NBEMS expands DNB disciplines for equal distribution of specialist training

NBEMS expands DNB disciplines for equal distribution of specialist training 

NMC and NBEMS have been working to achieve a balanced 1:1 ratio of MBBS to PG seats

Ayushi.Gupta1@timesofindia.com 23.06.2025

At present, the ratio of MBBS to clinical postgraduate (PG) medical seats in India stands at 2:1. Ideally, this should be 1:1 to ensure equal opportunities for MBBS graduates seeking specialisation and later, better employability. To address this imbalance and the shortage of specialist doctors in healthcare facilities, the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) plans to expand the number of Diplomate of National Board (DNB) seats from 16,500 to 25,000 by 2030. 

Unlike MD/MS programmes, DNB courses are being offered in district, municipal, and railway hospitals, enabling faster increase in seats and a more equitable distribution of specialist training across underserved areas. NBEMS has prioritised expanding seats in clinical disciplines to facilitate better treatment for the general public. Dr Abhijat Sheth, president, NBEMS, says, “The board offers a total of 111 courses–29 broad specialties, 32 super specialties, 41 fellowship programmes, and 9 diploma courses. 

However, our priority is to expand broad specialty programmes in clinical disciplines. These include General Medicine, General Surgery, Orthopaedics, Anesthesiology, Radiology, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Family Medicine, and Emergency Medicine. Additionally, we are also focusing on diploma and super specialty courses such as Critical Care Medicine, Cardiology, Urology, and Surgical Gastroenterology.” Dr B Srinivas, deputy director general, Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry  of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), says, “The National Medical Commission (NMC) and NBEMS have been working to increase the number of postgraduate seats, including MD/MS, DNB, FNB, and post-MBBS diploma programmes, to achieve a balanced 1:1 ratio of MBBS to PG seats. Currently, the shortage of PG seats compared to UG seats has led to high competition in the NEET-PG examination.” 

Dr Srinivas adds, “To meet the demand for specialist doctors, NBEMS has been increasing the number of DNB seats, as the board follows more flexible and less stringent criteria compared to the NMC. DNB programmes can be offered in any accredited hospital and healthcare institution that are not traditional teaching medical college, unlike MD/ MS, making it easier to increase seat availability.” The increased seat count is expected to ease the pressure created by the sharp rise in UG medical seats. Lately, the NMC increased the number of MBBS seats to 1,18,190, while PG seats for MD/MS programmes have increased by only 10,000. 

In response, NBEMS is also expanding DNB seats to help address the shortage of specialist doctors, particularly in government healthcare facilities where timely treatment is critical. Pilot Project Dr Minu Bajpai, former executive director, NBEMS, says, “To increase the seat count, NBEMS has been collaborating with state health authorities. Several circulars have been issued at the state level to fast-track hospital readiness, and multiple training sessions have been conducted for hospital administrators and faculty members.” Around six years ago, NBEMS launched pilot projects in Rajasthan and Kashmir. 

In Rajasthan, district hospitals across 29 districts began offering DNB programmes. “In Kashmir, there are around 300 DNB seats, all occupied by doctors practising at the district level. It is not just about creating more doctors, it is about placing them where they are needed most,” adds Dr Bajpai. The DNB programme is increasingly preferred by candidates because of its strong emphasis on handson training. “According to data from the past two years, around 99% of students allotted DNB seats in rural areas have completed their programmes. Additionally, many MD/MS graduates choose to appear for DNB exams after their initial specialisation to gain additional certification,” says Dr Bajpai.