Ritik Kumar · August 27, 2025 
Introduction
If you are planning to pursue a Diplomate of National Board (DNB) course in India, knowing the eligibility criteria is the first step. Every year, thousands of NEET-PG-qualified doctors look for alternatives to MD/MS, and DNB programs have emerged as a strong option because of their wide hospital-based exposure and recognition by the National Board of Examinations (NBE).
This blog explains the essential eligibility requirements for admission to DNB programs in 2025—from academic qualifications to internship completion deadlines. By the end, you’ll clearly understand whether you qualify for the DNB pathway and how to prepare strategically.
Essential Eligibility Criteria for DNB Admission 2025
1. Academic Qualification
You must hold an MBBS degree from a recognized medical college approved by the Medical Council of India (MCI)/National Medical Commission (NMC).
The degree should be valid and recognized for medical practice in India.
Tip: Foreign medical graduates must clear the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) before applying.
2. NEET-PG Qualification
Admission to DNB Broad Specialty courses is strictly based on NEET-PG scores.
You need to qualify for NEET-PG 2025 with the required cut-off percentile:
50th percentile for General Category
40th percentile for SC/ST/OBC
45th percentile for PwD (Persons with Disability)
The cut-off marks may vary each year depending on exam difficulty and number of candidates.
3. Internship Requirement
Completion of a one-year compulsory rotatory internship is mandatory.
Internship must be completed by 31st March 2025 to be eligible for that year’s counselling.
Candidates who finish their internship later are not eligible for the current session.
4. Registration with the Medical Council
You must be registered with either the NMC/MCI or the State Medical Council.
Provisional or permanent registration is mandatory and must be valid at the time of counselling and admission.
5. Age Limit
There is no fixed upper age limit for DNB admission.
However, some institutions may have their criteria for sponsored seats.
6. Attempt Limit
Unlike some competitive exams, there is no restriction on the number of attempts for NEET-PG or DNB admission, as long as you fulfill the minimum eligibility.
7. DNB Super Specialty (SS) Eligibility
For DNB-SS courses, candidates must possess an MD/MS/DNB in the relevant specialty.
Admission is through the NEET-SS exam, conducted separately by NBE.
Eligibility Criteria for DNB Admission 2025
| Criteria | Requirement |
| Academic Qualification | MBBS from an MCI/NMC-recognized institution |
| NEET-PG Requirement | Minimum qualifying percentile (50% Gen, 40% OBC/SC/ST, 45% PwD) |
| Internship | Completion by 31st March 2025 |
| Registration | Permanent/Provisional registration with MCI/NMC/State Council |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit |
| Attempts | Unlimited attempts allowed |
| Foreign Medical Graduates | Must pass FMGE before applying |
| Super Specialty (DNB-SS) | MD/MS/DNB in the relevant field + NEET-SS qualification |
DNB vs MD/MS Admission: A Quick Comparison
| Factor | DNB | MD/MS |
| Admission Basis | NEET-PG | NEET-PG |
| Recognition | National Board of Examinations (NBE) | National Medical Commission (NMC) |
| Training Setup | Mostly large private/corporate hospitals + some govt hospitals | Medical Colleges/University Hospitals |
| Difficulty of Exams | Perceived slightly tougher | Comparatively balanced |
| Career Recognition | Equivalent to MD/MS after MCI/NMC notification | Widely accepted traditionally |
How Career Plan B Helps You in the DNB Journey
Career Plan B simplifies your admission journey by guiding you step by step:
- Eligibility Check: We assess your academic and internship records to confirm eligibility.
- NEET-PG Strategy: We help you improve your rank and shortlisting chances through structured planning.
- Counselling Guidance: DNB admissions involve multiple rounds of counselling. Career Plan B supports you in making choices wisely.
- College & Hospital Insights: We provide detailed comparisons of DNB training hospitals, specialties, and career outcomes.
- Long-Term Planning: Beyond admission, we help you align your DNB specialization with your career goals in India or abroad.
With Career Plan B, you don’t just get admission guidance you get a clear career roadmap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I apply for DNB if I haven’t completed my internship yet?
No. You must complete your internship by 31st March 2025 to be eligible for that year’s counselling.
Q2. Is there an age limit for DNB admissions?
No, there is no upper age limit for applying to DNB programs in India.
Q3. Do foreign medical graduates qualify for DNB courses?
Yes, but they must first clear the FMGE exam and hold valid registration with NMC/MCI.
Q4. Is DNB equivalent to MD/MS in India?
Yes. The NMC has recognized DNB as equivalent to MD/MS for teaching and practice rights, provided the hospital meets the training requirements.
Q5. What if I fail to meet the NEET-PG cut-off?
You cannot apply for DNB Broad Specialty courses without qualifying for NEET-PG. In that case, you can prepare again for the next session.
Q6. Can DNB candidates pursue super-specialization later?
Yes, DNB candidates can apply for DM/MCh or DNB-SS programs after completing their DNB in a relevant specialty.
Conclusion
The eligibility criteria for DNB admission 2025 are straightforward but must be strictly followed. From completing your MBBS and internship on time to qualifying for NEET-PG with the required percentile, every step matters. With growing recognition and training opportunities, DNB stands as a strong alternative to MD/MS.
If you are aspiring for a seat, start by confirming your eligibility and preparing strategically. With expert guidance from Career Plan B, you can align your academic qualifications, exam performance, and career goals to secure the right DNB specialization.
