS seats offered.
Q5: Can I join MDS without NEET?
A5: No, it is mandatory to qualify in NEET MDS to join the MDS course.
