Bihar PGDAC 2026 Counselling Schedule: Registration, Choice Filling Dates and Complete MDS Admission Guide

The Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board (BCECEB) has released the PGDAC 2026 counselling schedule for admission to MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) seats in government and private dental colleges across Bihar. The official notification Advertisement No. BCECEB(PGDAC)-2026/01 and /02 dated 18 August 2026 is available on bceceboard.bihar.gov.in. NEET MDS 2026 qualified candidates who wish to secure a state-quota seat in Bihar must complete online registration, pay the counselling fee and security deposit, fill and lock college choices, and attend document verification at the allotted Institute.

PGDAC (Post Graduate Dental Admission Counselling) is Bihar's state-level counselling process for MDS admissions. Unlike undergraduate dental admissions handled through UGMAC, PGDAC specifically covers postgraduate dental specialisations based on the NEET MDS merit list. For dental aspirants from Bihar and those who meet the state's eligibility norms understanding this schedule is critical because registration for Round 1 and Round 2 happens in a single window, and missing the choice-locking deadline can cost a counselling round.

This guide explains the PGDAC 2026 dates, participating colleges, fee structure, step-by-step registration process, choice-filling strategy, and what to do after seat allotment. Whether you are targeting government seats at Patna Dental College or exploring private options, the information below will help you navigate the process confidently.

What Is Bihar PGDAC 2026?

PGDAC-2026 is the official name for Bihar's Post Graduate Dental Admission Counselling conducted by BCECEB for the academic session 2026. The board conducts this counselling on the basis of the NEET MDS 2026 merit list published by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS).

Through PGDAC, eligible candidates can seek admission to first-year MDS courses at:

• Patna Dental College, Patna the sole government dental college participating in PGDAC 2026
• Mithila Minority Dental College & Hospital, Darbhanga private institution
• Buddha Institute of Dental Science & Hospital, Kankarbagh, Patna private institution

BCECEB will conduct four rounds of online counselling, including a stray vacancy round. Round 1 and Round 2 registration, application submission, and initial choice filling occur in one combined window. Round 3 and stray vacancy schedules will be announced separately through subsequent advertisements on the official portal.

It is important to distinguish PGDAC from related BCECEB processes. While BCECE handles engineering, pharmacy, and agriculture admissions, and PGMAC covers MD/MS medical postgraduate seats, PGDAC is exclusively for dental postgraduate admissions. Candidates exploring broader health-sciences pathways in the state may also follow updates from institutions such as the Bihar University of Health Sciences and the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University, though MDS seat allotment for Bihar state quota is governed solely through PGDAC.

PGDAC 2026 Counselling Schedule: Important Dates

BCECEB released the PGDAC 2026 Round 1 and Round 2 schedule on 18 August 2026. The seat matrix was posted on 19 August 2026. Candidates should treat these dates as final unless a corrigendum is issued on the notice board.

Round 1 Important Dates

Round 2 Important Dates

Key takeaway: Registration for Round 1 and Round 2 closes on 24 August 2026, but choice locking continues until 27 August 2026. Do not confuse these two deadlines many candidates complete registration early but forget to lock choices, which can lead to automatic locking without their preferred order being saved correctly.

Who Is Eligible for PGDAC 2026?

To participate in Bihar PGDAC 2026 counselling, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria specified in the official PGDAC-2026 prospectus available on the BCECEB website. Broadly, the requirements include:

• Qualifying NEET MDS 2026 with a valid score and rank
• Completion of a recognised BDS degree with compulsory rotatory internship
• Permanent registration with the State Dental Council or Dental Council of India
• Fulfilment of domicile or category requirements as per Bihar state norms (check the prospectus for updated rules)
• Possession of the mobile number and email ID registered during NEET MDS 2026 application BCECEB does not allow changes to these contact details during PGDAC registration

Candidates who participated in All India Quota (AIQ) counselling through MCC and accepted a seat may face restrictions on state counselling participation. Always cross-check the latest MCC and BCECEB guidelines before registering, as rules on seat retention, resignation, and free exit can affect your eligibility for subsequent rounds.

Documents Required for Registration and Verification

During online application, candidates may need to upload scanned copies of photographs, signatures, and supporting certificates. At the time of document verification and admission at the allotted college, the following documents (original plus copies) are typically required:

• NEET MDS 2026 admit card and score card
• PGDAC 2026 rank card and confirmation page
• BDS degree certificate and mark sheets (Part I, II, and III)
• Rotatory internship completion certificate
• Dental registration certificate
• Matriculation certificate for age and identity proof
• Residential certificate (domicile)
• Caste certificate, EWS certificate, or disability certificate (if applicable)
• College leaving certificate
• No objection certificate from employer (for in-service candidates, if applicable)
• Provisional seat allotment order and six passport-size photographs as per NEET MDS application specifications

Candidates with disability (PwBD) must upload a merged PDF containing the UDID card, affidavit, and disability certificate issued by the nominated nodal centre, and carry originals during physical verification.

PGDAC 2026 Fee Structure: Counselling Fee and Security Deposit

Participation in PGDAC 2026 requires payment of two components: a non-refundable counselling/registration fee and a refundable security deposit. All payments must be made online via debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI.

Counselling Fee (Non-Refundable)

All category candidates must pay ₹2,200 as the counselling and registration fee. This amount is non-refundable regardless of whether the candidate receives a seat allotment.

Security Deposit (Refundable)

The security deposit is refunded to the candidate's bank account after all counselling rounds conclude, provided the candidate either did not receive a seat or completed admission formalities as per rules. If a transaction fails but the amount is debited, candidates must re-pay the full fee before the deadline; failed transactions are refunded separately by the payment gateway.

Practical tip: Private dental colleges in Bihar carry substantially higher tuition fees. BCECEB explicitly advises candidates to verify the fee structure on the board's website and individual college websites before registering. The board does not entertain complaints regarding private college fee structures after allotment.

How to Register for PGDAC 2026: Step-by-Step Process

Registration for PGDAC 2026 is entirely online through the "Online Portal of PGDAC-2026" link on the BCECEB website. Follow these steps carefully:

Step 1: Identity Verification and Registration

Visit the official portal and click on the PGDAC-2026 counselling link. Enter your NEET MDS 2026 roll number, candidate name, and date of birth exactly as they appear in the NEET record. After authentication, an OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number and email. Create a password and note your generated PGDAC ID for all future logins.

Step 2: Complete the Multi-Step Application Form

After signing in, fill in the following sections sequentially:

• Personal information name, category, gender, and other biodata
• Contact details permanent and correspondence address
• Educational information BDS college, year of passing, and NEET MDS details
• Employment details current employment status, if any
• Other details additional information as prompted
• Upload documents photograph, signature, and required certificates in prescribed format

Step 3: Preview, Final Submit, and Payment

Review all entries on the preview page. If corrections are needed, use the "Back to Edit" option. Once satisfied, click "Final Submit & Proceed to Payment" and pay the counselling fee plus applicable security deposit. Download the confirmation page and fee receipt immediately.

Step 4: Choice Filling and Locking

After successful payment, proceed to choice filling. Select MDS courses and dental colleges in order of preference. Click "Save Choices" after each update, then "Choice Locking" before the deadline. You may unlock and modify choices using password and OTP authentication until 27 August 2026, 11:59 PM. If you save choices but do not lock them manually, the system will auto-lock them after the deadline.

Step 5: Download Choice Slip

After locking choices, download and print your choice slip for reference. Keep copies of the confirmation page, fee receipt, and choice slip until admission is complete.

Choice Filling Strategy for PGDAC 2026

Choice filling is the most decision-intensive part of PGDAC counselling. Your NEET MDS rank, category, and seat matrix together determine which colleges and specialisations are realistically within reach. Use these strategies:

Study the Seat Matrix First

Before filling any choice, download and analyse the PGDAC 2026 seat matrix posted on 19 August 2026. Note category-wise seat availability for each MDS specialisation at Patna Dental College and both private colleges. Compare previous years' closing ranks if available to estimate cutoffs.

Order Preferences Wisely

List choices from most preferred to least preferred. The allotment algorithm considers your rank and the order of your choices not the order in which you added them if you rearrange before locking. Include a mix of ambitious and safe options to avoid going unallotted in early rounds.

Understand Freeze and Float Options

After Round 1 allotment, candidates may choose to freeze their seat (accept it permanently for that round) or float (participate in Round 2 for possible upgradation). Float candidates can move from Round 1 to Round 2 and Round 2 to Round 3 if a better seat is available. Round 3 allotted candidates must physically report to the institute and complete admission within the stipulated dates.

Free Exit and Resignation Rules

Candidates allotted a seat in Round 1 can resign through free exit on 12 September 2026 to participate in Round 2 with fresh choices. However, candidates who complete document verification and take admission in Round 1 or Round 2 cannot participate in Round 3. Candidates who resign from Round 1 or Round 2 seats forfeit any claim on the surrendered seat.

After Seat Allotment: What Happens Next?

Once the provisional seat allotment result is published, follow these steps without delay:

1. Download the allotment order from the PGDAC portal within the specified window.
2. Upload required certificates online when downloading the provisional allotment order, as instructed by BCECEB.
3. Report to the allotted dental college for physical document verification and admission fee payment during the scheduled dates.
4. Collect the document verification slip (or discrepancy slip, if issues are found) from the institute after online verification.
5. Complete biometric identification as per the check slip and biometric identification report form issued by the board.

Failure to report within the deadline results in automatic cancellation of the allotted seat. The seat may then be offered to the next eligible candidate in subsequent rounds.

Participating Dental Colleges in Bihar

PGDAC 2026 covers three dental institutions in Bihar. Understanding each option helps candidates make informed choices:

Patna Dental College, Patna (Government)

Established in 1960, Patna Dental College is Bihar's premier government dental institution. It offers MDS across multiple specialisations with significantly lower fees compared to private colleges. Competition for government seats is intense, and cutoffs are typically higher (lower rank numbers). Candidates from across Bihar and those meeting domicile requirements prioritise this institution for its affordability and academic reputation.

Mithila Minority Dental College & Hospital, Darbhanga (Private)

Located in the Mithila region of Bihar, this private dental college offers MDS seats with a separate fee structure. Candidates from eastern Bihar, including areas affiliated with universities such as Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University Muzaffarpur, may find this college geographically convenient. Verify the total course fee, hostel charges, and bond conditions before listing it in your preferences.

Buddha Institute of Dental Science & Hospital, Patna (Private)

Situated in Kankarbagh, Patna, this private dental college provides MDS seats for candidates who prefer studying in the state capital. Private MDS programmes typically require a higher security deposit (₹1,00,000) and substantial tuition fees. Confirm the fee structure on both the BCECEB portal and the college website before registration.

PGDAC 2026 vs Other BCECEB Counselling Processes

BCECEB manages multiple admission streams for Bihar. Confusing them can lead to missed deadlines or incorrect registrations. Here is a quick comparison:

• UGMAC undergraduate medical and dental (MBBS/BDS) admissions based on NEET UG
• PGMAC postgraduate medical (MD/MS/PG Diploma/DNB) admissions based on NEET PG
• PGDAC postgraduate dental (MDS) admissions based on NEET MDS
• BCECE engineering, pharmacy, agriculture, and related professional courses through the state entrance exam
• PGEAC/UGEAC postgraduate and undergraduate engineering admissions based on GATE and JEE Main respectively

Dental graduates should register only on the PGDAC portal, not on PGMAC or UGMAC links. For broader context on Bihar's higher education landscape, explore resources on institutions like the Central University of South Bihar, Bihar Engineering University, and skill-focused universities such as the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Skill University though these are separate from the PGDAC dental admission pathway.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During PGDAC Counselling

Based on patterns from previous PGDAC cycles, avoid these frequent errors:

• Missing the choice-locking deadline saving choices without locking them before 27 August 2026 can result in unintended auto-locking
• Using incorrect NEET MDS credentials name, date of birth, and roll number must match the NBEMS record exactly
• Ignoring the seat matrix filling choices without checking category-wise availability leads to unrealistic preferences
• Not verifying private college fees financial unpreparedness after allotment can force seat forfeiture
• Skipping document uploads incomplete applications are rejected and cannot participate in counselling
• Attempting fresh registration in Round 2 BCECEB does not allow new registration for Round 2; only candidates who registered during the Round 1 & 2 window can participate
• Inactive mobile number or email OTP-based authentication requires access to NEET MDS registered contact details throughout the process

How to Stay Updated on PGDAC 2026

Official information always takes precedence over unofficial social media posts. Use these reliable sources:

• BCECEB official website: bceceboard.bihar.gov.in check the Notice Board and PGDAC-2026 section daily during the counselling period
• PGDAC online portal: accessible through the "Online Portal of PGDAC-2026" link for registration, choice filling, and allotment results
• Helpdesk email: helpdesk.bceceboard@bihar.gov.in
• Helpdesk phone: 0612-2220230
• Payment query email: bangalorepgsd@billdesk.com (for failed or pending transactions)

BCECEB may issue corrigendums, extensions, or revised schedules through supplementary advertisements. Round 3 and stray vacancy round dates will be published separately after Round 2 concludes.

Conclusion

The Bihar PGDAC 2026 counselling schedule is now officially out, with registration opening on 20 August 2026 and Round 1 seat allotment results expected on 30 August 2026. NEET MDS 2026 qualified candidates seeking MDS admission at Patna Dental College or participating private dental colleges in Darbhanga and Patna must complete registration by 24 August 2026, lock their choices by 27 August 2026, and prepare for document verification in early September.

Success in PGDAC counselling depends on timely registration, careful choice filling based on the seat matrix, and prompt reporting after allotment. Pay the ₹2,200 counselling fee and applicable security deposit online, keep your NEET MDS registered contact details active for OTP verification, and verify private college fee structures before committing to preferences. With four counselling rounds including stray vacancy, candidates who miss Round 1 still have opportunities in subsequent rounds provided they registered during the initial combined window.

Stay connected to the official BCECEB portal for Round 3 announcements and any schedule revisions. For broader exam and college guidance in Bihar, explore the BCECE exam page on CollegeDwar and bookmark this article for quick reference during each counselling milestone.