Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University (SDM) Admissions 2026-27 Dates, Appilcation Form, Process & Fee

Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University (SDM University), Dharwad, Karnataka, established under the Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University Act (2018), is a prominent health sciences and multi-disciplinary private university. Sponsored by the SDM Educational Society, the university encompasses constituent institutes such as the SDM College of Medical Sciences & Hospital, SDM College of Dental Sciences & Hospital, SDM College of Nursing, SDM College of Physiotherapy, and the SDM Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences (RIBS).

Admissions to SDM University are conducted in accordance with statutory bodies including the National Medical Commission (NMC), Dental Council of India (DCI), Indian Nursing Council (INC), and the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA), alongside university-level direct merit processes.

Admission Process

The admission procedure at SDM University varies depending on whether the program falls under statutory medical counseling or direct university-level admission:

• Centralized Medical and Dental Counseling: For undergraduate (MBBS, BDS) and postgraduate (MD, MS, MDS) medical programs, admissions are strictly mandated through national competitive entrance examinations (NEET-UG / NEET-PG). Eligible candidates must register for seat allotment through the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) centralized counseling portal for State/Private Quota seats or the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) for Deemed/All India seats.
• University Application Submission: For Allied Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences (B.Sc., M.Sc.), Nursing, and Physiotherapy programs, candidates register directly through the official SDM University online admissions portal.
• Merit-Based Shortlisting: Non-NEET undergraduate and postgraduate admissions evaluate aggregate performance in the qualifying examinations (10+2 or Bachelor's degree) alongside internal subject eligibility checks.
• Document Verification and Physical Reporting: Shortlisted candidates and KEA/MCC seat-allotted candidates undergo physical document verification at the university campus in Dharwad.
• Confirmation of Seat: Admission is finalized upon validation of original academic and identity certificates and payment of the prescribed tuition fee.

Program-Wise Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the specific minimum academic and age criteria established for each discipline:

• MBBS / BDS Programs: Successful completion of 10+2 / Pre-University Education (PUC) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects, securing a minimum aggregate of 50% marks in PCB (40% for SC/ST/OBC category candidates). Candidates must qualify in the NEET-UG examination for the current academic session and meet the minimum age requirement of 17 years by December 31 of the admission year.
• MD / MS / MDS Programs: A recognized MBBS or BDS degree from an NMC/DCI-accredited institution, completion of a mandatory 1-year rotating internship, permanent registration with the State Medical/Dental Council, and a valid qualifying score in NEET-PG or NEET-MDS.
• Sc. Nursing / BPT (Bachelor of Physiotherapy): Pass in 10+2 / PUC examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English, obtaining at least 45% aggregate marks (40% for reserved categories).
• Sc. Biomedical Sciences / Allied Health Programs: Pass in 10+2 or equivalent examination with a Science background (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics) with a minimum aggregate of 45% to 50%.
• Sc. Biomedical Sciences / MPT Programs: Bachelor’s degree in the relevant discipline (B.Sc. in Biological Sciences, BPT for MPT programs) from a recognized university with a minimum aggregate score of 50%.

Important Dates for 2026 Admissions

The admission timeline and counseling milestones for the 2026–2027 academic session are detailed below:

Application Fees & Mode of Payment

• Application Fee Amount: The application processing fee for direct university programs (Allied Health, Nursing, Biomedical Sciences) ranges between INR 1,000 and INR 1,500 depending on the degree level.
• Counseling Registration Fee: Candidates applying for MBBS/BDS/MD/MS seats via KEA centralized counseling must pay the state counseling fee prescribed by KEA (approx. INR 1,000 for Karnataka candidates; INR 2,500 to 5,000 for Non-Karnataka / NRI quota applicants).
• Payment Modes: University registration fees are payable via online gateways integrated into the official portal using Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Net Banking, or UPI options.
• Policy: All application and registration processing fees are non-refundable.

Required Documents

Candidates must produce the following original certificates alongside self-attested photocopies during the final verification and seat confirmation process:

• Class 10th / SSLC Marks Card and Passing Certificate (Proof of Date of Birth).
• Class 12th / 2nd PUC / Intermediate Marks Card.
• Undergraduate Degree Certificate and Semester Marks Sheets (for PG Applicants).
• National Entrance Scorecard and Admit Card (NEET-UG / NEET-PG / NEET-MDS, where applicable).
• KEA / MCC Allotment Letter and Fee Receipt (for seat-allotted candidates).
• Internship Completion Certificate (for MD/MS/MDS applicants).
• State Medical Council / Dental Council Registration Certificate (for PG medical/dental courses).
• Transfer Certificate (TC) from the last attended institution.
• Migration Certificate (for students coming from boards/universities outside Karnataka).
• Conduct and Character Certificate.
• Caste / Category / Income Certificate (if claiming reservation quota under Karnataka state norms).
• Aadhaar Card copy (or Passport for foreign/NRI candidates).
• Recent passport-size photographs (minimum 8 copies).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is direct management admission available for MBBS at SDM College of Medical Sciences, Dharwad?

No. All MBBS and BDS seats at SDM University's constituent colleges are filled strictly through merit rankings in NEET-UG via centralized counseling conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) and the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC).

Q2: What is the minimum eligibility criteria for B.Sc. Nursing admissions?

Applicants must have passed 10+2/PUC with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English, securing a minimum of 45% aggregate marks (40% for reserved categories). The candidate must also turn 17 years old in the year of admission.

Q3: Can candidates from outside Karnataka apply for medical seats at SDM University?

Yes. Non-Karnataka candidates can apply for Open/Private Quota and NRI Quota seats in MBBS, BDS, MD, and MS programs through the KEA online registration process.

Q4: Are non-NEET health science programs offered at SDM University?

Yes. Programs such as B.Sc. in Biomedical Sciences, B.Sc. in Allied Health Technologies, BPT (Physiotherapy), and M.Sc. tracks do not require NEET scores. Admission to these courses is based on academic merit in 10+2 or undergraduate qualifying examinations.

Q5: How are tuition fees paid upon seat confirmation?

For counseling-allotted seats (KEA/MCC), the initial fee component is deposited with the respective counseling authority. The remaining balance and university-specific operational fees are paid directly to the SDM University accounts department via demand draft or online bank transfer during physical reporting.