The​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Diplomate of the National Board (DNB) in pediatrics is a highly esteemed postgraduate medical degree in the area of child healthcare. It is designed for medical graduates to acquire advanced theoretical and practical clinical skills required for the diagnosis, management, and treatment of diseases in infants, children, and adolescents. 

Due to the ever-increasing demand for qualified pediatricians in India, the DNB pediatrics course has become popular among medical professionals who are looking for a career in child healthcare. In this guide, we will explore the DNB pediatrics course details, eligibility, career scope, and salary prospects in India.

What is DNB in pediatrics?

DNB in pediatrics is a locally and internationally recognised postgraduate medical qualification by NBEMS that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of health problems of infants, children, and adolescents. It equips doctors with both clinical expertise and research-oriented skills essential for holistic child healthcare.

DNB in pediatrics is a specialised postgraduate medical degree. It is awarded by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). This course encompasses comprehensive child healthcare and the common medical conditions in infants, children, and adolescents (below 18 years of age). Additionally, this course includes theory and clinical skills, which are crucial for performing the duties of a pediatrician.

This course involves theory and practical clinical skills that are indispensable for pediatric practice. Students are exposed to intensive training in various pediatric subspecialties such as cardiology, gastroenterology, neurology, and infectious diseases.

The programme emphasises developing proficiency in:

• General pediatric medicine and outpatient care
• Neonatal intensive care and newborn management
• pediatric emergency medicine and critical care
• Growth and developmental assessment
• Immunisation programmes and preventive care
• Adolescent medicine and behavioural pediatrics

DNB​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Pediatrics Degree Overview

Name of Course	DNB in pediatrics
Level	Postgraduate
Duration of Course	Three years
Course Mode	Full Time
Minimum Academic Requirement	An MBBS degree received from any college/university recognised by the Medical Council of India (now NMC)
Admission Process / Entrance Modalities / Entrance Process	Entrance Exam (NEET PG)
Course Fees	₹1,25,000 to ₹3,15,000 per annum
Average Salary	₹10 Lakh to ₹35 Lakh per year

What is the DNB pediatrics Course Structure and Duration?

The 3-year curriculum of DNB pediatrics involves theoretical knowledge, clinical rotations, and research work. Alongside general pediatrics, students are also trained in the NICU and PICU, where they gain hands-on experience under the guidance of senior faculty from reputed hospitals.

DNB-pediatrics is a 3-year programme offering complete training in all departments of pediatrics. Its curriculum is a combination of classroom teaching and clinical practice of different pediatric subspecialities.

Year	Duration	Focus Areas	Clinical Rotations
First Year	12 months	Basic pediatric principles, general pediatrics	General pediatric wards, outpatient departments
Second Year	12 months	Subspeciality exposure, emergency medicine	NICU, PICU, pediatric subspeciality units
Third Year	12 months	Advanced training, research, independent practice	Advanced training, research, and independent practice

What are the DNB pediatrics Course Eligibility Criteria?

Applicants must possess a recognised postgraduate diploma or MBBS degree, valid NMC or State Medical Council registration, and a qualifying NEET-PG score. Result declaration before the cut-off date and documentary proof of eligibility are mandatory for admission.

Eligibility criteria for DNB in pediatrics are the required regulations or minimum conditions that candidates must meet before being allowed admission, which comprise:

• Applicants should hold a basic undergraduate MBBS degree from a college/university that is recognised by the Medical Council of India (MCI), which is now known as NMC.
• Candidates must have completed a rotating compulsory internship of one year in a teaching hospital or other institution recognised by the Medical Council of India (MCI).
• The applicant must have obtained permanent registration with any State Medical Council/Medical Council of India to be eligible for admission.
• Candidates who have cleared the final examination leading to the award of a postgraduate diploma from an Indian University, duly recognised as per the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, 2019, and the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 (repealed), can apply for the DNB-PDCET in the same broad ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌speciality.
• Applicants need to provide documentary proof that the final examination results for their postgraduate diploma were declared on or before the cut-off date.  

What is the Admission​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Process for DNB pediatrics?

Admission to the DNB pediatrics programme is dependent on NEET-PG ranking, followed by centrally conducted NBEMS counselling. The procedure involves applying online, verifying documents, and allocating seats, thereby assuring the selection of deserving candidates based on merit and transparency in prestigious training hospitals.

Candidates can refer to the complete admission process for DNB-PD in pediatrics given below: 

• Applicants will be allowed admission to the 2-year Post Diploma course only after they have successfully qualified in the DNB-PDCET examination, which is conducted by NBEMS.
• Centralised merit-based counselling is conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) to allot DNB Post Diploma seats in accredited hospitals, medical colleges, and institutions based on speciality-wise merit.
• Based on their merit, candidates will be permitted to choose the institution/hospital/medical college that is accredited by NBEMS where they want to study or work, provided that the seats are available.
• DNB-PDCET is a ranking examination, and a merit list will be prepared for each speciality for all the candidates who appeared. There is no minimum qualifying criterion either in percentiles or in the percentage of marks in the exam.
• The ranking of all the candidates appearing for the DNB Post Diploma CET examination will be in the order of the marks obtained by them with respect to other candidates of the same Broad speciality.
• For each Broad speciality in which the Post Diploma CET examination is held, a separate merit list will be ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌prepared.

Required Documents for DNB Pediatrics Admission

• MBBS degree certificate and mark sheets
• Internship completion certificate
• Medical Council registration certificate
• NEET PG admit card and scorecard
• Category certificate (if applicable)
• Medical fitness certificate
• Character certificate and conduct testimonials

This admission process ensures that only the most deserving candidates are selected based on transparency and merit, and the chosen candidates are of a high standard.

What is the DNB Pediatrics Syllabus and Curriculum?

The syllabus for DNB pediatrics includes core concepts of general pediatrics, neonatology, pediatric infectious diseases, and pediatric growth and development. The curriculum blends theoretical learning with clinical exposure, focusing on continuous assessment and periodic evaluations.

The DNB pediatrics syllabus consists of a comprehensive curriculum spanning cardiology (2 months), neurology (2 months), and infectious diseases training with planned subspeciality rotations. The detailed evaluation method includes a weightage of 40% for the continuous assessment and 60% for the periodic examination for the total development of the students’ skills.

Core Subject Areas

Basic Sciences Foundation

• pediatric anatomy, physiology, and pathology
• Child development and growth patterns
• Pharmacology and therapeutics in children
• Immunology and infectious disease principles

Clinical pediatrics Modules

• General pediatric medicine and outpatient care
• Neonatal medicine and intensive care
• pediatric emergency medicine and trauma care
• Developmental and behavioural ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌pediatrics

What is the NEET​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ PG Cutoff for DNB pediatrics?

In 2024, the DNB pediatrics cutoff scores for government colleges were between 520 and 580, while those of private institutions were between 450 and 520. Cutoffs fluctuate from one year to another and depend on various factors such as the difficulty of the exam, the number of available seats, and the reservation criteria for different categories.

Below are the cutoff scores for DNB pediatrics from the last few years:

Year	Government Institutions	Private Institutions	All India Rank Range
2024	520–580 marks	450–520 marks	8,000–25,000
2023	510–570 marks	440–510 marks	8,500–26,000
2022	500–560 marks	430–500 marks	9,000–27,000

Breakdown of Cutoff by Categories

OBC Category:

• Government: 470-530 marks (2024)
• Private: 400-470 marks (2024)

SC Category:

• Government: 420-480 marks (2024)
• Private: 350-420 marks (2024)

ST Category:

• Government: 400-460 marks (2024)
• Private: 330-400 marks (2024)

The variations in cutoffs are influenced by such factors as the number of seats, the number of candidates, the level of difficulty of the test, and the preferences of the institutions. Irrespective of the category to which they belong, candidates are expected to prepare thoroughly so that they can achieve high scores.

What are the Top Government Colleges for DNB pediatrics?

Renowned government institutions like MAMC, GMERS Gandhinagar, and Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya offer affordable DNB training. These colleges are reputed for having good faculty, a strong academic environment, and a wide variety of clinical exposure.

Below is the list of top government colleges offering the DNB pediatrics course:

College Name	DNB Course Fees
Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC)	₹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
Bombay Hospital and Medical Research Centre	₹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 fees have been taken from different sources and may vary.

What are the Best Private Colleges for DNB pediatrics?

Top private institutions, such as Kasturba Medical College, KJ Somaiya, and Narayana Hrudayalaya, are the best places to pursue DNB pediatrics, offering advanced facilities and practical training. The students are also prepared for clinical practice and research.

The list of the most popular private colleges that offer the DNB pediatrics course is given below:

College Name	DNB Course Fees
Kasturba Medical College, Manipal	₹2.25 Lakh
KIMS	₹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 fees are taken from other sources and can be ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌different.

What are the Career​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Prospects and Salary Expectations for DNB pediatrics?

DNB pediatrics opens doors to rewarding careers in hospitals, clinics, and research centres. Fresh graduates earn ₹8–12 LPA initially, with experienced pediatricians in private practice often exceeding ₹1 crore annually.

DNB​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ pediatrics graduates can choose from numerous well-paid career options in different hospitals, clinics, and research institutes. Their advanced training and clinical skills make them the most in-demand professionals in the public and private healthcare sectors. 

Entry-level salaries are usually in the range of ₹8–12 lakhs per annum in government hospitals, with earning potential rising significantly, often exceeding ₹1 crore annually for experienced pediatricians running independent practices or leading specialised healthcare units.

Employment Sectors and Opportunities

Government Healthcare System

• Medical officers holding offices in government hospitals
• District and state-level hospitals’ consultant designations
• Leading roles in public health initiatives
• Leadership roles in rural healthcare centres

Private Healthcare Industry

• Consultant pediatrician in corporate hospitals
• Independent clinic practice and ownership
• Partnerships in established practices 
• Medical director roles at pediatric centres

Academic and Research Institutions

• Assistant professor positions at medical colleges
• Research roles in the field of pediatrics
• Clinical research coordinator opportunities
• Medical writing and publication posts

What are the DNB pediatrics Salary Expectations Across Experience Levels?

The starting salary for DNB pediatrics can range between ₹8–12 lakhs per annum in the government sector and ₹12–18 lakhs per annum in the private sector. Doctors with 10+ years of experience can have a yearly salary ranging from ₹25 lakhs to 1 crore.  

Salary growth in DNB pediatrics varies by sector and experience, offering substantial financial rewards over time. A specialist just starting out in the private sector can earn ₹12–18 lakhs on average per year, while those with over 10 years of independent practice often cross ₹1 crore per year.

Level of Experience	Government Sector	Private Sector	Independent Practice
0–2 years	₹8–12 lakhs per annum	₹12–18 lakhs per annum	₹15–25 lakhs per annum
3–5 years	₹12–18 lakhs per annum	₹18–30 lakhs per annum	₹25–50 lakhs per annum
5–10 years	₹18–25 lakhs per annum	₹30–50 lakhs per annum	₹50–100 lakhs per annum
10+ years	₹25–40 lakhs per annum	₹50–100 lakhs per annum	₹100+ lakhs per annum

Why Choose DNB Pediatrics?

DNB pediatrics offers global recognition, flexible training options, and opportunities for subspecialisation. Its strong clinical foundation and hands-on exposure make it an ideal choice for doctors aiming to excel in child healthcare.

Advantages of choosing DNB pediatrics are as follows:

• Comprehensive Clinical Training: The DNB programme gives priority to clinical skills, hands-on training, and patient-focused care, thus producing graduates who are highly competent in handling various pediatric cases.
• Career Options: DNB​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ pediatrics is a focused qualification that opens up a path for careers in pediatrics as a medical specialist. Those who finish the programme are acknowledged as medical specialists holding the same level of qualification as an ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌MD.
• Location Flexibility: DNB​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ programmes might offer you more options and freedom to select a place for your training since they are usually available in more institutions, like those located in smaller towns. It could be a huge benefit in case you have a family or personal reasons to stay in a particular ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌city.
• International Acceptance: The DNB pediatrics qualification is accepted worldwide, notably in countries like the UAE, UK, and USA, making it an option for those who wish to work internationally.
• Foundation for Sub-specialisation: Besides being a requirement for further study in pediatric haematology-oncology, the credential can also be used to apply for fellowships in other medical areas.
• Corporate and Private Practice: DNB graduates get a good reception in corporate and private hospitals owing to their rigorous practical training, which is mostly in line with the demands of the private ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌sector.

FAQs​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ about DNB in pediatrics

1. Is DNB pediatrics equivalent to MD pediatrics for career prospects?

Yes. DNB pediatrics is recognised by the National Medical Commission as equivalent to MD pediatrics. Both degrees open the same career doors via clinical practice, academic positions, and further specialisation.

2. What is the duration of the DNB pediatrics programme? 

The DNB pediatrics is a 3-year organised training programme with clinical rotations, academic sessions, and a research component. The training aims to provide extensive exposure to the entire pediatric medicine field.

3. Can I go for DNB pediatrics right after MBBS?

Indeed, candidates are eligible to submit their applications for DNB pediatrics right after the completion of an MBBS degree, along with a one-year compulsory internship. An acceptable NEET PG score is mandatory for admission.

4. What are the career opportunities for a DNB in pediatrics?

A DNB in pediatrics graduate is open to various career and job opportunities, both in the government and private sectors.

5. What is the average salary of a DNB in a pediatrics postgraduate candidate?

The average salary of a DNB in pediatrics candidate is between ₹10 lakh and ₹35 lakh per year, depending on the experience.

Conclusion

DNB in pediatrics is one of the best postgraduate medical qualifications in India that offers comprehensive training and ample career prospects. Along with developing your clinical skills, the programme also hones your diagnostic, research, and patient-care abilities. Pediatricians​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ are at the forefront of the healthcare system; they not only manage complex neonatal conditions but also influence public health policies, thereby playing a pivotal role in enhancing the country’s healthcare outcomes.

For medical aspirants aiming to pursue DNB paediatrics, having the right guidance can make all the difference. That’s where DocTutorials comes in, India’s leading medical education platform trusted by thousands of PG aspirants. Being one of the prominent PG residency preparation platforms in India, DocTutorials helps you to prepare well. DNB paediatrics simplified by DocTutorials!