DNB — Diplomate of National Board
PG qualification awarded by the National Board of Examinations (NBEMS), equivalent to MD/MS.
DNB at a glance
Duration
3 years (post-MBBS) · 2 years (post-Diploma)
Eligibility
MBBS with completed internship. Post-Diploma DNB requires a recognised PG Diploma in the chosen specialty.
Entrance exam
NEET PG — counselling for DNB seats is conducted by NBEMS in dedicated rounds.
Fees range
Government / PSU hospitals: subsidised · Private accredited hospitals: ₹1.25 – 4 lakh/yr (as notified by NBEMS)
About the DNB programme
DNB training happens across NBEMS-accredited hospitals — including many large private and corporate hospitals — with a standardised national curriculum.
The qualification is fully equivalent to MD/MS for practice, teaching (with additional requirements) and further super-specialisation.
Final assessment is a centralised theory and practical exam conducted by NBEMS.
Highlights of DNB
Wide network of teaching hospitals — often high-volume clinical exposure
Direct 6-year DrNB super-specialty option in select branches
Uniform national exam standard across centres
Separate NBEMS counselling rounds after MCC AIQ
How to get admission to DNB
- 1Qualify NEET PG
- 2Register with NBEMS for DNB / DrNB / FNB counselling
- 3Fill preferences based on hospital, city and specialty
- 4Confirm admission and begin residency at the allotted hospital
DNB subjects & syllabus
Specialty theory and current guidelines
Clinical postings and skill training at accredited hospitals
Thesis submission to NBEMS
Formative assessments, log book and case presentations
Preparation for NBEMS theory and practical final exam
Career opportunities after DNB
Consultant / Specialist in hospitals and private practice
DrNB super-specialisation
Faculty positions in DNB / medical college teaching hospitals
Corporate hospital leadership and clinical governance
Research and healthtech roles
Average salary
₹12 – 30 LPA for specialists; comparable to MD/MS peers
Leading DNB colleges in India
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi
Apollo Hospitals (Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad)
Fortis Hospitals (multiple locations)
PD Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai
Manipal Hospitals (Bengaluru)
Medanta – The Medicity, Gurugram
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