DNB: Course Details, Eligibility, Admission, Fees
DNB is a three year post-graduation program equivalent to that of the Post-Graduate or Post-Doctoral programs focused on specialized training and expertise in various areas such as oncology, cardiology, neurology, and more. The core DNB syllabus covers subjects such as anatomy, research methodologies, medical ethics, etc
DNB eligibility criteria are that the candidate must have secured at least 50% marks in MBBS degree from a recognized institution. Furthermore, the candidate must appear for entrance examinations such as NEET-PG, PD-CET, etc, and score the required cut-off. The DNB fees range from INR 30,000 - 1,10,000 per year depending on factors such as infrastructure, accreditation, scholarship, facilities, etc.
Table of Contents
- What is a DNB Course?
- DNB Eligibility Criteria
- DNB Admission Process 2024
- DNB Entrance Examination
- DNB Specialization
- Top DNB Colleges in India with Fee Details
- DNB Syllabus and Subjects
- DNB Vs MD
- DNB Salary in India
- Courses After DNB
- Career Option After Diplomate of National Board
- Top 3 Cities to Pursue DNB Course
- DNB Scholarships
- Skills to Excel as a DNB Graduate
DNB Course Details
| Degree | Diploma |
| Full Form | Diplomate of National Board |
| Duration | 3 Years |
| Age | There is no specific age limit |
| Entrance Exam | NEET PG, DNB PDCET |
| Subjects Required | Science and MBBS Subjects |
| Minimum Percentage | A minimum of 50% in MBBS degree from a recognized university/college |
| Average Fees | INR 30,000-1,10,000 per year |
| Average Salary | INR 10 LPA (Sources: Glassdoor & Ambition Box) |
| Employment Roles | Cardiologist, Medical Sonographer, Anaesthesiologist, Dialysis Technician |
| Top Recruiters | AIIMS, Apollo Hospital, Tata Medical Center |
What is a DNB Course?
DNB course full form stands for Diplomate of National Board. The course is offered by top colleges such as The Institute of Liver and Biliary, K.J. Somaiya Medical College & Research Centre, ST. Johns Medical College, etc in India. The National Board of Examinations (NBE) administers DNB courses and issues degrees.
DNB graduates are employed in diverse job roles such as s consultants, specialists, medical officers, researchers, academics, medical administrators, etc in top companies such as Apollo Hospitals, Fortis Healthcare, Max Healthcare, AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences), etc. The entry level average DNB salary ranges between INR 6.50-12 LPA (Sources: AmbitionBox & Glassdoor)
DNB Eligibility Criteria
DNB eligibility criteria require the candidate to fulfill requirements such as the merit score, age limit, subject requirements, etc. Given below are the DNB eligibility criteria:
- Candidates must have secured at least 50% marks in MBBS from any recognized institution. A relaxation of 5% is given to SC/ST/OBC candidates. Additionally, the candidates must qualify with the required cut-off in entrance examinations such as NEET-PG, PDCET, etc.
- Candidates who hold a provisional registration certificate issued by the Medical Council of India or State Medical Council. Students expected to finish their one year of internship before the application deadline can also apply.
- There is no specific age limit for DNB admission.
DNB Admission Process 2024
The DNB admission is done based on the entrance examination score. Given below is the step-by-step DNB admission process:
- Step 1: Candidates must ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria for the DNB admission.
- Step 2: The candidate must qualify for the entrance examination as per the college requirement
- Step 3: Candidates must submit the application form either online or offline in the college of their choice once the entrance examination results are out
- Step 4: The candidates will be required to appear for the counseling process once the merit list is published.
- Step 5: Candidates can further proceed with the document verification process by submitting the mark sheets, certificates, identity proof, etc.
- Step 6: Once the documents are verified, the candidate can proceed with the fee payment process.
DNB Entrance Examination
DNB admissions are done based on the NEET PG and PD-CET entrance examination scores in top colleges in India. Listed below are the DNB entrance exam detail:
|
Entrance Exam |
Exam Date |
Accepting College |
|
Aug 11, 2024 |
The Institute of Liver and Biliary, Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences, etc. |
|
|
Jul 21, 2024 (Closed) |
KJ Somiya Medical College |
DNB Specialization
The DNB focuses more on practical learning in various medical fields which helps students understand more about the workflow in any domain. Below is a list of 29 DNB specializations offered by NBESM.
|
Anatomy |
Community Medicine |
Maternal and Child Health |
Pathology |
|
Biochemistry |
Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy |
Microbiology |
Pharmacology |
|
Anaesthesiology |
Forensic Medicine |
Nuclear Medicine |
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation |
|
General Medicine |
General Surgery |
Obsrtrecis and Gynacelology |
Physiology |
|
Family Medicine |
Geriatric Medicine |
Orthopaedics |
Radio Diagnosis |
|
Ophthalmology |
Hospital Administration |
Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) |
Psychiatry |
|
Emergency Medicine |
Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion |
Palliative Medicine |
Radiation Oncology |
|
Respiratory Medicine |
- |
- |
- |
Read More: DNB Cardiology
Top DNB Colleges in India with Fee Details
DNB course is offered by top private colleges such as KJ Somaiya Medical College and Research Center and government institutions such as etc. The DNB course fees range from INR 30,000-1,10,000 per year. Listed below are the top DNB colleges in India along with their fee details:
|
College Name |
Tuition Fee Per Year |
|
Maharaja Jitendra Narayan Medical College |
INR 75,000 |
|
INR 62,000 |
|
|
INR 70,000 |
|
|
- |
|
|
INR 35,200 |
|
|
INR 93,000 |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
INR 80,000 |
Top Location-Wise DNB Colleges in India
Listed below are the top locations to pursue DNB course and their fee details:
|
Location |
Tuition Fees Per Year |
|
INR 30,000-80,000 |
|
|
INR 60,000-1,10,000 |
|
|
INR 50,000-70,000 |
|
|
INR 30,000-75,000 |
|
|
INR 35,000-80,000 |
|
|
INR 40,000-85,000 |
DNB Syllabus and Subjects
DNB syllabus focuses on basic science fundamentals such as physiology, anatomy, biochemistry, etc., as well as offering specialized knowledge in emergency care, pathophysiology, clinical management, diagnostic skills, and more.
The syllabus differs as per the specialization, below are the DNB first-year subjects which are common as per specialization:
|
First Year Syllabus |
|
|
Basic Sciences |
Medical Ethics and Professionalism |
|
Research Methodology |
Epidemiology and Public Health |
|
Clinical Methods |
Basic Surgical Skills |
Read More: DNB Syllabus and Subjects
DNB Vs MD
DNB is a qualification given by the National Board of Examinations in India, while MD is a postgraduate medical degree granted by medical universities. Given below is the course comparison between DNB vs MD based on various parameters:
|
Course |
DNB |
MD |
|
Full Form |
Diplomate of National Board |
Doctor of Medicine |
|
Course Duration |
3 Years |
3 Years |
|
Course Overview |
The course curriculum focuses on practical training given to students through working in hospitals |
The course curriculum focuses on theoretical knowledge and the development of clinical skills. |
|
Eligibility Criteria |
MBBS degree with a minimum of 50-55% marks |
MBBS degree with a minimum of 50-55% marks +1 year mandatory internship |
|
Course Fees Per Year |
INR 30,000-1,10,000 |
INR 42,000-5,00,000 |
|
Entrance Exam |
NEET-PG |
NEET-PG |
|
Top Colleges |
Various affiliated hospitals and institutions across India such as Manipal Hospitals, Fortis, Apollo |
AIIMS, KEM Hospital, PGIMER |
|
Job Roles |
Consultant Physician, Surgeon, Radiologist, Anesthesiologist, Endocrinologist, etc. |
Pathologist, Orthopedic Surgeon, Pediatrician, etc. |
|
Average Salary |
INR 10 LPA |
INR 3.5 - 5 LPA |
Read More: MD
DNB Salary in India
The average DNB salary in India is INR 10 LPA depending on factors such as the job location, field of work, designation, industry demand, etc. Candidates with 0-1 years of experience earn around INR 6.5-12 LPA whereas candidates with 3+ years of experience can earn around INR 12-20 LPA. (Source: Glassdoor & Ambition Box)
Given below is the DNB salary based on job designation and experience:
|
Job Profile |
Entry Level Average Salary |
Salary After 3+ Years of Experience |
|
Consultant Physician |
INR 6.5 - 10 LPA |
INR 12 - 20 LPA |
|
Surgeon |
INR 7 - 11 LPA |
INR 15 - 20 LPA |
|
Radiologist |
INR 6.5 - 10 LPA |
INR 13 - 18 LPA |
|
Anesthesiologist |
INR 7 - 12 LPA |
INR 14 - 16 LPA |
|
Endocrinologist |
INR 6.5 - 10 LPA |
INR 12 - 20 LPA |
Read More: DNB Salary and Job Scope
Courses After DNB
The graduates can pursue various advanced certification courses to broaden their domain expertise and improve the learning curve. Given below are some of the courses students can pursue after DNB:
- PhD in Medical Science
- Post-DNB fellowship in Neurology
- Fellowship in Critical Care Medicine
- Advanced Certification in Medical Education
- Advanced Certificate in Patient Safety and Quality Management
Career Option After Diplomate of National Board
DNB graduates are employed in diverse job roles such as surgeon, radiologist, researcher, etc., as per their specialization in areas such as hospitals, academic institutions, research organizations, etc. Listed below are the career options after DNB course:
|
Job Designation |
Job Description |
Hiring Companies |
|
Consultant Physician |
Offer medical care and treatment in hospitals and clinics, specializing in areas such as cardiology, neurology, etc. |
Apollo Hospitals, Fortis Healthcare, Max Healthcare |
|
Surgeon |
Conduct surgical procedures to treat various medical conditions, including general surgery, orthopedic surgery, and more. |
Manipal Hospitals, Narayana Health, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital |
|
Radiologist |
Diagnose and treat diseases and injuries using medical imaging techniques like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. |
Tata Memorial Hospital, Lilavati Hospital, Jaslok Hospital |
|
Anesthesiologist |
Look after anesthesia and monitor patients during surgeries and other medical procedures. |
Wockhardt Hospitals, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, St. John's Medical College Hospital |
|
Endocrinologist |
Treat hormonal imbalances and endocrine disorders such as diabetes, thyroid diseases, and metabolic disorders. |
Tata Memorial Hospital, Lilavati Hospital, Jaslok Hospital |
Top DNB Recruiters
Listed below are the top DNB recruiters in India:
|
Apollo Hospitals |
Fortis Healthcare |
Max Healthcare |
|
Manipal Hospitals |
Narayana Health |
Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital |
|
Tata Memorial Hospital |
Lilavati Hospital |
Jaslok Hospital |
|
Aster CMI Hospital |
Hinduja Healthcare |
Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital |
|
Wockhardt Hospitals |
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital |
St. John's Medical College Hospital |
Top 3 Cities to Pursue DNB Course
Given below are the top 3 cities to pursue DNB course in India based on industry exposure, reputation, infrastructure, placement opportunities, cost of living, etc.
|
City |
Top Colleges /Hospitals |
Average Living Expense (INR) |
Average Starting Salary (INR) |
Top Recruiters |
|
Delhi |
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College |
25,000-35,000 per month |
60,000-80,000 per month |
Max Healthcare, Fortis Healthcare, Apollo Hospitals |
|
Mumbai |
Lilavati Hospital, Tata Memorial Hospital, KJ Somiya Medical College |
30,000-40,000 per month |
65,000-75,000 per month |
Kokilaben, Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Wockhardt Hospitals |
|
Bangalore |
Manipal Hospital, Narayana Health, St. John's Medical College |
25,000-35,000 per month |
55,000-70,000 per month |
Narayana Health, Manipal Hospitals |
DNB Scholarships
DNB scholarships are offered by various government and private organizations in India based on certain criteria such as merit score, family income, gender, domicile, etc. Listed below are the DNB scholarships:
|
Scholarship |
Eligibility Criteria |
Amount |
|
National Board of Examinations (NBE) Merit Scholarship |
High merit score in NEET-PG |
Varies annually based on merit |
|
Post-Matric Scholarships for Minority Communities |
Minority students with a family income of less than INR 2 LPA |
|
|
AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls |
Female students from economically weaker sections with a family income of less than INR 8 LPA |
INR 50,000 per annum |
Skills to Excel as a DNB Graduate
DNB graduates require both interpersonal and technical skills in order to succeed in their careers. Listed below are some of the important skills required for DNB graduates:
- Clinical Skills: The individual should be able to understand advanced clinical procedures and be proficient in handling emergency situations that require critical care.
- Analytical Skills: The graduate should be proficient in interpreting medical data, such as imaging scans, lab results, and research findings.
- Patient Centered Care: The graduate should be able to address social, psychological, and emotional states in patient care.
- Research Skills: Should be able to read literature reviews, write grants, conduct statistical analysis, and focus on contributing to the advancement of medical care in India through research.
Top Diplomate of National Board [DNB] Colleges
DNB Fee Structure
FAQs on DNB
Q: Can I do DNB without MBBS?
A: No, in order to pursue a DNB, an MBBS degree is mandatory.
Q: Which is better, MD or DNB?
A: The postgraduate medical qualifications of MD and DNB are regarded as equal. DNB aims at thorough training and evaluation, but MD is frequently chosen because of its greater recognition.
Q: Is NEET-PG score required for DNB admission?
A: Yes, students need to have a valid NEET-PG score to get admission into DNB course in India.
Q: Are there any scholarships available for DNB courses?
A: Yes, students can avail of various government and private institutions offered scholarships such as Dr.MGR Medical University, Reliance Foundation Hospital scholarship, etc.
Q: What is the entry level salary of DNB Doctors in India?
A: The entry-level salary of a DNB doctor in India is in the range of INR 50,000-80,000 monthly. (Sources: Glassdoor & Ambition Box)
Q: What is the key difference between primary DNB and secondary DNB?
A: Primary DNB is pursued immediately following MBBS, while secondary DNB is pursued after the postgraduate degree (MD/MS) completion in a relevant discipline.
Q: Which private companies hire DNB graduates in India?
A: Private hospitals like Apollo Hospitals, Fortis Healthcare, Max Healthcare, etc., hire DNB graduates in India.
