Maharashtra NEET MDS CAP 2026 registration is currently open for admission to postgraduate dental courses for the academic year 2026-27. Eligible candidates can complete online registration until August 24, 2026, at 8:00 pm. The registration fee and applicable security deposit must be paid by 10:00 pm, while uploading and submission of the required documents will remain open until 11:59 pm on August 24.

The counselling process is being conducted by the Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell for eligible NEET MDS 2026 candidates seeking admission through the state Centralised Admission Process. Candidates who have registered for All India Quota counselling must complete a separate registration for Maharashtra CAP counselling if they want to be considered for seats under the Maharashtra process.

Key Highlights of Maharashtra NEET MDS CAP 2026

• Maharashtra NEET MDS CAP 2026 registration began on August 20, 2026.
• The online registration deadline is August 24, 2026, up to 8:00 pm.
• Fee payment must be completed by 10:00 pm on August 24.
• Document upload and submission will close at 11:59 pm on August 24.
• Online document verification is scheduled for August 25.
• The provisional merit list is scheduled to be released on August 26.
• Candidates can submit grievances against the provisional merit list until August 27.
• Round 1 choice filling will be conducted from August 30 to September 1.
• CAP Round 1 seat allotment is scheduled for September 2.
• Selected candidates must physically join their allotted college between September 3 and September 7.

Maharashtra NEET MDS CAP 2026 Round 1 Important Dates

The schedule is subject to revision by the State Common Entrance Test Cell. Candidates should monitor their candidate login and the official admission portal for any updated notice.

Who Can Participate in Maharashtra NEET MDS CAP 2026?

Candidates who have qualified NEET MDS 2026 and satisfy the applicable eligibility requirements can participate in the Maharashtra counselling process. Admission will be based on NEET MDS merit, category and reservation rules, document verification, candidate preferences and the availability of seats.

Applicants must generally hold a recognised Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree or an equivalent qualification. The compulsory rotating internship must have been completed on or before May 31, 2026. Candidates must also possess valid permanent or provisional dental registration issued by the Maharashtra Medical Council, another State Dental Council in India or the National Dental Commission, as applicable.

Registration alone does not guarantee admission. A candidate becomes eligible for seat allotment only after successful registration, fee payment, document verification and inclusion in the applicable merit list.

Documents Required for Maharashtra NEET MDS Counselling 2026

Candidates should prepare clear, coloured scans of the original documents before starting the application. The following documents are required or may be required according to the candidate's category and claims:

Applicants should upload documents in the prescribed format and ensure that every page is readable. A mismatch between the claims entered in the application and the documents submitted can affect eligibility or lead to rejection of the claim.

Maharashtra NEET MDS CAP 2026 Registration Fee

Candidates are required to pay a non-refundable registration fee of Rs 3,000, along with the applicable security deposit. The payment must be completed online by 10:00 pm on August 24, 2026.

Candidates should download the payment receipt after the transaction is completed. Merely filling in the registration form without successful payment will not be treated as completed registration.

How to Complete Maharashtra NEET MDS CAP Registration

1. Open the Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell admission portal and select the NEET-PGD or NEET MDS counselling section.
2. Create a candidate account using the required NEET MDS and personal details.
3. Enter academic, examination, nationality, category and registration information carefully.
4. Upload the required coloured scans of original documents in the prescribed format.
5. Pay the registration fee and applicable security deposit online.
6. Review the completed form and confirm the application before the deadline.
7. Download and preserve the submitted application form, acknowledgement and payment receipt.
8. Track the verification status through the candidate login.

Candidates should not wait until the final hours because payment failure, incorrect files, server congestion or an incomplete submission can prevent participation in Round 1.

What Happens After Registration?

After registration closes, the State CET Cell will verify the uploaded information and documents. The registered candidate list and provisional merit list are scheduled to be published on August 26.

If a candidate finds an error in the provisional merit list or believes that a document or category claim has not been considered correctly, a grievance can be submitted through the candidate login by August 27 at 11:59 pm. Candidates should upload supporting documents wherever required and follow the instructions displayed in their login.

The final merit list and Round 1 seat matrix are scheduled for August 29. Eligible candidates can then submit and confirm their college and course preferences between August 30 and September 1.

How Will CAP Round 1 Seat Allotment Work?

The Round 1 allotment will be based on the candidate's NEET MDS merit, preferences, applicable reservation rules and seat availability. The allotment result is scheduled to be released on September 2, 2026.

After the result, an allotted candidate must carefully read the instructions in the candidate login. Depending on the allotment and the candidate's decision, the seat may be accepted, retained with a request for betterment where permitted, or treated according to the applicable CAP rules.

Candidates who accept a seat must complete the required online formalities, pay the seat acceptance amount where applicable and report physically to the allotted dental college within the notified period. The college will verify the original documents, collect the applicable admission fee and confirm the admission in the online system.

What Candidates Should Do Now

1. Complete the Maharashtra NEET MDS CAP application before August 24, 2026.
2. Pay the registration fee and applicable security deposit before 10:00 pm on the deadline day.
3. Upload and submit all documents before 11:59 pm on August 24.
4. Save the application number, password, acknowledgement and payment receipt.
5. Check the verification status and provisional merit list after publication.
6. Raise a grievance within the specified deadline if any eligible claim or document has been recorded incorrectly.
7. Research eligible MDS colleges and specialities before choice filling begins.
8. Enter preferences carefully and confirm the option form before September 1.
9. If allotted a seat, complete acceptance, fee payment and physical reporting within the notified period.

What If a Candidate Misses the Registration Deadline?

Candidates who do not complete registration, fee payment or document submission within the specified deadlines may not be considered for CAP Round 1. The State CET Cell has not guaranteed that a separate late-registration window will be provided.

Applicants should not rely on an extension unless it is officially notified. Any future round, fresh registration facility or revised schedule will depend on the instructions issued by the competent authority.

Important Points About Maharashtra and AIQ Counselling

• Registration for All India Quota counselling does not automatically complete registration for Maharashtra state CAP counselling.
• Candidates seeking consideration through Maharashtra CAP must register separately with the state competent authority.
• NEET MDS merit is important, but allotment also depends on category, preferences, seat availability and applicable admission rules.
• Original documents will be checked at the time of physical joining.
• False, incomplete or unsupported claims may result in cancellation of the allotment or refusal of admission.
• Candidates should retain both digital and printed copies of every document submitted during counselling.

Useful Links

Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell: https://cetcell.mahacet.org/

Maharashtra CAP 2026-27 Admission Page: https://cetcell.mahacet.org/cap-_2026-27/

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last date to register for Maharashtra NEET MDS CAP 2026?

The last date for online registration is August 24, 2026, up to 8:00 pm.

What is the deadline for fee payment?

The registration fee and applicable security deposit must be paid by 10:00 pm on August 24, 2026.

When is the last date to upload documents?

Required documents must be uploaded and submitted by 11:59 pm on August 24, 2026.

What is the Maharashtra NEET MDS CAP registration fee?

The registration fee is Rs 3,000 and is non-refundable. An applicable security deposit must also be paid according to the counselling instructions.

When will the provisional merit list be released?

The provisional merit list is scheduled to be published on August 26, 2026.

Can candidates challenge the provisional merit list?

Yes. Candidates can submit grievances through their candidate login until August 27, 2026, at 11:59 pm, along with supporting documents where required.

When will Maharashtra NEET MDS Round 1 seat allotment be announced?

CAP Round 1 seat allotment is scheduled for September 2, 2026.

When do allotted candidates have to join the college?

Physical joining at the allotted college is scheduled from September 3 to September 7, 2026, up to 5:30 pm.

Is separate registration required for Maharashtra CAP if a candidate registered for AIQ counselling?

Yes. Candidates who want to participate in Maharashtra state CAP counselling must complete a separate registration with the Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell.

Does registration guarantee an MDS seat?

No. Admission depends on NEET MDS merit, eligibility, document verification, category rules, candidate preferences and the availability of seats.

What should candidates do after receiving an allotment?

They should review the allotment instructions, complete the required acceptance and fee formalities, carry all original documents and report physically to the allotted college within the notified deadline.