NBEMS DNB Final Exam June 2026: Dates, Pattern, Eligibility

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has released the Information Bulletin for the DNB Final Examination June 2026. This comprehensive bulletin details the application process, important dates, eligibility criteria, exam pattern for both theory and practical components, and crucial instructions for candidates aspiring to obtain the Diplomate National Board (DNB) qualification in various Broad Specialties. Candidates are advised to go through the complete information to ensure a smooth application and examination experience.

Exam Overview

Important Dates

Exam Schedule (Theory)

The DNB Final Theory Examination June 2026 will be conducted in a single shift as per the following schedule:

Exam Centers (Tentative Cities for Theory)

The NBEMS DNB Final Theory Examination June 2026 is tentatively scheduled to be held in the following cities. The exact venue and center address will be provided on the admit card.

• Andhra Pradesh: Visakhapatnam
• Assam: Guwahati
• Bihar: Patna
• Chhattisgarh: Raipur
• Delhi: New Delhi
• Gujarat: Ahmedabad
• Jammu and Kashmir: Srinagar
• Jharkhand: Ranchi
• Karnataka: Bengaluru
• Kerala: Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram
• Madhya Pradesh: Bhopal
• Maharashtra: Mumbai, Pune
• Odisha: Bhubaneswar
• Punjab: Amritsar
• Rajasthan: Jaipur
• Tamil Nadu: Chennai, Coimbatore
• Telangana: Hyderabad
• Uttar Pradesh: Lucknow
• West Bengal: Kolkata

NBEMS reserves the right to modify the list of test cities based on operational feasibility. Requests for change in date/center of examination will not be entertained.

Exam Pattern

Theory Examination Pattern

• Number of Papers: Four papers.
• Maximum Marks: 100 marks for each paper.
• Question Type: Each paper comprises 10 short notes of 10 marks each.
• Duration: 3 hours for each paper.
• Qualifying Marks: Candidates must score at least 200 out of 400 (50% aggregate) to qualify.
• Rounding Off: Aggregate marks of all theory papers obtained in decimals of 0.5 or more will be rounded up to the next higher whole number. Decimals less than 0.5 will be rounded down. No rounding off for individual papers.
• Grace Marks: Up to 2% of maximum marks (8/400) may be given to candidates scoring between 192-199 marks.

Practical Examination Pattern

• Maximum Marks: 300 marks.
• Components: Comprises OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) and/or Clinical Examination, and Viva.
• Qualifying Marks: Minimum 150 out of 300 marks (50%) to qualify.
• Rounding Off: Similar rounding off rules as theory for aggregate practical marks. No rounding off for individual components.
• Grace Marks: No provision for grace marks in the Practical examination.
• Attempts: A maximum of three attempts are allowed. The first attempt is mandatory immediately following the theory examination qualification in the same session, irrespective of appearance. Absenteeism from a practical exam after successful application counts as an attempt. Subsequent attempts (second and third) are permitted in any two of the next three consecutive DNB Final Examination sessions, subject to full examination fees.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the DNB Final Examination June 2026:

For DNB Broad Specialty Candidates (Post MBBS and Post Diploma)

• Must be registered with NBEMS as a DNB trainee.
• Must be completing their prescribed DNB training (as per NBEMS registration letter) by 31-12-2026 (for Post MBBS trainees) or 31-01-2027 (for Post Diploma trainees).
• Required to have appeared in a minimum mandatory number of Formative Assessment Tests (FAT): Two for Post MBBS DNB and One for Post Diploma DNB.
• Thesis must be submitted to NBEMS for assessment on or before 01-05-2026. Failure to submit thesis by this date makes candidates ineligible.
• Submission of Training Completion Certificate (Annexure-III for Provisional, Annexure-IV for Final) is mandatory. Provisional TCC submitters must complete training by the cut-off date.
• Candidates with deficiencies in documents but provisionally allowed to appear must submit requisite documents within 15 days of theory exam completion. Failure to do so will result in candidature cancellation and fee forfeiture.

For MD/MS Qualified Candidates

• Must have passed their final MD/MS examination on or before 31-03-2026 from an Indian University recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, 2019, in the same broad specialty.
• Submission of proof of qualifying the final MD/MS examination by 31-03-2026 is an essential prerequisite. Failure to submit will lead to candidature cancellation and fee forfeiture.
• FCPS qualifications awarded by the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Mumbai, are NOT considered equivalent to MD or MS courses and thus, candidates with FCPS qualifications are not eligible.

Application Fee

The application fee for the DNB Final Examination June 2026 is as follows:

* Excluding payment gateway charges, as may be applicable.
^^ Paid at the time of Registration for the DNB Course.

Important: Application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable under any circumstances. Candidates are advised to carefully read the eligibility criteria before making the payment.

How to Apply

Candidates must apply online through the NBEMS Online Exit Examinations Portal (OEEP). No other mode of application will be accepted.

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to https://natboard.edu.in.
2. Register as a New User: If you are a first-time applicant, click on “Register New User” to create your profile. Existing users can log in directly.
3. Access Application Link: On the homepage, click on the “Exit Exam Portal Quick Link” and then “Apply for DNB Final Examination June 2026”.
4. Fill Application Form: Complete all mandatory fields in the application form. Ensure all information is accurate and factual.
5. Select Exam City: Choose your first and second preferred exam cities from the provided tentative list. NBEMS will try to allot the first choice, failing which the second choice will be considered.
6. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of prescribed documents, photograph (not older than 3 months, white background, full face visible), signature, and left thumb impression as per the specified guidelines (size less than 80kb for images, .jpg/.jpeg format).
7. Pay Examination Fee: Remit the applicable examination fee online using UPI, Credit Card, or Debit Card through the payment gateway.
8. Review and Submit: Carefully review the entire application form before final submission. Save and print a copy of the submitted form for future reference.

NBEMS will not be responsible for technical issues during the last days of submission; candidates are advised to apply well in advance.

Admit Card

The admit card for the DNB Final Theory Examination June 2026 will be available for download on the NBEMS website https://natboard.edu.in from 12-06-2026 onwards. For practical examination, admit cards will be issued once the practical exam centers are notified.

How to Download Admit Card:

1. Visit the official NBEMS website: https://natboard.edu.in
2. Log in to your OEEP account using your credentials (User ID and Password).
3. Click on the link for DNB Final Examination June 2026 Admit Card download.
4. Take a COLOUR printout of your admit card.

Details to Verify on Admit Card:

• Candidate’s Name, Roll Number, Photograph, and Signature
• Exam Date, Time, and Reporting Schedule
• Exact Test Centre Address
• Important instructions for exam day

Candidates must ensure that all details on the admit card are correct. In case of any discrepancy, contact the NBEMS Helpdesk immediately.

Documents Required on Exam Day

Candidates must carry the following documents to the examination center:

Mandatory Documents:

• Colour Printout of Admit Card: Downloaded from the NBEMS website.
• Original, Valid, and Non-Expired Photo ID Proof: Any one of the following:
  • PAN Card
  • Driving License
  • Voter ID
  • Passport
  • Aadhaar Card (with Photograph) – If consent for Aadhaar-based authentication was given in the application form, Aadhaar card is mandatory.

Important: Candidates must ensure their Aadhaar biometric authentication is NOT locked/disabled on the examination day. If locked, follow the UIDAI guidelines to unlock it temporarily. Candidates without original hard copy valid ID proof will not be allowed entry.

Items NOT Allowed in the Exam Centre:

• Textual material (printed or written), notes, calculators, writing pads, pen drives.
• Any electronic device: mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, earphones, microphones, pagers, wristwatches/health bands, electronic pens, scanners.
• All ornaments (bracelets, rings, earrings, nose-pins, chains/necklaces, pendants, badges, brooches). Religious items are permitted after thorough examination.
• Other items: wallets, goggles, handbags, belts, masks, caps.
• Any eatable item (opened or packed), soft drinks, water bottles.
• Any item that can be used for unfair means or hiding communication devices (wireless/Bluetooth devices, spy cameras).

Exam Day Instructions

To ensure a fair and smooth examination process, candidates must adhere to the following instructions:

Do’s:

• Report at the ‘Reporting Counter’ of the test venue as per the time indicated in your admit card. Entry closes 30 minutes prior to the exam start time.
• Familiarise yourself with the test centre location and reporting counter in advance to avoid last-minute delays.
• Cooperate with identity verification procedures, including finger biometrics and photograph capture at registration.
• Keep your admit card and photo identification with you at all times during the examination.
• Listen carefully to the invigilator’s instructions before starting the exam.
• In case of any technical disruption, rest assured that your allocated examination time will be provided.
• If carrying any medicine or medical assistance device, ensure you have supportive medical documents.

Don’ts:

• Do not arrive late or beyond the prescribed reporting time; no entry will be permitted.
• Do not carry any prohibited items (electronic gadgets, ornaments, eatables, unauthorized material) beyond the security check point.
• Do not attempt to change your seat without permission from the Examination Superintendent.
• Do not communicate with other candidates or examination staff during the exam.
• Do not engage in any suspicious or disruptive behavior; it may lead to cancellation of candidature.
• Do not make any distinctive marks or write your name on the answer sheet (except as specified).

Result and Post-Exam Process

The results for the DNB Final Examinations (Theory & Practical) will be declared as PASS / FAIL and displayed on the NBEMS website: https://natboard.edu.in. Paper-wise marks and grand total will be published in a scorecard, which can be downloaded through the “candidate login” link. The scorecard will be available for six (06) months from the date of issuance.

Provisional Certificate (PC):

Candidates successful in the practical examination will be issued a Provisional Certificate of Passing DNB Final Examination. These PCs are bilingual (Hindi and English) and valid for all purposes (employment, registration with state medical councils, higher education) until the DNB Degree certificates are conferred at the convocation ceremony. PCs are generally issued within four weeks of result declaration, though this period may vary under unforeseen circumstances. No separate certificate will be issued for passing the Theory examination.

Re-evaluation and Answer Script Access:

• Digital Copies of Theory Answer Scripts: Candidates who fail to qualify the DNB Final Theory Examination can request weblinks to access digital copies of their answer scripts by paying ₹100/- (plus 18% GST) per question paper. Requests must be made ONLY through the Miscellaneous Fee Payment Online Portal within seven (07) calendar days of the theory result declaration.
• Detailed Marksheet for Practical Examination: Candidates who fail to qualify the Practical Examination can obtain a detailed marksheet by submitting a request through the Communication Web Portal of NBEMS and paying a fee of ₹1,000/- within thirty (30) calendar days of the practical result declaration.
• Re-evaluation of Unassessed Answers: In rare cases where an answer is wrongly marked as “NOT ATTEMPTED,” candidates can request re-evaluation within ten (10) calendar days of the theory result declaration by paying an administrative fee of ₹500/- per paper. Requests for reassessment of already assessed answers will be summarily rejected.

Last-Minute Tips

Time Management: Practice time management with mock tests to ensure you can attempt all questions within the allocated time. Allocate specific time for each section based on its weightage and your strengths.

Revision Strategy: Focus on quick revision of important concepts and notes. Avoid learning new topics just before the exam to prevent confusion. Prioritize high-yield topics based on previous year’s trends (if available).

Stress Management: Stay calm and composed. Get adequate sleep before the exam. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing to manage exam anxiety. Trust your preparation and focus on performing your best.

Document Checklist: Double-check all required documents (Admit Card, ID proof) a day before the exam. Ensure they are original and valid. Arrange them neatly to avoid last-minute panic.

What to Expect

Exam Environment: The examination will be conducted in a secure, computer-based testing environment. Invigilators will be present to assist with technical issues and ensure fair conduct. Surveillance cameras will monitor the exam halls.

Question Difficulty: DNB Final Examinations are known for their comprehensive coverage of medical specialties. Expect a mix of conceptual, clinical, and applied questions in the theory papers. The practical examination will assess clinical skills, diagnostic abilities, and viva voce performance.

Typical Experience: The exam aims to evaluate the minimum level of knowledge and competencies required for the DNB qualification. While challenging, thorough preparation and adherence to instructions will significantly increase your chances of success. Be prepared for biometric verification and photograph capture on exam day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the DNB Final Examination?

A1: The DNB Final Examination is an exit examination conducted by NBEMS leading to the award of the Diplomate National Board (DNB) qualification in various medical Broad Specialties. It comprises both a theory and a practical component.

Q2: What is the last date to apply for the DNB Final Exam June 2026?

A2: The last date for online submission of the application form for the DNB Final Examination June 2026 is May 14, 2026 (till 11:55 PM).

Q3: What are the eligibility criteria for the DNB Final Exam?

A3: Eligibility includes being a registered DNB trainee completing training by specific cut-off dates (Dec 31, 2026 for Post MBBS, Jan 31, 2027 for Post Diploma), having mandatory FAT appearances, and submitting a thesis by May 01, 2026. MD/MS qualified candidates must have passed their final exam by March 31, 2026, from an NMC-recognized university.

Q4: Can I change my exam center after submitting the application?

A4: No, requests for change in the examination center/date will not be entertained under any circumstances. Candidates are advised to choose their preferences carefully during application.

Q5: What documents do I need to carry to the exam center?

A5: You must carry a colour printout of your admit card and one original, valid, non-expired photo ID proof (PAN, Driving License, Voter ID, Passport, or Aadhaar Card with photograph). Ensure your Aadhaar biometric authentication is not locked.

Q6: Is there any negative marking in the DNB Final Exam?

A6: The notification does not explicitly mention negative marking for the DNB Final Examination. However, it’s always advisable to refer to the detailed scheme of examination in the information bulletin for any specific instructions on marking.

Q7: When will the admit cards be issued?

A7: Admit cards for the theory examination will be available for download from June 12, 2026, onwards on the official NBEMS website. Practical exam admit cards will be issued once their centers are notified.

Q8: What happens if I fail the practical examination?

A8: If you qualify the theory examination but fail the practical, your theory qualification remains valid, and you will be allowed two more attempts for the practical examination in the next three consecutive sessions, provided you complete your DNB training before the next attempt.

Q9: How can I access my answer scripts or marksheet after the result?

A9: Non-qualified candidates can request digital copies of theory answer scripts (for a fee) within 7 days of result. Detailed practical marksheets can be requested (for a fee) within 30 days of practical result. Re-evaluation of unassessed answers is possible in rare cases within 10 days (for a fee).

Q10: What is the thesis submission deadline?

A10: The thesis must be submitted to NBEMS for assessment on or before May 01, 2026. Failure to meet this deadline will render the candidate ineligible to apply for the DNB Final Theory Examination June 2026.