DNB PDCET Exam Pattern 2026: Check Latest Pattern & Marking Scheme

Q: DNB PDCET Pattern: Highlights

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

Q: What will be the timing for DNB PDCET 2026?

DNB PDCET exam is held in a single shift. The examination usually commence at 9 am and conclude at 11 am. Candidates are advised to check their 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, will be uploaded online.

Q: Will NBE send admit card for DNB PDCET to individual candidate?

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.

Q: Will DNB PDCET exam be held in pen and paper mode?

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.

Q: How many questions will be asked in DNB PDCET exam?

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.

Q: Will there be negative marking in the DNB PDCET 2026 exam?

Yes. According to DNB PDCET 2026 exam pattern, there is a provision of negative marking. As per the marking scheme, candidates get 4 marks for every correct answer, while 1 mark is deducted for every wrong answer. Therefore, candidates are advised to answer only those questions where they feel confidence of right answer otherwise negative marking may put a toll on overall score.

Q: Is it necessary to attempt the questions section-wise in DNB PDCET exam?

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.

Q: How much time is allowed to attempt DNB PDCET question paper?

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.

Q: Four answers that I had marked to review are correct in DNB PDCET exam. Will I get marks for them?

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.

Updated on Sep 19, 2025 14:30 IST

By Mukul Kumar Mishra

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.

Table of content

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

Q: Is it necessary to attempt the questions section-wise in DNB PDCET exam?

Q: How much time is allowed to attempt DNB PDCET question paper?

Q: Four answers that I had marked to review are correct in DNB PDCET exam. Will I get marks for them?

DNB PDCET Pattern 2026 in Detail

According to the DNB PDCET exam pattern 2026, 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 will comprise three sections, and each section will have 40 questions each and allotted time will be 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 multiple-choice questions. These questions will be asked from various subjects included in the curriculum of MBBS.

DNB PDCET Marking Scheme

For every correct answer, the candidate will be awarded four (4) marks
For every incorrect answer, one (1) will be deducted
No marks would be awarded/deducted for unanswered questions
Candidates must also note that the answers marked for review will also be marked according to the marking scheme given above.