The​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OBG) programme is a prestigious postgraduate medical course in India. It provides comprehensive advanced training in women’s health, pregnancy care, and reproductive medicine. This 3-year programme can be availed by MBBS holders in order to gain the theoretical knowledge and practical skills for managing antenatal, intra-natal, and post-natal conditions. 

Recognised by the National Board of Examinations (NBE), the DNB OBG programme is available at all major Indian hospitals and medical colleges. 

This guide explores all details of the DNB OBG programme, covering its key details, eligibility requirements, cutoff, and more.   

So, let’s begin!

What is DNB in Obstetrics and Gynaecology?

The DNB in Obstetrics and Gynaecology is a comprehensive three-year postgraduate specialisation for MBBS graduates. It focuses on the diagnosis, management, and treatment of conditions related to the female reproductive system, pregnancy, and childbirth. This rigorous programme is governed by the National Board of Examinations (NBE).

The Diplomate of National Board (DNB) in Obstetrics and Gynaecology is a comprehensive postgraduate specialisation program that takes three years and is open to candidates with an MBBS degree.

Obstetrics and Gynaecology is the speciality of medicine which takes care of the routine as well as the pathological processes of the female reproductive system during pregnancy and childbirth. The speciality also encompasses preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases of the female reproductive system.

The National Board of Examinations (NBE) governs this discipline and has published a specific curriculum for the DNB in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. This curriculum guides the educational process and clinical training for the speciality.

What are the Key Details of DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology?

This postgraduate programme is considered equivalent to MD/MS and is regulated by the NBE, providing essential specialised knowledge in maternal and reproductive healthcare. The course typically lasts 3 years (or 2 years for post-DGO candidates), with average annual fees ranging from ₹1.25 Lakhs to ₹3.15 Lakhs.

DNB in Obstetrics and Gynaecology is a focused postgraduate programme that imparts specialised knowledge and skills required for maternal and reproductive healthcare to medical graduates.

The following table summarises the main points and figures of the DNB programme in Obstetrics and ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌Gynaecology:

Particulars	Values
Degree Name	DNB in Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Degree Type	DNB (Diplomate of National Board)
Governing Body	National Board of Examinations (NBE)
DNB in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Degree Duration	3 years (for post-MBBS candidates) or 2 years (for post-DGO or equivalent qualification holders)
DNB in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Level	Postgraduate (considered equivalent to MD/MS)
DNB in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Eligibility Criteria	Completion of an MBBS degree, a mandatory one-year internship, and possession of a registration certificate from the MCI (or NMC)
DNB in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Admission Process	Based on merit and performance in a national-level entrance examination
DNB in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Average Fees	₹1.25 Lakhs to ₹3.15 Lakhs
DNB in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Average Salary	₹10 LPA to ₹21 LPA
DNB in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Job Profiles	Obstetrician, Gynaecologist, Infertility Specialist, and Sonologist
DNB in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Top Recruiters	Fortis Healthcare, ICMR, MAX Healthcare, Municipal Health Departments, Apollo Hospital

What are the Eligibility Requirements for DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology? 

For the 3-Year Post-MBBS course, candidates must possess a recognised MBBS degree, complete a mandatory one-year internship, and successfully qualify in the NEET-PG examination. Candidates aiming for the 2-Year Post-Diploma course must hold a DGO or equivalent qualification and may need to clear a Post-Diploma CET based on NBE guidelines.

Individual​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ institutions can have a minor change in the exact criteria for admission to the DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology programme. Nevertheless, the general requirements are the same for all applicants. Basic eligibility norms are divided into separate ones for the 3-Year DNB Course (Post-MBBS) and the 2-Year DNB Course (Post-DGO or Equivalent).

Eligibility Criteria for 3-Year DNB Course (Post-MBBS)

Before applying for admission, candidates should familiarise themselves with the prerequisites for the three-year DNB programme after their MBBS:

Particulars	Eligibility Parameters
Basic Qualification	An MBBS degree obtained from an institution formally recognised by the National Medical Commission (NMC)
Internship	Successful completion of a one-year compulsory rotatory internship on or before March 31st of the corresponding admission year
Entrance Exam	Mandatory qualification in the NEET-PG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate) examination
Registration	Possession of a valid and permanent registration certificate with the NMC or the concerned State Medical Council
Merit-Based Admission	Admission is strictly channelled through the NEET-PG counselling process managed by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), determined by the candidate’s rank and college preferences (choice filling)

Eligibility Criteria For 2-Year DNB Course (Post-DGO or Equivalent)

Candidates aiming for the shortened two-year DNB course, having already completed a DGO or equivalent qualification, must satisfy these requirements:

Particulars	Eligibility Parameters
Qualification	Must hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (DGO) from a medical institution recognised by the relevant body
Experience	Certain institutions may express a preference for applicants possessing additional clinical work experience following their DGO qualification
Entrance Exam	May require successfully clearing a qualifying Post-Diploma CET (Centralised Entrance Test) or acceptance based on the availability of seats and specific NBE guidelines

What is the DNB Admission Procedure?

The admission process is strictly merit-based, starting with the mandatory registration and appearance in the NEET-PG entrance exam conducted by the NBE. Successful candidates then participate in centralised counselling (MCC/DGHS) for seat allotment, followed by document verification and fee payment to confirm the final admission.

Admission to the DNB programme requires candidates to undergo national-level entrance examinations and a carefully structured selection process. Knowing each step from registration to the final allotment of the seat enables the applicants to get ready properly and thus increases their chances of getting admission. The steps in the general process are as follows:

• Step 1: Entrance Exam Registration and Appearance – Candidates are required to enrol and take the entrance exam conducted by the National Board of Examinations.
• Step 2: Document Preparation – A candidate should make sure all necessary documents are available. These include an MBBS or a postgraduate degree certificate, a certificate of completion of internship, permanent medical registration status, and identity verification records.
• Step 3: Participation in Counselling – Eligible candidates participate in centralised counselling carried out by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) and indicate their preferred DNB specialities and training hospitals.
• Step 4: Document Verification – The original copies of all certificates are confirmed by the counselling body or the institution that is allotted to ensure compliance with the eligibility criteria.
• Step 5: Seat Allotment and Fees – Seats are allotted based on the results of the examination, the choices made at counselling, and the availability of the seats. Admission is confirmed after the payment of the course fees and the submission of the verified ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌documents.

What is the All India Category-Wise DNB Obstetrics And Gynaecology Cut-off?

The cut-off is determined by the NEET-PG rank and is a critical benchmark that varies significantly by category, directly influencing the securing of a seat. For instance, the 2024 cut-off ranks for the General category were typically around 18862, while the SC category was around 39426.

The following table provides the All India category-wise DNB OBGY cutoff for the previous years, in relation to the relevant entrance examination:

Category	2024 Rank	2023 Rank	2022 Rank
General (UR)	18862	17838	23490
EWS	18241	16131	18137
OBC	20118	20729	21952
SC	39426	41837	44098
ST	72328	64700	77376

What is the DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology Course Syllabus?

The NBE-managed curriculum is strategically designed for broad-based training, covering essential areas like basic sciences, clinical, and operative obstetrics/gynaecology. It includes detailed protocols for antenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum care, alongside family welfare, various diagnostic procedures, and medicolegal aspects of practice. 

The training course structure for DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology has been strategically designed to provide a broad-based training for postgraduate doctors in all aspects of women’s comprehensive healthcare: reproductive, maternal, foetal, and gynaecological well-being. This specialised syllabus is issued and managed by the National Board of Examinations.

Some of the major subject areas that the curriculum covers are:

• Basic Sciences
• Clinical Obstetrics
• Antenatal Care
• Intrapartum Care
• Postpartum
• Operative Obstetrics
• Clinical Gynaecology
• Operative Gynaecology
• Family Welfare & Demography
• Diagnostic Procedures
• Medicolegal Aspects
• Biomedical Waste Management, Environment, and Health
• Practical

What are the Top Training Centres for DNB Courses?

DNB training is available at a variety of reputable institutions, including leading government colleges like MAMC and prominent private hospitals such as Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. While the exact fees may vary, many institutions charge an approximate annual course fee of around ₹2.25 Lakh.

Prospective candidates have a variety of reputable institutions to choose from for their DNB training. It is important to note that the following lists of colleges are presented in alphabetical order for organisational purposes and do not represent any formal ranking hierarchy.

Leading Government Institutions for DNB Course

Below are several prominent government-affiliated medical colleges and hospitals that offer the DNB course:

DNB Colleges	DNB Course Fees (₹)
MAMC (Maulana Azad Medical College)	39,000
Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital	2.25 Lakh
Delhi University	2.25 Lakh
GMERS Medical College, Gandhinagar	2.25 Lakh
College of Medicine and JNM Hospital, Nadia – The West Bengal University of Health Sciences	2.25 Lakh
Madurai Medical College,Madurai	2.25 Lakh
Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya	2.25 Lakh
Bangalore Baptist College of Nursing	2.25 Lakh
Malabar Cancer Centre College	2.25 Lakh

Note: The listed fees are sourced from external data and should be considered approximate; actual fees may differ.

Prominent Private Institutions for DNB Course

A selection of well-regarded private medical colleges and hospitals offering the DNB course is listed here:

DNB Colleges	DNB Course Fees (INR)
Kasturba Medical College, Manipal	2.25 Lakh
KIMS (Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences)	2.25 Lakh
KJ Somaiya Medical College	2.25 Lakh
Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Research Centre	2.25 Lakh
Little Flower Institute of Medical Science and Research	2.25 Lakh
Shalby Academy	2.25 Lakh
Bangalore Baptist Hospital	2.25 Lakh
Narayana Hrudayalaya_Paramedical	2.25 Lakh
Narayana Hrudayalaya College of Nursing	2.25 Lakh – 4.5 Lakh
School of Nursing, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital	2.25 Lakh – 4.5 Lakh

Note: The listed fees are sourced from external data and should be considered approximate; actual fees may differ.

What are the Career Prospects Following DNB?

DNB graduates have excellent professional pathways in clinical practice, academics, and research, making them highly sought after in various healthcare settings. Potential job roles include Obstetrician (Avg. Salary: 10.3 LPA), Gynaecologist (Avg. Salary: 12.2 LPA), and specialised roles like Gynaecologic Oncologist.

DNB​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ graduates have a wide variety of professional pathways available to them. These include clinical practice, academic teaching, research, and administrative roles in the healthcare sector. They are in great demand in hospitals, medical colleges, public health organisations, and private clinical settings. Moreover, a few of them get to work in health consulting firms and NGOs.

The table below gives a brief description of various potential job roles for DNB graduates, along with their average annual salary ranges:

Job‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ Roles	Descriptions	Average Annual Salary (₹)
Gynaecologist	Gynaecologists are physicians who deal with the diagnosis, management, and treatment of diseases related to the female reproductive system. They are responsible for identifying and healing the problems of the uterus, ovaries, and other parts of the reproductive system.	12.2 LPA
Obstetrician	The work of obstetricians involves the handling of pregnancy, labour, and delivery. They assist, inform, and examine the women during the pregnancy stages.	10.3 LPA
Gynaecological Surgeon	Gynaecological surgeons focus on surgical procedures and operations. They understand extensively the different kinds of surgical instruments and their uses.	12 LPA
Endocrinologists	Reproductive Endocrinologists are mainly concerned with the diagnosis of diseases of the glands. They perform thorough examination and analysis of the patients and their medical histories to locate the source of hormonal balance disorders.	16.3 LPA
Gynaecologic Oncologist	Gynaecologic Oncologists are specialists who identify and treat the cancers of the female reproductive system. They prepare and implement the specialised surgical and medical treatments.	6.7 LPA

‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌FAQs about DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OBG)

1. What is DNB in Obstetrics and Gynaecology?

DNB in Obstetrics and Gynaecology is a thorough, postgraduate medical degree that is concerned with women’s reproductive health, the management of pregnancy, and childbirth.

2. What are the major eligibility criteria for a DNB in Obstetrics and Gynaecology?

The sole core eligibility requirement is that candidates must have an undergraduate MBBS degree from a college or university that is officially recognised by the Medical Council of India, currently NMC.

3. What is the average salary range for a postgraduate DNB in Obstetrics and Gynaecology?

The average annual salary of a DNB in Obstetrics and Gynaecology usually ranges between ₹10,00,000-16,30,000 per year. However, it depends mainly on clinical experience, the sector in which a person works, and the location of the employment area.

4. What makes DNB courses an attractive option?

DNB courses have several key advantages: strong recognition both within India and abroad and excellent career progression, including academic, specialist clinical practice, and leadership roles in various healthcare organisations.

5. Are doctors with DNB qualifications allowed to perform surgical operations?

Yes, DNB-qualified doctors are fully authorised to carry out surgeries. Graduates who complete a DNB in any surgical specialisation, such as General Surgery, Orthopaedics, or other specialised surgical branches, receive extensive training and are certified to perform surgical procedures as a core part of their rigorous curriculum.

Conclusion

The DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OBG) programme is a prestigious pathway for medical graduates aiming to specialise in women’s health and reproductive medicine. The programme features a blend of academic brilliance with hands-on clinical training, thus equipping doctors with the skills needed to handle different obstetric and gynaecological scenarios in a competent manner. As a result, this specialisation remains one of the most revered in postgraduate medical education and is a gateway to the most prestigious careers in the field of women’s health.

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