DNB (Diplomate of the National Board) in General Surgery stands out as a preferable choice for many doctors who want to pursue a postgraduate degree. This qualification is recognised nationally by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) and is considered equivalent to MD/MS (Doctor of Medicine/Master of Surgery) programs.

This article provides comprehensive details about the DNB in General Surgery course. Keep reading to understand the admission process, eligibility, syllabus, and job opportunities offered by the degree in India.

What is DNB in General Surgery?

DNB in General Surgery refers to the 3-year postgraduate medical course for MBBS graduates under the National Board of Examinations. The course comprises hands-on clinical training and exposure to research that prepares the doctors to become a General Surgeon, Surgical Specialist, or Medical Educator in top-ranked hospitals and healthcare institutes.

DNB in General Surgery stands for Diplomate of the National Board in General Surgery. It is a 3-year postgraduate course for MBBS degree holders. If you have a postgraduate diploma in surgery, then it is possible to do a 2-year secondary diploma course in DNB in General Surgery.

DNB in General Surgery falls under the awarding body of the National Board of Examinations (NBE) and is similar to courses like Master of Surgery (MS) in General Surgery recognised by the National Medical Commission (NMC).

DNB in General Surgery: Course Highlights

The DNB in General Surgery course prepares candidates for various surgical roles in the healthcare setting. The key details about the DNB in general surgery course are shared below:

Particulars	Details
Course Name	DNB in General Surgery
Course Duration	3 Years
Admission Process	Entrance Exam
Entrance Exams Accepted	NEET PG, NEET SS, DNB PDCET
Eligibility Criteria	MBBS degree, completion of internship, and registration with the Medical Council of India or State Medical Council
Average Salary	₹3.6 – ₹19.20 LPA
Top Recruiters	Apollo Hospitals, Fortis Healthcare, AIIMS, and other reputed medical institutions
Job Profiles	General Surgeon, Surgical Specialist, Hospital Administrator, Medical Educator, Researcher

DNB in General Surgery: Course Structure

If you have completed your MBBS degree, then you can apply for the DNB in General Surgery course. But, those individuals who already have a postgraduate diploma in surgery have the option to choose the secondary DNB course, which is of 2 years.

The entire training and curriculum are structured to ensure that students can get a grasp of the foundation and, with gradual progression, move towards independent surgical practice.

• Year 1: Focus is given on the basics of surgical anatomy, wound management, and aseptic techniques. Students also gain first-assist experience in various surgical procedures.
• Year 2: Residents in this year go through rotations across different subspecialties in surgery, such as orthopaedics, oncology, urology, etc. They are also a part of the emergency surgical care. Preparation for theory examinations begins at this point.
• Year 3: Here, emphasis is given on independent case management, learning and participating in advanced surgeries and research projects. Residents also work for the OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) training for the final practical assessment.

What is the Admission Process for DNB in General Surgery?

Admission to the DNB in General Surgery is done via national-level entrance examinations such as NEET-PG and DNB PDCET, which are subsequently followed by centralised counselling conducted by the NBE. The candidate should hold an MBBS degree, complete a one-year internship, and have valid registration with MCI/NMC or a State Medical Council.

The admission for DNB in General Surgery happens through national-level examinations and after that through centralised counselling. The admission process can vary slightly depending upon the specific institution, but overall, it follows a similar generalised framework.

The official instructions for the admissions are often issued by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) and other authorised bodies. The admission process for DNB in general surgery follows the following steps:

• Step 1: Check Eligibility: Candidates will need to have an MBBS degree and complete their first year of mandatory rotating internship. Details of the eligibility for this course are discussed later in detail.
• Step 2: Registration: Eligible candidates need to visit the official website of the National Board of Examinations (NBE). Read the official instructions clearly and fill in the online registration form with appropriate details.
• Step 3: Appear for Entrance Test: Among the standard entrance tests to gain admission into DNB courses, one is NEET-PG. Candidates will be required to appear and pass this entrance test.
• Step 4: Attend Counselling: Candidates who make it to the merit list have to follow the counselling schedule and thereby attend the centralised counselling conducted by the NBE. A candidate at this stage can choose the hospitals and institutions.
• Step 5: Confirmation of Admission – Once the list with seat allotment comes out, candidates move on to the next step, which is to verify and submit the required documents and certificates, following which the candidate can deposit the fees and secure their seats.

What is the Eligibility for DNB in General Surgery?

The aspiring candidate must meet the following eligibility criteria if they wish to pursue DNB in General Surgery:

Criteria	Requirement
Academic Qualification	MBBS degree from a recognised MCI/NMC institution
NEET-PG Qualification	Minimum qualifying percentile – 50% (General), 40% (OBC/SC/ST), 45% (PwD)
Internship	Completion of a one-year compulsory rotating internship
Registration	Permanent or provisional registration with MCI/NMC/State Medical Council
Age Limit	No upper age limit for DNB admission
Number of Attempts	Unlimited attempts allowed
Foreign Medical Graduates	Must have cleared the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) before applying

What are the Entrance Exams for General Surgery?

Candidates need to take national-level entrance exams for admission into DNB courses. The following table provides you with a quick overview of the entrance exams for DNB in General Surgery.

Exam Name	Conducting Body	Purpose
NEET PG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – Postgraduate)	National Board of Examinations (NBE)	Considered the main entrance exam for admission to DNB in General Surgery.
DNB PDCET (Post Diploma Centralised Entrance Test)	National Board of Examinations (NBE)	After a post-graduate diploma, candidates can appear for this exam if they want to pursue a secondary DNB course.
NEET SS (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – Super Speciality)	National Board of Examinations (NBE)	Conducted for admission into DNB Super Speciality (DrNB) and MCh programs after MD/MS/DNB.

What is the Syllabus for DNB in General Surgery?

General Surgery’s syllabus includes applied basic sciences, general surgical principles, pre- and postoperative care, trauma and critical care, oncology, and system-based surgery. It also embodies laparoscopic and minimal access surgery, research and ethics, and rotational clinical postings in the specialities of neurosurgery, cardio-thoracic, urology, and oncology to ensure comprehensive surgical training and clinical competence.

The DNB in General Surgery syllabus covers a vast array of topics updated by the National Board of Examinations (NBE). The subjects are listed below:

1. Applied Basic Sciences

• Applied anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, and pathology
• Molecular and cell biology, inflammation, regenerative medicine
• Wound healing, shock, fluid & electrolyte balance, acid-base management
• Principles of asepsis, sterilisation, antibiotics, and anaesthesia

2. General Surgical Principles

• History of surgery, surgical infections, nutrition, and burns
• Principles of laparoscopy, endoscopy, and robotic surgery
• Oncology basics and management
• Trauma and emergency surgical care
• Blood transfusion, hemostasis, and universal precautions (HIV, hepatitis)

3. Pre- & Post-Operative Care

• Pre-operative assessment and anaesthesia preparation
• Infection control, aseptic techniques, and antibiotic prophylaxis
• Post-operative complications and their management
• Pain control, ventilatory support, nutritional care

4. Trauma and Critical Care

• Assessment and resuscitation (ATLS, BLS)
• Management of chest, abdominal, and pelvic trauma
• Head and spinal injuries, burns, gunshot wounds
• ICU management: ventilation, sepsis, renal failure, multi-organ support

5. Oncology and Palliative Care

• Cancer biology, staging, and principles of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy
• Screening, pain management, and palliative care
• Ethics, medico-legal aspects, and communication in cancer care

6. System-Based Surgery

The topics covered under this subject are explained in the table below:

System/Region	Key Topics
Locomotor System	Fractures, joint injuries, amputations, bone infections, arthritis, metabolic bone disease
Vascular Surgery	Arterial & venous diseases, aneurysms, DVT, varicose veins, lymphatic disorders
Head, Neck & Endocrine	Thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pituitary, salivary gland, and neck swellings
Paediatric Surgery	Congenital anomalies, neonatal emergencies, hernias, pyloric stenosis, Hirschsprung’s disease
Abdomen & GIT	Hernias, intestinal obstruction, peritonitis, appendicitis, colorectal disorders, haemorrhoids, fissures
Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary	Gallstones, jaundice, pancreatitis, liver tumours, portal hypertension, hepatic trauma
Upper GI & Esophagus	Kidney stones, prostate disorders, urinary tract obstruction, and infections
Genito-Urinary System	Kidney stones, prostate disorders, urinary tract obstruction and infections
Neurosurgery	Head injury, hydrocephalus, cranial/spinal tumours, peripheral nerve lesions
Cardiothoracic Surgery	Lung diseases, chest trauma, vascular reconstruction, valvular and cardiac conditions
Orthopedics	Peptic ulcers, reflux disease, upper GI bleeding, oesophageal motility, and strictures
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery	Skin grafts, flaps, tissue expansion, reconstruction after trauma or cancer
Transplantation	Renal and hepatic transplantation, immunology of rejection, immunosuppression

7. Laparoscopic and Minimal Access Surgery

• Laparoscopic anatomy, ports, and instruments
• Pneumoperitoneum, electrocautery, and laser safety
• Diagnostic and therapeutic laparoscopy
• Complications, equipment handling, robotic assistance

8. Research, Ethics, and Biostatistics

• Research methodology, clinical trials, surgical audit, and data interpretation
• Health policy issues and medico-legal responsibilities
• Biomedical waste management and ethical surgical practice

9. Clinical Postings

• Mandatory: Accident & Trauma (1 month), ICU (1 month)
• Rotational (6 weeks each): Cardiothoracic, Neurosurgery, Surgical Gastroenterology, Oncology, Pediatric, Plastic, and Urology

What are the Scope and Career Opportunities for DNB in General Surgery?

DNB in General Surgery offers a career in clinical practice, teaching, research, and super-specialisations. Graduates can be employed as surgeons, consultants, educators, or hospital administrators in government and private hospitals. They can also pursue DM/MCh super-specialities or engage in medical research with organisations like ICMR and WHO.

Earlier, DNB was less recognised as compared to its equivalent courses like MD and MS. But, as it has reached full equivalent under the National Medical Commission (NMC), the recognition has opened up great career opportunities.

The scope and career opportunities after completing DNB in General Surgery are discussed below:

• Clinical Practice in General Hospital: Job opportunities, such as special doctors and consultants, are available for DNB in general surgery graduates in both government and private hospitals.
• Teaching and Academic Roles: The degree also makes them eligible for faculty and specialist posts. DNB graduates can have a career as Assistant Professors in a medical college.

As long as the students meet NMC’s teaching and publication requirements, they can also serve in roles as associate professors and other higher teaching positions.

• Chance to Pursue Super-Specialisations: Graduates can further advance their skills and career as they are eligible to apply for super-speciality courses such as DNB Super-Speciality or DM/MCh in various areas. Super specialisation opens up opportunities for high-paying leadership roles.
• Research Opportunities: Organisations like ICMR, WHO, and other well-known pharma companies provide opportunities for DNB  graduates to contribute to clinical trials and biomedical research, and pharmaceutical studies.

The scope for DNB in General Surgery is vast and varied. It is also ever-evolving with new opportunities. Therefore, we can understand DNB in General Surgery as a rewarding and versatile career path.

A brief overview of the job roles and their average salary is provided in the table below:

Job Role	Description	Average Salary (Per Annum)
General Surgeon	Perform a wide range of surgical procedures to treat medical conditions. Work in hospitals, clinics, and surgical centres across various specialities.	₹16.4 LPA
Hospital Administrator	Manage the surgical departments,  healthcare staff, and work towards efficient hospital operations while maintaining high standards of patient care.	₹6.4 LPA
Medical Educator	Teach undergraduate and postgraduate students.	₹3.6 LPA
Researcher	Contribute towards the development and advancement of the medical field. Work towards finding improved medical techniques in surgery and research for new procedures.	₹9.3 LPA
Surgical Specialist	Obtain specialisation in varied areas like orthopaedics, cardiothoracic, or gastrointestinal surgery.	₹19.2 LPA

What are the Top Colleges for DNB in General Surgery?

The list of top-ranking institutes and hospitals that offer the course of DNB in General Surgery is given below in the table.

College / Hospital Name	Type
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi	Private
Swami Dayanand Hospital	Government
Hindu Rao Hospital, Delhi	Government
Northern Railway Central Hospital, Delhi	Government
Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, Pune	Private
Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital, New Delhi	Government
Seth V.C. Gandhi & M.A. Vora Municipal General Hospital	Government
Southern Railway Headquarters Hospital, Chennai	Private
Govt. Multi-Speciality Hospital, Chandigarh	Government
Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi	Private
GMERS Valsad	Government
Holy Family Hospital, Bandra, Mumbai	Private
P.D. Hinduja National Hospital, Mumbai	Private
Rajiv Gandhi Medical College, Thane	Government
St. Stephen’s Hospital, New Delhi	Private

What are the Key Differences between DNB and MD/MS in General Surgery?

While both postgraduate courses, the DNB and MS/MD in General Surgery, are recognised by NMC, they majorly differ in governing bodies, training setups, and recognition. DNB is offered by the National Board of Examinations in accredited hospitals, while MS/MD is offered by medical universities.

DNB (Diplomate of National Board) and MD/MS (Doctor of Medicine/Master of Surgery) in General Surgery are both well-known postgraduate degree courses in India.

The first question that arises amongst candidates is that if these courses are recognised by the National Medical Commission (NMC), then what are the significant features that distinguish them from each other?

The table below provides you with a comprehensive comparison between these courses to help you understand this distinction:

Aspect	DNB (Diplomate of National Board)	MD/MS (Doctor of Medicine / Master of Surgery)
Governing Body	National Board of Examinations (NBE), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare	National Medical Commission (NMC) / respective state medical universities
Training Setup	Conducted mainly in accredited private, trust, and government hospitals (non-medical colleges)	Conducted in medical colleges and university-affiliated teaching hospitals
Recognition	Equivalent to MD/MS as per NMC guidelines, but less preferred for academic posts in government colleges	More traditionally accepted and preferred for teaching and government jobs
Admission Process	Based on NEET PG or DNB PDCET scores, centralised counselling by NBE	Based on NEET PG or INI CET scores, counselling by NMC/state medical authorities
Training Exposure	Depends on the hospital setup; exposure may vary depending on case volume and infrastructure	Usually structured with consistent exposure to high surgical case loads in medical colleges
Exam Pattern & Difficulty	National standardised exams have with lower pass percentage due to stringent evaluation	University-level exams with relatively higher pass rates
Super-Specialization Options	Eligible for DNB SS or MCh courses; some institutes may prefer MS graduates for MCh	Eligible for both MCh and DNB SS; often given preference for MCh seats
Career Opportunities	Excellent opportunities in corporate hospitals, private practice, and research; limited in government academia without teaching experience	Preferred for academic teaching positions, government hospitals, and senior residency posts
Teaching Eligibility	Candidates are eligible for teaching roles after 3+ years of experience as per NMC norms	Graduates are eligible for faculty roles in most government and medical college setups
Cost and Accessibility	Often more affordable. It is also accessible  in terms of seat availability	Competitive admission; may have higher tuition in private colleges

FAQs about DNB in General Surgery

1. What is the duration of DNB in General Surgery?

The duration for this entire course is 3 years for MBBS degree holders. If you have completed a postgraduate diploma in surgery, then you can opt for the 2-year secondary DNB course.

2. Is DNB in General Surgery the same as MD/MS in General Surgery?

Yes, the DNB stands for Diplomate of National Board, and according to guidelines laid down by the NMC, it is equivalent to an MD/MS. Both are postgraduate qualifications in surgery.

MD/MS is awarded by the universities and medical colleges themselves, whereas DNB is conducted by the National Board of Examinations and offered through accredited hospitals.

The DNB graduates usually get to see a larger number of diverse hospital setups, while the students of MD/MS get their training in university-affiliated teaching hospitals.

3. What is the age limit for admissions in DNB in General Surgery?

No, there is no upper age limit for DNB in General Surgery admissions.

4. Are there any scholarships available to students pursuing DNB in General Surgery?

Candidates can apply for state-funded or government-funded scholarships for medical scholarships. However, students should check with the respective institutes they want to apply to to check for the availability of scholarships and grants.

5. What is the average salary that one can get after a DNB in General Surgery?

The salary for a person with a DNB in General Surgery varies and changes with exposure and experience. It usually ranges from ₹10 lakh to ₹30 lakh.

Conclusion 

Pursuing DNB in General Surgery is a strong choice for MBBS graduates seeking comprehensive surgical training and a nationally recognised qualification. With its NMC-approved equivalence to MS/MD, the program provides opportunities in clinical practice, academics, research, and further super-specialisation. 

For aspirants preparing for the PG Residency pathway, structured guidance from platforms like DocTutorials can help streamline preparation and enhance understanding throughout the course.

Join DocTutorials and explore our PG Residency course today!