Tamil Nadu's Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DME) has released the tentative vacancy position for BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) seats under the 7.5% Government Quota for the 2026-27 academic session. This is a stray round vacancy list — seats that remain unfilled after the main counselling rounds and are now being offered to eligible candidates. The notice shows 7 total BDS seats available: 1 in a government college and 6 in self-financing (SF) colleges across Tamil Nadu. Understanding which colleges have vacancies in which categories is essential if you are eligible for this quota and wish to apply in the stray round.
Tamil Nadu has 7 BDS seats available under 7.5% Government Quota (1 govt college, 6 SF colleges) for stray round 2026-27, with vacancies distributed across BC, BCM, and MBC DNC categories.
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Unlock My College ListWhat is the 7.5% Government Quota?
The 7.5% Government Quota is a special reservation category in Tamil Nadu for MBBS and BDS admissions. These seats are filled through a separate counselling process managed by the state's Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DME). Unlike the main NEET counselling rounds, the 7.5% quota has its own merit list and allotment procedure.
This quota is distinct from the standard OBC, SC, ST, and other reserved categories. Candidates who are eligible for the 7.5% quota and have registered for it during the initial counselling registration can participate in stray rounds when vacancies arise. The stray round is the final opportunity to fill any remaining seats before the admission process closes for that session.
What is a Stray Round?
A stray round is the final phase of counselling after all main rounds are complete. It is used to fill any seats that remain vacant after candidates have been allotted in previous rounds. In a stray round, candidates who were not allotted a seat in earlier rounds, or who did not participate, get another chance to secure admission.
The stray round typically has a shorter registration and allotment window than main rounds. Candidates must register specifically for the stray round and participate in the allotment process. This notice announces the vacancies available in the stray round for BDS under the 7.5% Government Quota.
Total Vacancies: 7 BDS Seats
The notice lists a total of 7 BDS seats available under the 7.5% Government Quota for the 2026-27 session. These are divided into two groups: government colleges and self-financing (SF) colleges. Government colleges are fully funded by the state and typically have lower fees; SF colleges are private institutions that charge higher fees but are regulated by the state.
Of the 7 seats, only 1 is in a government college (Tamil Nadu Government Dental College & Hospital, Chennai), while 6 are in SF colleges across different districts. This distribution is important because government college seats are highly competitive and typically have lower fees, while SF college seats may have higher fees but may also have different eligibility or merit criteria.
Government College Vacancy
Tamil Nadu Government Dental College & Hospital, Chennai has 1 BDS seat available under the 7.5% Government Quota. This seat is reserved for the MBC DNC (Most Backward Caste – Denotified Community) category. MBC DNC is a specific sub-category within the backward classes reservation in Tamil Nadu.
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If you belong to the MBC DNC category and are eligible for the 7.5% Government Quota, this is the only government college seat available in this stray round. Government college seats are highly sought after due to lower fees and better infrastructure. You must ensure your caste certificate clearly mentions the MBC DNC sub-group to be eligible for this seat.
Self-Financing (SF) College Vacancies
Six BDS seats are available across five self-financing dental colleges in Tamil Nadu. These colleges are: Best Dental Science College (Madurai), K.S.R. Institute of Dental Science & Research (Tiruchengode), Rajas Dental College & Hospital (Tirunelveli), Sri Ramakrishna Dental College & Hospital (Coimbatore), and Madha Dental College & Hospital (Kundrathur). Self-financing colleges charge higher fees than government colleges but offer more seats and may have different infrastructure or specialization options.
The SF college vacancies are distributed across multiple categories. Unlike the single government college seat, SF colleges offer more flexibility in terms of category-wise availability. However, candidates must be prepared for higher fees and should verify the exact fee structure and facilities at each college before applying.
Category-Wise Vacancy Breakdown
The vacancies are distributed across several caste and community categories as per Tamil Nadu's reservation policy. The categories shown in the notice are: OC (Open Category), BC (Backward Class), BCM (Backward Class Muslim), MBC DNC (Most Backward Caste – Denotified Community), SC (Scheduled Caste), SCA (Scheduled Caste Arunthathiyar), and ST (Scheduled Tribe).
Understanding which category each seat belongs to is critical. You can only apply for a seat in your own category. If your caste certificate does not match the category of the available seat, you will not be eligible. For example, if a seat is reserved for BC category and you belong to OC, you cannot apply for that seat. Similarly, if a seat is for MBC DNC and your certificate shows only 'MBC' without the DNC sub-group, you may not be eligible.
- OC (Open Category): No vacancies listed
- BC (Backward Class): 2 seats in SF colleges (Best Dental Science College, K.S.R. Institute)
- BCM (Backward Class Muslim): 1 seat in SF college (K.S.R. Institute)
- MBC DNC (Most Backward Caste – Denotified Community): 4 seats total (1 govt college + 3 SF colleges)
- SC (Scheduled Caste): No vacancies listed
- SCA (Scheduled Caste Arunthathiyar): No vacancies listed
- ST (Scheduled Tribe): No vacancies listed
| College Name | Location | Type | OC | BC | BCM | MBC DNC | SC | SCA | ST | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu Government Dental College & Hospital | Chennai | Government | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Best Dental Science College | Madurai | SF | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| K.S.R. Institute of Dental Science & Research | Tiruchengode | SF | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Rajas Dental College & Hospital | Tirunelveli | SF | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Sri Ramakrishna Dental College & Hospital | Coimbatore | SF | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Madha Dental College & Hospital | Kundrathur | SF | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| TOTAL | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
College-Wise Vacancy Details
**Government College:** Tamil Nadu Government Dental College & Hospital, Chennai has 1 MBC DNC seat. This is the only government college offering BDS under this quota in the stray round.
**SF Colleges:** Best Dental Science College (Madurai) has 1 BC seat. K.S.R. Institute of Dental Science & Research (Tiruchengode) has 1 BC seat and 1 BCM seat (2 total). Rajas Dental College & Hospital (Tirunelveli) has 1 MBC DNC seat. Sri Ramakrishna Dental College & Hospital (Coimbatore) has 1 MBC DNC seat. Madha Dental College & Hospital (Kundrathur) has 1 MBC DNC seat.
Who is Eligible for the 7.5% Government Quota?
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To be eligible for the 7.5% Government Quota stray round, you must meet the following criteria: (1) You must have qualified NEET UG 2026 with a valid score. (2) You must belong to one of the reserved categories (BC, BCM, MBC DNC, SC, SCA, or ST) and possess a valid caste certificate issued by the competent authority. (3) You must have registered for the 7.5% Government Quota during the initial counselling registration window. (4) You must not have been allotted a seat in the main rounds, or you must be eligible to participate in the stray round as per the state's counselling rules.
Additionally, your caste certificate must clearly specify the exact sub-category. For example, if you are applying for an MBC DNC seat, your certificate must explicitly state 'MBC DNC' or 'Most Backward Caste – Denotified Community'. A certificate that only says 'MBC' without the DNC designation will not be accepted for MBC DNC seats. Similarly, for BCM seats, your certificate must show 'BCM' (Backward Class Muslim). Verify your certificate details well in advance to avoid rejection during the application process.
Important: Caste Certificate Requirements
⚠️ **TRAP ALERT:** The most common reason for rejection in stray rounds is an incorrect or incomplete caste certificate. Tamil Nadu recognizes specific sub-categories within backward classes, and your certificate must match the exact category of the seat you are applying for.
If you are applying for an MBC DNC seat, your caste certificate MUST show 'MBC DNC' or 'Most Backward Caste – Denotified Community'. If it only shows 'MBC', you will NOT be eligible for MBC DNC seats, even if you belong to a denotified community. Similarly, if you are applying for a BCM (Backward Class Muslim) seat, your certificate must explicitly state 'BCM'. If your certificate shows only 'BC' or 'Muslim' without the BCM designation, you may not be eligible.
Obtain a certified copy of your caste certificate from the District Collector's office or the competent authority in your district. Ensure it is issued on or after your date of birth and is valid for the current academic year. Do not rely on old certificates or certificates issued for other purposes (such as school admission). If your certificate is unclear or does not match the required category, contact the issuing authority immediately to get a corrected or clarified certificate before the stray round registration deadline.
What to Do Next: Steps to Apply in Stray Round
Once the stray round is officially announced by the DME (Tamil Nadu), you will need to register on the official counselling portal (typically TN MedSelect). The notice released today (18 October 2026) is the vacancy announcement; the actual stray round registration and allotment dates will be announced separately. Keep checking the DME website and TN MedSelect portal for the stray round notification.
When the stray round opens, you will need to: (1) Log in to the counselling portal with your NEET roll number and password. (2) Register for the stray round if you have not already done so. (3) Fill in your choice of colleges and seats based on your category and eligibility. (4) Pay any applicable registration or counselling fee (if required). (5) Submit your application before the deadline. (6) Download and print your confirmation receipt.
After the registration deadline, the DME will process all applications and release an allotment list. If your name appears in the allotment list, you will be assigned a seat at one of the colleges. You will then need to report to the allotted college on the specified date with all required documents (NEET scorecard, caste certificate, domicile certificate, etc.) to complete the admission process and secure your seat.
Key Dates to Watch
This notice was released on 18 October 2026 and shows the tentative vacancy position as of that date. However, the notice does NOT provide the stray round registration start date, end date, or allotment date. These dates will be announced in a separate official notification from the DME.
You must monitor the official DME website (https://www.tnmedicalselection.net) and the TN MedSelect counselling portal regularly for the stray round schedule. Stray rounds typically have a short window (often 2–5 days for registration), so missing the deadline can cost you the opportunity. Set a reminder or bookmark the portal to check for updates daily.
- Vacancy announcement released: 18 October 2026
- Stray round registration dates: To be announced (watch DME website)
- Stray round allotment date: To be announced
- Reporting date at allotted college: To be announced
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What is the 7.5% Government Quota in Tamil Nadu?
The 7.5% Government Quota is a special reservation category in Tamil Nadu for MBBS and BDS admissions. These seats are filled through a separate counselling process managed by the state's DME and are distinct from the standard OBC, SC, ST categories. Candidates eligible for this quota and registered during initial counselling can participate in stray rounds when vacancies arise.
How many BDS seats are available in this stray round?
A total of 7 BDS seats are available under the 7.5% Government Quota for the 2026-27 stray round: 1 seat in a government college (Tamil Nadu Government Dental College & Hospital, Chennai) and 6 seats across 5 self-financing colleges in Madurai, Tiruchengode, Tirunelveli, Coimbatore, and Kundrathur.
Which categories have vacancies?
Vacancies are available in BC (2 seats), BCM (1 seat), and MBC DNC (4 seats) categories. There are no vacancies in OC, SC, SCA, or ST categories in this stray round. You can only apply for a seat in your own category as shown in your valid caste certificate.
I belong to MBC. Can I apply for an MBC DNC seat?
No. If your caste certificate shows only 'MBC' without the 'DNC' (Denotified Community) designation, you cannot apply for MBC DNC seats. Your certificate must explicitly state 'MBC DNC' or 'Most Backward Caste – Denotified Community'. If you believe you belong to a denotified community, contact your District Collector's office to get a corrected certificate that includes the DNC designation.
What is the difference between government and self-financing colleges?
Government colleges are fully funded by the state and charge lower fees; they typically have better infrastructure and are highly competitive. Self-financing (SF) colleges are private institutions regulated by the state and charge higher fees but may offer more seats and different specializations. Only 1 government college seat is available in this stray round, while 6 are in SF colleges.
When will the stray round registration open?
This notice (released 18 October 2026) only announces the vacancies. The stray round registration dates, allotment dates, and other important timelines will be announced separately by the DME in a future notification. Check the official DME website and TN MedSelect portal regularly for the stray round schedule.
What documents will I need to apply in the stray round?
You will need your NEET scorecard, valid caste certificate (matching your category), domicile certificate, and other documents as specified in the stray round notification. Ensure your caste certificate is issued by the competent authority and clearly shows your exact category (e.g., BC, BCM, or MBC DNC). Have certified copies ready before registration opens.
Is this stray round only for candidates who did not get a seat in main rounds?
Primarily, yes. The stray round is for candidates who were not allotted a seat in the main counselling rounds. However, the exact eligibility criteria for participating in the stray round will be specified in the official stray round notification. Some candidates who were allotted seats may also be allowed to participate in stray rounds to upgrade their choice, depending on the state's rules.
What if my caste certificate is old or expired?
Your caste certificate must be valid and issued by the competent authority (District Collector or equivalent). If your certificate is old or you are unsure about its validity, obtain a fresh certified copy from your District Collector's office before the stray round registration deadline. Do not wait until the last moment, as obtaining a new certificate can take time.
Can I apply for multiple colleges or categories in the stray round?
The exact process for choosing multiple colleges or seats will be specified in the stray round notification. Typically, you can list your preferred colleges in order of choice, and the allotment algorithm will assign you a seat based on your merit rank and preferences. You can only be allotted one seat in the stray round.
What happens if I am allotted a seat in the stray round?
If your name appears in the allotment list, you will be assigned a specific seat at one of the colleges. You must report to the allotted college on the specified date with all required documents (NEET scorecard, caste certificate, domicile certificate, etc.) to complete the admission process. Failure to report on time may result in forfeiture of your seat.
Is there a fee for registering in the stray round?
The notice does not specify whether a registration or counselling fee is required for the stray round. This information will be provided in the official stray round notification. Check the DME website or TN MedSelect portal when the stray round is announced for fee details.
This vacancy announcement is the first step in the stray round process. The actual registration and allotment dates have not yet been announced. Visit the official DME website (https://www.tnmedicalselection.net) and the TN MedSelect counselling portal daily to watch for the stray round notification. Ensure your caste certificate is valid and matches your category exactly before registration opens. Once the stray round is officially announced, register immediately, as the window is typically short.
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