The Government of Puducherry has released the official seat matrix for Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) postgraduate admission for the 2026-27 academic year. A total of 67 MDS seats are available across three dental colleges in Puducherry and Mahe: Mahatma Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Dental Sciences (MGPGIDS) with 23 seats, Mahe Institute of Dental Sciences (MINDS) with 21 seats, and Sri Venkateshwaraa Dental College with 23 seats. The seats are distributed across nine specialities and divided into government quota (33 seats), All India Quota (12 seats), and NRI quota (1 seat). This matrix will guide CENTAC's counselling process for the 2026-27 admission cycle.
Puducherry offers 67 MDS seats across 3 colleges in 9 specialities, with detailed category-wise and college-wise breakdown for government, AIQ, and NRI quotas.
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Unlock My College ListWhat This Notice Means for You
This is the official seat matrix — the document that tells you exactly how many MDS seats exist in Puducherry for 2026-27, which colleges offer them, which specialities are available, and how they are divided by quota (government, All India, NRI) and category (General, EWS, OBC, MBC, SC, BCM, EBC, ST/BT, and horizontal reservations for PH, EXM, MSP).
The seat matrix is the foundation of counselling. When CENTAC opens the counselling portal, the seats you can apply for will be exactly those listed here. If a seat is not in this matrix, it does not exist for 2026-27. This notice confirms the total capacity and helps you understand your chances based on your category and quota eligibility.
Total Seats and Quota Breakdown
Puducherry has 67 MDS seats in total for 2026-27. These are split as follows: 33 seats under Government Quota (filled through state counselling), 12 seats under All India Quota (AIQ, filled through national counselling), and 1 seat under NRI quota (reserved for Non-Resident Indian or NRI-sponsored candidates).
The Government Quota seats are further divided by vertical reservation (caste/community categories) and horizontal reservation (for persons with disabilities, ex-servicemen, and minority community members). The AIQ seats follow the national NEET-PG counselling process and are not subject to state-level category reservations in the same way.
- Total MDS seats: 67
- Government Quota: 33 seats
- All India Quota (AIQ): 12 seats
- NRI Quota: 1 seat
| Quota Type | Number of Seats |
|---|---|
| Government Quota | 33 |
| All India Quota (AIQ) | 12 |
| NRI Quota | 1 |
| TOTAL | 67 |
The Three Dental Colleges and Their Seat Allocation
Three dental colleges in Puducherry and Mahe offer MDS programmes: Mahatma Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Dental Sciences (MGPGIDS) in Puducherry with 23 seats, Mahe Institute of Dental Sciences (MINDS) in Mahe with 21 seats, and Sri Venkateshwaraa Dental College (SVDC) in Puducherry with 23 seats. MGPGIDS is a government institution; MINDS and SVDC are private colleges.
Each college offers seats across multiple specialities. The distribution varies by college — for example, MGPGIDS offers seats in all 9 specialities, while MINDS and SVDC have different speciality offerings. When you apply during counselling, you will choose colleges and specialities based on your rank and the available seats in your category.
- Mahatma Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Dental Sciences (MGPGIDS), Puducherry: 23 seats
- Mahe Institute of Dental Sciences (MINDS), Mahe: 21 seats
- Sri Venkateshwaraa Dental College (SVDC), Puducherry: 23 seats
| College | Location | Type | Total Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| MGPGIDS | Puducherry | Government | 23 |
| MINDS | Mahe | Private | 21 |
| SVDC | Puducherry | Private | 23 |
| TOTAL | 67 |
Nine MDS Specialities Available
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The seat matrix covers nine MDS specialities. These are: Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology & Oral Microbiology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral Medicine & Radiology, Periodontology/Periodontics, Prosthodontics/Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge, Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Paedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, and Public Health Dentistry.
Not all specialities are offered at all colleges. For example, Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics is offered at all three colleges, but Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology & Oral Microbiology is offered only at MGPGIDS and MINDS. When you fill your choice list during counselling, you will select from the specialities available at each college.
- MDS – Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics
- MDS – Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology & Oral Microbiology
- MDS – Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- MDS – Oral Medicine & Radiology
- MDS – Periodontology/Periodontics
- MDS – Prosthodontics/Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge
- MDS – Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics
- MDS – Paedodontics and Preventive Dentistry
- MDS – Public Health Dentistry
Government Quota: Category-Wise Seat Breakdown
The 33 Government Quota seats are reserved for candidates from Puducherry and are divided by vertical reservation (caste/community categories). The categories are: General (GEN) 50%, EWS (Economically Weaker Section) 10%, OBC (Other Backward Class) 11%, MBC (Most Backward Class) 18%, SC (Scheduled Caste) 16%, BCM (Backward Class Muslim) 2%, and EBC (Extremely Backward Caste) 2%. Additionally, there are horizontal reservations for ST/BT (Scheduled Tribe/Backward Tribe) 0.5%, FF (Freedom Fighter) 4%, PH (Persons with Disability) 5%, EXM (Ex-Servicemen) 1%, and MSP (Minority Community Member) 1%.
Out of the 33 Government Quota seats, the breakdown is: General 16 seats, EWS 1 seat, OBC 3 seats, MBC 6 seats, SC 5 seats, BCM 1 seat, EBC 1 seat, ST/BT 0 seats, FF 1 seat, PH 1 seat, EXM 0 seats, and MSP 0 seats. If you belong to a reserved category, you must have a valid category certificate issued by the competent authority. The certificate must clearly state your category and sub-group (if applicable).
- General (GEN): 16 seats (50%)
- EWS: 1 seat (10%)
- OBC: 3 seats (11%)
- MBC: 6 seats (18%)
- SC: 5 seats (16%)
- BCM: 1 seat (2%)
- EBC: 1 seat (2%)
- ST/BT: 0 seats (0.5%)
- FF (Freedom Fighter): 1 seat (4%)
- PH (Persons with Disability): 1 seat (5%)
- EXM (Ex-Servicemen): 0 seats (1%)
- MSP (Minority Community Member): 0 seats (1%)
| Category | Percentage | Number of Seats |
|---|---|---|
| General (GEN) | 50% | 16 |
| EWS | 10% | 1 |
| OBC | 11% | 3 |
| MBC | 18% | 6 |
| SC | 16% | 5 |
| BCM | 2% | 1 |
| EBC | 2% | 1 |
| ST/BT | 0.5% | 0 |
| FF | 4% | 1 |
| PH | 5% | 1 |
| EXM | 1% | 0 |
| MSP | 1% | 0 |
| TOTAL | 33 |
All India Quota (AIQ) Seats
Puducherry has 12 All India Quota seats for MDS 2026-27. These seats are filled through the national NEET-PG counselling process conducted by MCC (Medical Counselling Committee) and are open to candidates from across India, not just Puducherry. AIQ seats are not subject to state-level category reservations; instead, they follow the national reservation policy.
If you are a candidate from outside Puducherry or prefer to apply through the national counselling process, you can participate in AIQ counselling. Your eligibility and rank in the national NEET-PG merit list will determine your chances of securing an AIQ seat.
- Total AIQ seats: 12
- Open to candidates from across India
- Filled through national NEET-PG counselling (MCC)
- Follow national reservation policy, not state-level reservations
NRI Quota: One Seat with a Condition
One MDS seat is reserved for NRI (Non-Resident Indian) or NRI-sponsored candidates. This seat is specifically for the speciality of Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics at MGPGIDS. If no NRI or NRI-sponsored candidate applies or is available, this seat will be converted and filled under Self Sustaining Mode or Management Quota seats, as per the decision taken in the Board of Governing meeting held on 28.11.2018.
If you are an NRI or NRI-sponsored candidate interested in pursuing MDS in Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics at MGPGIDS, you must apply during the NRI counselling window. Ensure you have the required NRI documentation and meet all eligibility criteria.
- NRI quota seats: 1
- Speciality: Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics
- College: MGPGIDS, Puducherry
- If no NRI candidate applies, seat converts to Self Sustaining Mode/Management Quota
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College-Wise and Speciality-Wise Seat Distribution
The seat matrix provides a detailed breakdown of how many seats each college offers in each speciality. For example, Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics has 7 seats total: 1 at MGPGIDS (Government Quota), 3 at MINDS, and 3 at SVDC. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery has 3 seats: 1 at MGPGIDS, 2 at MINDS, and 0 at SVDC.
When you apply during counselling, you will see the exact number of seats available in each speciality at each college, broken down by your eligible category. This helps you make informed choices about which college-speciality combinations to prioritize in your choice list.
- Each speciality has different seat availability at each college
- Some specialities are offered at only one or two colleges
- Seats are further divided by category within each college-speciality combination
- Your choice list should reflect your preferences and realistic chances based on your rank and category
| Speciality | MGPGIDS | MINDS | SVDC | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics | 1 | 3 | 3 | 7 |
| Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology & Oral Microbiology | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Oral Medicine & Radiology | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Periodontology/Periodontics | 2 | 1 | 2 | 5 |
| Prosthodontics/Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 |
| Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics | 1 | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| Paedodontics and Preventive Dentistry | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Public Health Dentistry | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| TOTAL | 10 | 12 | 11 | 33 |
Important: Category Certificate Requirements
If you belong to a reserved category (OBC, MBC, SC, BCM, EBC, ST/BT) or claim EWS status, you must have a valid category certificate issued by the competent authority of your state or union territory. The certificate must clearly state your category and, where applicable, your sub-group (e.g., 'OBC-NCL' or 'MBC-A'). A missing or incorrect category certificate is one of the most common reasons for rejection during counselling.
For EWS candidates, the certificate must be issued after the date specified by the government (usually within the last financial year). For SC/ST candidates, the certificate must be from the competent authority. For OBC/MBC candidates, ensure the certificate shows the correct sub-group as per the state's OBC/MBC list. Do not assume your category is correct — verify it with the issuing authority before counselling begins.
- Category certificate is mandatory for all reserved category candidates
- Certificate must be issued by the competent authority
- Certificate must clearly state your category and sub-group
- EWS certificate must be recent (usually within the last financial year)
- Missing or incorrect certificate will result in rejection
- Verify your category with the issuing authority before counselling
How This Matrix Is Used in Counselling
During counselling, CENTAC will use this seat matrix to populate the counselling portal. When you log in, you will see the exact seats available in your eligible category and quota. You will then create a choice list — ranking the college-speciality combinations you wish to be considered for, in order of preference.
The counselling algorithm will match your rank with the available seats according to your choices and category. If your rank qualifies for a seat in your first choice, you will be allotted that seat. If not, the system moves to your second choice, and so on. The seat matrix ensures transparency: every seat you see in the portal comes from this official document.
- Seat matrix is the source of truth for all available seats
- Counselling portal will display only seats listed in this matrix
- Your eligible seats depend on your category and quota
- You will rank your preferred college-speciality combinations
- Allotment is based on your rank, choices, and category
- No seats outside this matrix will be offered
Key Dates and Next Steps
This seat matrix was released on 23 July 2026. CENTAC will use it to conduct counselling for MDS admission to the 2026-27 academic year. The exact dates for counselling registration, choice filling, and allotment will be announced separately by CENTAC. Keep checking the CENTAC website (centac.nic.in) and your email for counselling notifications.
Before counselling begins, ensure you have all required documents ready: your NEET-PG admit card, result, category certificate (if applicable), caste/community certificate, EWS certificate (if applicable), and any other documents specified by CENTAC. Do not wait until the last moment to gather these — delays in document verification can cost you your seat.
- Seat matrix released: 23 July 2026
- Counselling dates to be announced by CENTAC
- Monitor CENTAC website and email for updates
- Prepare all required documents in advance
- Have category certificate ready if you are in a reserved category
- Do not delay document verification
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
How many MDS seats are available in Puducherry for 2026-27?
A total of 67 MDS seats are available in Puducherry for 2026-27, distributed across three colleges: MGPGIDS (23 seats), MINDS Mahe (21 seats), and Sri Venkateshwaraa Dental College (23 seats). These are divided into Government Quota (33 seats), All India Quota (12 seats), and NRI Quota (1 seat).
What is the difference between Government Quota and All India Quota seats?
Government Quota seats (33) are filled through state-level counselling by CENTAC and are reserved for candidates from Puducherry. They are subject to state-level category reservations. All India Quota seats (12) are filled through national NEET-PG counselling by MCC and are open to candidates from across India. AIQ seats follow national reservation policy, not state-level reservations.
I am from outside Puducherry. Can I apply for MDS seats here?
Yes, you can apply for the 12 All India Quota seats through national NEET-PG counselling conducted by MCC. You cannot apply for the 33 Government Quota seats, which are reserved for Puducherry residents. Your eligibility and rank in the national NEET-PG merit list will determine your chances.
What is the NRI quota seat, and who can apply for it?
One MDS seat is reserved for NRI (Non-Resident Indian) or NRI-sponsored candidates in the speciality of Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics at MGPGIDS. If no NRI candidate applies, this seat will be converted and filled under Self Sustaining Mode or Management Quota. You must have valid NRI documentation to apply for this seat.
I belong to the OBC category. How many seats are reserved for me?
Under Government Quota, 3 seats are reserved for OBC candidates (11% of 33 seats). However, you must have a valid OBC certificate issued by the competent authority that clearly states your category and sub-group (e.g., 'OBC-NCL'). Without a valid certificate, you cannot claim OBC reservation.
What happens if I don't have a category certificate?
If you belong to a reserved category but do not have a valid category certificate, you will not be able to claim reservation during counselling. You can only be considered for General category seats, which are highly competitive. It is essential to obtain your category certificate from the competent authority before counselling begins.
Which specialities are available at each college?
All nine specialities are offered at MGPGIDS. MINDS and Sri Venkateshwaraa Dental College offer most specialities but not all — for example, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology & Oral Microbiology is offered only at MGPGIDS and MINDS. Check the detailed seat matrix to see which specialities are available at your preferred college.
When will counselling begin, and how do I register?
The exact dates for counselling registration, choice filling, and allotment will be announced separately by CENTAC. Keep checking the CENTAC website (centac.nic.in) and your email for notifications. When counselling opens, you will log in with your NEET-PG credentials and register on the counselling portal.
What documents do I need for counselling?
You will need your NEET-PG admit card, result, category certificate (if applicable), caste/community certificate, EWS certificate (if applicable), and any other documents specified by CENTAC. Prepare these in advance and do not delay document verification, as delays can result in rejection.
Can I change my choices after I submit them during counselling?
The seat matrix does not specify the rules for changing choices during counselling. This information will be provided in the counselling guidelines released by CENTAC. Typically, you can modify your choices during the choice-filling window, but once the window closes, changes are not allowed. Check the counselling guidelines for exact rules.
What if my rank is not good enough for any seat in my category?
If your rank does not qualify for any seat in your category, you will not be allotted a seat in that round of counselling. You may be eligible to participate in subsequent rounds (if any) or stray vacancy rounds, where seats that remain unfilled are offered. Check CENTAC's counselling schedule for details on additional rounds.
Is this seat matrix final, or can it change before counselling?
This seat matrix has been approved by the Competent Authority and is the official document for 2026-27 admission. It is unlikely to change significantly, but CENTAC may issue updates if there are any changes in college recognition or seat availability. Monitor the CENTAC website for any announcements.
The Puducherry MDS seat matrix for 2026-27 is now official. You have 67 seats across 3 colleges and 9 specialities to choose from, divided by quota and category. Verify your category certificate immediately if you belong to a reserved category — this is non-negotiable. Watch the CENTAC website (centac.nic.in) closely for the counselling schedule, registration dates, and detailed guidelines. Prepare all required documents now and do not wait until the last moment. Your rank and choices will determine your allotment, so plan your choice list carefully based on this seat matrix.
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