The National Dental Commission (NDC) has issued a critical clarification on BDS course eligibility for 2026 admissions. Beyond the standard NEET UG percentile requirement, all BDS candidates must meet a specific minimum marks threshold in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology combined at their qualifying examination (typically Class 12). This requirement varies by category: general candidates need 50%, while SC/ST/OBC candidates need only 40%. Candidates with locomotor disability of lower limbs have a further relaxation to 45%. This notice is being circulated to all state counselling authorities to ensure no eligible candidate is wrongly rejected and no ineligible candidate is wrongly admitted.
To be eligible for BDS admission in 2026, you must score at least 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology combined (40% if SC/ST/OBC, 45% if you have lower-limb locomotor disability), in addition to qualifying in NEET UG and appearing in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test merit list.
What This Notice Means for BDS Candidates
This is an official clarification from the National Dental Commission about a rule that has been in place since the Revised BDS Course Regulations (5th Amendment) of 2012, but which is often overlooked during counselling. The rule states that your eligibility for a BDS seat depends not only on your NEET UG rank and merit list position, but also on your marks in three specific subjects at your qualifying examination (usually Class 12 or equivalent).
The notice is being sent to all state counselling authorities and medical education directors because errors have occurred in the past — some eligible candidates have been rejected, and some ineligible candidates have been admitted. This circular is meant to prevent those mistakes in the 2026 admission cycle. If you are applying for BDS, you must check your qualifying examination marks NOW, before counselling begins, to confirm you meet this threshold.
The Minimum Marks Rule: What You Must Score
The core requirement is simple: you must have scored a minimum percentage of marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology *taken together* in your qualifying examination. This is not about individual subject marks — it is the combined total of all three subjects that matters.
The threshold depends on your category. If you belong to the General category, you need 50% of the combined marks in these three subjects. If you belong to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), or Other Backward Classes (OBC), the threshold is relaxed to 40%. If you have a locomotor disability affecting your lower limbs (as defined in the regulations), the threshold is 45%. These thresholds are fixed by the Revised BDS Course Regulations and cannot be waived.
- General category: minimum 50% in Physics + Chemistry + Biology combined
- SC/ST/OBC category: minimum 40% in Physics + Chemistry + Biology combined
- Candidates with lower-limb locomotor disability: minimum 45% in Physics + Chemistry + Biology combined
- This is a combined percentage, not individual subject marks
| Category | Minimum Marks Required (Physics + Chemistry + Biology Combined) |
|---|---|
| General | 50% |
| SC/ST/OBC | 40% |
| Locomotor Disability (Lower Limbs) | 45% |
Which Qualifying Examination Counts?
Your 'qualifying examination' is the examination you took to qualify for NEET UG — typically Class 12 (or equivalent, such as HSC, Intermediate, or a state board exam). The marks you scored in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in that examination are what will be checked. If you took a different qualifying exam (such as a diploma or a foundation course), the marks from that exam will be used.
The regulation specifically refers to the examination mentioned in Sub-regulation 2 of Regulation 1 of the Revised BDS Course Regulations 2012. This is the examination that qualifies you to sit for NEET UG. You will need to provide your mark sheet or certificate from that exam during counselling to prove you meet this threshold.
Important: You Must Also Appear in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Merit List
Meeting the minimum marks threshold in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology is necessary but not sufficient. You must also have qualified in NEET UG and appeared in the 'National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test' merit list for BDS admission. In other words, you must have a valid NEET UG rank and be eligible to participate in BDS counselling. The marks threshold is an *additional* requirement on top of NEET UG qualification.
This means that even if you score 50% (or 40% if SC/ST/OBC) in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, you will not be eligible for BDS unless you have also qualified in NEET UG and are on the merit list. Conversely, if you have a good NEET UG rank but do not meet the marks threshold in these three subjects, you will not be eligible for BDS.
How to Check If You Meet the Eligibility Criteria
To verify your eligibility, you need to do two things. First, check your NEET UG rank and confirm you are on the merit list for BDS counselling in your state. Second, retrieve your mark sheet from your qualifying examination (Class 12 or equivalent) and calculate your combined percentage in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
For example, if you are a General category candidate and your Class 12 marks were Physics 85, Chemistry 80, and Biology 75 (out of 100 each), your combined marks are 240 out of 300, which is 80% — well above the 50% threshold. If you are SC/ST/OBC and your combined marks are 130 out of 300 (43%), you meet the 40% threshold. If your combined marks fall below the threshold for your category, you will not be eligible for BDS, even if your NEET UG rank is excellent.
- Obtain your Class 12 (or equivalent qualifying exam) mark sheet
- Add up your marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
- Divide by the total marks in these three subjects to get your percentage
- Compare against the threshold for your category (50% for General, 40% for SC/ST/OBC, 45% for disability)
- If you meet the threshold AND have a valid NEET UG rank, you are eligible for BDS
Category-Specific Eligibility: SC, ST, OBC, and Disability
If you belong to SC, ST, or OBC, you have a relaxed threshold of 40% instead of 50%. This means you need to score 40% of the combined marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. You will need to provide a valid SC/ST/OBC certificate issued by the competent authority in your state. The certificate must be current and recognized by the state counselling authority.
If you have a locomotor disability affecting your lower limbs, you are eligible for a further relaxation: your threshold is 45% instead of 50%. This relaxation applies after the commencement of the 5th Amendment to the Revised BDS Course Regulations 2012. You will need to provide a disability certificate issued by a competent medical authority. The disability must be specifically a locomotor disability of the lower limbs — other disabilities do not qualify for this relaxation.
If you belong to multiple categories (for example, you are SC and also have a disability), the most favorable threshold applies. Always check with your state counselling authority about which certificate to submit and in what format.
- SC/ST/OBC candidates: provide valid caste/tribe certificate from competent authority
- Candidates with lower-limb locomotor disability: provide disability certificate from medical authority
- Disability must be specifically locomotor disability of lower limbs
- If you belong to multiple categories, the most favorable threshold applies
What Happens During Counselling: Documents You Will Need
When you participate in BDS counselling, you will be asked to verify your eligibility. At that time, you must produce your Class 12 (or equivalent) mark sheet showing your marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The counselling authority will calculate your combined percentage and check it against the threshold for your category. If you do not meet the threshold, your application will be rejected, and you will not be able to take a BDS seat.
It is critical that you have this document ready before counselling begins. Do not wait until the last moment. If your mark sheet is lost or damaged, obtain a duplicate from your school or board immediately. If you have any doubt about whether your marks meet the threshold, contact your state counselling authority in advance — do not assume you are eligible.
- Bring your original Class 12 (or equivalent) mark sheet to counselling
- Be prepared to show marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
- If you are SC/ST/OBC, bring your valid caste/tribe certificate
- If you have a disability, bring your disability certificate
- Verify your eligibility BEFORE counselling begins — do not wait until the last moment
Common Mistakes That Get Applications Rejected
The most common mistake is confusing this rule with individual subject eligibility. Some candidates think they need 50% in each subject separately (Physics 50%, Chemistry 50%, Biology 50%). That is incorrect. The rule is about the combined percentage of all three subjects. If you scored 60% in Physics, 40% in Chemistry, and 50% in Biology, your combined percentage is 50%, and you are eligible (if General category). Individual subject marks do not matter — only the combined total.
Another frequent error is not realizing that this threshold is separate from NEET UG qualification. A candidate might have a good NEET UG rank and assume they are eligible for BDS. But if their Class 12 marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology combined are below the threshold, they will be rejected during counselling. This has happened to many candidates in past years, which is why the NDC is issuing this clarification now.
A third trap is submitting the wrong mark sheet. Some candidates submit a mark sheet from a different exam (such as a diploma or foundation course) instead of their Class 12. Make sure you submit the mark sheet from the exam that qualifies you for NEET UG. If you are unsure which exam that is, ask your state counselling authority.
Finally, some SC/ST/OBC candidates forget to bring their caste/tribe certificate, or bring an expired or invalid certificate. Similarly, candidates with disability may not have the correct disability certificate. These documents are mandatory — without them, you cannot claim the relaxed threshold, and you will be judged against the General category threshold (50%).
- ❌ Do NOT think the rule is about individual subject marks — it is about combined marks
- ❌ Do NOT assume a good NEET UG rank makes you eligible for BDS — you must also meet the marks threshold
- ❌ Do NOT submit a mark sheet from a different exam — use your Class 12 or equivalent qualifying exam
- ❌ Do NOT forget to bring your SC/ST/OBC or disability certificate if you belong to these categories
- ✅ DO calculate your combined percentage in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology NOW
- ✅ DO verify you meet the threshold for your category BEFORE counselling
- ✅ DO bring all required documents to counselling
Why This Notice Is Being Issued Now
The National Dental Commission is issuing this notice because the minimum marks rule has been in the regulations since 2012, but it is not always enforced consistently during counselling. Some state counselling authorities have made errors — either rejecting eligible candidates or admitting ineligible candidates. This has caused confusion and disputes.
By issuing this circular to all state counselling authorities and medical education directors, the NDC is ensuring that the rule is applied uniformly and correctly across all states in the 2026 admission cycle. The notice is also a reminder to all stakeholders (counselling authorities, colleges, and candidates) that this rule exists and must be followed. If you are a candidate, this is your signal to check your eligibility immediately and not assume you are eligible just because you have a NEET UG rank.
What to Do If You Do Not Meet the Threshold
If you calculate your combined percentage in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology and find that it is below the threshold for your category, you are not eligible for BDS admission in 2026. This is a regulatory requirement and cannot be waived. However, you may still be eligible for other courses, such as MBBS (which has different eligibility criteria) or other health professions courses. Check the eligibility criteria for those courses separately.
If you believe there is an error in your mark sheet or if you have any doubt about the calculation, contact your state counselling authority immediately. Do not wait until counselling begins. Some authorities may be able to clarify the rule or help you verify your marks. But do not assume you are eligible if your marks are borderline — it is better to know in advance than to be rejected during counselling.
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
Do I need 50% marks in each subject separately, or 50% combined in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology?
You need 50% combined in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology taken together — not 50% in each subject separately. For example, if you scored Physics 60%, Chemistry 45%, and Biology 50%, your combined percentage is (60+45+50)/3 = 51.67%, which meets the 50% threshold. Individual subject marks do not matter; only the combined total counts.
I have a good NEET UG rank. Am I automatically eligible for BDS?
No. A good NEET UG rank is necessary but not sufficient. You must also meet the minimum marks threshold in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology from your qualifying examination (Class 12 or equivalent). If your combined marks in these three subjects are below the threshold for your category, you will not be eligible for BDS, even with an excellent NEET UG rank.
I am SC/ST/OBC. What is my minimum marks threshold?
If you belong to SC, ST, or OBC, your minimum marks threshold is 40% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology combined (instead of 50% for General category). You must provide a valid SC/ST/OBC certificate issued by the competent authority in your state during counselling.
I have a disability. What is my minimum marks threshold?
If you have a locomotor disability affecting your lower limbs, your minimum marks threshold is 45% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology combined. You must provide a disability certificate issued by a competent medical authority. Other types of disabilities do not qualify for this relaxation.
Which exam's marks will be checked — Class 12, or some other exam?
The marks from your qualifying examination will be checked. For most candidates, this is Class 12 (or equivalent, such as HSC or Intermediate). This is the exam that qualifies you to sit for NEET UG. If you took a different qualifying exam (such as a diploma), the marks from that exam will be used. Check with your state counselling authority if you are unsure.
What if I cannot find my Class 12 mark sheet?
Obtain a duplicate mark sheet from your school or state board immediately. This document is mandatory during counselling. Do not wait until the last moment. If you have any difficulty obtaining it, contact your state counselling authority for guidance.
I meet the marks threshold, but my NEET UG rank is not good. Can I still get a BDS seat?
Meeting the marks threshold is necessary but not sufficient. You must also have a valid NEET UG rank and be on the merit list for BDS counselling. Your final eligibility for a seat depends on both your NEET UG rank and your position in the merit list, as well as the availability of seats and your category. The marks threshold is an additional eligibility criterion, not a guarantee of a seat.
When will this rule be checked — during counselling or after I am allotted a seat?
This rule will be checked during the counselling process, before you are allotted a seat. If you do not meet the threshold, your application will be rejected, and you will not be eligible to participate in seat allotment. This is why it is critical to verify your eligibility BEFORE counselling begins.
I am SC and also have a disability. Which threshold applies to me?
If you belong to multiple categories, the most favorable threshold applies. In your case, the SC threshold (40%) is more favorable than the disability threshold (45%), so 40% applies. You must provide both your SC certificate and your disability certificate during counselling.
What if I scored exactly 50% (or 40% for SC/ST/OBC)? Am I eligible?
Yes, if you scored exactly 50% (or 40% for SC/ST/OBC, or 45% for disability), you meet the minimum threshold and are eligible, provided you also have a valid NEET UG rank and are on the merit list. The threshold is a minimum — you must score at least that percentage, not more than it.
Can this rule be waived or relaxed for any reason?
No. This rule is part of the Revised BDS Course Regulations 2012 and is mandatory. It cannot be waived except for the specific categories mentioned (SC/ST/OBC at 40%, disability at 45%). If you do not meet the threshold for your category, you are not eligible for BDS admission.
Is this rule the same for MBBS, or is it only for BDS?
This rule applies specifically to BDS admission. MBBS has different eligibility criteria. Check the MBBS eligibility notification separately if you are also applying for MBBS.
Check your Class 12 (or equivalent) mark sheet immediately and calculate your combined percentage in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Compare it against the threshold for your category: 50% for General, 40% for SC/ST/OBC, 45% for lower-limb locomotor disability. If you meet the threshold AND have a valid NEET UG rank, you are eligible for BDS counselling. If you do not meet the threshold, you are not eligible for BDS, regardless of your NEET UG rank. Gather all required documents (mark sheet, caste/tribe certificate if applicable, disability certificate if applicable) and keep them ready before counselling begins. If you have any doubt about your eligibility, contact your state counselling authority now — do not wait until counselling starts.
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