Medicine And Allied Sciences Colleges

Most Popular Specializations for DNB at St. John’s Medical College

Ritik Kumar Ritik Kumar · November 22, 2025
The image shows St. John's Medical College, part of St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, with a wide, multi-story curved building. The facade is lined with rows of blue-tinted windows, and a blue sign above the entrance displays the college's name in both English and Kannada script. In the foreground, there is a neatly maintained lawn and a pathway leading up to the main entrance, where a black car is parked. The top left corner of the image features the "Career Plan B" circular logo. At the bottom of the image, a bold green banner contains large white text reading: "Most Popular Specializations for DNB at St. John’s Medical College." The scene emphasizes a prominent, institutional academic environment known for healthcare education.

Introduction 

Did you know that over 35,000 doctors compete for limited postgraduate seats in India every year? With NEET PG becoming more competitive, Diplomate of National Board (DNB) programs are increasingly becoming a top-choice alternative for aspiring specialists. St. John’s Medical College, Bengaluru, one of India’s most prestigious medical institutions, is a frontrunner in offering high-quality DNB training.

But which DNB specializations are the most popular here—and why? In this article, we’ll walk you through the most sought-after DNB courses at St. John’s, highlight career opportunities, and help you make an informed choice for your postgraduate journey.

Why Choose St. John’s for DNB Training?

St. John’s Medical College is well-recognized for its academic excellence, clinical training, and strong patient exposure. Doctors prefer its DNB programs because:

  • Wide clinical exposure: Tertiary care hospital with diverse patient profiles.
  • Reputation: Decades of trust in producing skilled doctors.
  • Balanced academics and patient interaction: Structured rotations ensure practical learning.
  • Strong peer and faculty mentorship: Alumni network across India and abroad.

For students considering DNB over MD/MS, the college offers both credibility and career growth.

General Medicine

One of the most competitive and respected choices, DNB in General Medicine consistently ranks as a top preference.

  • Why is it popular? Provides a strong foundation for super-specializations like cardiology, nephrology, and endocrinology.
  • Career scope: High demand in hospitals, diagnostic centers, and private practice.
  • Real-world example: Many residents leverage this specialization to pursue DM seats later and gain respected consultant roles.

Pediatrics

Child health remains a field of immense demand, making Pediatrics another highly chosen specialty.

  • Why is it popular? India’s large pediatric population ensures consistent patient exposure.
  • Career scope: Careers in neonatology, PICU, academic pediatrics, or private practice.
  • Case insight: Graduates often secure fellowships abroad due to rigorous training.

Anesthesiology

Behind every successful surgery is a skilled anesthesiologist, and DNB in Anesthesiology at St. John’s attracts many aspirants.

  • Why is it popular? Wide application in surgeries, ICUs, emergency medicine, and pain management.
  • Career scope: Opportunities as critical care specialists or anesthetists across multispecialty hospitals.
  • Interesting point: Anesthesiology DNB postgraduates are among the highest recruited specialists in metro hospitals.

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Women’s health continues to be a priority in India, and DNB in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBG) is a highly competitive seat at St. John’s.

  • Why is it popular? Broad scope in maternal care, infertility treatment, and gynecological surgeries.
  • Career scope: Growing demand in metro hospitals, fertility centers, and medical colleges.
  • Real-world scenario: Many OBG DNB graduates transition into subspecialties like reproductive medicine or oncology.

Orthopedics

For students drawn toward surgical streams, Orthopedics remains a strong favorite.

  • Why is it popular? Increasing rates of bone, joint, and sports injuries create constant demand.
  • Career scope: Opportunities in trauma care, sports medicine, joint replacement, and private practice.
  • Interesting note: St. John’s reputation gives orthopedic graduates exposure to both trauma and elective surgery cases.

Radiology

With diagnostic imaging becoming indispensable, DNB Radiology at St. John’s sees one of the highest application ratios.

  • Why is it popular? Rapid technological advances in CT, MRI, and interventional radiology.
  • Career scope: High-paying field with options in hospitals, diagnostic centers, or teleradiology platforms.
  • Case study: Radiology often attracts top-rankers due to its lifestyle-friendly nature and robust career options.

General Surgery

General Surgery retains its charm among doctors wanting hands-on experience in operating theaters.

  • Why is it popular? Essential training ground for super-specialties like urology, neurosurgery, and cardiothoracic surgery.
  • Career scope: Wide applicability in both government and private healthcare systems.
  • Insight: Many residents at St. John highlights exposure to complex surgery cases as the major draw.
Specialization Popularity Level Career Prospects Notable Future Pathways
General Medicine Very High Internal Medicine, Hospitals, Clinics DM Cardiology, Nephrology
Pediatrics High Pediatric Hospitals, NICUs, Clinics Fellowship in Neonatology
Anesthesiology High Operation Theatres, Critical Care Units Super-specialization in Pain Medicine
OBG Very High Maternity & Women’s Hospitals, IVF Centers Reproductive Medicine, Oncology
Orthopedics High Trauma Care, Joint Replacement, Sports Fellowship in Arthroscopy
Radiology Very High Diagnostic Centers, Private Hospitals Interventional Radiology
General Surgery High Surgical Units, Emergency Trauma MCh Specializations

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which DNB specialty at St. John’s is the hardest to get?
Radiology, General Medicine, and OBG are generally the most competitive because of their long-term career scope.

2. Is DNB from St. John’s equivalent to MD/MS?
Yes, after an MCI notification, DNB degrees are recognized at parity with MD/MS, provided training is from accredited institutions like St. John’s.

3. Do DNB students at St. John’s get adequate patient exposure?
Absolutely. St. John’s is a tertiary care center with high patient turnover, ensuring diverse case exposure in all departments.

4. What are the career options after DNB at St. John’s?
Graduates can pursue super-specializations, fellowships, academic teaching positions, or private practice across India and abroad.

5. What is the work-life balance like during DNB?
Specialties like Radiology offer relatively better lifestyle balance, while OBG and Surgery may demand longer hours.

Conclusion 

Selecting the right postgraduate specialization is one of the biggest career decisions for a doctor. At St. John’s Medical College, the availability of diverse DNB specializations combined with excellent academic reputation makes it a preferred choice for many doctors across India.

If you’re preparing for admissions, consider how your passion, career goals, and lifestyle preferences align with these specializations. Platforms like Career Plan B can guide you with detailed data on cut-offs, fees, and seat availability, helping you take the right step in your medical career path.

Remember—this decision defines not just your next three years, but your lifelong journey in medicine. So choose wisely, prepare diligently, and step forward with confidence.

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