DNB CET

Eligibility Criteria

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must have a recognized MBBS degree or equivalent qualification from an institution recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI)/National Medical Commission (NMC).
• Internship: Candidates must have completed or are likely to complete their one-year internship (or equivalent) before the date of admission.
• Nationality: Indian nationals, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI), and NRIs are eligible to apply.
• Registration: Must be registered with the Medical Council of India or State Medical Council.
• Age Limit: There is no specific age limit prescribed for appearing in the DNB CET.

Exam Pattern

• Mode of Exam: Computer-based Test (Online)
• Number of Questions: 300 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Marking Scheme: Each question carries 4 marks. For every wrong answer, 1 mark is deducted (negative marking of 25%).
• Subjects Covered:
  • Pre-Clinical Subjects
  • Para-Clinical Subjects
  • Clinical Subjects
• Exam Notification: Generally released around March to April each year.
• Exam Date: Usually conducted in June or July annually.

Syllabus

The DNB CET syllabus is broadly based on the MBBS curriculum and covers subjects from undergraduate medical studies. The detailed syllabus includes:

• Pre-Clinical Subjects: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry
• Para-Clinical Subjects: Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Forensic Medicine, Community Medicine
• Clinical Subjects: General Medicine, General Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Orthopedics, ENT, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Radiology, Anesthesiology, etc.

Other Information

Application Process

1. Visit the official NBE website: https://natboard.edu.in/
2. Look for the DNB CET section and read the detailed information brochure.
3. Register yourself by creating a new account with valid email ID and mobile number.
4. Complete the application form by filling personal, educational, and other relevant details.
5. Upload required documents such as photograph, signature, and educational certificates.
6. Pay the application fee online through the provided payment gateway.
7. Submit the application and take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.

Note: There is no offline application process. The entire application process is online.

Courses Offered

• DNB in various specialties including Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Radiology, Anesthesiology, Orthopedics, Psychiatry, Dermatology, etc.

Facts about DNB CET

• The exam is a gateway for admission to Diplomate of National Board postgraduate courses.
• DNB qualification is recognized as equivalent to MD/MS by the Medical Council of India.
• Competitive exam with high standards to select the best candidates nationwide.

Admit Card

• Admit cards are generally released 2-3 weeks prior to the exam date on the official website.
• To download, log in to your registered account on the NBE website using your user ID and password.
• Download and print the admit card; carry it to the exam center along with a valid photo ID proof.
• Key instructions include reaching the exam center on time, carrying the admit card, and following all COVID-19 related protocols if applicable.

Results & Cut-Offs

• Results are announced on the official NBE website within a few weeks after the exam.
• Qualified candidates are shortlisted based on merit and cut-off scores, which vary each year depending on exam difficulty and seat availability.
• Category-wise cut-offs are maintained as per government reservation norms.

Preparation Tips

• Start early and focus on understanding the MBBS syllabus thoroughly.
• Use standard textbooks such as Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, Bailey & Love’s Surgery, and other recommended MBBS books.
• Practice previous years' question papers and take mock tests online to improve speed and accuracy.
• Focus on core clinical subjects as they carry significant weightage.
• Create short notes and revision charts for quick last-minute review.
• Join online coaching or study groups for doubt clearing and motivation.

FAQs

• Q: Is there any age limit to apply for DNB CET?
  A: No, there is no age limit.
• Q: Can foreign nationals apply for DNB CET?
  A: No, only Indian nationals, OCI, and NRIs are eligible.
• Q: Is the DNB CET conducted online or offline?
  A: It is conducted online as a computer-based test.
• Q: What is the marking scheme?
  A: +4 for correct answers, -1 for wrong answers.
• Q: How can I download the admit card?
  A: By logging into the candidate portal on the official website with your credentials.
• Q: When is the exam usually conducted?
  A: Typically in June or July each year.