In a major boost to postgraduate dental education in Jammu & Kashmir, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has approved four additional MDS seats under the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) quota at Indira Gandhi Government Dental College (IGGDC) Jammu for the academic session 2026–27. The move marks a significant step toward expanding specialist dental education capacity in the region.
At present, IGGDC admits 17 postgraduate students annually. With the latest approval, four more seats—one each in Prosthodontics & Crown & Bridge, Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics, and Pediatric & Preventive Dentistry—have been formally sanctioned.
More Seats Under Consideration
Official sources confirmed that a Dental Council of India (DCI) inspection is currently underway to evaluate the feasibility of seven additional seats across various specialities.
“If the DCI clears these seats, IGGDC will witness a total enhancement of 11 seats—seven regular seats plus four EWS quota seats—from the 2026-27 academic session. This will be one of the largest single-year expansions in the college’s MDS capacity,” sources said.
Approval Valid for One Year, Subject to Renewal
According to the Ministry’s Letter of Permission dated December 4, 2025, the newly approved seats have been granted for one year and will be renewed annually based on the institution’s adherence to targets, infrastructure standards, and compliance norms.
“The process of renewal of permission in the original/increased intake capacity will continue till such time the expansion of facilities is completed,” the letter notes.
Strict Compliance Mandated
The Ministry has warned that admissions made in violation of guidelines will be considered “irregular” and may invite action under the Dentists Act, 1948.
The college administration has been advised to maintain strict compliance with statutory regulations and promptly report any discrepancies to the Dental Council of India (DCI) or the Central Government.
