Government of Kerala has approved the implementation of 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats for BDS admissions in self-financing dental colleges in the state from the academic year 2026–27.
The decision has been taken by the Health & Family Welfare Department following recommendations from the Director of Medical Education and consideration of the matter by the state government. The provision will allow eligible candidates from across India to compete for the designated AIQ BDS seats in self-financing dental colleges in Kerala.
15% AIQ Reservation for BDS Seats
As per the government order, 15% of the seats available for BDS admissions in self-financing dental colleges in Kerala will be set apart for allotment under the All India Quota.
The seats will be allotted on the basis of the NEET UG rank obtained by candidates, irrespective of their domicile. This means that candidates from outside Kerala will also be eligible to participate in the AIQ allocation, subject to the applicable eligibility conditions.
The decision brings BDS admissions in self-financing dental colleges in Kerala in line with the AIQ provision already applicable to certain other professional medical courses.
Government Approves AIQ BDS Seats From 2026-27
The government order states that the provision for 15% AIQ seats was not originally included for BDS admissions in self-financing dental colleges under the relevant KEAM prospectus.
The issue was subsequently examined after representations and legal proceedings concerning the exclusion of BDS courses from the AIQ provision. The state government considered the matter in detail and decided to extend the 15% AIQ reservation to BDS seats in self-financing dental colleges from the academic year 2026–27 onwards.
The allocation will be based on the NEET UG rank, irrespective of the candidate’s state of domicile or nativity.
What It Means for NEET UG 2026 Candidates
The introduction of AIQ seats will provide NEET UG 2026 qualified candidates from across India an opportunity to compete for a portion of BDS seats in Kerala’s self-financing dental colleges.
Candidates seeking admission through these seats will have to meet the prescribed eligibility requirements and participate in the applicable counselling process. The allotment will be made according to NEET UG merit/rank and the rules governing the AIQ seats.
The government has also directed the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala, to take the necessary steps to incorporate the AIQ provision into the KEAM Prospectus for Professional Courses for the academic year 2026–27.
AIQ Seats Applicable From Academic Year 2026-27
The order specifically confirms that the 15% AIQ provision for BDS admissions in self-financing dental colleges will apply from the 2026–27 academic year onwards.
This is expected to widen access to Kerala’s self-financing dental colleges for NEET-qualified candidates from outside the state while creating a dedicated AIQ pool within the available BDS seats.
Candidates are advised to follow the official notifications issued by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations, Kerala, for details regarding the participating colleges, seat matrix, eligibility, counselling procedure and allotment of AIQ BDS seats.
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