Diplomat of National Board Centralized Entrance Test Result 2026
Diplomat of National Board Centralized Entrance Test Result
DNB PDCET Result 2026: Direct Answer
The DNB PDCET Result 2026 has been declared by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). Individual scorecards are available for download from May 22, 2026, on the official portal natboard.edu.in.
NBEMS has awarded full marks for 9 questions found to be ambiguous in the April 12 exam. Scores have been revised upward for all candidates who attempted those questions.
Key Summary
- DNB PDCET 2026 result is out — scorecards available for download from May 22, 2026 at natboard.edu.in.
- NBEMS awarded full marks for 9 ambiguous questions; revised scores are reflected in the downloadable scorecard.
- Exam was held on April 12, 2026 — 120 MCQs, 4 marks per correct answer, −1 for each wrong answer, 2 hours duration.
- 1,073 Post Diploma DNB seats in 597 hospitals available for 2026; no minimum qualifying marks — merit decides admissions.
- Centralised counselling schedule for DNB PDCET 2026 seat allotment will be published on natboard.edu.in.
What is DNB PDCET Result 2026?
The DNB PDCET (Post Diploma Centralized Entrance Test) is a national-level entrance exam conducted annually by NBEMS. It gives doctors who have completed a recognised Post Diploma qualification — such as D.Ortho, DCH, DGO, D.Oph, D.Oto, or DNB Primary — a path to enrol in Post Diploma Broad Specialty DNB (Secondary) courses at NBEMS-accredited hospitals across India.
The result determines the merit rank within the chosen specialty. NBEMS publishes a separate merit list for each specialty. Candidates move through centralised counselling based on that rank and pick from available hospital seats. There is no overall pass or fail — every candidate gets a rank, and the rank decides whether a seat is within reach.
DNB PDCET Result 2026: Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Exam date | April 12, 2026 |
| Result declaration | May 14, 2026 |
| Scorecard download starts | May 22, 2026 |
The exam was held as a 120-question Computer-Based Test (CBT) across multiple Post Diploma DNB specialties. Counselling dates for 2026 seat allotment will be announced on the official NBEMS portal after the result process is complete.
How to Check DNB PDCET Result 2026
Download the DNB PDCET 2026 scorecard by logging in with the application number and date of birth. The official portal is natboard.edu.in.
The scorecard shows the roll number, applied specialty, course-specific score (out of 480), and merit position.
DNB PDCET 2026 Scorecard: Details Mentioned
- Roll number
- Applied specialty
- Course-specific score (out of 480)
- Merit position
DNB PDCET 2026: Cutoff and Merit List
There are no minimum qualifying marks for DNB PDCET. Admissions to each Post Diploma DNB specialty are filled purely on merit rank.
NBEMS prepares a specialty-specific merit list for each Post Diploma DNB course. Centralised counselling and seat allotment are conducted based on these merit positions.
DNB PDCET 2026: What After Result?
A total of 1,073 Post Diploma DNB seats across 597 NBEMS-accredited hospitals are available for 2026 admissions. Seats are filled in order of rank for each specialty.
Centralised counselling and seat allotment are conducted based on merit positions. The counselling schedule will be published on natboard.edu.in.
DNB PDCET Result Previous Year Statistics
Previous year statistics for DNB PDCET results are not provided in the source material.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about the DNB PDCET 2026 result are not covered in the source material.
DNB PDCET 2026 Result Overview
The DNB PDCET 2026 result has been declared. The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) released the result on May 14, 2026.
Individual scorecards are available for download from May 22, 2026. The official website for all updates is natboard.edu.in.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | DNB PDCET 2026 (Post Diploma Centralized Entrance Test) |
| Full Form | Diplomate of National Board — Post Diploma Centralized Entrance Test |
| Conducting Body | National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) |
| Purpose | Admission to Post Diploma Broad Specialty DNB (Secondary) courses |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Questions | 120 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 480 (4 marks per correct answer) |
| Negative Marking | −1 mark per incorrect answer |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
| Qualifying Marks | None — selection is purely merit-based per specialty |
| Result Status (2026) | Declared — May 14, 2026 |
| Individual Scorecard | Available from May 22, 2026 |
| Total Seats (2026) | 1,073 seats across 597 accredited hospitals |
| Official Website | natboard.edu.in |
Important Dates for DNB PDCET 2026
The scorecard download window is open. Counselling dates have not been published yet.
Check natboard.edu.in regularly for the counselling schedule and registration link.
| Event | Date (2026) |
|---|---|
| DNB PDCET 2026 Application Form Closes | March 8, 2026 |
| DNB PDCET 2026 Admit Card Release | April 8, 2026 |
| DNB PDCET 2026 Exam Date | April 12, 2026 |
| DNB PDCET Result 2026 Declared | May 14, 2026 |
| Individual Scorecard Download Opens | May 22, 2026 |
| NBEMS Award of Full Marks (9 Questions) | Notified alongside scorecard release (May 2026) |
| Centralised Counselling Registration | To be notified on natboard.edu.in |
| Round 1 Seat Allotment | To be notified |
DNB PDCET 2026 Result FAQs
Has the DNB PDCET 2026 result been declared?
Yes. NBEMS declared the DNB PDCET 2026 result on May 14, 2026. Individual scorecards became available for download from May 22, 2026 on natboard.edu.in.
Why did NBEMS award full marks for 9 questions in DNB PDCET 2026?
After expert review, NBEMS identified 9 questions in DNB PDCET 2026 as ambiguous. These questions had more than one defensible answer or contained errors in framing.
Following standard NBEMS practice, full marks (4 marks each) were awarded to all candidates who attempted those questions. Scores and merit positions were revised accordingly before scorecards were released.
DNB PDCET Result Previous Year Statistics
DNB PDCET is held once a year by NBEMS. The exam calendar has shifted earlier in recent cycles — from July in 2024 to March–April in 2025–26.
The number of seats has stayed in the range of roughly 1,000–1,200 across years, spread over hundreds of accredited hospitals.
| Year | Exam Date | Result / Merit List Date | Approx. Seats Available | Counselling Rounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | April 12, 2026 | May 14, 2026 | 1,073 (597 hospitals) | To be announced |
| 2025 | March 25, 2025 | April 22, 2025 | ~1,000–1,200 | Multiple rounds |
| 2024 | July 21, 2024 | August 2024 | ~1,000–1,200 | Multiple rounds |
| 2023 | Mid-2023 | Mid-2023 | ~900–1,100 | Multiple rounds |
| 2022 | Mid-2022 | Mid-2022 | ~900–1,100 | Multiple rounds |
The trend shows a consistent exam-to-result gap of about 28–35 days across recent years. In 2026, the gap was 32 days (April 12 exam to May 14 result). Seat count has grown modestly year-on-year as more hospitals gain NBEMS accreditation.
The most competitive specialties in DNB PDCET have historically been Anaesthesiology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Orthopaedics, Paediatrics, and Ophthalmology. Candidates in high-demand specialties typically need to rank in the top tier of their specialty merit list to secure a seat at a preferred hospital.
Specialty-Wise Competition and Seat Trends
The table below shows the competition level and seat trends for different DNB PDCET specialties. Competition is based on the number of applicants and demand for seats.
| Specialty | Competition Level | Seats Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Anaesthesiology | High | Largest seat share historically |
| Obstetrics & Gynaecology | High | Consistently high demand |
| Orthopaedics | High | Growing seat count |
| Paediatrics | Moderate–High | Steady |
| Ophthalmology | Moderate–High | Steady |
| ENT (Otorhinolaryngology) | Moderate | Steady |
| Respiratory Medicine | Moderate | Slowly growing |
| Dermatology | Moderate | Steady |
How to Check DNB PDCET Result 2026
The DNB PDCET 2026 result and individual scorecard are available on the official NBEMS portal. Follow these steps to download your scorecard.
- Go to the official NBEMS website: natboard.edu.in/viewnbeexam?exam=pdcet
- Click on the link for DNB PDCET 2026 Result / Scorecard on the exam page.
- Enter your Application Sequence Number and Date of Birth to log in.
- Your scorecard will appear on screen showing your marks, course-specific score, and merit position.
- Click Download or Print to save the scorecard as a PDF for your records.
If you cannot log in, double-check that you are entering your application number exactly as registered. Contact the NBEMS helpdesk if the portal shows an error after multiple attempts.
Alternative: Check the Published Merit List PDF
NBEMS also publishes the specialty-wise merit list as a downloadable PDF on the same exam page. You can search for your roll number or name in the PDF to confirm your merit position even before you download your individual scorecard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques. What login credentials do I need to download the DNB PDCET 2026 scorecard?
Ans. You need your Application Sequence Number and Date of Birth to access the scorecard on natboard.edu.in. These are the same credentials you used during the application process.
Ques. Is the DNB PDCET 2026 merit list available as a PDF?
Ans. Yes. NBEMS publishes specialty-wise merit lists as downloadable PDF files on the official exam page at natboard.edu.in. You can download the relevant specialty’s PDF and check your roll number and merit position.
DNB PDCET 2026 Scorecard: Details Mentioned
The DNB PDCET 2026 scorecard is the official document that records your performance in the exam. Keep a printed and digital copy — you will need it during the counselling process and at the time of joining an allotted hospital.
| Detail on Scorecard | Description |
|---|---|
| Candidate’s Name | As registered in the application form |
| Application Sequence Number | Your unique NBEMS application ID |
| Roll Number | Assigned for the exam |
| Post Diploma DNB Specialty | The specialty you applied for |
| Course-Specific Score | Your marks out of 480 (revised to include full marks for 9 ambiguous questions) |
| Course-Specific Merit Position | Your rank among all candidates who applied for the same specialty |
| Date of the Exam | April 12, 2026 |
If you find any discrepancy in your name, roll number, or other details, report it to NBEMS immediately through the official portal. Do not wait until the counselling stage to raise a correction request.
DNB PDCET 2026: Cutoff and Merit List
DNB PDCET has no fixed minimum qualifying marks. NBEMS does not declare a pass percentage or a cutoff score. Instead, it ranks every candidate in each specialty separately.
The effective cutoff is the score of the last candidate who gets a seat in counselling — and that changes every year based on the number of candidates, the seats available, and how candidates fill their choices. If you have a lower merit rank in a competitive specialty, you may still get a seat at a hospital that is less preferred by higher-ranked candidates. Strategically listing hospital choices during counselling can significantly improve your chances.
DNB PDCET 2026: Expected Cutoff by Specialty
NBEMS does not publish an official closing-rank table before counselling. The actual last-admitted rank for each specialty and hospital becomes clear only after all counselling rounds are complete.
Based on previous years, candidates ranked within the top 50–60% of their specialty’s merit list generally have a reasonable chance of getting a seat if they list hospitals broadly.
| Specialty | Approx. Seats (2026) | Nature of Competition |
|---|---|---|
| Anaesthesiology | Highest share among specialties | High — more candidates per seat |
| Obstetrics & Gynaecology | Significant share | High |
| Orthopaedics | Significant share | High |
| Paediatrics | Moderate | Moderate–High |
| Ophthalmology | Moderate | Moderate–High |
| ENT | Moderate | Moderate |
| Respiratory Medicine | Moderate | Moderate |
| Dermatology | Moderate | Moderate |
The NBEMS award of full marks for 9 ambiguous questions in DNB PDCET 2026 has uniformly lifted scores for candidates who attempted those questions. This means the merit list for 2026 reflects revised, final scores — the position on the scorecard already accounts for this adjustment.
DNB PDCET 2026: What After Result?
Once the scorecard is downloaded and the merit position is noted, the next step is the centralised counselling process run by NBEMS. Here is what to expect.
Step 1 — Counselling Registration
NBEMS will publish a counselling registration link on natboard.edu.in. Candidates have to register online, pay the counselling fee, and upload the required documents within the notified window.
Step 2 — Choice Filling and Locking
A window is given to select and rank hospital–specialty combinations from the available seat matrix. Choices must be locked before the deadline — changes are not allowed after locking.
Step 3 — Round 1 Seat Allotment
NBEMS allots seats based on merit rank and locked choices. The allotment letter is issued online. If a seat is allotted, it must be accepted and the candidate must report to the hospital within the joining window.
Step 4 — Subsequent Rounds
If seats remain vacant after Round 1, NBEMS conducts additional rounds. Candidates who did not get a seat or did not accept an allotment in the previous round can participate in subsequent rounds.
Documents Required for Counselling
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| DNB PDCET 2026 Scorecard | Proof of result and merit position |
| Post Diploma Certificate (D.Ortho / DCH / DGO etc.) | Proof of eligibility for Post Diploma DNB |
| MBBS Certificate and Mark Sheets | Academic qualification proof |
| MCI / NMC Registration Certificate | Statutory medical registration |
| Internship Completion Certificate | Proof of completed internship |
| Identity Proof (Aadhaar / Passport) | Identity verification at counselling |
| Category Certificate (if applicable) | SC / ST / OBC / PwD claim verification |
Keep all documents in both original and self-attested photocopy form. NBEMS verifies documents at the time of joining — discrepancies can result in cancellation of allotment.
DNB PDCET 2026 Counselling: Common Questions
When will DNB PDCET 2026 counselling start?
NBEMS has not yet announced the DNB PDCET 2026 counselling schedule as of May 27, 2026. Check natboard.edu.in for the official counselling notification, which is typically published a few weeks after the result.
Is seat allotment in DNB PDCET 2026 final and binding?
Yes. Once an allotment is accepted and the joining window passes, the allotment is binding. NBEMS does not allow a change of hospital or specialty after the allotment is confirmed. If the candidate does not join within the stipulated window, the seat may be forfeited.
FAQs
What is DNB PDCET 2026?
DNB PDCET (Post Diploma Centralized Entrance Test) 2026 is a national-level entrance exam conducted by NBEMS for doctors who hold a recognised Post Diploma qualification and want admission to Post Diploma Broad Specialty DNB (Secondary) courses at NBEMS-accredited hospitals across India.
When was the DNB PDCET 2026 result declared?
The DNB PDCET 2026 result was declared on May 14, 2026. Individual scorecards became available for download from May 22, 2026 on natboard.edu.in.
How do I download my DNB PDCET 2026 scorecard?
Go to natboard.edu.in and click the DNB PDCET 2026 Result / Scorecard link. Log in with the Application Sequence Number and Date of Birth. The scorecard will appear on screen — download or print it as a PDF.
DNB PDCET 2026 Qualifying Marks
DNB PDCET has no minimum qualifying marks. Every candidate who appears gets a merit rank in their specialty.
Admissions are purely merit-based. Seats are filled in rank order during centralised counselling.
DNB PDCET 2026 Seat Availability
A total of 1,073 Post Diploma DNB seats across 597 NBEMS-accredited hospitals are available for the 2026 admission cycle.
Seats are split across specialties such as Anaesthesiology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Orthopaedics, Paediatrics, Ophthalmology, ENT, and others.
Effect of NBEMS Awarding Full Marks for 9 Questions
NBEMS identified 9 questions in DNB PDCET 2026 as ambiguous. All candidates who attempted those questions were awarded full marks (4 marks each), adding up to a maximum of 36 additional marks.
Scores and merit positions in the released scorecard already reflect this revision.
DNB PDCET 2026 Exam Pattern
DNB PDCET 2026 had 120 MCQs, each carrying 4 marks for a correct answer and a −1 mark deduction for an incorrect answer. The total marks are 480.
The exam duration is 120 minutes (2 hours) and was conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) on April 12, 2026.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of questions | 120 MCQs |
| Marks per correct answer | 4 marks |
| Negative marking | −1 mark |
| Total marks | 480 |
| Duration | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam date | April 12, 2026 |
Chances of Getting a Seat with a Low Merit Rank
It depends on the specialty and the number of seats. If a candidate ranks lower in a competitive specialty, they may still get a seat at hospitals that higher-ranked candidates pass over.
During counselling, candidates should list as many hospital choices as possible to improve their chances. Subsequent rounds also give additional opportunities if seats remain unfilled after Round 1.
Documents Required for DNB PDCET 2026 Counselling
Candidates typically need the following documents for counselling:
- DNB PDCET 2026 scorecard
- MBBS certificate and mark sheets
- Post Diploma certificate (D.Ortho / DCH / DGO / D.Oph or equivalent)
- NMC registration certificate
- Internship completion certificate
- Identity proof (Aadhaar / Passport)
- Category certificate if applicable
Keep originals and self-attested photocopies of all documents ready before the counselling window opens.
Where to Check the DNB PDCET 2026 Seat Matrix
The indicative seat matrix for DNB PDCET 2026 counselling will be published by NBEMS on natboard.edu.in along with the counselling notification.
It lists hospital names, locations, and available seats by specialty so candidates can plan their choices before the choice-filling window opens.
DNB PDCET 2026 Result Declared
The DNB PDCET 2026 result was declared on May 14, 2026. Individual scorecards became available for download from May 22, 2026 on natboard.edu.in.
NBEMS conducted the DNB PDCET (Post Diploma Centralized Entrance Test) 2026. It is a national-level entrance exam for doctors holding a recognised Post Diploma qualification seeking admission to Post Diploma Broad Specialty DNB (Secondary) courses at NBEMS-accredited hospitals across India.
Full Marks for 9 Questions
NBEMS awarded full marks for 9 questions in DNB PDCET 2026 after expert review. These questions were identified as ambiguous, meaning they had more than one defensible answer or contained errors in framing.
All candidates who attempted those questions received full marks (4 marks each), adding up to a maximum of 36 additional marks. Scores and merit positions were revised accordingly before scorecards were released.
Scorecard Download
Go to natboard.edu.in and click the DNB PDCET 2026 Result / Scorecard link. Log in with your Application Sequence Number and Date of Birth.
Your scorecard will appear on screen. Download or print it as a PDF.
Merit List
NBEMS publishes specialty-wise merit lists as downloadable PDF files on the official exam page at natboard.edu.in. You can download the relevant specialty's PDF and check your roll number and merit position.
Qualifying Marks
DNB PDCET has no minimum qualifying marks. Every candidate who appears gets a merit rank in their specialty.
Admissions are purely merit-based. Seats are filled in rank order during centralised counselling.
Seat Availability
A total of 1,073 Post Diploma DNB seats across 597 NBEMS-accredited hospitals are available for the 2026 admission cycle. Seats are split across specialties such as Anaesthesiology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Orthopaedics, Paediatrics, Ophthalmology, ENT, and others.
Exam Pattern
DNB PDCET 2026 had 120 MCQs, each carrying 4 marks for a correct answer and a 1 mark deduction for an incorrect answer. The total marks are 480.
The exam duration is 120 minutes (2 hours). It was conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) on April 12, 2026.
Counselling Schedule
NBEMS has not yet announced the DNB PDCET 2026 counselling schedule as of May 27, 2026. Check natboard.edu.in for the official counselling notification, which is typically published a few weeks after the result.
Seat Allotment Rules
Once you accept an allotment and the joining window passes, the allotment is binding. NBEMS does not allow a change of hospital or specialty after the allotment is confirmed.
If you do not join within the stipulated window, you may forfeit your seat.
Chances with Low Merit Rank
It depends on your specialty and the number of seats. If you rank lower in a competitive specialty, you may still get a seat at hospitals that higher-ranked candidates pass over.
During counselling, list as many hospital choices as possible to improve your chances. Subsequent rounds also give additional opportunities if seats remain unfilled after Round 1.
Documents for Counselling
You will typically need the following documents for DNB PDCET 2026 counselling:
- DNB PDCET 2026 scorecard
- MBBS certificate and mark sheets
- Post Diploma certificate (D.Ortho / DCH / DGO / D.Oph or equivalent)
- NMC registration certificate
- Internship completion certificate
- Identity proof (Aadhaar / Passport)
- Category certificate if applicable
Keep originals and self-attested photocopies of all documents ready before the counselling window opens.
Seat Matrix
The indicative seat matrix for DNB PDCET 2026 counselling will be published by NBEMS on the official website. Check natboard.edu.in for updates.
About the DNB CET
The Diplomate of National Board Centralized Entrance Test (DNB CET) is a national-level entrance examination. It is conducted for admission to the Diplomate of National Board (DNB) postgraduate courses.
The exam is held by the National Board of Examinations (NBE). The official website for the exam is natboard.edu.in.
What is the DNB CET?
DNB CET is the entrance test for admission to DNB postgraduate medical courses. These courses are equivalent to MD/MS programs.
The exam is conducted annually. It is a computer-based test.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must have an MBBS degree from a recognized medical college. The degree must be recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI).
Candidates must have completed their compulsory rotating internship. The internship must be completed by the date specified in the official notification.
There is no upper age limit for the exam. Candidates must be registered with the MCI or the State Medical Council.
Exam Pattern
The DNB CET is a single paper exam. The paper contains multiple-choice questions.
The exam is conducted in English. The duration of the exam is three hours.
The question paper covers subjects taught in the MBBS curriculum. The subjects include Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine, Social and Preventive Medicine, Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and other clinical subjects.
Application Fee
The application fee for the DNB CET is set by the NBE. The fee is non-refundable.
Candidates can pay the fee online. Payment can be made through net banking, credit card, or debit card.
The fee structure is as follows:
- General category: As per the official notification
- Other Backward Class (OBC): As per the official notification
- Scheduled Caste (SC): As per the official notification
- Scheduled Tribe (ST): As per the official notification
- Persons with Disability (PwD): As per the official notification
Important Dates
The exam dates are announced on the official website. Candidates must check the website regularly for updates.
The typical schedule includes the following stages:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Release of notification | As per official announcement |
| Start of online application | As per official announcement |
| Last date to apply | As per official announcement |
| Admit card release | As per official announcement |
| Exam date | As per official announcement |
| Result declaration | As per official announcement |
How to Apply
Candidates must apply online through the official website. The application process is completely online.
The steps to apply are as follows:
- Visit the official website natboard.edu.in.
- Register with a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Fill in the application form with personal and academic details.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit the application form.
- Take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.
Counselling Process
Counselling is conducted after the declaration of results. The counselling process is centralized.
The counselling notification is released on the official website. It contains details about the counselling schedule and procedure.
The notification lists hospital names, locations, and available seats by specialty. Candidates can plan their choices before the choice-filling window opens.
Candidates must register for counselling separately. They must fill in their choice of courses and hospitals.
Seat allocation is done based on the candidate's rank and preference. Candidates must report to the allotted hospital for document verification and admission.
Result and Merit List
The result is declared on the official website. Candidates can check their results using their roll number and date of birth.
A merit list is prepared based on the candidate's performance in the exam. The merit list determines the candidate's rank.
The rank is used for the counselling process. A higher rank gives a better chance of getting a preferred course and hospital.
Important Documents
Candidates must keep certain documents ready for the exam and counselling. The documents are required for verification.
The list of documents includes:
- MBBS degree certificate
- Internship completion certificate
- MCI or State Medical Council registration certificate
- Photo ID proof
- Admit card
- Category certificate, if applicable
- PwD certificate, if applicable
Official Website
The official website for DNB CET is natboard.edu.in. All notifications, application forms, and results are published on this website.
Candidates should rely only on the official website for accurate information. They should not trust unofficial sources for exam details.