Postgraduate dental students must now achieve 80% biometric attendance to qualify for their final examinations. The National Dental Commission (NMC) issued this directive to all dental colleges and universities nationwide. The rule takes effect immediately.
Attendance Mandate
The NMC's official notification clarifies that students failing to meet the 80% attendance threshold will be prohibited from appearing in their postgraduate examinations. This requirement aligns with Regulation 18(a)(i) of the Dental Council of India (DCI) Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) Course Regulations, 2017.
An earlier communication dated January 19, 2026, had advised institutions to enforce this attendance policy. The NMC is now holding colleges accountable for student non-compliance.
Institutional Responsibility
The NMC has explicitly stated that institutions will be held responsible if any postgraduate student does not meet the minimum 80% biometric attendance. Deans and registrars of dental colleges must ensure strict adherence to this rule.
The commission’s notice reads: "In view of the above, you are hereby directed to ensure that no PG student is allowed to appear in the University/PG examination, if the biometric attendance is less than 80%." This underscores the seriousness of the new attendance policy.
PG Dental Course Admissions
Admissions to postgraduate dental programs are managed through the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Minimum score requirements vary by category.
| Category | Minimum NEET Score |
| General | 50% |
| SC, ST, OBC | 40% |
| Person with Locomotory Disability (Lower Limbs) | 45% |
Following the NEET results, candidates participate in a counselling process to select their preferred colleges and programs. The new attendance rule impacts all currently enrolled PG dental students.
