DNB: Admission 2025, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Best Colleges, Career Scope

DNB stands for "Diplomate of National Board" DNB is a postgraduate medical qualification in India that is equivalent to an MD or MS degree offered by universities. The Diplomate of National Board course is administered and awarded by the National Board of Examinations (NBE), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in India.

The DNB course is designed to provide advanced training and education in various medical and surgical specialities. Diplomate of the National Board is recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI) and the National Medical Commission (NMC) and is considered on par with MD and MS degrees in terms of academic and professional qualifications.

The choice between DNB and MD often depends on the specific medical speciality a candidate wants to pursue. Some specialities might have more seats available for DNB, while others are more commonly associated with MD programs.

Candidates can look at the table below to see the comparison between the two.

No, DNB (Diplomate of National Board) is not equal to DM (Doctorate of Medicine). There are different postgraduate medical qualifications in India, and they represent distinct levels of specialization and training.

Candidates can look at the table below to see the comparison between the two.

DNB in Medical (Diplomate of National Board) is a PG medical qualification awarded by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) in India. It is considered equivalent to an MD or MS degree and is offered in various medical specialities.

The DNB in Medical (Diplomate of National Board) includes both theoretical and practical training, with a focus on advanced medical knowledge and clinical expertise. DNB in Medical (Diplomate of National Board) is recognised by the Medical Council of India (MCI), and the curriculum typically involves rigorous training, examinations, and research.

DNB in Medical (Diplomate of National Board) degree holders can pursue careers in hospitals, clinics, or further specialisation through fellowships or research.

The choice between DRNB (Diplomate of Royal National Board) and DNB (Diplomate of National Board) depends on the specific goals and circumstances of a medical professional.

DNB, awarded by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) in India, is recognised nationwide and is equivalent to MD or MS degrees in most specialities. DNB in Medical (Diplomate of National Board) provides comprehensive training in a variety of medical fields and is widely accepted by hospitals and medical institutions across India.

On the other hand, DRNB, awarded by the Royal National Board in certain countries, may hold more recognition in the international medical community, especially in countries where this board is acknowledged.

However, for a Medical career within India, a DNB (Diplomate of National Board) is generally considered the more practical and commonly recognised qualification.

Ultimately, the decision should be guided by career objectives, desired geographical location, and specific medical speciality interests.

To apply in the universities of countries like Philippines and Russia, the standard eligibility criteria is as follows: For open / general Category: 50% in PCB in class 12th board exams.

For reserved category: 40% in PCB in class 12th board exams. It is to be kept in consideration as the MCI (Medical Council of India) will only allow a candidate to appear for MCI screening test only if the above-mentioned criteria is fulfilled.

Yes, you can pursue a DNB in Medical course (Diplomate of National Board) qualification after completing your MBBS.

The  DNB in Medical (Diplomate of National Board) is a PG Medical training course that offers specialisation in various medical fields such as General Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Radiology, Orthopedics, and many others. After obtaining an MBBS degree, candidates can apply for DNB courses through an entrance examination conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE).

Yes, you can pursue a Diplomate of National Board after completing a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS), but there are specific criteria and considerations. Diplomate of National Board are generally designed for medical graduates with an MBBS degree, so candidates with BAMS may need to fulfill additional requirements or bridge courses depending on the specialty they wish to pursue.

While DNB is primarily available to MBBS graduates, certain specializations related to Ayurvedic medicine or integrated healthcare may offer opportunities for BAMS graduates, but these options are limited. 

Candidates can check the steps below if they wish to pursue DNB after MBBS:

• Complete MBBS: Ensure you have completed your MBBS degree from a recognised medical college.

• Eligibility Check: Confirm your eligibility for the DNB programme by reviewing the requirements set by the National Board of Examinations (NBE).

• Choose a Specialization: Select the specialty you want to pursue (e.g., General Surgery, Pediatrics, Radiology, etc.).

• Appear for DNB Exam: Register and appear for the DNB CET (Common Entrance Test), which is the initial step for admission.

• Clear the Exam: If you qualify in the DNB CET, you will be eligible for the next stage.

• Interview/Document Verification: Attend the counseling or interview process, where document verification and specialty allocation happen.

• Training and Examinations: Once admitted, undergo clinical training and complete exams as per the DNB curriculum.

• Obtain DNB Certification: Successfully complete the programme to receive the DNB qualification.

Yes, you can pursue a Diplomate of National Board after completing a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), but the options are more limited compared to MBBS graduates.

Diplomate of National Board is primarily designed for medical graduates, and most DNB specialties are not open to BDS holders. 

The DNB quota in NEET PG refers to a reserved category of seats for the Diplomate of National Board (DNB) programme under the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) Postgraduate (PG) admissions. These seats are specifically designated for candidates who wish to pursue DNB courses after completing their MBBS.

The DNB quota allows medical graduates to apply for postgraduate medical courses under the DNB system, which is an alternative to MD/MS courses offered by universities and medical colleges. The seats under this quota are filled based on the NEET PG score, and candidates who qualify for the exam and meet the eligibility criteria for DNB can apply for admission in recognised hospitals and medical institutions offering the program. 

Yes, the NEET PG is required for DNB admission in India. 

NEET PG is the common entrance examination conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) for admission to various postgraduate medical courses, including MD/MS and DNB programs.

DNB admissions in India were based on the NEET PG score. Candidates interested in pursuing DNB programs need to appear for the NEET PG examination and qualify with a competitive score to be eligible for DNB admissions. The NEET PG examination assesses the knowledge and skills of medical graduates who wish to pursue postgraduate medical education in India.

NEET is conducted by the National Testing Agency NTA and is mandatory for students seeking admission to medical courses in India. So, in general, it is not possible to become a doctor in India without clearing the NEET exam.

NEET is the standard exam that is accepted by most medical colleges in India, and it is a requirement for admission to undergraduate medical courses. However, there are some alternative options available for students who are unable to clear the NEET exam or who did not appear for the exam.

• Some private medical colleges offer admissions through their own entrance exams or merit-based admissions. However, the admission process and eligibility criteria for these colleges may vary, and you would need to research them thoroughly to find out if they are suitable for you.
• Another option could be to pursue medical courses in other countries where NEET is not mandatory. However, the admission process and eligibility criteria for medical courses in foreign countries may also differ from those in India, and you would need to research these options thoroughly and ensure that they align with your career goals and interests. 

In India, the NEET is the primary entrance exam for admission to undergraduate medical and dental courses such as MBBS and BDS. However, there are some medical courses that may not require NEET for admission. 

These medical courses without NEET include:

• Occupational Therapy
• Forensic Medical Science Courses
• Veterinary Sciences
• Pharmacy
• Psychology
• Nutritionist/Dietician
• Occupation Therapy
• Clinical Research
• Medical Transcription
• Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences
• Forensic Sciences

No, DNB is not higher than MBBS. 

MBBS is the initial medical degree obtained after undergraduate medical education, while DNB is a postgraduate qualification that follows MBBS and offers specialized training in a specific medical or surgical field. DNB is not higher than MBBS but represents an advanced level of medical education and specialization.

Candidates can look at the table below to see the comparison between the two.

The answer to the complicated question of whether government medical schools in India are "really as good as people claim" is not as easy as yes or no. It depends on students priorities and aspirations as well as the particular college they are thinking about. Here's a summary of the advantages and disadvantages to help in forming an opinion:

Advantages

• Numerous government-run medical schools are well-known for their excellent academic programmes and highly qualified faculty. Some constantly rank among the top in India and the world, such as AIIMS Delhi.
• Government universities have much lower tuition fees than private universities, which makes medical education more affordable for students from various backgrounds.
• Government colleges provide essential clinical experience by exposing students to a wide spectrum of medical issues because they are housed in public hospitals. 
• Prominent government college graduates frequently gain from having an established alumni network that can offer support and professional help.

Disadvantages

• Top government college admissions are extremely tough and demand very good NEET scores. It's possible that less prestigious universities have fewer remarkable facilities and resources. 
• A high student-teacher ratio at some government colleges may make it more difficult for students to receive individualised attention and assistance.
• While some of the best universities have modern facilities, others may have less resources and older infrastructure than private universities.
• Compared to private colleges in urban regions, some government colleges could be situated in less appealing neighbourhoods with restricted access to amenities.

To sum up, there is no universally applicable solution to the question of whether government medical schools are "really as good as people claim." There are several drawbacks, such as inadequate infrastructure, competition, and administrative obstacles, even if they provide indisputable benefits including affordability, academic standing, and a variety of patient exposure. The secret is to evaluate your prospects of admission by comparing individual institutions according to your priorities, research facilities, programme strengths, location, and NEET score. You should know that the college that most closely matches your unique needs and goals is the "best" option.

India is home to 820+ best medical colleges of which 150+ are private medical colleges, 80+ are government owned and rest 8 are semi government owned.

AIIMS, CMC, KMC, KGMU and JIPMER are some of the best medical colleges in India. 

Some of the top medical schools in India are listed below and should be given greater recognition for a variety of reasons:

Please refer to the table below for the best Medical colleges in different regions:

Hope this helps!

Please note that the best infrastructure among all medical colleges in India is subjective and majorly depends on individual tastes and preferences. However given below are some colleges that are often praised for their infrastructure:

The salary of a DNB graduate can vary based on their medical speciality. Specialities in high demand or with limited specialists, such as cardiology, neurosurgery, and radiology, may offer higher salaries.

• The starting salary for DNB graduates at the entry level can range from around INR 30,000 to INR 50,000 per month. 

•  Mid-level DNB doctors may earn anywhere from INR 50,000 to INR 1,50,000 per month. 

• At the senior level, salaries can range from INR 1,50,000 to several lakhs per month

Yes, it is possible to pursue an MD degree after completing a DNB in India. MD and DNB are both postgraduate medical qualifications, and they are considered equivalent. If you have already completed your DNB and wish to further specialize in a medical or surgical field, you have the option to pursue an MD.

To apply for an MD program after DNB, you typically need to meet the eligibility criteria specified by the medical college or university offering the MD course. These criteria may include a minimum number of years of clinical experience after DNB, specific entrance exams, and academic qualifications.

Yes, a DNB (Diplomate of National Board) doctor can perform surgery, but only If a DNB doctor has completed their training and is certified in a surgical speciality. For example, a DNB in General Surgery is trained to perform a wide range of surgical procedures, while a DNB in Orthopedics is specialized in orthopaedic surgery.

It's essential to ensure that the DNB doctor you consult or choose for surgery is specifically certified and trained in the relevant surgical speciality. The specific surgical procedures that a DNB doctor is qualified to perform will depend on their speciality training and experience.

Whether DNB is harder than MD or vice versa is not a straightforward comparison.

The curriculum of both DNB and MD programs is designed to be rigorous and demanding. The level of difficulty often depends on the specific speciality. Some specialities may have more challenging and complex subject matter than others.

Some MD programs may place a stronger emphasis on research and thesis work, which can be an additional challenge for candidates who are not inclined toward research.