DNB PDCET Exam Pattern 2026: Check Latest Pattern & Marking Scheme
Diplomate of National Board Post Diploma Centralized Entrance Test 2025 ( DNB PDCET )
Exam On - 12 Apr '26
DNB PDCET exam pattern 2026 will be released by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) with the information brochure. The exam pattern of DNB PDCET is something that one needs to keep in mind while preparing for the examination. DNB PDCET pattern 2026 defines important parameters such as mode of the examination, the language of the question paper, duration of the test, number and type of questions, etc. These factors play a crucial role in determining the performance of a candidate in DNB PDCET exam. The test paper comprises total 120 MCQ questions and candidates are given 120 minutes to answer them. Read the complete article to know more about the exam pattern of DNB PDCET 2026.
- Highlights of DNB PDCET Exam Pattern 2026
- DNB PDCET Pattern 2026 in Detail
- DNB PDCET Marking Scheme
- DNB PDCET Pattern 2026: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Highlights of DNB PDCET Exam Pattern 2026
| Details |
Features |
|---|---|
| Frequency of the examination |
Once a year |
| Mode of the examination |
Online |
| Medium of the examination |
English |
| Duration of the examination |
120 minutes |
| DNB PDCET syllabus |
MBBS exit level |
| Type of questions |
MCQ |
| Total number of questions |
120 |
| Total Marks |
480 |
| Negative marking |
Yes |
Commonly asked questions
Yes, you will get the marks for such answers. Answers that have been marked for review will be considered as 'attempted' and will be marked accordingly. In the review process, a panel of subject matter experts anlyse the answers. If questions under review are found to be correct as noted by candidates, in that case full marks are provided to candidate.
Yes. As per the time bound section rule, candidates can only attempt questions in another section once the allotted time gets over. Each section will have 40 questions and 40 minute. Once the allotted time gets exahusted, another section will appear on the screen. Candidates are advised not to attempt questions where you don't have any idea about its answer as there is a provision of negative marking in the exam.
NBE, the exam conducting body has released allowed time to attempt DNB PDCET 2026 question paper. Candidates will be provided 2 hours to answer entire question paper comprising 120 multiple choice questions. The whole paper will be divided into three sections, A, B, and C with 40 questions each. For each section, only 40 minutes will be allotted. Candidates can advised to answer only those questions where they are confident of right response. Otherwise negative answer may reduce your overall score and ranking.
DNB PDCET Pattern 2026 in Detail
The DNB PDCET exam pattern 2026 highlights are shared below-
- The examination is conducted online.
- Each candidate will be allocated a workstation on the day of the examination. These workstations will be covered from three sides.
- The question paper contains three sections, and each section has 40 questions each.
- The duration of each section is 40 minutes.
- The questions in DNB PDCET 2026 will be objective type. Each question will have four response options from which the candidate has to mark the correct option.
- Candidates will be given 2 hours to attempt 120 MCQs.
- The questions will be from various subjects in the curriculum of MBBS (NEET UG exam).
DNB PDCET Marking Scheme
Have a look at the marking process for the DNB PDCET 2026 exam below-
- Candidates get four marks for every correct answer.
- One mark is deducted for every incorrect answer.
- No marks are awarded/ deducted for unanswered questions.
Note: The answers marked for review will also be marked according to the process shared above.
DNB PDCET Pattern 2026: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Check some of the FAQs related to DNB PDCET 2026 pattern here:
Commonly asked questions
DNB PDCET 2026 questions paper will have 120 multiple choice questions and candidates will be given120 minutes to answer them. The exam pattern comprises crucial details related to exam including mode, medium, and marking scheme. NBE conducts DNB PDCET 2026 exam in computer-based mode in English language only.
Candidates can check the table given below for DNB PDCET pattern:
Details | Features |
|---|---|
Frequency of the examination | Once a year |
Mode of the examination | Online |
Medium of the examination | English |
Duration of the examination | 120 minutes |
DNB PDCET syllabus | MBBS exit level |
Type of questions | MCQ |
Total number of questions | 120 |
Total Marks | 480 |
Negative marking | Yes |
No. NBE doesn't send DNB PDCET admit card to candidates. Candidates will have to download the admit card online. The admit card link will be activated on the official website, nbe.edu.in. Candidates can download the hall ticket of DNB PDCET exam by providing details such as application ID and password. It must be noted that admit card can be downloaded any number of times till exam day. But candidates are advised to download it in advance to avoid any last minute technical glitches.
DNB PDCET exam is held in a single shift. Examination usually commences at 9 am and concludes at 11 am. Students are advised to check admit card for exact time. DNB PDCET 2026 admit card comprising exam related details such as allotted centre and its address, timing, and exam guidelines.
Yes. DNB PDCET 2026 exam pattern will be released by NBE. As per existing pattern, there is a provision of negative marking. According to current marking scheme, students get 4 marks for every correct answer, while 1 mark is deducted for every wrong answer. Therefore, students are advised to answer only those questions where they feel confidence of right answer otherwise negative marking may put a toll on overall score.
No. DNB PDCET exam is held in computer-based mode. DNB PDCET 2025 exam date was held on March 25, 2025. A total of 120 multiple choice questions were asked in the exam and candidates were given 2 hours to answer them. English is the only medium in which the exam is held.
DNB PDCET Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 weeks ago
The NBE provides the application form correction facility for DNB PDCET exam after the closing of application window. Candidates who register for the exam can use the DNB PDCET form correction window to makes changes, if required.
M
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a month ago
The DNB PDCET application form 2026 will be released soon. Candidates who want to appear for the exam need to fill the online form. The NBE will activate the DNB PDCET registration link on its website.
S
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a month ago
The NBEMS has announced the exam date for the DNB PDCET 2026. The authority will conduct the DNB PDCET exam on April 12, 2026.
P
Contributor-Level 6
Explore more Medicine & Health Sciences exams with upcoming dates
NEET PG 2025 round-3 counselling registration 30 Jan '26 - 31 Jan '26
Does NBE provide DNB PDCET form correction facility?