KSB Invites Applications for MBBS/BDS Admissions Under Defence Central Pool Quota 2026-27
The Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB), Ministry of Defence, has officially opened the online application process for MBBS and BDS admissions under the Central Pool Quota (CPQ) for the Academic Session 2026-27.
The scheme provides a valuable opportunity for the widows, wives and wards of Armed Forces personnel to secure admission in medical and dental colleges against seats allotted to the Ministry of Defence by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India.
As per the official circular dated 21 July 2026, eligible candidates can submit their applications through the KSB online portal from 21 July 2026 (12:01 AM) to 28 August 2026 (11:59 PM).
Admissions will be made strictly on merit, eligibility, and the Inter-Se Priority policy prescribed by the Government of India.
What is the Defence Central Pool Quota?
Every year, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) allocates a limited number of MBBS and BDS seats to various Central Government Ministries under the Central Pool Scheme. The Ministry of Defence receives a specific allocation of these seats to support the families of serving and retired Armed Forces personnel.
The Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) is responsible for:
- Inviting applications
- Verifying eligibility
- Scrutinising supporting documents
- Preparing the merit list
- Recommending eligible candidates for counselling
The admissions are carried out in accordance with the Inter-Se Priority/Reservation Policy issued by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DESW) through Office Memorandum dated 21 May 2018.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Notification Released | 21 July 2026 |
| Online Applications Start | 21 July 2026 (12:01 AM) |
| Last Date for Application | 28 August 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Document Upload Deadline | 28 August 2026 |
| Merit List & Counselling | As per KSB Schedule |
Defence Priority Categories for MBBS/BDS Admission
Admission under the Central Pool Quota is granted according to a well-defined priority system. The following categories are considered in order of preference:
Priority I
Widows/Wards of Defence personnel killed in action.
Priority II
Wards of Defence personnel disabled in action and boarded out from service.
Priority III
Widows/Wards of Defence personnel who died while in service with death attributable to military service.
Priority IV
Wards of Defence personnel disabled in service and boarded out with disability attributable to military service.
Priority V
Wards of Ex-Servicemen and Serving Personnel who are recipients of Gallantry Awards:
- Param Vir Chakra (PVC)
- Ashok Chakra (AC)
- Maha Vir Chakra (MVC)
- Kirti Chakra (KC)
- Vir Chakra (VrC)
- Shaurya Chakra (SC)
- Sena Medal
- Nau Sena Medal
- Vayu Sena Medal
- Mention-in-Despatches
Priority VI
Wards of Ex-Servicemen.
Priority VII
Wives of:
- Defence personnel disabled in action and boarded out from service
- Defence personnel disabled in service with disability attributable to military service
- Ex-Servicemen and serving personnel awarded Gallantry Awards
Priority VIII
Wards of Serving Armed Forces Personnel.
Priority IX
Wives of Serving Armed Forces Personnel.
Merit-Based Selection Process
Receiving a higher priority does not automatically guarantee admission.
Eligible candidates will be shortlisted based on:
- NEET eligibility
- Merit ranking
- Number of seats allotted by MoHFW
- Inter-Se Priority
- Successful verification of documents
The final allotment depends upon the number of seats allocated to the Ministry of Defence for that academic year.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should ensure that they:
- Meet NEET eligibility requirements.
- Belong to one of the eligible Defence categories.
- Possess valid documentary proof.
- Upload all supporting documents within the stipulated timeline.
- Fulfil all conditions prescribed by the Ministry of Defence and KSB.
Application Process
Eligible applicants should follow these steps:
Step 1
Visit the Kendriya Sainik Board online portal.
Step 2
Register using the required credentials.
Step 3
Complete the online application form.
Step 4
Upload all mandatory documents.
Step 5
Verify all details carefully.
Step 6
Submit the application before 28 August 2026 (11:59 PM).
Late or incomplete applications are liable to be rejected.
Documents Required
KSB has stated that applicants should upload all prescribed documents. Depending upon the applicable category, documents may include:
- NEET Score Card
- NEET Admit Card
- Class X Certificate
- Class XII Mark Sheet
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport-size Photograph
- Service Certificate
- PPO (for Ex-Servicemen)
- Discharge Book
- Relationship Certificate
- Eligibility Certificate (in prescribed format)
- Gallantry Award Certificate (if applicable)
- Disability Certificate (where applicable)
- Death Certificate (where applicable)
- Battle Casualty Certificate (if applicable)
- Other documents as prescribed by KSB
Candidates should ensure that every document is legible and uploaded in the prescribed format.
Important Instructions for Applicants
The Kendriya Sainik Board has also published several important documents for applicants, including:
- Revised Ministry of Defence Priority List for Wards of Armed Forces Personnel.
- Instructions for applicants applying for reservation of MBBS/BDS seats under the CW (Children/Widows) Quota for the Academic Session 2026-27.
- Guidelines for reserved Defence seats in Medical and Dental Colleges under the Ministry of Defence quota.
- Prescribed format of the Eligibility Certificate.
- List of documents required for admission under the CW Quota.
Applicants are strongly advised to read these instructions carefully before submitting their applications to avoid rejection due to incomplete documentation or incorrect category selection.
Publicity Through Defence Veteran Organisations
The official circular has been circulated to:
- Directorate of Indian Army Veterans (DIAV)
- Directorate of Naval Veterans (DNV)
- Directorate of Air Veterans (DAV)
- All Rajya Sainik Boards
These organisations have been requested to widely publicise the notification so that eligible Defence families across India are aware of this important educational welfare scheme.
Why This Scheme Matters
Medical education remains one of the most competitive fields in India. Through the Central Pool Quota, the Government of India acknowledges the sacrifices made by Armed Forces personnel by providing their families with an opportunity to pursue MBBS and BDS education.
The scheme reflects the nation’s commitment to the welfare of serving soldiers, veterans, battle casualties and the families of those who laid down their lives in the service of the country.
Quick Overview
| Particular | Details |
| Scheme | MBBS/BDS Central Pool Quota |
| Academic Session | 2026-27 |
| Administered By | Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB), Ministry of Defence |
| Seats Allotted By | Ministry of Health & Family Welfare |
| Eligible Applicants | Widows, Wives and Wards of eligible Defence Personnel |
| Selection Basis | Merit + Inter-Se Priority |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Period | 21 July 2026 to 28 August 2026 |
| Last Date | 28 August 2026 (11:59 PM) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for MBBS/BDS admission under the Defence Central Pool Quota?
Eligible widows, wives and wards of serving Armed Forces personnel, Ex-Servicemen, battle casualties, gallantry award winners and other eligible categories as notified by the Ministry of Defence.
Is admission guaranteed for eligible applicants?
No. Admission is subject to the availability of seats, NEET eligibility, merit ranking and the applicable priority category.
What is the last date to submit the application?
The online application and document upload window closes on 28 August 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Who prepares the merit list?
The Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) prepares the merit list in accordance with the Ministry of Defence’s Inter-Se Priority policy.
Is NEET mandatory?
Yes. Candidates must satisfy the NEET eligibility requirements prescribed for MBBS/BDS admissions.
Conclusion
The opening of applications for MBBS/BDS admissions under the Ministry of Defence Central Pool Quota for the Academic Session 2026-27 offers an excellent opportunity for eligible Defence families to pursue medical education through a dedicated welfare initiative. With applications being accepted from 21 July to 28 August 2026, candidates should ensure they meet the prescribed eligibility criteria, understand their priority category, complete the online application accurately, and upload all required documents before the deadline. As admissions are based on merit, NEET qualification, and the Inter-Se Priority policy, early preparation and careful compliance with KSB guidelines will significantly improve the chances of selection.