DNB, or the Diplomate of National Board, is a competitive postgraduate medical entrance exam. It is conducted by the NBEMS (National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences). Clearing this examination allows candidates to pursue different super-speciality and broad speciality courses across India’s top reputed hospitals.

However, knowing the syllabus alone cannot help the aspirants while appearing for this exam. They must be aware of the DNB exam pattern, exam dates, eligibility criteria, and admit card. This will help them understand the question paper, mark distribution, marking scheme, etc., so they can prepare accordingly.

Keep scrolling for a detailed guide!

What is the DNB Theory Exam Pattern?

The DNB theory exam is conducted once every year. It is a 3-hour 30-minute CBT conducted in English, which contains 300 MCQs and awards +4 for each correct answer and -1 for each incorrect answer. 

The DNB theory exam helps assess the knowledge and clinical skills of eligible candidates. The current exam pattern is represented in the table below:

Particulars	Details
Mode of Exam	CBT (Computer-Based Test)
Medium of Exam	English
Exam Duration	3 hrs 30 minutes
Total Number of Questions	300
Marking Scheme	+4 for each correct answer and -1 for each incorrect answer
Passing Score	Minimum of 50% (150 out of 300 marks)
Question Type	MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions)
Frequency of Exam	Once a year
Eligibility	Candidates with an MBBS degree, NEET PG qualification and internship completion

What is the DNB Practical Exam Pattern?

The DNB practical examination takes place after the results of the theory exam have been released. As it is a practical examination, the pattern differs from the theory part. The DNB practical exam pattern includes OSCE stations, Viva Voce, Clinical Cases, and Ward Rounds.

The table below represents the exam pattern for DNB practical:

Particulars	Details	Marks
Ward Rounds	4 rounds	40 (10 marks for each round)
Viva Voce	4 oral question sessions	60 (15 marks for each session)
OSCE Stations	20 stations of 4 minutes each	100 (5 marks for each station)
Clinical Cases	2 cases of 15 minutes each	100 (50 marks for each session)

What are the Dates of the DNB Exam? 

Candidates applying for the DNB examination must stay updated on the exam dates and timings. The DNB examination is conducted in two sessions: one in June and the other in December. The June session took place from 25^th June to 28^th June 2025, and the December session will take place from 18^th December to 21^st December 2025.

The table below shows the DNB exam 2025 dates for the December session:

Particulars	Details
Registration (Starting Date)	23rd October 2025 (3:00 pm onwards)
Last Date of Registration	16th November 2025 (till 11:55 pm)
Exam Dates	18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st December 2025 (09:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Release of Admit Card	12th December 2025
Intimation of Test City	4th December 2025

What are the Eligibility Criteria for the DNB Exam?

Candidates applying for the DNB exam must meet the eligibility criteria to be eligible to take the examination. Only MBBS graduates from recognised universities, having a valid Training Completion Certificate, are eligible to appear for the DNB examination.

The eligibility criteria for the DNB exam are as follows:

Eligibility for DNB Trainees

• Must be enrolled and have completed training at an NBEMS-accredited institute, medical college, or university.
• Must submit a valid Training Completion Certificate along with their examination application.
• Ex-candidates (those who have previously completed training) must also submit their training completion certificate as proof.​

Eligibility for MD/MS Degree Holders

• Should possess a postgraduate degree (MD or MS) from an Indian university recognised by the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956.
• Proof of the MD/MS degree is mandatory during the examination application process.​

Eligibility for Post-Diploma Candidates

• Must have completed post-diploma training and possess NBE registration.
• Must submit the training certificate at the time of application for the DNB examination.

How to Get the DNB Admit Card?

After completing the application procedure, candidates need to collect the admit card. It is a mandatory document that every candidate must carry to the examination centre. Without an admit card, candidates are not allowed to appear in the exam. 

The candidates will receive their DNB admit card after completing the registration and scheduling procedure. You can download the admit card from the official website of NBE, as it is not delivered through the postal service. 

After downloading the admit card, you can take a printout for future reference. Attach a photograph of yourself to the provided space and carry it while appearing for the DNB theory exam. It acts as the identity proof of the candidate, and it is mandatory to carry this admit card on the examination day.

How to Download the Admit Card?

Candidates need to visit the NBE’s official website to download the DNB exam 2025 admit card. Each candidate must carry the admit card to the examination hall. 

Here are the steps to follow for downloading the DNB admit card 2025:

Step 1: Visit the official NBE website.

Step 2: Enter your DNB application number and the name of the examination.

Step 3: Your admit card will be displayed on the screen, and you will be redirected to the download page.

Step 4: Click on the “Download” option to download your DNB 2025 admit card.

Step 5: Download and take a printout of the admit card for future reference.

FAQs about DNB Exam Pattern

1. What is the DNB final exam pattern?

The DNB exam pattern includes a computer-based theory examination for four days. Candidates who clear the theory examination can appear for the DNB practical examination. The DNB practical exam pattern includes viva voce, ward rounds, clinical sessions, and OSCE stations.

2. When can you download the admit card for the DNB theory exam 2025?

The admit card for the DNB theory exam December 2025 session will be available on the official NBE website from 12th December 2025. You can get the test city details on the same website from 4^th December 2025.

3. Are the syllabus for DNB and NEET PG the same?

The DNB syllabus broadly matches the NEET-PG syllabus but places greater emphasis on clinical applications and integrated questions to enhance practical understanding. This makes the DNB exam more focused on applied knowledge in real-world medical scenarios.

4. Which topics in the DNB syllabus are the toughest?

Most students find clinical subjects like medicine, surgery, and obstetrics & gynaecology challenging due to their extensive syllabi and the need to apply knowledge practically in varied clinical scenarios. This makes preparation demanding and comprehensive.

5. What is the date and time for the DNB final exam in the December 2025 session?

The DNB final exam for December 2025 will take place from 18^th December to 21^st December. Timing for the examination is between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm on each day.

Conclusion

Knowing the DNB theory exam pattern is crucial for candidates appearing on the final exam in December. It helps a candidate understand the marks distribution, marking scheme, question types, etc., which allows them to prepare strategically for the exam. After clearing the theory exam, you can appear for the practical session to be eligible for the postgraduate courses.

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