The Tamil Nadu Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DME) has released a tentative vacancy position for BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) seats under the 7.5% reservation category for the 2026-27 academic year, as of 30 September 2026. This document lists available seats across government dental colleges and self-financing (SF) dental colleges in Tamil Nadu. A total of 25 BDS seats are available under this reservation: 5 seats in government colleges and 20 seats in SF colleges. This vacancy list is critical for candidates eligible under the 7.5% reservation category, as it shows exactly where seats are open and which colleges are participating in counselling. Understanding this breakdown helps you plan your college preferences during the counselling process.
25 BDS seats are available under 7.5% reservation across Tamil Nadu: 5 in government colleges and 20 in self-financing colleges, as of 30 September 2026.
Your matched MBBS & BDS colleges
LockedEnter your NEET rank to unlock the real colleges you can get — All India Quota and every state — with official closing ranks and fees.
Unlock My College ListWhat is the 7.5% Reservation Category?
The 7.5% reservation is a special category in Tamil Nadu's medical and dental admissions. This reservation is distinct from the general category and other reserved categories (SC, ST, OBC, etc.). Candidates who fall under this specific 7.5% reservation are eligible to compete for these dedicated seats.
The seats listed in this notice are exclusively for candidates who qualify under the 7.5% reservation criteria. If you are eligible under this category, you will compete only with other 7.5% reservation candidates for these 25 seats. This is separate from the general merit pool and other reservation categories.
Government BDS Colleges: 5 Seats Available
Two government dental colleges in Tamil Nadu have vacancies under the 7.5% reservation. Government colleges are fully funded by the state and typically have lower fees compared to private institutions. These seats are highly competitive because government colleges are preferred by many candidates.
Tamil Nadu Government Dental College & Hospital in Chennai has 3 seats available. Government Dental College and Hospital in Cuddalore has 2 seats available. Together, these two colleges account for 5 of the 25 total seats under this reservation. If you are eligible under 7.5% reservation and interested in a government college, these are your only options in this category.
- Tamil Nadu Government Dental College & Hospital, Chennai: 3 seats
- Government Dental College and Hospital, Cuddalore: 2 seats
| College Name | Location | Seats Available |
|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu Government Dental College & Hospital | Chennai | 3 |
| Government Dental College and Hospital | Cuddalore | 2 |
| TOTAL | 5 |
Self-Financing (SF) BDS Colleges: 20 Seats Available
Self-financing colleges are private institutions that charge higher fees than government colleges but offer more seats. Tamil Nadu has 10 SF dental colleges participating in counselling with vacancies under the 7.5% reservation. These colleges collectively offer 20 seats, which is 80% of the total 25 seats available under this reservation.
Know the exact MBBS/BDS colleges your rank can get
Official 2023–2025 closing ranks and fees, matched to your rank.
The SF colleges are spread across different regions of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchengode, Tirunelveli, Kundrathur, Kancheepuram, Thiruvallur, and Erode. This geographic spread gives candidates options across the state. Most SF colleges have 1 to 4 seats available under this reservation.
- Adhiparasakthi Dental College & Hospital, Melmaruvathur: 1 seat
- Best Dental Science College, Madurai: 4 seats
- K.S.R. Institute of Dental Science & Research, Tiruchengode: 4 seats
- Rajas Dental College & Hospital, Tirunelveli: 4 seats
- Madha Dental College & Hospital, Kundrathur: 1 seat
- Chettinad Dental College & Research Institute, Kancheepuram: 1 seat
- CSI College of Dental Sciences & Research, Madurai: 1 seat
- Tagore Dental College & Hospital, Chennai: 1 seat
- Priyadharshini Dental College & Hospital, Thiruvallur: 2 seats
- Nandha Dental College & Hospital, Erode: 1 seat
| College Name | Location | Seats Available |
|---|---|---|
| Adhiparasakthi Dental College & Hospital | Melmaruvathur | 1 |
| Best Dental Science College | Madurai | 4 |
| K.S.R. Institute of Dental Science & Research | Tiruchengode | 4 |
| Rajas Dental College & Hospital | Tirunelveli | 4 |
| Madha Dental College & Hospital | Kundrathur | 1 |
| Chettinad Dental College & Research Institute | Kancheepuram | 1 |
| CSI College of Dental Sciences & Research | Madurai | 1 |
| Tagore Dental College & Hospital | Chennai | 1 |
| Priyadharshini Dental College & Hospital | Thiruvallur | 2 |
| Nandha Dental College & Hospital | Erode | 1 |
| TOTAL | 20 |
What Does 'Tentative' Mean?
The notice explicitly states these are 'tentative' vacancies as of 30 September 2026. This means the numbers shown are not final and may change. Vacancies can increase or decrease based on several factors: candidates who were allotted seats but do not report to college, candidates who withdraw after allotment, or administrative adjustments made by the DME.
You should treat this list as a guide for planning your preferences, but do not assume these exact numbers will remain unchanged throughout the counselling process. The DME may release updated vacancy lists as counselling progresses. Always check the official TN MedSelect portal for the most current vacancy information before and during each counselling round.
Who is Eligible for 7.5% Reservation Seats?
Only candidates who meet the specific eligibility criteria for the 7.5% reservation category can apply for these seats. The notice does not detail the eligibility criteria itself — that information is provided in the main counselling prospectus or admission guidelines released by Tamil Nadu DME. You must verify your eligibility status before the counselling registration window opens.
If you are unsure whether you fall under the 7.5% reservation category, contact the DME directly or check the official TN MedSelect website. Applying for seats you are not eligible for will result in rejection of your application. Eligibility is verified during document verification, and any false claim can lead to cancellation of your allotment.
How to Use This Vacancy List During Counselling
This vacancy list is your reference document for filling your college preferences during online counselling registration. When you log into the TN MedSelect portal, you will see a list of colleges where you can apply. Use this notice to identify which colleges have seats available under the 7.5% reservation and plan your preference order accordingly.
Strategy tip: Rank colleges in order of your preference, considering both location and college reputation. Government colleges are typically more competitive, so if you want a government seat, rank them high but also include SF colleges as backup options. Remember that your rank in the merit list (determined by your NEET UG 2026 score) will determine which college you are allotted, not just your preferences.
Every kind of MBBS/BDS seat, one rank
See the real seats your NEET rank can reach.
- Check this list to see which colleges have 7.5% reservation seats
- Identify colleges in your preferred locations
- Rank colleges in your preference order during online registration
- Include both government and SF colleges in your list
- Remember that your NEET rank determines allotment, not just preferences
Important: This is BDS Only, Not MBBS
This notice covers only BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) seats. If you are an MBBS aspirant, this vacancy list does not apply to you. MBBS and BDS are separate courses with separate counselling processes and seat matrices. The DME releases separate vacancy lists for MBBS and BDS.
If you are eligible for both MBBS and BDS counselling, you will need to check the separate MBBS vacancy list to see MBBS seat availability. Do not confuse the two — applying for the wrong course will result in rejection.
When Will Counselling Begin?
This notice does not specify the counselling start date or registration deadline. The DME releases a separate counselling schedule that includes the registration window, choice-filling dates, processing dates, and allotment dates. You must check the official TN MedSelect portal or the DME website for the complete counselling calendar.
Do not wait until the last moment to register. Counselling deadlines are strict, and late submissions are not accepted. Mark the counselling dates on your calendar and complete registration well before the deadline.
What Happens After Allotment?
Once you are allotted a seat through counselling, you will receive an allotment letter. You must report to the allotted college on the date specified in the letter with all required documents. Failure to report on time may result in forfeiture of your seat.
After reporting, you will complete document verification, pay the admission fee, and complete the registration process. The college will then issue your admission confirmation. Keep all documents safe and follow all instructions from the DME and your college carefully.
Key Dates and Deadlines to Watch
This notice is dated 30 September 2026 and shows the vacancy position as of that date. However, the notice does not provide counselling dates, registration deadlines, or allotment schedules. These dates are published separately in the counselling notification.
You must actively monitor the TN MedSelect portal and the DME website for announcements. Missing a deadline can cost you your seat. Set reminders on your phone or calendar for all important dates once they are announced.
See the exact MBBS colleges your NEET rank can get
Free 2-minute preview — official closing ranks and fees for every seat your rank can reach, All India and your state.
See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What does 7.5% reservation mean in Tamil Nadu dental admissions?
The 7.5% reservation is a special category in Tamil Nadu's medical and dental admissions. Seats under this reservation are exclusively for candidates who meet the specific eligibility criteria for this category. These candidates compete only with other 7.5% reservation candidates, not with the general merit pool or other reserved categories. The exact eligibility criteria are provided in the main counselling prospectus.
How many BDS seats are available under 7.5% reservation in Tamil Nadu?
A total of 25 BDS seats are available under 7.5% reservation as of 30 September 2026. Of these, 5 seats are in government colleges and 20 seats are in self-financing colleges across Tamil Nadu.
Which government dental colleges have seats under 7.5% reservation?
Two government dental colleges have seats: Tamil Nadu Government Dental College & Hospital in Chennai (3 seats) and Government Dental College and Hospital in Cuddalore (2 seats). These are the only government BDS colleges with vacancies under this reservation.
Why are these vacancies called 'tentative'?
The vacancies are tentative because they may change during the counselling process. Seats can increase or decrease based on candidates who do not report after allotment, withdrawals, or administrative adjustments by the DME. Always check the official TN MedSelect portal for updated vacancy information during counselling.
Can I apply for these seats if I am an MBBS aspirant?
No. This notice covers only BDS seats. MBBS and BDS are separate courses with separate counselling processes and seat matrices. If you are an MBBS aspirant, you must check the separate MBBS vacancy list. Do not confuse the two.
What should I do with this vacancy list during counselling registration?
Use this list to identify which colleges have 7.5% reservation seats available and plan your college preference order. Rank colleges according to your preference, considering location and reputation. Include both government and SF colleges in your list. Remember that your NEET rank will determine which college you are allotted, not just your preferences.
Does this notice include counselling dates and registration deadlines?
No. This notice only lists the vacancy position as of 30 September 2026. Counselling dates, registration deadlines, and allotment schedules are published separately in the counselling notification. You must check the official TN MedSelect portal for the complete counselling calendar.
What happens if I am allotted a seat?
After allotment, you will receive an allotment letter. You must report to the allotted college on the specified date with all required documents. Failure to report on time may result in forfeiture of your seat. After reporting, you will complete document verification, pay the admission fee, and complete registration.
How do I verify if I am eligible for 7.5% reservation?
The eligibility criteria for 7.5% reservation are provided in the main counselling prospectus or admission guidelines released by Tamil Nadu DME. Check the official TN MedSelect website or contact the DME directly to verify your eligibility. Do not apply for seats you are not eligible for, as this will result in rejection.
Which SF colleges have the most seats under 7.5% reservation?
Three SF colleges have 4 seats each: Best Dental Science College in Madurai, K.S.R. Institute of Dental Science & Research in Tiruchengode, and Rajas Dental College & Hospital in Tirunelveli. Most other SF colleges have 1 to 2 seats available.
This vacancy list is your starting point for planning your BDS counselling preferences. Verify immediately that you are eligible under the 7.5% reservation category by checking the main counselling prospectus. Monitor the official TN MedSelect portal closely for the counselling schedule, registration window, and any updates to this vacancy list. When counselling opens, use this college-wise breakdown to rank your preferences strategically, and complete registration before the deadline. Do not delay — missing counselling deadlines can cost you your seat.
Plan your admission with free AI tools
Turn your NEET score into a rank, then into the exact colleges you can get.