DNB: Course Fees, Admission 2026, Syllabus, Top Colleges, Career Scope
Parul ThapaAssistant Manager
DNB full form in medical is Diplomate of National Board and is a PG course that is provided by National Board of Examinations (NBE) in India. DNB course helps candidates specialise in different medical areas.
If we talk about eligibility generally, candidates should pass Class 12 in PCB with passing marks. Candidates should also pass NEET PG. Fees can be up to INR 1.1 Lakh. But candidates should know that eligibility, exam required as well as fees can be different according to colleges.
Popular colleges are KMC Manipal, MAMC, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College, etc.
Jobs available for graduates are Forensic Experts, Investigative Officers, Crime Reporters, etc. Recruiters include Intelligence Bureau (IB), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Hospitals, etc.
Diplomate of National Board Course Details
Candidates can check the key points related to the DNB in Medical courses in the table below.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Full form | Diplomate of National Board |
| Course Level | PG |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Fees | Up to INR 1.1 Lakh |
| Admission | Entrance-Based |
| Eligibility | Passed MBBS |
| Exam | NEET PG |
| Salary | Up to INR 35 LPA |
| Recruiters | Intelligence Bureau (IB), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Hospitals, Police departments, etc. |
| Diplomate of National Board Jobs | Forensic Experts, Investigative Officers, Crime Reporters, Crime Scene Investigators, etc. |
Choice between DNB and MD often depends on 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 table below to see comparison between two -
Particulars | DNB | MD |
|---|---|---|
Course Level | Postgraduation | Postgraduate |
Duration | 3 years | 2 years |
Course Fee | Up to INR 1.1 lakh | INR 1,000 - INR 1 Crore |
Entrance Exams | NEET PG, INI CET | |
Average Salary | Up to INR 35 lakh | INR 3 LPA - INR 30 LPA |
Top Recruiters | Intelligence Bureau (IB), Central Bureau of Investigation CBI), Hospitals, Police departments, Law Firms, Defence/Army, Central govt., Forensic Sciences Lab, Private Detective Agencies | Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Medanta- Medicity, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Apollo Hospitals, etc. |
Job Positions | Forensic Expert, Investigative Officer, Crime Reporter, CrimeScene Investigator, Forensic Scientist, Handwriting Expert, Fingerprint Expert | Dermatologist, Nutritionist, Pediatrician, Pathologist, etc. |
- DNB Course Eligibility & Admission
- DNB Exam
- DNB Syllabus
- DNB Specialisations
- Best Colleges for DNB Course
- Popular Private DNB (Diplomate of National Board) Colleges in India
- DNB Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary & Top Recruiters
- DNB FAQs
- Diplomate of National Board Syllabus
- Course Cutoffs
DNB Course Eligibility & Admission
Candidates should know that eligibility can be different according to the courses. This is why they should check it. Failure to fulfill the eligibility can lead to cancellation of candidature.
Candidates can see the general outline of the eligibility below:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | MBBS degree |
| Internship | Completion of one-year compulsory rotating internship on or before deadline set by NBEMS |
| Entrance Exam | NEET PG |
Note: The info is taken from other sources and can be different.
DNB Course Admission 2025
Candidates can check a general overview of the admission process below:
- Check eligibility
- Apply by filling the form
- Take the exam
- Attend the counselling if selected
- Get the documents verified and pay the tuition fees.
Yes you can pursue DNB in Medical after completing MBBS degree.
DNB is a PG Medical training course that offers specialisation in General Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Radiology, Orthopedics and many others.
After obtaining an MBBS degree candidates can apply for DNB courses through an entrance examination conducted by National Board of Examinations (NBE).
Yes you can go for DNB after BAMS but there is some eligibility.
Diplomate of National Board is for medical graduates with an MBBS degree so candidates with BAMS need to fulfill some other requirements or bridge courses.
While DNB is primarily available to MBBS graduates many specializations like Ayurvedic medicine or integrated healthcare may offer opportunities for BAMS graduates, but these options are limited.
DNB Exam
Candidates who wish to apply for the Diplomate of National Board must sit for and successfully pass NEET PG.
Candidates can see table showing NEET PG exam detailes below -
|
DNB Exam |
DNB Exam Date |
|---|---|
|
NEET PG |
NEET PG Date |
Note: The info is taken from other sources and can be different.
Important Exam Dates
| Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| Jan ' 26 | UP NEET PG 2025 round-3 reporting TENTATIVE |
| 15 Jan ' 26 - 26 Jan ' 26 | NEET PG 2025 round-3 counselling registration ONGOING |
| 16 Jan ' 26 - 26 Jan ' 26 | NEET PG 2025 round-3 choice filling ONGOING |
| 21 Jan ' 26 - 28 Jan ' 26 | NTA JEE Main 2026 Exam Date Session 1 |
| 25 Jan ' 26 | NTA CMAT 2026 Exam Date |
| 29 Jan ' 26 | NEET PG 2025 round-3 counselling result |
| 30 Jan ' 26 - 06 Feb ' 26 | NEET PG 2025 round-3 reporting |
| Dates | Past Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| 26 Dec ' 25 - 27 Dec ' 25 | NEET SS 2025 exam |
| 05 Nov ' 25 - 25 Nov ' 25 | NEET SS 2025 registration |
| 31 Jul ' 25 - 05 Aug ' 25 | NEET SS 2024 Counselling Round 3 Institute Reporting |
NEET is conducted by National Testing Agency and is important for students going for admission to medical courses in India. So in general it is not possible to become a doctor in India without clearing NEET exam.
NEET is standard exam that is accepted by most medical colleges in India and it is needed for UG courses.
But there are some alternative options available for students who are unable to clear NEET exam or who did not appear for exam.
DNB Syllabus
DNB courses is all about specialized training for doctors after they complete their MBBS. It is a diploma level course. This course is focused on theoretical as well as practical subjects with core and elective subjects. Candidates should know that syllabus and the curriculum can be different according to the colleges.
Candidates can see a general outline of the DNB syllabus below -
| DNB Syllabus Sem 1 | |
|---|---|
| Orientation to hospital systems | Basic clinical skills |
| Patient care protocols | History-taking |
| Physical examination, and | Diagnostic reasoning |
| DNB Syllabus Sem 2 | |
| Core theory of chosen specialty | Basic procedures |
| Ward responsibilities | Outpatient care |
| DNB Syllabus Sem 3 | |
| Intermediate-level case discussions | Clinical rotations |
| Seminars | Supervised procedures |
| DNB Syllabus Sem 4 | |
| Advanced clinical decision-making | Thesis proposal submission |
| Case presentations | - |
| DNB Syllabus Sem 5 | |
| Focus on subspecialties | Independent case management |
| Thesis work | Audit participation |
| DNB Syllabus Sem 6 | |
|
Final assessments |
Revision of core topics |
| Thesis submission | Mock exams |
In simple terms DNB focuses heavily on hands on clinical skills in diverse hospitals (often private) with a tough, centralized exam but MD/MS gives more structured, research focused learning in medical colleges with university specific exams leading to slightly different career paths but both are recognized specialist qualifications.
Think of DNB as more "real-world, fast-paced" training and MD/MS as more "academic, textbook-heavy" with strong mentorship but DNB is gaining ground for its clinical depth.
Indeed academic work and research are crucial parts of DNB curriculum. As part of program, each DNB candidate is required to submit a thesis that is based on original research conducted under supervision.
Students engage in case presentations, seminars, journal clubs, and clinical audits in addition to writing their theses. In order to prepare candidates for evidence-based clinical practice, these academic exercises aim to develop critical thinking and research skills.
DNB Specialisations
Specialisations are basically focused area of education where one develops deeper knowledge of that topic/subject.
After a candidate has completed their UG level of medical education (which is a foundational level), they have many options to choose from in their PG level. In DNB course level, candidates can choose from the following specialisations according to their liking -
|
Types of Diplomate of National Board Specialisations |
|
|---|---|
|
Paediatrics |
|
|
Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy |
Psychiatry |
|
Radio Diagnosis |
|
|
Obstetrics and Gynaecology |
Radiation Oncology |
|
Ophthalmology |
Respiratory Medicine |
|
Orthopaedics |
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation |
|
Otorhinolaryngology |
Pathology |
No, DNB is not higher than MBBS.
MBBS is 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 table below to see comparison between two.
Particulars | DNB | MBBS |
|---|---|---|
Course Level | Postgraduation | Undergraduate |
Duration | 3 years | 5.5 years |
Course Fee | Up to INR 1.1 lakh | INR 25,000 to INR 1.15 crore |
Entrance Exams | NEET | |
Average Salary | Up to INR 35 lakh | INR 2.5 LPA - INR 15 LPA |
Top Recruiters | Intelligence Bureau (IB), Central Bureau of Investigation CBI), Hospitals, Police departments, Law Firms, Defence/Army, Central govt., Forensic Sciences Lab, Private Detective Agencies | Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Medanta- Medicity, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Apollo Hospitals, etc. |
Job Positions | Forensic Expert, Investigative Officer, Crime Reporter, CrimeScene Investigator, Forensic Scientist, Handwriting Expert, Fingerprint Expert | Medical Surgeon, Medical officers, Paediatrician, General Physician, Medical Assistant (Surgery), etc. |
Best Colleges for DNB Course
There are approximately 400+ colleges which have DNB courses, out of which 40+ is government, 50+ private and 5 are public private. Choosing best colleges for DNB education can be tough, specially when there are a lot of options in front of candidates. At this point it becomes very important to filter them out according to your liking, budget and career plan.
That is why candidates can see a list of popular government and private colleges below -
Best Government DNB Colleges
The top popular government colleges that offer DNB course are listed below.
| DNB Colleges | DNB Course Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| MAMC | 39,000 |
| Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College | 2.25 Lakh |
| RPGMC Kangra | 72,000 |
| Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College, Indore | 2.25 Lakh |
| Delhi University (DU) | 2.25 Lakh |
| Srirama Chandra Bhanja Medical College and Hospital | 2.25 Lakh |
| ESIC Medical College, Hyderabad | 2.25 Lakh |
| Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital | 2.25 Lakh |
| ESIC Medical College, Faridabad | 2.25 Lakh |
| H.B.T. Medical College And Dr. R.N. Cooper Municipal General Hospital | 2.25 Lakh |
Note: Info is taken from other sources and can be different.
Best Private DNB Colleges
The top popular private colleges that offer DNB course are listed down below.
| DNB Colleges | DNB Course Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| Kasturba Medical College, Manipal | 2.25 Lakh |
| KIMS | 2.25 Lakh |
| MGM Medical College, Navi Mumbai | 2.25 Lakh |
| KJ Somaiya Medical College | 2.25 Lakh |
| GCS Medical College | 2.25 Lakh |
| Sree Gokulam Medical College | 2.25 Lakh |
| Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Research Centre | 2.25 Lakh |
| Amala Institute of Medical Sciences | 54 Lakh |
| Little Flower Institute of Medical Science and Research | 2.25 Lakh |
| KMCT Medical College, Kozhikode | 2.25 Lakh |
Note: Info is taken from other sources and can be different.
#1 NIRF
#3 NIRF
#8 NIRF
#4 NIRF
To pick best DNB hospital for learning, focus on high patient volume, plenty of hands-on cases, a supportive seniors/faculty, fewer co-trainees for more individual attention, and a less toxic environment, preferring government or mission hospitals over some corporate ones for better primary exposure and a good mix of tertiary/secondary care. Always visit hospital, talk to current residents, and check bed strength (400+) for better exposure.
Examine a DNB institute's department size, patient load and also accreditation status before choosing one. Elements affect program's learning quality as well as clinical exposure.
Evaluate faculty availability, duty hours, past pass rate and also academic opportunities such as sis support and seminars. Speaking with hospital DNB residents, eir current or past, can provide important information about daily training and working conditions.
Popular Private DNB (Diplomate of National Board) Colleges in India
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Medicine & Health Sciences Applications open. Apply Now
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DNB Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary & Top Recruiters
Aspirants who complete DNB course can pursue super-specialities in a variety of fields of surgery. Students who complete this degree can work as experts in various departments such as Cardiology, Nephrology, and so on, or they can become scientists and researchers in a variety of medical specialties. Aspirants can conduct scientific studies in field of surgery after completing Diplomate of National Board.
Meritorious students can receive PhD fellowships from institutions such as National Institute of Health. Aside from super specialities and research, these specialists can also obtain a DNB course in Cardiology, Neurology, Cardiac Surgery, Neurosurgery, Paediatric Surgery, and other fields.
DNB Salary in India
Course helps medical students to open up to a large number of prospects in their medical careers as specialists in various genres of medicine. They can become faculty professors in their specialization subjects in reputed universities and medical colleges as well as practice their specializations on patients.
Some of career prospects and their average DNB salary per annum are given below:
|
Jobs |
Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
|
Anaesthesiologists |
14.2 LPA |
|
Paediatrics |
17.1 LPA |
|
Geriatricians |
37 LPA |
|
Ophthalmologists |
4.6 LPA |
|
Cardiologists |
16 LPA |
Note: average salary has been taken from Ambitionbox.com.
DNB Top Recruiters
For DNB course graduates, there are numerous positions available in both public and commercial sectors. job roles will vary depending on specialisation chosen. Students in field have numerous work chances and educational opportunities.
In India, a DNB course graduate is usually well compensated. This value may be affected by location, number of years of job experience, and ranking. Many industries across globe seek talented DNB course professionals.
Some of them are mentioned in table below.
| DNB Top Recruiters | |
|---|---|
| Intelligence Berau (IB) | Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) |
| Police Departments | Hospitals |
| Law Firms | Defence/Army |
| Central Govt. | Forensic Science Lab |
A DNB graduate's salary can be different according to speciality and also experience.
But starts from around INR 30,000 - INR 1 lakh per month for entry level to INR 1.5 lakh+ per month. Experienced earn around INR 10 - INR 35 Lakhs per year.
DNB FAQs
Candidates can refer below of the DNB course FAQs.
Yes a DNB doctor in a surgical specialty like General Surgery or Orthopedics is fully qualified and trained to perform surgeries just like an MD/MS doctor after completing their rigorous postgraduate training.
DNB courses provide extensive hands on experience and clinical exposure in hospitals preparing them to function as specialist surgeons.
Diplomate of National Board Syllabus
The Diplomate of National Board provide one of the best and most well-structured syllabuses which depends on the specialization the student has chosen. The Diplomate of National Board curriculum comprises presentations, workshops, academic sessions, case studies, seminars, teaching, discussions, research projects, and thesis generation. The various topics in the training include OPD training, family planning clinics, surgical management and many more.
Some of the most common subjects in the syllabus of DNB in Medical course are given as follows:
| Diplomate of National Board - Semester 1 | |
|---|---|
| Anatomy | Physiology |
| Biochemistry | - |
| Diplomate of National Board - Semester 2 | |
| Microbiology | Pharmacology |
| Pathology | - |
| Diplomate of National Board - Semester 3 | |
| Forensic Medicine | Ophthalmology |
| ENT | - |
| Diplomate of National Board - Semester 4 | |
| SPM, Statistics & Biomedical Research | Psychiatry |
| General Medicine | - |
| Diplomate of National Board - Semester 5 | |
| Orthopedics | Anaesthesiology |
| Radiology | - |
| Diplomate of National Board - Semester 6 | |
| Obstetrics & Gynaecology | Paediatrics |
| Pharmacology | - |
Popular Specializations
- Cardiology
211 Colleges
- Neurology
139 Colleges
- Gastroenterology
129 Colleges
- Nephrology
114 Colleges
- Urology
113 Colleges
- Oncology
111 Colleges
- General Medicine
101 Colleges
- Radiology
82 Colleges
- Pediatrics
73 Colleges
- Anaesthesia
37 Colleges
Whether DNB is harder than MD or not the answer to it is not straightforward.
Curriculum of both DNB and MD programs is designed to be tough. Level of difficulty depends on specific speciality. Some specialities may have more challenging subjects than others.
Some MD courses may place a stronger focus on research and thesis work which can be an additional challenge for candidates who are not inclined toward research.
Course Cutoffs
4
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Nov 22, 2025
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DNB or Diplomate of National Board is a PG medical qualification in India that is equivalent to an MD or MS degree offered by universities. DNB is administered and awarded by National Board of Examinations (NBE), it's an autonomous body under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in India.