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Is DNB Exam Cancelled?

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Last updated on 4 min read

As of 2026, there's no blanket cancellation of the DNB exam; specific sessions may be postponed or rescheduled due to administrative or public health decisions.

Is DNB theory exam Cancelled?

The DNB theory exam isn't permanently cancelled; specific sessions may be postponed or rescheduled.

Back in December 2020, the National Board of Examinations (NBE) actually cancelled the final theory exam Paper 1 for both Post MBBS and Post Diploma candidates—it was originally set for March 18, 2021. They ended up running it on March 21 and 22 instead, as you can check on the NBE official website. If you're planning to take the exam soon, keep an eye on the NBE portal for any last-minute changes.

What is DNB final exam?

The DNB final exam is an exit examination that awards the Diplomate of National Board (DNB) qualification.

Run by the National Board of Examinations, this exam happens twice a year—in June and December. It tests both clinical skills and theoretical knowledge. Remember that December 2020 session? COVID-19 pushed it to March 2021. You've got to pass both the theory and practical parts to earn that DNB certificate.

Is FMGE 2021 postponed?

FMGE 2021 sessions weren't fully postponed, though the pandemic definitely messed with the schedule.

The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination happens twice a year. The June 2021 session went ahead on June 18, and the December one followed on December 12. The pandemic made planning tricky, but exams still happened. Always double-check the exact dates on the NBE official portal—things can shift year to year.

Is DNB a separate exam?

DNB is its own separate exam pathway, different from NEET PG and other medical entrance tests.

The DNB PDCET (Post Diploma Common Entrance Test) is NBE's way in for DNB courses. Fun fact: In 2021, Noida stopped being a standalone exam center—candidates had to pick Delhi NCR instead. For 2026, make sure to verify current exam center rules on the NBE website.

Does 2021 have FMGE?

Yes, FMGE definitely happened in 2021 with sessions in June and December.

The June session took place on the 18th, and the December one on the 12th. Both followed the usual FMGE format, testing medical knowledge for foreign grads. If you're an Indian citizen or OCI with a foreign degree and want to practice in India, this exam is mandatory.

Is there FMGE June 2021?

Yep, the FMGE June 2021 session ran on June 18, 2021.

This session let foreign medical grads qualify for provisional or permanent registration with Indian state medical councils. You needed at least 150 out of 300 to pass. Results usually show up within six weeks—so mark your calendars.

Is FMGE replaced by NEXT?

FMGE is on track to be replaced by the National Exit Test (NExT) in the coming years.

The NExT exam, proposed by the National Medical Commission (NMC), will act as a licentiate exam for MBBS grads both in India and abroad. It'll also double as the entrance test for postgraduate medical admissions. The rollout timeline isn't final yet, but it might go national by 2027. Keep tabs on NMC updates for the latest.

Does NEET PG include DNB?

NEET PG scores get you into DNB courses, but NEET PG and DNB aren't the same exam.

NEET PG is your ticket to MD/MS/DNB programs, including 2,256 DNB seats across 1,038 hospitals. DNB CET, on the other hand, is NBE's separate entrance test just for DNB programs. Think of NEET PG as the main gateway, with DNB CET as the DNB-specific path.

Is DNB and NEET PG same?

Nope, DNB and NEET PG serve totally different roles in medical education.

NEET PG is the national entrance exam for MD/MS/PG Diploma programs—including DNB spots. DNB, though, refers to the actual training program and exit exam that leads to the Diplomate of National Board qualification. NEET PG gets you into DNB programs, but the National Board of Examinations runs the DNB show directly.

Who can write DNB Pdcet exam?

If you finished a two-year postgraduate diploma and passed your final exam by November 30, 2020, you're eligible for the DNB PDCET exam.

You'll need 24 months of postgraduate diploma training under your belt. The exam tests your knowledge for admission to DNB (Post Diploma) courses. The NBE website NBE website posts eligibility details and deadlines every year, so check there first.

What is the stipend for DNB?

DNB trainees typically earn Rs. 60,000 in year one, Rs. 65,000 in year two, and Rs. 70,000 in year three.

Those numbers are the standard rates set by the National Board of Examinations, though hospitals in different locations might tweak them slightly. The stipend covers your three-year training period in accredited hospitals. Always confirm the exact amount during counseling or with your admitting institution—rules can vary. For more details on structured training programs, you might explore related medical pathways.

Edited and fact-checked by the FixAnswer editorial team.
Juan Martinez

Juan is an education and communications expert who writes about learning strategies, academic skills, and effective communication.