DNB Theory Exam: Schedule, Result, and Syllabus
The DNB (Diplomate of National Board) theory exam is a gateway to pursuing postgraduate medical degrees in India and abroad. This exam is equivalent to the MD or MD degree from recognised Indian Universities.
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Science (NBEMS) conducts this exam in a theory and practical format to assess trainees’ skills. After the DNB exam result for the theory part is released, successful candidates can appear for the practical examination.
Keep reading to know more about the schedule and important dates of the DNB exam.
What is the Schedule for the DNB Theory Exam?
The DNB theory exam schedule includes special dates for form submission, admit card release, examination date, etc. Candidates appearing for this examination must know the schedule so that they don’t miss any important events and updates.
Eligible candidates can check the table below for the DNB theory exam schedule in December 2025:
| Important Events | Dates |
| Information Bulletin Availability | 23rd October |
| Application Form Submission for Theory and Practical Examination | 23rd October – 16th November |
| Intimation of Test City to the Candidates | 4th December |
| Admit Card Release | 12th December |
| Theory Examination Date | 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st December |
How to Check DNB Exam Result?
After the DNB theory examination, the results are released within a few weeks. Candidates must learn the process to check the DNB exam 2025 results. This will help them check their results and proceed further based on their qualifying marks.
Follow the steps below to download the DNB final theory exam result 2025 as per the NBEMS guidelines:
- Step 1: Log in to the official website of NBEMS: natboard.edu.in
- Step 2: Click on the “DNB Results/Examinations” link on the homepage or locate it under the “Examinations” menu.
- Step 3: Select the “DNB Final Theory Examination June 2025” results option, and you will be redirected to the login portal for DNB results.
- Step 4: Fill in your registered Candidate ID, Roll Number, and Date of Birth or Password.
- Step 5: Enter the CAPTCHA code as displayed on the given page.
- Step 6: Click on the “Submit” option and check your DNB exam 2025 result.
- Step 7: Your result will be displayed on the screen. You download the PDF and print your result for future reference.
If any candidate fails the DNB theory exam, they can pay a nominal fee of ₹100 per paper and 18% GST to obtain a digital answer script. However, this must be done within 7 days of the DNB exam result declaration.
You can also request a re-evaluation of the answer sheet in case the assessor marks any answer as “Not Attempted”. For this, the candidate must pay an additional fee of ₹500 per paper within 10 days of the result declaration.
What are the Key Highlights of the DNB Exam 2025 Results?
The table below represents the highlights of the DNB exam results 2025:
| Particulars | Details |
| Name of the Examination | DNB (Diplomate of National Board) Final Theory Examination |
| Academic Year | 2025 – 2026 |
| Conducting Body | NBEMS (National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences) |
| Exam Dates | 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st December (2025) |
| Exam Level | Postgraduate |
| Result | The results of the June session have already been released and published on the official NBEMS website. |
| Login Credentials | Roll Number and Date of Birth |
What are the Important Dates for the DNB Theory Exam 2025?
The DNB theory exam 2025 will be conducted in computer-based mode across the allotted exam centres in India. Candidates can collect the admit cards from the official website on December 12, 2025.
The dates for DNB final theory examinations are provided in the table below:
| Paper | Day | Date | Exam Time |
| 1 | Thursday | 18th December 2025 | 9 am – 12 pm |
| 2 | Friday | 19th December 2025 | 9 am – 12 pm |
| 3 | Saturday | 20th December 2025 | 9 am – 12 pm |
| 4 | Sunday | 21st December 2025 | 9 am – 12 pm |
What is the Syllabus of the DNB Theory Exam?
Candidates appearing for the DNB theory exam must have a clear understanding of the syllabus. It covers pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical subjects just like the NEET-PG syllabus.
The syllabus for the DNB theory exam is provided below:
1. Pre-Clinical Subjects
10% of the syllabus includes pre-clinical subjects. Here are the topics covered under pre-clinical subjects:
- Anatomy
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
2. Para-Clinical Subjects
20% of the syllabus includes pre-clinical subjects like the following:
- Pharmacology
- Forensic Medicine
- Pathology
- Microbiology
- SPM (Social & Preventive Medicine)
3. Clinical Subjects
70% of the DNB theory exam syllabus includes clinical subjects. Here are the topics covered:
- Paediatrics
- Psychiatry
- General Medicine
- Dermatology
- Radiology
- Orthopaedics
- Ophthalmology
- General Surgery
- ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat)
- Anaesthesia
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Note: Clinical subjects carry the highest marks, so candidates should focus more on these topics. Applied concepts, integrated questions, and case-based scenarios require more focus.
FAQs about DNB Theory Exam
- What is the structure of the DNB theory exam?
The DNB theory exam consists of four papers for broad specialities and three for super specialities. Each paper has short notes and long questions, lasting three hours. Candidates must score a minimum aggregate to pass.
- When will the DNB December 2025 theory exam be conducted?
The DNB December 2025 final theory exam is scheduled for December 18th to 21st, held in computer-based mode across India, from 9 am to 12 pm each day.
- What is the minimum qualifying score for the DNB theory exam?
Candidates must secure at least 200 out of 400 aggregate marks for broad specialities and 150 out of 300 for super specialities to pass the theory exam. A grace mark of up to 2% may be given.
- How can candidates apply for the DNB theory exam?
Applications for the DNB theory exam are submitted online through the NBEMS official website (natboard.edu.in). Candidates must register, fill out the form, upload documents, pay fees, and submit before the deadline.
- What happens if a candidate fails the DNB theory exam?
Candidates who fail must reappear in the next theory exam session. They cannot appear for the practical exam unless they have passed the theory exam. Multiple reattempts are allowed, subject to payment of fees.
Conclusion
The DNB theory examination will be held in December 2025 from the 18th to the 21st. Candidates appearing for this examination should be aware of important dates such as form submission, admit card collection, exam dates, and DNB exam results to stay updated. Moreover, they must have a clear understanding of the syllabus to prepare accordingly.
In this regard, online platforms like DocTutorials can assist you. We adopt a systematic study plan that includes Viva preparation & OSCE, clinical case discussions, patient history-taking, and much more.
Join DocTutorials today and explore our PG Residency & DNB course to gain more insights!
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