The DNB in family medicine, presented by the NBEMS, is equivalent to an MD/MS. It aims at developing specialists in the discipline of family medicine. The trainees are assigned to diverse specialities, including internal medicine, paediatrics, surgery, obstetrics, emergency care, and community health.

It aims to develop proficient physicians who can deliver primary, continuous, and coordinated care, thereby preventing unnecessary referrals and effectively addressing the health needs of families and communities.

Read on to learn more about the DNB in family medicine scope and how it can boost your medical journey.

DNB Family Medicine: Overview

The DNB in family medicine is a three-year postgraduate training programme that prepares physicians to offer enduring and comprehensive care to individuals and families over their lifetimes. The programme focuses on holistic and community-based practice and integrates clinical, preventive, and social realms of healthcare.

Family medicine is a speciality in medicine that provides comprehensive healthcare to patients and families, irrespective of age, gender, illness, or organ system. Family physicians address patient health not only as an isolated illness, but also in the context of family and community, as well as lifestyle and social determinants of health.

Family physicians are generalist clinicians who diagnose, manage, and coordinate a wide range of medical issues, from acute and undifferentiated concerns to chronic diseases and preventive care, while also working with specialists as needed.

What are the Course Highlights of DNB in Family Medicine?

Discussed below are some of the important highlights and key details about the DNB in Family Medicine course:

Aspect	Details
Name of the Course	DNB in Family Medicine
Level of this Course	Postgraduate
Duration of the Course	3 years
Mode of the Course	Full Time
Admission Process	Entrance Exam (NEET PG)
Course Fee Range	₹1,25,000 to ₹2,40,000 per year
Minimum Academic Requirement	An MBBS degree obtained from any college/university recognised by the Medical Council of India (now NMC)

DNB Family Medicine Curriculum

Knowing the DNB Family Medicine curriculum is essential, as it outlines the entire training pathway, emphasises certain competencies, and guides family physicians in their clinical practice, preparation for examinations, and career building. It combines both hospital-based rotations and community postings to ensure wide exposure to primary healthcare.

The DNB Family Medicine residency training incorporates both hospital-based departmental rotations and field/community postings in order to provide comprehensive clinical and public healthcare experience:

Job Type	Department/Area	Duration
Hospital-Based Rotations	Paediatrics	6 months
	Obstetrics and Gynaecology	6 months
	Internal Medicine	6 months
	Emergency Services, including ICU	3 months
	General Surgery	3 months
	Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology, ENT, Dermatology, Psychiatry	3 months (combined)
Field/Community Rotations	Family Practice Centre, Primary Health Centre, Rural/Urban Health Clinics, Satellite Clinics	9 months (including outreach camps, mass screenings, follow-up OPDs, immunisation drives)

Eligibility Criteria for DNB Family Medicine

Knowing the eligibility criteria for the DNB Family Medicine course admission is necessary to meet all the academic and professional prerequisites. Candidates have to secure an MBBS degree from an NMC-recognised institution, followed by completing a one-year rotatory internship compulsorily.

Candidates seeking to pursue the DNB in Family Medicine must be eligible as specified by the National Board of Examinations and the National Medical Commission of India. The eligibility criteria ensure that only the truly qualified and capable medical graduates are allowed into this postgraduate training programme.

Here are the key eligibility parameters for this course:

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must have an undergraduate MBBS degree from colleges and universities recognised by the Medical Council of India, now NMC.
• Internship Requirement: This course requires the completion of one year of compulsory rotating internship in a recognised teaching institution or hospital as approved by MCI/NMC.
• Medical Registration: The candidate has to be eligible with a permanent registration certificate from any State Medical Council.
• Recognition Cut-off Compliance: The dates of recognition cut-off for the MBBS degree course and internship will be as prescribed by MCI/NMC.
• Eligibility for DNB Final Examination: Candidates who have obtained a Postgraduate Degree (MD/MS) in a recognised speciality from an Indian university recognised by the NMC may apply to appear for the DNB Final Examination in the same broad speciality.

Admission Process for DNB Family Medicine

Understanding the DNB Family Medicine admission process is indispensable for all aspiring physicians seeking to undergo structured postgraduate training. Admissions are based on NEET-PG scores, followed by central counselling and document verification.

Admission to DNB in Family Medicine is a structured process, well-regulated by the National Board of Examinations and based on NEET-PG scores. The process can be comprehensively understood with the following steps:

• Step 1: Appear for the NEET-PG Examination: Candidates seeking admission need to appear for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Postgraduate NEET-PG, a national-level entrance exam held by the NBE for admission to MD/MS/PG Diploma as well as DNB courses.
• Step 2: Qualify the Minimum Cut-off Percentile: Applicants must secure the minimum qualifying percentile as prescribed by their category in the NEET-PG exam to be eligible for counselling and admission.
• Step 3: Attend Centralised Counselling: Candidate registration for centralised counselling by the competent authority is mandatory for eligible candidates. Seat allocation is done considering NEET-PG merit rank, choices filled by candidates, and availability of seats.
• Step 4: Verification of Documents and Compliance with Eligibility: Candidates have to present original copies of academic documents, internship completion certificates, and proof of registration. These documents will be verified according to NMC guidelines.
• Step 5: Final Admission and Enrolment: Once a seat has been allocated and the documents are duly verified, candidates can proceed with fee payment and enrolment at the allotted medical institution or hospital offering the DNB Family Medicine programme.

FAQs about DNB Family Medicine

1. What is the fee structure for DNB in Family Medicine?

The fee for DNB in Family Medicine varies between institutes, with government hospitals generally charging less and private hospitals charging more. On average, the fee ranges between ₹1,25,000 and ₹2,40,000 per year.

2. What is the minimum qualifying percentile in NEET PG for DNB in Family Medicine?

Minimum qualifying percentile in NEET PG for DNB in Family Medicine depends on the candidate’s category. Candidates in the general category need to obtain a minimum 50th percentile, SC/ST/OBC candidates (including PWD) must have a minimum of at least 40th percentile, and UR PWD candidates need to have at least 45th percentile.

3. Is DNB family medicine acknowledged by MCI and NBI?

Family medicine is an acknowledged postgraduate speciality by both NBE (National Board of Examinations) and MCI (Medical Council of India).

4. Which fellowships can be pursued after DNB Family Medicine?

There are no such MCI-recognised fellowships in DNB/MD Family Medicine. As this is a broad speciality, you may pursue additional courses in areas of special interest such as rheumatology, endocrinology, pain medicine, palliative care, or sports medicine.

5. What is the structure of the DNB Family Medicine examination?

The theory examination consists of four papers, each worth 100 marks, with a maximum duration of 3 hours. A minimum aggregate of 50% is required for qualification. The practical examination is 300 marks in total, comprising both clinical assessment and viva.

A minimum of 50% is needed for the clinical evaluation to pass. It is allowed to attempt up to three times, maximum, for the practical.

Conclusion

Opting for DNB family medicine becomes a pathway for doctors who desire to serve individuals, families, and communities with holistic care, while retaining versatility, independence, and long-term professional fulfilment.

DocTutorials recognises the unique needs of family medicine trainees. We offer online resources and hard-copy notes for Medicine, Paediatrics, and MS General Surgery under the PG Residency course. Our curated clinical case discussions are designed to support you through your residency, build clinical confidence, and unlock your potential as a family physician.

Join us at DocTutorials and explore our PG Residency & DNB course today!