NEET MDS 2024 Live Updates: Question Paper Analysis (Available), Answer Key, Exam Pattern, Expected Cutoff

NEET MDS 2024 counselling process is likely to begin from May 2024 onwards. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) is the counselling authority for NEET MDS. In general, NEET MDS counselling is conducted approximately a month after the declaration of the result. However, since the counselling processes for NEET MDS and NEET PG are conducted simultaneously, and the latter will be conducted in July, there is a possibility that the NEET MDS counselling 2024 may be conducted from August 2024 onwards.   

The following three types of merit lists were released after the announcement of the NEET MDS 2024 result:

• NEET MDS 2024 rank: Overall merit position of the candidate amongst all the candidates who have appeared in the NEET MDS 2024 examination.
• All India 50 per cent quota rank: Overall merit position of the candidate amongst all the candidates who have appeared in the NEET MDS 2024 examination and are eligible for the All India 50 per cent quota.
• All India 50 per cent quota Category Rank: Overall merit position of the candidate in the category (OBC/SC/ST) as opted by the candidate in the NEET MDS 2024 examination.

On recurrent occasions, it is found that two or more candidates obtain the same marks as the result of NEET MDS. In such cases, the merit position is determined using the following tie-breaker criteria:

• Candidates with a lesser number of incorrect responses in the overall paper (Part A & B) will be placed in a better merit position
• Candidates with a higher score in Part B of the question paper will be placed at a higher merit position. 
• If marks in Section B are equal, the candidate who has a fewer number of incorrect responses in Section B of the paper will be placed higher.
• If all the other criteria fail, a candidate older in age will be placed higher on the merit list.

Before the declaration of the NEET MDA 2024 result, any question asked in the NEET MDS exam dated March 18, 2024, can be challenged for technical errors, if any, with supportive literature, in not more than two calendar days after the conduct of examination (i.e till March 20, 2024). No claims made beyond two days of conduct of examination shall be entertained under any circumstances. No claims about the difficulty level of a question will be accepted. Such a challenge can only be raised by bonafide candidates who had appeared in the examination through their registered email ID only at the Communication Web Portal of NBEMS.

No, there is no option given by NBE to re-evaluate or recheck or re-totaling of responses marked by the candidates. Requests/Queries for re-evaluation/re-totaling will not be entertained.

The validity of the result of NEET MDS 2024 will be only for the admission session 2024-25, or one academic year.

NEET MDS 2024 result will be declared on April 18. Candidates can download their score card from NBEMS website using their login credentials.

The following table brings the qualifying criteria or the cutoff for NEET MDS 2024 for each category.

NBE has stated, "Each workstation or exam station was blocked from three sides – front, left and right. Candidates were advised not to look around at other candidates as there were surveillance cameras also that recorded video.  Any suspicious or disruptive behaviour on part of the candidate may lead to cancellation of candidature"

Check out the NEET MDS 2024 student reactions on the exam in terms of difficulty level, question types and expected cutoff. 

There was a huge demand among students and stakeholders to postpone the NEET MDS 2024 exam to July. However, NBE did not postpone the exam and conducted it on March 18, as per the schedule. Students shared mixed reactions for this. While some of them were happy and relieved that the exam took place on the slated date, others said that it would have been better if NEET MDS 2024 was conducted in July as they would have had more time to prepare. 

Amrita, a NEET MDS candidate said, "I have completed my internship, hence I had no qualms about taking the exam today. But I have a lot of friends whose internships are still going on and they were hopeful that the NEET MDS 2024 exam date will be postponed, and hence did not prepare properly. It is really unfortunate for them."

Here we bring some of the NEET MDS 2024 student reactions:

Dr Manav Parashar: The difficulty level was moderate, but it was easier compared to last year. There were a number of case-study-based questions. The number of image-based questions was also higher than last year, which was approximately 15. A few questions were also same as last year. I am confident of my performance and hope to clear the cutoff. I have attempted around 180 questions. 

Dr Gaurav Malviya: I found the exam to be of moderate difficulty level. The number of image-based questions was higher than last year. Since the theoretical questions were sitter-based, I doubt that I might face some negative markings. I attempted 120 questions. 

The NEET MDS 2024 exam difficulty level was easy to moderate. According to candidates appearing for the exam, the difficulty level was easier than last year. There was an equal distribution of questions from all 17 topics of the NEET MDS syllabus. The number of image-based questions was higher as compared to last year. Moreover, the theoretical questions were tricky in nature, and not direct. Some students, who had appeared for last year's NEET MDS exam, said that some questions from last year were repeated this year, including the answer choices. Topics from which maximum questions were asked include Medicine and Pharma. 

Despite multiple student and stakeholders' requests to postpone the NEET MDS 2024 exam, NBE conducted the exam as per the schedule, on March 18, 2024. Candidates were of mixed views on this. While some were relieved that the exam is over, other were disappointed as they did not get much time to prepare for the exam. 

It must be noted that last year the NEET MDS cutoff was reduced by 31.807 percentile for each category. We bring the last year’s NEET MDS cutoff for candidates’ reference.

The original cutoff for NEET MDS released last year on the day of the result is provided below.

NEET MDS 2024 result will be declared on or before April 18, 2024. NBE will release the NEET MDS result in the form of scorecards and meritlist. 

Since the difficulty level of NEET MDS 2024 is easier, it is expected that the cutoff will be higher than last year. The actual cutoff will be declared on or before April 18, 2024, along with the result. 

According to the candidates, the difficulty level of NEET MDS 2024 was easy to moderate. As compared to last year, the difficulty level was lower. 

The invigilators check each candidates' computer systems and take their attendance once more, before allowing them to leave the exam hall. If the candidate’s signature on the answer script at the time of the exam does not match the signature on the Attendance Sheet, the candidate will be disqualified.

The NEET MDS 2024 exam ends at 12 noon. The computers locked automatically as the exam timing ended. 

NEET MDS 2024 exam will be ending soon, at 12 noon. Candidates are advised to revise the answers and submit the answers. They must check that they have selected the correct answer options and have submitted the answers properly. 

As many as five cities have been added to the list as well, which are, Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh), Dhanbad (Jharkhand), Haldwani (Uttarakhand), Rourkela (Odisha) and Sikar (Rajasthan).

As many as 20 cities have been removed from the list of exam cities for NEET MDS 2024. The list of cities which has been removed this year are given below:

There is just an hour left for the NEET MDS 2024 exam to conclude. Candidates will have to complete and submit the exam on the computer system. 

NBE had reduced the NEET MDS 2024 application fee this year. The following table brings the NEET MDS 2024 revised application fee. 

The amount has been reduced by INR 750, accounting for approximately 18 per cent.  

With the reduction of number of NEET MDS 2024 exam cities, candidates and stakeholders complained about insufficient centres in northeast India. However, denying this, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) had stated, "With reference to some media reports suggesting there are no exam centres in the North East, it is clarified that there are NEET MDS examination centres in north-eastern states. There are exam centres in Shillong, Naharlagun, Kohima, Aizawl, Guwahati and Kolkata."

This year, NBE has reduced the NEET MDS 2024 exam cities from 76 to 56. As many as 20 cities have been removed this year. 

The following table brings the list of NEET MDS 2024 exam cities. 

Around 28,000 candidates are appearing for the NEET MDS 2024 exam.

The NEET MDS 2024 exam begins at 9 AM on March 18, 2024, as per the schedule.

The NEET MDS 2024 candidates read the instructions onscreen on the computers assigned to them. The invigilators present at the exam halls also guide them by telling them the important instructions, guidelines and advice. 

Candidates have been made to sit at the respective seats allotted to them at the exam centres. They have been logged in to their computers and have been asked to read the instructions onscreen. 

Entry gates close at the NEET MDS 2024 exam centres at 8.30 AM, as per schedule. Some latecomers are seen rushing towards the centre to not miss their chance of appearing for the exam.

During entry to the NEET MDS 2024 exam, the exam authorities check candidates' admit cards and photo identity cards. Candidates have to flash the admit card and ID proof for verification to the exam functionary standing across the table with barcode/QR code reader. Candidates are informed about the assigned lab number. Alternatively, the list of Roll numbers and assigned labs shall be displayed outside the test venue.

As few minutes left for the NEET MDS 2024 centre gates to close, candidates can be seen rushing towards the exam centres. 

The following table brings the marking scheme of NEET MDS 2024.

NEET MDS 2024 syllabus comprises a range of subjects from Anatomy, Surgery, to Pathology. Candidates need to prepare the following subjects for NEET MDS 2024:

• General Anatomy including embryology and histology
• General Human Physiology and Biochemistry
• Dental Anatomy, Embryology and Oral Histology
• General Pathology and Microbiology
• General and Dental Pharmacology and Therapeutics
• Dental Materials
• General Medicine
• General Surgery
• Oral Pathology and Oral Microbiology
• Oral Medicine and Radiology
• Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry
• Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
• Periodontology
• Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge
• Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Public Health Dentistry

The following table brings the NEET MDS 2024 exam pattern and structure.

The entry process begins at the NEET MDS 2024 exam centres. Candidates had started to reach the centre much ahead of the entry time and queued up before the gates as the gates open. 

The following table carries the highlights of the NEET MDS 2024 exam.

A total of 6,501 Masters of Dental Surgery (MDS) seats are offered under 50% All India Quota (AIQ), 50% state quota seats, and 100% seats in deemed/central universities and private colleges through the exam. After the declaration of the NEET MDS result, the counselling process will be conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC). 

NEET MDS 2024 exam will be conducted today, March 18, 2024, from 9 AM to 12 noon.

The NEET MDS 2024 application process was conducted in two phases. The dates of the NEET MDS 2024 registration or application process are given in the table below. 

The following table brings the NEET MDS 2024 important dates for the upcoming events. 

Candidates are advised to avoid the following factors or instances on the NEET MDS 2024 exam day:

• Do not be late for the exam centre
• Do not carry any prohibited item
• Do not carry photocopies or soft copies of the NEET MDS 2024 admit card or the photo identity cards
• Do not opt for any unfair means during the exam
• Refrain from tattooing fingers with henna/colours to avoid difficulties in finger biometric-based registration for the test.

As per the instructions given by NBEMS, candidates have to follow the given guidelines for the NEET MDS 2024 exam day. 

• Candidates must reach the exam centre on time, between 7 AM and 8.30 AM
• Candidates have to maintain silence inside the NEET MDS 2024 exam centre. Use of any unfair means or improper conduct will lead to the debarment of the candidate from the examination.
• To check against possible impersonation, authorities will verify the identity and genuineness of a candidate by taking their photograph, thumb impression or by any other means at the examination centre.
• In case of queries or doubts, candidates are advised to raise their hands to call the invigilator.
• Candidates must follow the instructions displayed on the computer screen while taking the examination.
• Candidates should submit their personal belongings to those accompanying them to the centre since there will not be any arrangement to store their articles or items. 
• Candidates must acquaint themselves with the exam centre location or address well before the exam day to plan and estimate the mode and duration of the commute.

As many as 28,000 candidates have registered for NEET MDS 2024 exam. Out of this, 568 candidates registered during the reopened registration window (March 9 to March 11, 2024). 

Although there is no specific dress code mentioned by NBE for the NEET MDS 2024 exam day, candidates are advised to avoid the following clothing or accessories:

• Ornaments such as bracelets, ring, earrings, nose-pin, chain/necklace, pendants, necklace with pendants, badge, brooch etc.
• Accessories such as goggles, belt, cap and gloves
• SImple attire which should not have pockets, heavy embroidery, buttons, etc.
• Closed shoes should be avoided. Instead, sandals are recommended. 

The following items are prohibited to be carried inside the exam centres:

• Any stationery item like textual material (printed or written), notes, plastic pouch, calculator, pen, writing pad, pen drives, eraser, etc.
• Any electronic device like mobile phone, Bluetooth, earphones, microphone, pager, wristwatch/health band, calculator, electronic pen/scanner, etc.
• All ornaments like bracelets, rings, earrings, nose-pin, chains/necklaces, pendants, necklaces with pendants, badges, brooches etc.
• Other items like wallets, goggles, handbags, belts, caps, gloves etc.
• Any eatable item opened or packed, soft drinks, water bottles etc.
• Any other item which could be used for unfair means, for hiding communication devices like wireless/Bluetooth devices, spy cameras etc.

No, candidates need not paste photograph on the NEET MDS 2024 admit card. There are two photographs (passport-sized and live captured during the registration process). Moreover, there is a QR/barcode at the admit card, which will be scanned to validate candidates' identities after matching with the identity cards. NBE has stated, "The candidate will flash the admit card and ID proof for verification to the exam functionary standing across the table with barcode/QR code reader. Candidate shall be informed about the assigned lab number. Alternatively, the list of Roll numbers and assigned labs shall be displayed outside the test venue."

Here is the list of government-issued photo identity cards which are accepted at the NEET MDS 2024 exam centres is given below:

• PAN Card
• Voter ID Card
• Aadhaar Card
• Passport
• Driving License

Candidates must carry the original hard copy of one of the above-mentioned identity cards at the centres. 

Candidates will have to carry the following documents at the NEET MDS 2024 exam centre. 

• NEET MDS 2024 Admit Card
• A valid government-issued photo identity card

The following information carried on the NEET MDS 2024 admit card:

• Candidate name
• Candidate photographs (passport-size and live capture during registration)
• Roll Number
• Application ID
• Date of Birth
• Category
• Exam centre name, address and code
• Date and timing of exam
• Exam day instructions

NEET MDS 2024 test-takers must keep in mind the following instructions, regarding the admit card,

• Take at least two to three printouts of the NEET MDS 2024 admit card of both the pages
• Check the details printed on the admit card and in case of any discrepancies, report it to NBEMS
• The printout may be either black and white or coloured, but the text and photographs should be legible and clearly visible
• Read the instructions and exam day guidelines carefully and follow those properly. 

NEET MDS 2024 admit card was released on March 15, 2024. Candidates must download the document and take two to three printouts and carry those at the exam centre. The steps to download the NEET MDS 2024 admit card are given below.

• Go to the official website of NBE - nbe.edu.in or directly enter - https://cdn3.digialm.com/EForms/configuredHtml/1815/81662/login.html
• Click on "NEET-MDS".
• Click on Application Link and then on the Login link
• Enter Application ID and password.
• Check the admit card for errors.
• Download, save and print the admit card.

NBEMS has released the NEET MDS 2024 exam day schedule or timings in the information bulletin. The following table brings the NEET MDS 2024 exam day timings. 

National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Masters of Dental Surgery abbreviated as NEET MDS is an entrance exam conducted by NBE for providing admissions to all the postgraduate dental courses offered by the institutions in India. NEET MDS exam is an eligibility-cum-ranking examination conducted annually in online mode. The scores are accepted by most dental colleges across the country. 

The NEET MDS exam is conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). NBEMS or NBE conducts the exam once a year for admission to MDS courses. 

NEET MDS 2024 exam duration is three hours. The timing or the schedule of the exam is 9 AM to 12 noon. The entry process to the exam centre will begin at 7 AM and the entry gates will close at 8.30 AM, half an hour before the exam commencement. 

NEET MDS 2024 exam will be conducted tomorrow, March 18, 2024, from 9 AM to 12 noon. NEET MDS is the biggest entrance exam in India for admission to MDS course in top dental colleges across India.