DNB (Diplomate of National Board)
Last updated · Confirm dates, fees and eligibility on the official website before you apply.
Recognised as equivalent to MD/MS for most purposes, but awarded by NBEMS rather than a university, and trained largely in accredited private and district hospitals rather than medical colleges. A significant additional route to specialisation given limited MD/MS seats.
- Duration
- 3 years
- Entry after
- Graduation
- Entrance exam
- National Eligibility cum Entrance Test PG
- Study mode
- OnCampus
- Licence
- MANDATORY: registration with the State Medical Council / NMC before practising
Course overview
Recognised as equivalent to MD/MS for most purposes, but awarded by NBEMS rather than a university, and trained largely in accredited private and district hospitals rather than medical colleges. A significant additional route to specialisation given limited MD/MS seats.
Eligibility and admission
Who can apply. MBBS with completed internship and permanent registration.
How you get in. NEET PG followed by NBEMS counselling.
How it is studied. Full-time only. UGC does not permit this programme in distance or online mode, as it requires laboratory, clinical or studio training.
Licence to practise. MANDATORY: registration with the State Medical Council / NMC before practising.
Admission rules change every year. Confirm eligibility, the entrance test and the calendar against the current official notification.
Where this can lead
Where people work.
- NBEMS-accredited teaching hospitals
- Corporate hospital chains
- Government hospitals
- Private specialist practice
- Medical colleges
What you can study next.
- DrNB (super speciality)
- Fellowships
- Ph.D
- Hospital leadership
Cost, duration and indicative earnings
Indicative total course fee. Govt: about 1,00,000 - 5,00,000 total; Private: about 50,00,000 - 2,00,00,000 total (clinical branches highest).
Indicative starting salary. 80,000 - 250,000+ per month.
Typical duration. 3 years.
Fees and salaries here are indicative ranges, not quotes. Confirm the current fee with the institution and treat the salary as a starting range that varies by employer and location.
Who can apply
1 route into this course.
| Qualification | Stream | Minimum | Subjects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduation | Any | — | completed internship and permanent registration |
Percentages are indicative. Individual universities set their own cut-offs, and reserved-category relaxations differ by state and institution.
Entrance exams for this course
An exam mapping does not mean every college accepts that exam. Check the current institution and examination notification before you apply.
Careers this course leads to
4 routes mapped from this qualification.
A course supports eligibility and preparation. It never guarantees a particular job.
Before and after this course
Courses that lead here
Common questions
Who can apply for DNB (Diplomate of National Board)?
MBBS with completed internship and permanent registration. Admission is through NEET PG followed by NBEMS counselling.
How long does DNB (Diplomate of National Board) take?
3 years. Full-time only. UGC does not permit this programme in distance or online mode, as it requires laboratory, clinical or studio training.
What does DNB (Diplomate of National Board) cost?
Govt: about 1,00,000 - 5,00,000 total; Private: about 50,00,000 - 2,00,00,000 total (clinical branches highest). These are indicative ranges, not quotes. Confirm the current fee with the institution.
What can I study after DNB (Diplomate of National Board)?
DrNB (super speciality), Fellowships, Ph.D, Hospital leadership.
Does DNB (Diplomate of National Board) need a licence or registration to practise?
MANDATORY: registration with the State Medical Council / NMC before practising.
Turn this into a decision you can defend
Compare the route, follow where it actually leads, and keep one alternative in view before you apply.