Thiruvananthapuram: The Government of Kerala has approved a 15% All India Quota (AIQ) for BDS admissions in self-financing dental colleges across the state, starting from the academic year 2026-27. The decision was 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 will be available to candidates from across India, irrespective of their domicile or nativity. Admission to these seats will be based on the NEET-UG rank list.

15% AIQ Extended to BDS Admissions

The Kerala Government noted that the existing provisions already provided a 15% All India Quota for courses such as MBBS, BAMS, BSMS and BUMS in self-financing institutions. However, a similar provision had not been extended to BDS admissions in self-financing dental colleges.

The issue was examined after the Principal of PMS College of Dental Science and Research, Thiruvananthapuram, approached the High Court of Kerala regarding the exclusion of BDS from the AIQ provision. The Director of Medical Education subsequently submitted a proposal after examining the potential impact on State Quota seat availability.

Following discussions with representatives of self-financing dental colleges, the Government decided to introduce the 15% AIQ for BDS admissions from the 2026-27 academic year.

Who Can Apply for Kerala BDS AIQ Seats?

The new provision allows students from across India, irrespective of domicile or nativity, to seek admission against the designated 15% AIQ seats in self-financing dental colleges in Kerala.

Candidates will be considered for these seats based on their NEET-UG rank, as specified in the government order.

KEAM Prospectus to Be Updated

The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala has been directed to incorporate the new 15% AIQ provision into the KEAM Prospectus for the 2026-27 academic year.

The government 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 the New Rule Means for BDS Aspirants

The introduction of the 15% AIQ opens an opportunity for non-Kerala candidates to compete for designated BDS seats in self-financing dental colleges in the state.

Candidates planning to apply for BDS admission in Kerala should refer to the updated KEAM 2026-27 prospectus and official admission notifications for details regarding eligibility, registration, seat distribution and the admission process.