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Diplomate of National Board (DNB): Full form, Eligibility, Colleges, Admission, Entrance Exams, Syllabus, Seats, Jobs, Salary 2023

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Ahana Bhaduri

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DNB full form is Diplomate of National Board. It is a 3-year Post Graduation level program equivalent to that of the Post-Graduate or Post-Doctoral programs in the medicine field. DNB program is divided into two categories which are DNB Super Specialists and DNB in Broad Specialities. The course is aimed at monitoring and evaluating the skills of the students before turning up as Professional Doctors specialized in different medical domains.

The basic eligibility for DNB course is to hold an MBBS degree with 50% marks from a recognized university. Candidates must have completed 1 year of internship on or before 31st March of the current academic year.

DNB admissions are mostly done on the basis of entrance exams such as DNB-CET or CET-NBE followed by counselling sessions. The admission process can be completed both through online and offline.

DNB syllabus focuses on shows, discussions, workshops, teaching tutorial sessions, seminars, case studies, analysis projects, and thesis generation. The assorted topics within the coaching embrace OPD coaching, birth prevention clinics, surgical management and lot more.DNB course fees usually depend on the type of specialization.The average tuition fees for DNB Cardiology programs in Indian colleges usually range between INR 36,000 and 2,40,000 per annum. The average salary offered to DNB degree holders is around INR 10 LPA to 35 LPA depending upon the specialization opted.

DNB course provides vast opportunities in India as well as abroad. Students will be able to find work as a Orthopedics, Neurologists, Nephrologists, Paediatrics, Anesthesiologists, Ophthalmologist etc. and can also work in academics as Lecturers or as Medical Specialists in medical colleges.

If students wish to do further research, they can become independent researchers and publish their research papers. They can also earn a PhD degree in the related domain in future.

DNB : Course Highlights

Course level Post-Graduation
Duration 3 years
Examination Type Semester
Eligibility Criteria Hold a MBBS or equivalent degree with an aggregate of at least 50% marks from a recognized university. 
Admission process Merit and Entrance Based
Average Annual Fees INR 36,000 to 2,40,000
Average Annual Salary INR 10,00,000 to 35,00,000
Top Recruiting Companies Government and Private Clinics, Fortis, Jaslok Hospital, etc.
Job Positions Orthopaedics, Neurologists, Nephrologists, Paediatrics, Anesthesiologists, Ophthalmologist, etc.

DNB: What is it about?

Information and details about the DNB program are as follows.

  • This program has been developed with an aim to produce all-round knowledge of associates in Nursing with comprehensive information regarding the precise medical field students require to review. 
  • The scholars are instructed and supplied with adequate skills in conductivity of educational reviews, meetings, and seminars while managing records further as performing their duties of treatment in cases of emergencies.
  • The program of Diplomate National Board is intended as such it might give the scholars data and skills of their chosen specialization field which might finally facilitate them to become prosperous medical professionals of the longer term.
  • The DNB degrees awarded by the NBE are equal to postgraduate qualifications given by different Indian universities for all functions, involving appointment to teaching posts.

Why Study DNB?

The goal to attain a DNB degree will depend on each individual’s aspirations and goals. Some of the benefits and perks of pursuing this course has been mentioned below:

why study dnb course?

  • Candidates can start their careers by joining a group practice with surgeons in related fields, or by opening practice of their own.
  • Candidates have good opportunities in hospitals, research fields both in government and private along with the self-run profession.
  • Many DNB degree holders start working in a hospital, and eventually work in private practice or even open one of their own.
  • They can become a community helper and work for NGOs as well. Students are provided with the training ingredients that provide in-depth knowledge of the related field and relevant basic allied subjects.
  • After completion of this course, one can expect an average salary package ranging between INR 10,00,000 and 35,00,000 per annum. 

DNB Admission Process

The guide to apply for entrance exam based admission is as follows.

dnb admission process
  • Step 1- Registration: In this step, students need to create an account by entering basic details like email-id, phone number etc.
  • Step 2- Application Form: Fill the application form with all necessary details. Care must be taken to ensure all details are accurate and correct.
  • Step 3- Uploading of Documents: Scan and upload all requisite documents like mark sheets, photograph and signature. Documents need to be uploaded in a specific format only, as specified by the institute’s application portal.
  • Step 4- Payment of Application Fees: Candidates have to pay the application fees either online or offline. 
  • Step 5 - Downloading of Admit Card: Admit cards are released once all applicants are judged for eligibility. The admit card must be downloaded and printed out to be used on the day of the examination.
  • Step 6 - Entrance Exam: Prepare for the exam as per the syllabus and past papers. Appear for the examination on the date announced.
  • Step 7 - Results: Results are announced after a couple of weeks of the exam day. If a candidate is successful in qualifying the entrance examinations, they can move on to the next round.
  • Step 8 - Counseling/ Personal Interview and admission: Counselling or PI is held for students who have cleared the entrance examinations. The student can now take admission in the DNB course.

DNB Eligibility Criteria

The common DNB eligibility criteria that candidates need to fulfil to be considered eligible for admission to this course is as follows:

  • Candidates must hold a MBBS degree from a recognized institute. 
  • The applicants need to complete a one-year internship.
  • The candidates are required to pass the Common Eligibility Test (CET).
  • They must clear the entrance exam conducted by the National Board of Education (NBE).

DNB Entrance Exams

Only a few colleges are there that offer admission to DNB course on the basis of the candidate's performance in entrance exams. The examination details are released by the colleges every year. This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, all the examination dates have been postponed and the new dates for the same are yet to be released.

How to Prepare for a DNB Entrance Exams?

The syllabus for DNB entrance exams will vary from college to college. Some of the important tips that students can follow to excel in entrance exams are given below: 

  • Go through the detailed syllabus of the written test, start studying them, revise your concepts.
  • Time management is one of the most important aspects to crack entrance exams, this is not only applying to the study schedule but attempting the most exam as well. 
  • Practicing sample papers and mock test papers will assure you of the time management skills by the time your entrance exam starts.
  • Practice is the thumb rule for cracking entrance exams. Ensure that your concepts are clear and you are aware of all the right ways to solve questions within the time frame.
  • Start learning from the basic step and thereafter move to higher and difficult levels of concepts.

How to get admission to a good DNB college?

Nowadays, it is really hard to get admission in a college and even harder to get into a DNB college. But if you are prepared and confident enough you can get into any preferable college. To get admission in a good DNB college a few points must be kept in mind:

  • A candidate must have passed MBBS, completed a one-year internship and passed the Common Eligibility Test (CET).
  • They must fill the admission application thoroughly and carefully.
  • They must be prepared for the entrance and the counselling session.
  • A candidate must have a good merit score.
  • A candidate must be confident and have incredible abilities to communicate.
  • They need to have a relational ability and a scientific mind.
  • A candidate must have the capabilities to accept his shortcomings and the capability to work as an individual as well as in a group.

Top DNB Colleges

The table below shows the best DNB colleges and universities that offer the course in a full-time mode. 

Name of the College/ University Average Annual Fees Average Annual Salary
Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Memorial Medical College, Amravati INR 28,925 INR 12,00,000
KJSMC, Mumbai INR 47,890 INR 11,89,000
NIO Aundh, Pune INR 35,000 INR 13,52,000
NIOP, New Delhi INR 46,152 INR 13,96,000
GMERS, Vadodara INR 32,184 INR 18,00,000
BPS Government Medical College, Sonepat INR 87,000 INR 15,42,000
NDMC Medical College, New Delhi INR 27,145 INR 20,00,000
top dnb colleges in India

Source: College Websites

DNB College Comparison

The tabulation below depicts the comparison made among the three top DNB colleges in India.

Parameters Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Memorial Medical College, Amravati KJSMC, Mumbai
Overview Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Memorial Medical College is a prestigious college which is located in Amravati and offers a large number of medical courses.  KJ Somaiya Medical College is one of the most popular colleges located in Mumbai. This college offers a large number of medical courses at the UG and PG level. 
Location Amravati Mumbai
Average Fees INR 28,925 INR 47,890
Eligibility Criteria Students must hold a MBBS or equivalent degree with an aggregate of at least 50% marks Students must hold a MBBS or equivalent degree with an aggregate of at least 50% marks
Admission Criteria Entrance-Based Entrance-Based
Average Annual Salary INR 12,00,000 INR 11,89,000
best college for dnb course

Source: College Websites

DNB Course Syllabus

The common subjects that are included in the structured DNB syllabus are provided in the table given below:  

DNB Course Syllabus and Subjects
Anatomy General Medicine
Physiology Psychiatry
Biochemistry Dermatology and STD
Pathology General Surgery
Microbiology Orthopedics
Pharmacology Anaesthesiology 
Forensic Medicine Radiology
Ophthalmology Obstetrics & Gynaecology
ENT Pediatrics
SPM, Statistics & Biomedical Research Pharmacology

DNB vs MD: Course Comparison

Both DNB and DM Course are advanced medical courses. However, there is a minuscule difference between them. 

Check the table below for more comparative details. 

Parameters DNB DM
Overview DNB program lays across an opportunity for candidates to build their acumen in specialties and super specialties programs.  A Doctorate of Medicine or DM is very much different from a Doctor of Medicine (MD). Doctor of Medicine (MD) is a postgraduate course whereas DM Course is a PhD level course. 
Course Duration 3 Years 3 Years
Admission Process Merit/ Entrance-Based Merit/ Entrance-Based
Entrance NEET PG, DNB PDCET NEET PG, PGIMER, JIPMER PG, AIIMS PG
Eligibility MBBS degree from a recognized institute in relevant discipline MBBS degree from a recognized institute in relevant discipline
Job Profile Paediatrician, Ophthalmologist, Anaesthesiologist, Geriatrician, Nephrologist, Cardiologist etc.  General Practitioners, Bacteriologist, Anesthesiologists, Obstetrician, Chiropodist etc.
Average Fees INR 36,000 to 2,40,000 INR 10,000 to 20,00,000
Average Salary INR 10,00,000 to 35,00,000 INR 8,00,000 to 15,00,000
dnb and md course fees

Source: College Websites

DNB Job Prospects and Career Options

  • There are a number of career options that open up for you as you complete this course from any of the recognized universities. The market is so competitive that the salary you will get is also good as compared to the other courses.
  • DNB degree holders will be able to find jobs in  various sectors such as Hospitals, Defence Health Services, Schools, Colleges & Universities (Medical), Self-employment, Content Writing (Science) etc. 

Below table shows the type of jobs that will be available for you and the average salary that you can expect from each of the roles. It is a mixed bag that you can choose your perfect career for yourself.

Job Profile Job Description Average Annual Salary
Paediatric A Pediatric usually treats and diagnoses disabilities, diseases related to children and infants.  INR 28,00,000
Ophthalmologists Diagnoses all eye diseases and treats them accordingly, performs surgery on various eye operations, prescribes and fits eyeglasses and lenses to better vision problems. INR 10,90,000
Nephrologists A Nephrologist is specialized in kidney-related diseases, treating and diagnosing the ailment. INR 22,00,000
Geriatricians Geriatricians usually do treatment and diagnosis of diseases to treat disability in old-aged people INR 15,00,000
Cardiologists The job of a Cardiologist is to treat and diagnose cardiovascular diseases and promote awareness regarding heart health.  INR 17,80,000
Anaesthesiologist The job of an Anaesthesiologist is to monitor and manage the correct amount of anaesthesia after understanding the patient’s history during operations. INR 12,50,000
jobs and salary after dnb course

Source: College Websites

DNB Scope

  • Aspirants who have finished this advanced course have options for super-specialties in diverse fields of surgery. 
  • After completing this course, students can work as specialists in various departments in divisions like Cardiology, Nephrology etc. or can become scientists and researchers in several medical fields.
  • After successful completion of DNB course, aspirants can do scientific research in the particular field of surgery. 
  • Meritorious students can get scholarships for doing PhD from organizations such as the National Institute of Health. Besides super specialties and research these professionals can also do DNB (Diplomate of National Board) in areas of Cardiology, Neurology, Cardiac Surgery, Neurosurgery, Paediatrics Surgery etc. 

DNB FAQs 

Ques. Which one is better: DNB or MD?

Ans. As the number of career prospects involved in both MD and DNB are somewhat similar and you'll be treated the same in most places. So, both of these courses are similar to each other. 

Ques. Who can do DNB?

Ans. Candidates are required to have a medical degree and those who already possess a permanent registration certificate provisioned by the Medical Council of India can apply for the DNB course. Also candidates must have completed a one-year internship successfully before filling the application form.

Ques. What can I do after DNB? 

Ans. DNB degree holders need 3 years of Junior Residency and 2 years of Senior Residency, to be allowed for a teaching post of Assistant Professor. Thus, this hints a clear 5-years of added service if the candidate wants to pursue a career in Medical Education.

Ques. Can DNB degree holders perform surgery?

Ans. Yes, a DNB degree holder can perform surgeries as a Cardiologist and Anaesthesiologist.

Ques. How much is the stipend for a DNB degree holder?

Ans. The average annual salary that a DNB degree holder gets usually ranges between INR 10,00,000 and 35,00,000. 

Ques.  How many seats are there in DNB?

Ans. There are around 8,264 seats in DNB colleges. 

Ques. Can I do MD after DNB course?

Ans. Yes, aspirants can pursue MD on completion of DNB course. 

Ques. Is a DNB degree recognised outside India?

Ans. Some of the developed countries have started recognising courses like DNB from India more than MD. 

Ques. What is the difference between D Ch. and DNB?

Ans. Both programs are equivalent degrees and at par with each other as far as the eligibility is concerned.

Ques. Is there a management quota in DNB?

Ans. Yes, there is a Management quota for students looking away from the trivialities of Biology.

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