DNB Cardiology

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Mar 13, 2023 19:31PM IST

DNB Cardiology Overview

DNB Cardiology or Diploma of National Board in Cardiology is a three-year postgraduate diploma programme that can be pursued after an MBBS degree. Cardiology is the branch of internal medicine that deals with disorders related to the heart and cardiovascular system. This subject covers a wide range of illnesses, including hypertension, heart failure, diseases of the heart's valves, genetic heart anomalies, CAD (coronary artery disease), and more. Cardiologists or Heart Specialists are medical professionals that specialise in cardiology. 

The National Board of Examinations (NBE) in New Delhi is an independent academic body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, that administers DNB programmes. The authority grants degrees upon successful completion of a candidate's postgraduate medical residency.

To be eligible for this course, a student must pass institution-based entrance exams or state-wise conducted entrance examinations. This course is only offered in offline mode as colleges do not offer long-distance or online DNB cardiology courses. In India, some of the top colleges offering this course are AIIMS, PGIMER, Kolkata Medical College, SGPGIMS, CMC Vellore, etc. On average, the course fee ranges from INR 50,000 to INR 10 LPA. Graduates in this field earn decent initial salaries of INR 6 LPA to INR 30 LPA.

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DNB Cardiology Courses Highlights

Check out the significant highlights of the DNB Cardiology courses in the table below:

Name of the Course

Diploma of National Board in Cardiology

Level

Postgraduate

Types

Full-Time Only

Duration

Three Years

Exam Type

Semester and Annual

Minimum Qualification Requirement

MBBS Degree from a Recognised University

Average Initial Salary Range

INR 6 LPA to 30 Lakh Per Annum

Selection Process

Merit-Based and Entrance Exams

Popular Entrance Exams

Institution-Based & State-Wise Entrance Exams

Top Employment Areas

Government/ Private Hospitals, Research Institutions, Private Practices/ Surgical Centers, etc.

Minimum Aggregate Required 

50%

Major Recruiters

Max Healthcare, Nextgen, Apollo Hospital, Integro, etc.

Top Colleges in India

AIIMS, PGIMER, Kolkata Medical College, SGPGIMS, CMC Vellore, etc.

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Why Choose DNB Cardiology?

Students should choose the DNB Cardiology course to learn advanced knowledge about cardiac or heart-related interventions. Cardiology is all about treating a variety of heart conditions, including electrophysiology, congenital heart defects, valvular heart disease, coronary artery disease, heart failure, etc. Depending on each student's objectives and interests, they may choose to pursue a DNB in Cardiology. The following are the benefits and perks of pursuing this course:

  • Candidates might start their medical careers by establishing their clinic or joining a group practice with surgeons in cardiology-related specialities. Just like many cardiologists start their careers as caregivers before moving on to private practice or even starting their clinics.  
  • Candidates have excellent chances in government and private hospitals, as well as in the self-run profession.
  • They have the option of joining NGOs and serving the community. The course material of DNB Cardiology offers a comprehensive understanding of the entire field of cardiology and pertinent fundamental associated areas are made available to students.
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Eligibility Criteria for  DNB Cardiology Courses in India

A candidate for this course must possess a solid background in medicine and pertinent experience. If a person wants to pursue a career in medicine or if they want to improve their interpersonal or professional skills, they should consider enrolling in this course. The following are the common DNB cardiology eligibility requirements that applicants must meet to be considered for admission to this programme:

  • Students must clear the entrance exam conducted by the National Board of Education (NBE).
  • A student must hold an MBBS degree from a recognised university. 
  • Prospective students must pass the Common Eligibility Test (CET).
  • The student must complete a one-year internship.
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Documents Required for DNB Cardiology Admission

The following are the documents required for admission to DNB Cardiology courses in India:

  • Provisional certificate
  • Physically handicapped certificate (if any)
  • Migration certificate (required in case a student has migrated from other colleges)
  • HSC mark sheets
  • Five copies of recent colour passport-size photographs that have been duly attested by a Gazetted Officer
  • College leaving certificate
  • Caste/tribe certificate
  • All graduation certificates and mark sheets

It must be noted that students must provide all original documents to the administration office of the university/college once they are accepted. Students who fail to submit all specified original documents run the risk of having their application denied or being expelled from the university.

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How to Get Admission to DNB Cardiology Courses?

Acceptance into a college, especially a DNB college, is really difficult nowadays. As mentioned, a candidate must have an MBBS degree, pass Common Eligibility Test, and complete a one-year internship (CET). 

Further, they must carefully fill out the application for admission, and they must be prepared for both the entry and the counselling session. An applicant must also have a high merit score to increase their admission prospects at a particular institution. Although the admissions procedure for DNB Cardiology courses differs from college to college, the measures one should ordinarily take to receive admission are listed below.

How to Apply?

Candidates must check the official websites of the colleges they are applying to and begin the application process. Students may also enrol offline by visiting the college of their preference and submitting an application in person along with the appropriate documents. A typical step-by-step process for applying to DNB Cardiology courses is as follows:

  • Step 1: Registration: Students need to register by entering basic information such as their e-mail address, contact number and personal information.
  • Step 2: Application Form: Students should fill out the application thoroughly and accurately.  All information must be exact and correct.
  • Step 3: Uploading of Documents: All required documentation, including mark sheets, photos, and signatures, should be scanned and uploaded. Only the format required by the institute's application portal is acceptable for document uploads.
  • Step 4: Payment of Application Fees: Candidates have both options to pay the application fees either via online or offline modes of payment. 
  • Step 5: Downloading of Admit Card: After each application has been evaluated for eligibility, admit cards are made available. To use it on exam day, the admit card must be downloaded and printed.
  • Step 6: Entrance Exam: Follow the recommended syllabus and sample questions when preparing for the exam. Candidates must show up for the exam on the scheduled date.
  • Step 7: Results: After a few weeks from the exam day, results are made public. A candidate can go to the next round if they are successful in getting admission.
  • Step 8: Counseling or Personal Interview and Admission: For students who passed the entrance exams, counselling or PI is offered. Based on this, the admission decision is made.
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Entrance Exams for DNB Cardiology Courses

To be accepted into the academic programme, candidates for the Diplomate National Board of Cardiology specialisation must pass the institution-based or state-wise entrance exams. The institution in charge of administering the entrance exam may choose to set the requisite cut-off scores. The final selection process will be open to those who pass the DNB Cardiology entrance exam. The following are some of the most popular DNB Cardiology entrance exams:

  • University of Hyderabad Entrance Exam 
  • University of Delhi Entrance Exam
  • University of Calcutta Entrance Exam 
  • Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences Entrance Exam 
  • Rajasthan University of Health Sciences Entrance Exam
  • Punjabi University Entrance Exam
  • Rajasthan University Entrance Exam
  • Punjab University Entrance Exam
  • Kerala University Entrance Exam 
  • Pune University Entrance Exam
  • Kanpur University Entrance Exam
  • Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Exam
  • Jamia Millia Islamia Entrance Exam
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DNB Cardiology vs MD Cardiology Comparison

The highest level of degree a physician can earn is a Doctor of Medicine in Cardiology or MD Cardiology. It is also a medical speciality like DNB Cardiology that deals with disorders of the heart. Though both the fields have a lot to share in common, the following table is a comparison between DNB Cardiology vs MD Cardiology:

Course Name

MD Cardiology

DNB Cardiology

Full-Form

Doctor Of Medicine Cardiology

Diplomate of National Board Cardiology

Course Duration

3 years

3 years

Stream

Science

Science

Eligibility

MBBS degree from a recognised university/college

MBBS degree from a recognised university/college

Entrance Exams

AIIMS PG, PGIMER, NEET PG, JIPMER PG

DNB PDCET, NEET PG

Top Colleges

HIMSR, AIIMS, SGPGIMS, PGIMER, etc.

AIIMS, HIMSR, etc.

Job Profiles

Vascular Surgeon, Researcher, Physiologist, Neonatal Surgeon, Plastic Surgeon, Gynaecologist, Bacteriologist, etc.

Ophthalmologist, Geriatrician, Cardiologist, Paediatrician, Anaesthesiologist, Nephrologist, Geriatrician, etc. 

Average Annual Fees

INR 10,000 to 10 lakh

INR 50,000 to 10 lakh

Average Annual Salaries

INR 8 to 20 lakh

INR 6 to 30 lakh 

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Popular DNB Cardiology Colleges in India

Numerous prestigious colleges in India provide a wide variety of DNB cardiology courses for candidates to choose from. Following is a list of the top colleges in India that provide DNB cardiology courses:

  • Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai
  • SGPGIMS, Lucknow
  • PGIMER, Chandigarh
  • Kolkata Medical College, Kolkata
  • KMC, Manipal
  • KGMU, Lucknow
  • JIPMER, Puducherry
  • CMC Vellore, Vellore
  • BHU, Varanasi
  • AIIMS, Delhi
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Top DNB Cardiology Colleges in India - State-wise

The following are the top DNB Cardiology colleges in India segregated by their respective states and cities:

Delhi NCR

College/University

City

Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences & Research (HIMSR)

New Delhi

Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU)

New Delhi

AIIMS

New Delhi

Jamia Hamdard

New Delhi

Dr RML Hospital and PG Institute of Medical Education and Research

New Delhi

Maharashtra

College/University

City

Jaslok College of Nursing (JHRC)

Mumbai

KJ Somaiya Medical College (KJSMC)

Mumbai

BHIMS

Mumbai

HBT Medical College & Dr R.N. Cooper Municipal General Hospital

Mumbai

Grant Medical College & Sir J.J. Group Of Hospitals

Mumbai

Poona Hospital & Research Centre

Pune

Armed Forces Medical College

Pune

Tamil Nadu

College/University

City

Government Kilpauk Medical College

Chennai

SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre

Chennai

Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute

Chennai

Madras Medical College (MMC)

Chennai

Rajasthan

College/University

City

Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Hospital

Jaipur

Jayoti Vidyapeeth Women's University

Jaipur

SMS Medical College

Jaipur

NIMS University

Jaipur

Geetanjali Medical College And Hospital

Jaipur

Karnataka

College/University

City

Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre (VIMSARC)

Bangalore

St John's Medical College

Bangalore

MS Ramaiah Medical College

Bangalore

Raja Rajeshwari Medical College and Hospital

Bangalore

Kasturba Medical College (KMC)

Manipal

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Study DNB Cardiology Courses Abroad

DNB Cardiology, as a course, is highly sought after and pays well. People all around the world are afflicted by cardiovascular disorders as a result of altering lifestyle trends. Two-thirds of the world's population, or 1.13 billion people, now suffer from heart conditions like hypertension. As per research,  there is a rising need for cardiac training among aspiring physicians doing their MBBS at medical schools around the world. Thus, study abroad aspirants can also study courses that align with the DNB Cardiology course.

It makes sense that cardiologists have thriving scopes and opportunities around the world. Various organisations provide exceptional chances to skilled cardiologists, including the WHO (World Health Organization), UNICEF, Red Cross, and smaller yet well-known NGOs. In hospitals, individuals may work as visiting doctors and bill by the hour. They can also open their private practices and work as a potent cardiologist. Moreover, graduates of this field are employed in a variety of divisions, including the teaching and research sections.

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DNB Cardiology Top Colleges Abroad

Depending on the type of course, college, and country, similar courses to DNB Cardiology in foreign universities can be a full-time or part-time programme with a minimum of three years duration. Students who pursue related courses abroad have access to some of the top facilities, professors, and resources available, as well as international exposure to the research area and diverse cultures. Additionally, students must have a decent command of English and hold an MBBS degree from an accredited institution in their field. The table below shows the top colleges to study related courses to DNB Cardiology abroad along with their respective countries:

College/University

Location/Country

Duke University

USA

Harvard University

USA

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

USA

Imperial College London

UK

Monash University

Australia

New York University

USA

Sorbonne Universite

France

Stanford University

USA

Universite de Lorraine

France

Université de Paris

France

Universite Paris Saclay

France

University College London

UK

University of Adelaide

Australia

University of Aix-Marseille

France

University of Glasgow

UK

University of Melbourne

Australia

University of Oxford

UK

University of Sydney

Australia

University of Western Australia

Australia

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DNB Cardiology Course Fees

In India, the DNB Cardiology course fees will differ based on a variety of factors. These can be location, reputation of the institution, type of institution, faculty, infrastructure, and facilities accessible to students. The average DNB Cardiology course fee in India is around INR 50,000 to INR 10 annually. The following table indicates course fees for top colleges in the country:

University/College Name

Average Fees Per Annum (in INR)

National Institute of Pathology (IOP, New Delhi

46,152 

National Institute of Ophthalmology (NIO), Pune

35,000 

K.J. Somaiya Medical College & Research Centre (KJSMC), Mumbai

47,890 

Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Memorial Medical College, Amravati

28,925 

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DNB Cardiology Course Curriculum & Subjects

The DNB Cardiology course is a theory + practicals based programme. This curriculum effectively teaches students the skills needed to treat various cardiac diseases. Coronary artery disease, electrophysiology, valvular heart disease, congenital heart defects, heart failure, etc. are all important subjects covered in the DNB Cardiology course curriculum, which follows a predetermined format. Below is a list of the general topics covered in this course:

Tumours of the heart

Traumatic heart disease

Systemic hypertension

Rheumatic heart disease

Pulmonary thromboembolism and pulmonary hypertension

Preventive cardiology and epidemiology

Pericardial diseases

Pediatric cardiology

Nuclear cardiology

Non- Invasive techniques in cardiology

Invasive cardiology

Imagine techniques of the heart

Heart muscle diseases

Heart failure

Geriatric heart diseases

Genetics

General anaesthesia

Fundamentals of cardiovascular diseases

Coronary artery diseases

Congenital heart diseases

Cardiac physiology

Cardiac pharmacology

Cardiac pathology

Cardiac molecular biology

Cardiac microbiology

Cardiac biochemistry

Cardiac arrhythmias

Cardiac anatomy

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DNB Cardiology Semester-Wise Syllabus

The purpose of the DM Cardiology syllabus is to acquaint students with the discipline of cardiology. The three years of the DM Cardiology course are divided into six semesters. For the DNB Cardiology curriculum, there are required and optional subjects. The core disciplines, which are important subjects, are what lay the foundation for medicine. The table below shows the DNB Cardiology syllabus that is broken down by semester:

First Year Syllabus

Semester I

Semester II

Rheumatic Heart Disease

Heart Muscle Disease

Pericardial Disease

Genetics

Coronary Artery Disease

Systemic Disease Involving the Heart

Congenital Heart Disease

Traumatic Heart Disease

Second Year Syllabus

Semester III

Semester IV

Pulmonary Hypertension

Pregnancy and Heart Disease

Peripheral Vascular Disorders

General Anaesthesia

Heart Failure

Geriatric Heart Disease

Third Year Syllabus

Semester V

Semester VI

Stress Testing

Temporary Pacemaker Insertion

Radiography

Right/Left Heart Path Coronary Angiography

Holter monitoring

Various Interventions including Valvuloplasty

Electrocardiography

Experience in Cardiac Catheterisation

Echocardiography

Electrophysiology

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DNB Cardiology in India - Career and Job Prospects

As per research, aspiring doctors doing their MBBS in medical colleges around the nation have an increasing demand for cardiac courses. DNB Cardiology graduates’ scope of employment is extensive and varies across numerous fields and industries. Based on the specialisation they choose, they can explore various career pathways. DNB Cardiology graduates have a bright future ahead, with relatively decent career opportunities and economic benefits in almost every sector.

Job Profiles for DNB Cardiologists

The following are some of the popular DNB Cardiology jobs profiles that are undertaken by postgraduate students:

  • Senior Resident-Cardiology
  • Registrar-Cardiology
  • Part-time Specialist-Cardiology
  • Marketing Manager-Interventional Cardiology
  • Lecturer-Cardiology
  • Junior Resident-Cardiology
  • Jr Technical Executive-Cardiology
  • House Officer/ RMO-Cardiology
  • Consultant-Invasive Cardiology
  • Area Sales Manager-Cardiology

Leading Recruiters for DNB Cardiologists

The leading recruiters in the field of DNB cardiology are:

  • AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Science)
  • Government hospitals
  • Government medical colleges
  • Indian Council of Medical Research
  • Indian Railway Medical Services
  • Military healthcare hospitals/institutes
  • National Rural Health Mission
  • Private hospitals 
  • State Public Service Commission
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What is the Salary of a DNB Cardiologist?

Following completion of the DNB Cardiology course, students will be able to choose from a variety of job roles, each of which will pay an average salary, as shown in the table below.

Job Role

Job Description

Estimated Average Annual Salary (in INR)

Technical Assistant

They are responsible for assisting people with heart medications, which are specialised and computer-based.

3.58 lakh

Senior Resident (Cardiology)

They are trained to carry out a variety of machine-related medical checks, including electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and trans-oesophageal echocardiogram exercises. 

5.30 lakh

Junior Resident (Cardiology)

By directing the pulmonary framework, they are educated to examine and cure problems brought on by the lungs, veins, and heart.

4.80 lakh

Cardiologist

A cardiologist aids in diagnosing, testing for, and treating heart and vascular disorders. Additionally, they examine any additional heart-related issues beforehand.

9. 88 lakh

Area Sales Manager

An area sales manager's responsibility is to see to it that the company's goals are met and that it grows organically. They aid in developing fresh commercial strategies as well.

4.08 lakh

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Skills That Make You The Best DNB Cardiologist

To become a DNB Cardiologist, students must possess the necessary academic credentials, as well as a zeal for cardiovascular research and strong communication skills. They also need the following skills in addition to having a scientific bent of mind. Here are some of them:

  • Analytical Skills: Analytical skills are crucial for any medical practitioner, including cardiologists. They must be able to diagnose the disorders and offer the appropriate care.
  • Confidence: Being a good cardiologist requires a great deal of confidence. The field of cardiology deals with severe complications of the heart, one of the most important human organs, and it is difficult to become a cardiologist without confidence.
  • Core Knowledge of the Subject: In the discipline of cardiology, core knowledge is essential. Overconfidence and inadequate knowledge are risky and damaging to the patient. Cardiologists should be eager lifelong learners.
  • Patience and Focus: Cardiothoracic procedures take a very long time to complete. Cardiologists must therefore be extremely patient and concentrated when performing a surgery.
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FAQs about DNB Cardiology

Can DNB Cardiology fetch students a rewarding career in India?

Yes, DNB Cardiology can fetch students a rewarding career in India owing to a variety of career prospects and remuneration opportunities. Cardiology-focused students are aware of how to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the heart and veins. Graduates of this course can find employment in a range of fields, including academia, the military health services, hospitals, schools, self-employment in the writing of scientific content, etc.

What are the best course books for DNB Cardiology?

The students are free to buy any of the several DM Cardiology books that are available in the market or download free PDFs online. The students may use these books as a guide as they learn more in-depth knowledge about their area of specialisation. Here is a list of a few best course books for DNB Cardiology:

  • Fundamentals of Geriatric Medicine: A Case-Based Approach by authors Leipzig, Soriano, Fernandez, and Cassel.  
  • Essentials of Family Medicine by authors Viera, Jacques, Slatt, Slane, Ebell, and Smith.

Are DNB Cardiology projects compulsory for every student?

Yes, DNB Cardiology projects are compulsory for every student. For their final project, students studying DM Cardiology must undertake research. These assignments let professors assess how effectively the students understand their subject at hand. The most common project topics that the students have worked on are listed below:

  • Experience in Cardiac Catheterisation
  • Left/Right Heart Path Coronary Angiography
  • Temporary Pacemaker Insertion
  • Electrocardiography
  • Radiography
  • Stress Testing

Which teaching methodologies and techniques are used in DNB Cardiology?

The DM Cardiology course employs traditional classroom-based teaching methodologies and techniques. These methods are meant to help students obtain more in-depth knowledge about a variety of subjects and disciplines. Here are some of them:

  • Lab Sessions
  • Theory Papers
  • Group Discussions
  • Classroom Lectures
  • Thesis
  • Seminars
  • Internships, etc.

What are the top cardiology hospitals in India?

The following are the top cardiology hospitals (private) in India where graduates of this field can look for work opportunities:

  • Wockhardt Hospitals
  • Sakra World Hospital
  • RN Tagore International Institute of Cardiac Sciences
  • Narayana Hrudayalaya
  • Medanta, The Medicity
  • Max Healthcare Hospitals
  • Jaypee Hospital
  • Global Hospitals
  • Fortis Escorts Heart Institute
  • BM Birla Heart Research Centre, Kolkata
  • Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai
  • Artemis Hospital
  • Apollo Hospitals

What is the career scope of DNB Cardiology?

It can be said that the career scope of DNB Cardiology is promising and rewarding. Candidate options after completing the DNB Cardiology programme are varied. After completing the course, students have two options: hunt for a job or continue their studies. The DNB Cardiology scope is growing quickly and will do so in the near future. DNB Cardiology graduates can thus find employment in a variety of professions in both the public and private sectors.

What are the top areas of recruitment for DNB Cardiology?

Graduates in this field can choose from a variety of jobs in both the public and private sectors. DNB Cardiology graduates can have a prosperous future with multiple job prospects and economic benefits in almost every sector. The following are the top areas of recruitment for DNB Cardiology:

  • Fortis Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centre, New Delhi
  • Asian Heart Institute and Research Centre, Mumbai
  • Apollo Hospital, Chennai
  • Kerala institute of medical sciences, Trivandrum, Kerala
  • AIIMS, New Delhi
  • Narayana Hrudayalaya, Bangalore
  • Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi

What is the difference between DNB and MD/MS?

The difference between DNB and MD is that the Indian Union Ministry of Health's National Board of Examinations confers the postgraduate degree Diplomate in National Board (DNB). While MD/MS candidates receive their training at medical colleges, DNB candidates receive their training at large private hospitals.

Can I do DNB in cardiology after my MBBS?

Yes, students can do DNB in cardiology after completing their MBBS degree from a recognised institution. Admission to the three-year post-MBBS DNB Cardiology course is only available through the NBE's Entrance Examination and its centralised, merit-based counselling, both of which are handled in conformity with the stipulated procedures. NBE grants degrees upon successful completion of a candidate's postgraduate medical residency.

What is DNB cardiology?

DNB Cardiology or Diploma of National Board in Cardiology is a three-year postgraduate diploma programme. It covers a wide range of illnesses, including hypertension, heart failure, diseases of the heart's valves, genetic heart anomalies, CAD (Coronary Artery Disease), and more.

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