Tamil Nadu's Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DME) has released a tentative vacancy position for MBBS and BDS courses under the 7.5% reservation category for the 2026-27 academic year, as of 10 September 2026. This is a critical update for NEET UG 2026 candidates eligible for reserved seats, as it shows exactly which colleges have openings and how many seats are available in each institution. The notice covers government colleges, self-financing (SF) colleges, and private colleges across both MBBS and BDS programmes. These are the seats that will be filled in the second round of counselling, and candidates must understand which colleges and categories have vacancies to plan their choices strategically.
Tamil Nadu has 35 tentative 7.5% reservation seats available across MBBS and BDS courses in Round 2 counselling: 2 MBBS seats in government colleges, 29 in SF colleges, 2 in private colleges, and 2 BDS seats in government colleges, plus 32 in SF dental colleges.
What is the 7.5% Reservation and Who is Eligible?
The 7.5% reservation is a special category in Tamil Nadu's medical and dental admissions reserved for candidates who meet specific criteria set by the state. This is separate from the standard SC, ST, OBC, and general categories. Candidates eligible for this reservation must have applied for it during the initial registration and counselling process.
If you are eligible for the 7.5% reservation, you can only compete for seats marked under this category. You cannot apply for general or other reserved category seats unless you are also eligible for those. It is crucial to verify your eligibility status in your counselling login before the next round begins.
MBBS Seats Available: Government Colleges
Only 2 MBBS seats are available in government colleges under the 7.5% reservation. These are distributed across two institutions in Tamil Nadu. Government college seats are highly competitive and typically have lower fees than private institutions.
The two colleges with vacancies are Madurai Medical College (1 seat) and Tirunelveli Medical College (1 seat). If you are interested in a government MBBS seat, these are your only options in this round under the 7.5% category.
- Madurai Medical College, Madurai: 1 seat
- Tirunelveli Medical College, Tirunelveli: 1 seat
| College | Seats Available |
|---|---|
| Madurai Medical College, Madurai | 1 |
| Tirunelveli Medical College, Tirunelveli | 1 |
MBBS Seats Available: Self-Financing (SF) Colleges
Self-financing colleges are government-recognised institutions that charge higher fees than government colleges but are still regulated by the state. A total of 29 MBBS seats are available across 7 SF colleges under the 7.5% reservation. These colleges offer more seats than government institutions and may have better infrastructure in some cases, but candidates must be prepared for higher tuition fees.
The SF colleges with vacancies range from 2 to 8 seats per institution. Melmaruvathur Adhiparasakthi Institute has the most vacancies (3 seats), followed by APS Medical College Hospital in Mevaloor Kuppam (8 seats). If you are considering an SF college, check the fees and facilities before finalising your choice.
- Melmaruvathur Adhiparasakthi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Melmaruvathur: 3 seats
- Sri Muthukumaran Medical College, Chennai: 2 seats
- Indira Medical College & Hospitals, Thiruvallur: 5 seats
- Swamy Vivekanandha Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Namakkal: 2 seats
- PSP Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Kancheepuram: 7 seats
- Rajalakshmi Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Kanchipuram: 2 seats
- APS Medical College Hospital, Mevaloor Kuppam, Kancheepuram: 8 seats
| College | Seats Available |
|---|---|
| Melmaruvathur Adhiparasakthi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Melmaruvathur | 3 |
| Sri Muthukumaran Medical College, Chennai | 2 |
| Indira Medical College & Hospitals, Thiruvallur | 5 |
| Swamy Vivekanandha Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Namakkal | 2 |
| PSP Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Kancheepuram | 7 |
| Rajalakshmi Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Kanchipuram | 2 |
| APS Medical College Hospital, Mevaloor Kuppam, Kancheepuram | 8 |
MBBS Seats Available: Private Colleges
Only 2 MBBS seats are available in private colleges under the 7.5% reservation. Private colleges charge the highest fees among all institution types but may offer additional facilities and specialisations. The single private college with a vacancy is Kanyakumari Medical Mission Research Center in Kanyakumari.
Private college seats are typically more expensive than government and SF colleges. Before choosing a private college, ensure you have verified the total cost of the course, including tuition, hostel, and other fees, and that your family can afford it.
- Kanyakumari Medical Mission Research Center, Kanyakumari: 2 seats
| College | Seats Available |
|---|---|
| Kanyakumari Medical Mission Research Center, Kanyakumari | 2 |
BDS Seats Available: Government Colleges
A total of 2 BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) seats are available in government dental colleges under the 7.5% reservation. These are distributed across two institutions. Government dental college seats are highly sought after due to lower fees and strong academic reputation.
The two colleges with vacancies are Tamil Nadu Government Dental College & Hospital in Chennai (1 seat) and Government Dental College and Hospital in Cuddalore (1 seat). If you are interested in pursuing dentistry in a government institution, these are your only options in this round.
- Tamil Nadu Government Dental College & Hospital, Chennai: 1 seat
- Government Dental College and Hospital, Cuddalore: 1 seat
| College | Seats Available |
|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu Government Dental College & Hospital, Chennai | 1 |
| Government Dental College and Hospital, Cuddalore | 1 |
BDS Seats Available: Self-Financing (SF) Colleges
A significant number of BDS seats — 32 in total — are available across 16 SF dental colleges under the 7.5% reservation. This is the largest pool of vacancies in this round. SF dental colleges offer more seats and may have modern facilities, but fees are considerably higher than government institutions.
The SF dental colleges range from 1 to 7 seats per institution. K.S.R. Institute of Dental Science & Research in Tiruchengode has the most vacancies (4 seats), followed by Rajas Dental College & Hospital in Tirunelveli (7 seats). Candidates interested in dentistry should carefully review the fees and location of each college before making their choice.
- Adhiparasakthi Dental College & Hospital, Melmaruvathur: 1 seat
- Best Dental Science College, Madurai: 1 seat
- JKK Natrajah Dental College & Hospital, Komarapalayam: 1 seat
- K.S.R. Institute of Dental Science & Research, Tiruchengode: 4 seats
- Ragas Dental College & Hospital, Chennai: 2 seats
- Rajas Dental College & Hospital, Tirunelveli: 7 seats
- Sri Ramakrishna Dental College & Hospital, Coimbatore: 1 seat
- Vivekanandha Dental College for Women, Elayampalayam, Tiruchengode, Namakkal: 2 seats
- Madha Dental College & Hospital, Kundrathur: 3 seats
- Chettinad Dental College & Research Institute, Kancheepuram: 1 seat
- CSI College of Dental Sciences & Research, Madurai: 2 seats
- Sri Venkateswara Dental College & Hospital, Chennai: 2 seats
- Tagore Dental College & Hospital, Chennai: 1 seat
- Asan Memorial Dental College & Hospital, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram Dist.: 1 seat
- Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Dental College, Perambalur: 1 seat
- Nandha Dental College & Hospital, Erode: 2 seats
| College | Seats Available |
|---|---|
| Adhiparasakthi Dental College & Hospital, Melmaruvathur | 1 |
| Best Dental Science College, Madurai | 1 |
| JKK Natrajah Dental College & Hospital, Komarapalayam | 1 |
| K.S.R. Institute of Dental Science & Research, Tiruchengode | 4 |
| Ragas Dental College & Hospital, Chennai | 2 |
| Rajas Dental College & Hospital, Tirunelveli | 7 |
| Sri Ramakrishna Dental College & Hospital, Coimbatore | 1 |
| Vivekanandha Dental College for Women, Elayampalayam, Tiruchengode, Namakkal | 2 |
| Madha Dental College & Hospital, Kundrathur | 3 |
| Chettinad Dental College & Research Institute, Kancheepuram | 1 |
| CSI College of Dental Sciences & Research, Madurai | 2 |
| Sri Venkateswara Dental College & Hospital, Chennai | 2 |
| Tagore Dental College & Hospital, Chennai | 1 |
| Asan Memorial Dental College & Hospital, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram Dist. | 1 |
| Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Dental College, Perambalur | 1 |
| Nandha Dental College & Hospital, Erode | 2 |
Total Seat Count Across All Categories
In total, 35 seats are available under the 7.5% reservation across MBBS and BDS programmes in Round 2 counselling. This breaks down as follows: 33 MBBS seats (2 government + 29 SF + 2 private) and 34 BDS seats (2 government + 32 SF). These are tentative numbers as of 10 September 2026 and may change if candidates decline seats or if additional vacancies arise.
The majority of vacancies are in SF colleges, which offer more seats but at higher costs. Government college seats remain limited and highly competitive. Candidates should prioritise their choices based on their academic performance, financial capacity, and career goals.
- Total MBBS seats: 33 (2 government + 29 SF + 2 private)
- Total BDS seats: 34 (2 government + 32 SF)
- Grand total: 67 seats across all programmes and institution types
| Programme | Government | Self-Financing | Private | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBBS | 2 | 29 | 2 | 33 |
| BDS | 2 | 32 | 0 | 34 |
| Total | 4 | 61 | 2 | 67 |
What 'Tentative' Means and Why It Matters
The notice explicitly states these are 'tentative' vacancy positions. This means the numbers are subject to change. Vacancies can increase if candidates who were allotted seats in Round 1 decline them, or they can decrease if additional candidates accept seats. The final seat count will be confirmed closer to the start of Round 2 counselling.
Do not assume that the exact number of seats shown will be available when you participate in Round 2. Use this notice to understand which colleges have openings and plan your choice list accordingly, but be prepared for the possibility that some seats may no longer be available or new vacancies may appear.
How to Use This Information for Your Choice List
This vacancy notice is essential for planning your choice list in Round 2 counselling. You should cross-reference this list with your NEET UG 2026 rank and the expected cutoff scores for each college to determine which institutions you have a realistic chance of getting into. Remember that your rank, category, and the college's previous year's cutoff are the primary factors determining your allotment.
Create a prioritised list of colleges based on: (1) your rank and eligibility, (2) the college's location and facilities, (3) the total fees and your family's financial capacity, and (4) your career aspirations. Rank government colleges higher if you can get into them, as they offer better value and prestige. However, do not ignore SF colleges if they align with your goals and budget.
- Check your NEET UG 2026 rank and category eligibility
- Compare your rank with previous year's cutoffs for each college
- Verify the total fees (tuition, hostel, other charges) for each institution
- Research the college's academic reputation, faculty, and facilities
- Prioritise colleges by your preference and realistic chances of allotment
- Keep a backup list of SF and private colleges in case government seats are not available
Important: This is Round 2 — What Happened in Round 1?
This is the second round of counselling for the 2026-27 academic year. Round 1 has already been completed, and many seats have been allotted to candidates. The vacancies shown here are what remains after Round 1 allotments. If you did not get a seat in Round 1, or if you are eligible for the 7.5% category and did not participate in Round 1, you are now eligible to participate in Round 2.
Candidates who were allotted seats in Round 1 but declined them, or who did not report to their allotted college, have created these vacancies. This is your opportunity to secure a seat if you missed out in the first round. Pay close attention to the counselling schedule and deadlines for Round 2 to ensure you do not miss this opportunity.
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What is the 7.5% reservation category in Tamil Nadu NEET UG counselling?
The 7.5% reservation is a special category in Tamil Nadu's medical and dental admissions reserved for candidates who meet specific state-defined criteria. It is separate from SC, ST, OBC, and general categories. Candidates eligible for this category can only compete for seats marked under 7.5% reservation unless they are also eligible for other categories. You must have applied for this category during initial registration to be eligible.
How many MBBS seats are available under 7.5% reservation in Round 2?
A total of 33 MBBS seats are available: 2 in government colleges, 29 in self-financing colleges, and 2 in private colleges. The government college seats are at Madurai Medical College (1) and Tirunelveli Medical College (1). The largest number of vacancies are in SF colleges, with APS Medical College in Mevaloor Kuppam offering 8 seats.
How many BDS seats are available under 7.5% reservation in Round 2?
A total of 34 BDS seats are available: 2 in government colleges and 32 in self-financing colleges. Government seats are at Tamil Nadu Government Dental College & Hospital, Chennai (1) and Government Dental College and Hospital, Cuddalore (1). The majority of BDS vacancies are in SF colleges, with Rajas Dental College & Hospital in Tirunelveli offering the most (7 seats).
Why are these seats called 'tentative'?
These are tentative vacancy positions because they are subject to change. The final count will depend on how many candidates who were allotted seats in Round 1 accept or decline them. Additional vacancies may appear if Round 1 allottees do not report to their colleges, or the count may decrease if more candidates accept their allotments. The final seat count will be confirmed closer to Round 2 counselling.
Can I apply for seats in both government and SF colleges in Round 2?
Yes, you can include both government and SF colleges in your choice list during Round 2 counselling. The counselling system will allot you the highest-ranked college from your list based on your rank and the college's cutoff. You should prioritise government colleges if you have a realistic chance of getting into them, as they offer lower fees and higher prestige, but also include SF colleges as backup options.
What if my rank is not good enough for any of these colleges?
If your rank does not match the expected cutoffs for any of the colleges listed, you may not be allotted a seat in Round 2. In that case, you may be eligible for further rounds of counselling (if announced) or for management quota seats at private colleges. Contact the Tamil Nadu DME counselling portal or helpline for information on subsequent rounds and alternative options.
Are the fees the same for government, SF, and private colleges?
No, fees vary significantly. Government colleges charge the lowest fees, typically ₹5,000–₹10,000 per year for tuition. Self-financing colleges charge considerably more, ranging from ₹3–₹5 lakhs per year. Private colleges charge the highest fees, often ₹10–₹15 lakhs or more per year. Before finalising your choice, verify the exact fees and total cost of the course with each college.
When will Round 2 counselling begin, and what is the last date to register?
The notice does not specify the dates for Round 2 counselling. You must check the Tamil Nadu DME counselling portal (tnmedicalselection.net) or contact the DME directly for the exact schedule, registration dates, and choice-filling deadlines. Do not miss these dates, as late registrations are typically not accepted.
What documents will I need to submit during Round 2 counselling?
The notice does not list the required documents for Round 2. Typically, you will need your NEET UG 2026 admit card, scorecard, 10th and 12th mark sheets, caste certificate (if applicable), income certificate, and other documents as specified by the DME. Check the counselling portal or the DME notification for the complete list of required documents.
If I don't get a seat in Round 2, will there be a Round 3?
The notice does not mention whether further rounds will be conducted. Typically, Tamil Nadu conducts multiple rounds of counselling until all seats are filled or no more candidates are eligible. Check the DME portal regularly for announcements about subsequent rounds. If you do not get a seat in Round 2, you may be eligible for management quota seats or seats in private colleges.
Can I change my choice list after submitting it in Round 2?
The notice does not specify the rules for modifying your choice list after submission. Typically, choice lists can be edited during a specified window before the final locking deadline. Check the counselling portal for the exact dates and procedures for editing your choices. Once the choice list is locked, you cannot make changes.
What happens if I am allotted a seat but do not report to the college?
If you are allotted a seat and do not report to the college within the specified time, your seat will be cancelled and will become available for other candidates in subsequent rounds. This is how many of the vacancies in Round 2 have arisen — from candidates who declined or did not report to their Round 1 allotments. Always confirm your acceptance of a seat by reporting to the college on time.
This tentative vacancy notice is your roadmap for Round 2 counselling. Cross-reference these colleges with your NEET UG 2026 rank and previous year's cutoffs to build a realistic choice list. Monitor the Tamil Nadu DME counselling portal (tnmedicalselection.net) closely for the exact dates, registration deadlines, and choice-filling windows for Round 2. Do not delay — missing the registration or choice-filling deadline will cost you your seat. If you have questions about your eligibility or the counselling process, contact the DME helpline immediately.
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