DNB: Course Fees, Admission 2025, Syllabus, Top Colleges, Career Scope

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 the National Board of Examinations (NBE), it's an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in India.

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.

DNB courses tend to offer multiple impressive benefits like recognition in India as well as abroad, amazing career opportunities including academic positions, specialized clinical roles, and leadership positions in healthcare sectors, Clinical Experience, flexibility in terms of speciality choice and training locations. Candidates can choose from various specialities. DNB courses also ensure a good pay scale and scope for promotions with time and experience.

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

The DNB in Medical is a PG Medical training course that offers specialisation in many medical fields such as 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 pursue a DNB after completing a 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 the DNB Exam: You will have to register & then appear for the DNB CET (Common Entrance Test), which is 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 then you will undergo clinical training and complete exams as per the DNB curriculum.
• Obtain DNB Certification: Successfully complete the programme to receive the DNB qualification.

The DNB quota simply refers to the reserved seats in NEET PG for the candidates who will pursue DNB (also called Diplomate of National Board) course after completion of MBBS. DNB course is sort of an alternative to MD/ MS courses offered by medical colleges. The DNB quota is offered on the basis of NEET PG score.

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

The DNB syllabus ensures consistency across all accredited hospitals by adhering to a structured national-level curriculum. On the other hand, MD and MS curricula are frequently governed by their respective universities, which results in slight differences.

Although the goal of both programs is to produce qualified specialists, DNB gives more weight to centralised exit exams and ongoing internal assessments. Additionally, while MD/MS students frequently have consistent access in medical colleges, hands-on exposure in DNB can vary by hospital.

Indeed, academic work and research are crucial parts of the DNB curriculum. As part of the 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.

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.

Prioritise hospitals with a large patient load and multispecialty departments when choosing the best DNB hospital for clinical exposure. This guarantees a greater variety of clinical cases and practical experience throughout your residency.

Additionally, take into account medical facilities where prior DNB candidates have mentioned receiving strong academic support and case-based instruction. Better facilities and organised training programs are frequently offered by hospitals that are accredited by the NABH or affiliated with medical colleges.

Examine a DNB institute's department size, patient load, and accreditation status before choosing one. These elements affect the program's learning quality as well as clinical exposure.

Additionally, evaluate the faculty availability, duty hours, past pass rate, and academic opportunities such as thesis support and seminars. Speaking with hospital DNB residents, either current or past, can provide important information about daily training and working conditions.

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.