Thiruvananthapuram: The Government of Kerala has approved the implementation of a 15% All India Quota (AIQ) for BDS admissions in self-financing dental colleges across the state from the academic year 2026-27. The decision has been issued through G.O.(Ms) No.108/2026/H&FWD dated March 15, 2026.
Under the new policy, 15% of BDS seats in self-financing dental colleges in Kerala will be available to candidates from across India, irrespective of their domicile or nativity. Admissions to these seats will be based on the NEET-UG rank list.
15% AIQ for BDS Admissions in Kerala
The Kerala Government noted that the existing KEAM prospectus provisions provided for 15% All India Quota seats in self-financing institutions for courses including MBBS, BAMS, BSMS and BUMS. However, a similar provision was not included for BDS admissions in self-financing dental colleges.
The matter was subsequently examined following a petition filed by the Principal of PMS College of Dental Science and Research before the High Court of Kerala. The proposal for extending the AIQ provision to BDS seats was examined after considering its impact on the availability of seats for State Quota candidates.
Following discussions with representatives of self-financing dental colleges, the Government decided to implement the 15% AIQ for BDS admissions from 2026-27 onwards.
Who Can Apply for Kerala BDS AIQ Seats?
The newly approved provision allows All India students, irrespective of their domicile/nativity, to seek admission against the 15% AIQ seats in self-financing dental colleges in Kerala.
Admission will be made based on the candidate’s NEET-UG rank, as specified in the government order.
KEAM Prospectus to Include New Provision
Join NEET News 2026 The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala has been directed to take the necessary steps to incorporate the 15% AIQ provision into the KEAM Prospectus for the academic year 2026-27.
The order has also been forwarded to the Director of Medical Education, CEE Kerala, Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS), and the All Kerala Self-Financing Dental College Management Consortium for necessary action.
What This Means for BDS Aspirants
The introduction of the 15% AIQ is significant for candidates seeking BDS admission in Kerala’s self-financing dental colleges. From the 2026-27 academic session, eligible candidates from outside Kerala will also have an opportunity to compete for the designated AIQ seats based on their NEET-UG rank.
Candidates should check the KEAM 2026-27 prospectus and official admission notifications for detailed information on eligibility, registration, seat distribution and the admission procedure once the updated provisions are published.
