First 20 students get 50% discount. Hurry up!

DNB Admission 2025: Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam & Top Colleges

The DNB Post Diploma Centralized Entrance Test (DNB PDCET), conducted by NBEMS, is a gateway for diploma-holding doctors to pursue postgraduate medical education equivalent to MD/MS. It offers access to top accredited hospitals and institutions across India.

The DNB PDCET 2025 exam was successfully conducted on March 25, 2025, for candidates seeking admission to Post Diploma DNB Broad Specialty Courses. Organized by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), this entrance exam serves as a gateway for postgraduate diploma holders to advance their medical careers. According to the latest update, the result of the DNB PDCET 2025 will be officially announced on April 25, 2025, through the NBEMS website. The admit cards were released on March 21, 2025, following the completion of the registration process, which took place between December 1, 2024, and January 25, 2025.

As per the DNB PDCET 2025 exam pattern, candidates had to appear for a computer-based test consisting of 120 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) relevant to their postgraduate diploma specialty. The exam was conducted online and tested the candidates’ subject knowledge and clinical understanding within a limited time frame. To be eligible for the exam, candidates were required to possess a recognized postgraduate diploma in the respective specialty. With the results expected soon, qualified candidates can gear up for the next phase of the process—DNB PDCET 2025 counselling—which will help them secure a seat in one of the accredited DNB Broad Specialty programs across India.

Overview of DNB PDCET 2025

Particulars

Details

Exam Name

DNB Post Diploma Centralized Entrance Test (DNB PDCET)

Conducting Authority

National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS)

Level of Exam

Postgraduate

Mode of Examination

Online (Computer-Based Test)

Frequency

Once a year

Medium of Exam

English

Course Offered

Diplomate of National Board (DNB)

Medium of Exam

English

Course Offered

Diplomate of National Board (DNB)

Official Website

nbe.edu.in

Tentative Exam Date

May 2025

Application Window

March 2025

DNB PDCET 2025 Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the DNB PDCET 2025 exam, candidates must meet the following criteria:

  • Must possess a Postgraduate Diploma from an institution recognized under the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956.
  • The final diploma results should be declared on or before February 28, 2025.
  • The diploma must be completed by July 31, 2025.
  • Must be registered with the State Medical Council or Medical Council of India/NMC.
  • Candidates already pursuing MD/MS/DNB courses are not eligible.

DNB PDCET 2025 Syllabus & Exam Pattern

The DNB PDCET syllabus is based on the knowledge acquired during the postgraduate diploma course. The exam assesses subject-specific clinical understanding.

Exam Pattern:

  • Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
  • Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
  • Total Questions: 120
  • Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes)
  • Maximum Marks: 480
  • Marking Scheme: +4 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect answer
  • Subjects: Questions are based on the specialization of the diploma.

DNB PDCET 2025 Application Process

To speed up the DNB PDCET application process, candidates should keep all necessary documents and details ready before starting registration. This helps avoid delays and ensures a smooth submission.

Requirements

Specifications

Email Id

Must be valid and accessible

Mobile number

Accurate and must be available

Scanned image of a passport-sized photo

  • Borderless coloured photograph
  • Background must be white
  • Not older than 6 months
  • Measurements should be 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm
  •  .jpg/.jpeg are acceptable formats 
  • Maximum file size is 80 kb

Scanned image of the signature

  • Should be clear
  • Must be done with blue or black ink on white paper
  • Measurements should be 6 cm x 3 cm
  •  .jpg/.jpeg are acceptable formats
  • Maximum file size is 80 kb

Scanned image of thumb impression

  • Borderless coloured impression
  • Background must be white
  • Not older than 6 months
  • Measurements should be 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm
  • .jpg/.jpeg are acceptable formats
  • Maximum file size is 80 kb

Details of identification

Voter ID/ passport/ PAN card/driving license/Aadhar card


 

Steps:

  • Visit the official website: nbe.edu.in
  • Click on “DNB PDCET 2025”
  • Complete the registration and receive login credentials
  • Fill out the application form and upload the necessary documents
  • Pay the application fee and submit

DNB Course Fees Structure (Approximate)

While DNB programs are usually more affordable than private MD/MS programs, the fees may vary depending on the hospital or institution. Here's a general overview:

Type of Institution

Approximate Fees per year

Central Government Hospitals

₹60,000 to ₹75,000

Private Hospitals (Accredited)

₹1,25,000 to ₹2,00,000

Some hospitals may also provide stipends ranging from ₹35,000 to ₹55,000/month based on location and hospital policies.

Top Colleges/Hospitals Offering DNB Courses in India

Here are some of the reputed institutions that offer DNB courses after PDCET:

  • Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi
  • National Heart Institute, Delhi
  • KIMS Hospital, Hyderabad
  • Manipal Hospitals, Bengaluru
  • Narayana Health, Bangalore
  • Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune
  • Max Superspeciality Hospital, Delhi
  • Batra Hospital, New Delhi
  • Christian Medical College (CMC), Ludhiana
  • Jehangir Hospital, Pune

Admission depends on DNB PDCET rank and seat availability during the counselling rounds.

 DNB PDCET 2025 Counselling Procedure

The online counselling process for DNB PDCET 2025 is expected to begin shortly after the result declaration. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

  • Online Registration: - Qualified candidates must register online on the NBEMS counselling portal.
  • Choice Filling: - Fill and prioritize course and institution choices.
  • Choice Locking: - Lock your choices before the deadline to confirm preferences.
  • Seat Allotment: - Seats will be allotted based on your DNB PDCET score, preferences, and seat availability.
  • Document Verification: - Candidates must verify their credentials through online/offline document verification.
  • Fee Payment & Seat Acceptance: - Pay the course fee and confirm seat allotment within the given time.
  • Reporting to Institute: - Report to the allotted hospital/institute to complete the admission formalities.

 Important Dates for DNB PDCET 2025 (Tentative)

Event

Tentative Date

Online Application Start

March 2025

Last Date to Apply

April 2025

Admit Card Release

May 2025 (1st week)

DNB PDCET Exam Date

May 2025 (3rd week)

Result Declaration

June 2025

Counselling Registration Begins

July 2025

DNB PDCET 2025 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. When was the DNB PDCET 2025 exam conducted?
Ans:
The DNB PDCET 2025 exam was held on March 25, 2025.

Q2. When will the DNB PDCET 2025 result be announced?
Ans:
The result will be declared on April 25, 2025, on the official NBEMS website.

Q3. What are the eligibility criteria for DNB PDCET 2025?
Ans:
Candidates must possess a recognized postgraduate diploma in a relevant medical specialty to appear for the exam.

Q4. What is the exam pattern for DNB PDCET 2025?
Ans:
The exam was conducted in online mode and consisted of 120 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). All questions were specialty-specific and had to be completed in 2 hours.

Q5. When was the admit card released for DNB PDCET 2025?
Ans:
The admit card was released on March 21, 2025.

Q6. What happens after the result declaration?
Ans:
Qualified candidates will be eligible to participate in the DNB PDCET 2025 counselling process for seat allotment in accredited hospitals and medical institutions.