Updated By Shuchi Bagchi on 30 Jul, 2025 18:32
Check out the DNB PDCET exam pattern 2026 to learn how to study and prepare for the exam to score good marks.
Your Ultimate Exam Preparation Guide Awaits!
The National Board of Examination (NBE) outlines the DNB PDCET 2026 Exam Pattern in its information brochure, which is published every year before the exam. NBE publishes the exam pattern on its official website. Students must go through the exam pattern to ace the exam. The DNB PDCET 2026 exam is expected to be conducted in the third week of March 2026 and will be conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT).
As per the guidelines outlined by NBE, the examination will be conducted in one medium, i.e., English. students will be asked to attempt a total of 120 questions within a time duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes. Each question will carry four marks in DNB PDCET 2024. Each incorrect answer will lead to a deduction of 1 mark. However, there is no negative marking in case of any unattempted question. Aspirants of the exam need to participate in the DNB PDCET 2026 Registration process after going through the DNB PDCET 2026 Eligibility that is specified by NBE.
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Check out the highlights of DNB PDCET 2026 below.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
Name of Exam | Diplomate of National Board - Postgraduate Centralised Entrance Test (DNB PDCET) |
Conducting Body | National Board of Examinations (NBE) |
Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test |
Total Number of Sections | 8 |
Syllabus | MBBS exit level |
Frequency of Exam | Once Every Year |
Type of Exam | MCQ |
Total Marks | 480 |
Total Number of Questions | 120 |
Marks Per Question | 4 |
Negative Marking | -1 Per Question |
Language/Medium of Exam | English |
Check out the DNB PDCET 2026 section-wise exam pattern, which has been outlined by the National Board of Examination in Medical Sciences.
S.No. | Section | Number of Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Anatomy, Physiology & Biochemistry | 25 | 100 |
2 | Pathology, Microbiology and Pharmacology | 25 | 100 |
3 | General Medicine, Dermatology, Psychiatry Radiotherapy | 35 | 140 |
4 | General Surgery, Anaesthesia, Orthopaedics and Radiodiagnosis | 35 | 140 |
5 | Paediatrics | 15 | 60 |
6 | ENT & Ophthalmology | 20 | 80 |
7 | Obstetrics & Gynaecology | 25 | 100 |
8 | Community Medicine | 20 | 80 |
Total | 200 | 800 | |
For those who aspire to attempt the examination, students will be required to adhere to the exam day schedule for DNB PDCET 2026. Check out the following DNB PDCET 2026 exam day schedule as outlined by the board.
Activities | Time |
|---|---|
Reaching Exam Centre and Commencement of Biometric | 7:00 a.m. |
Entries to Exam Centre Closes | 8.30 a.m. |
Candidate Login Access Grant | 8:45 a.m. |
Exam Begins | 9:00 a.m. |
Exam Ends | 11:30 a.m. |
After the students have reached the specific exam centres, as specified in the Admit Card, the students will also be required to present specific documents, proving their identity and eligibility. Here is the list of documents required on the DNB PDCET 2026 exam day.
1) Admit Card affixed with a passport-size photograph of the candidate appearing for the exam (as per regulations).
2) Either one of the following ID Cards issued by an authorised body;
Aadhar Card (with Photograph)
Pan Card
Passport
Voter ID Card
Driving License
The National Board of Examination does not release a specific syllabus, however, as per the official notification released by the board, the exam will be conducted at the level of an MBBS Exit Exam. Students are to prepare the subjects at this specific level, focusing on the different sections mentioned above.
The DNB PDCET Exam Pattern is a comprehensive document that contains all the minute details about the evaluation system, question paper pattern, and marking scheme. The DNB PDCET 2026 marking scheme is explained below for your convenience
Sr.No | Response | Marks |
|---|---|---|
1 | Correct | +4 |
2 | Incorrect | -1 |
3 | Unattempted | 0 |
Here is some of the crucial information regarding the DNB PDCET 2026 Exam Pattern:
Read More: DNB PDCET 2026 Application Form
As soon as the DNB PDCET 2026 exam is conducted, the students will have access to a detailed breakdown of the question paper. This analysis enables them to evaluate their overall score and assess the test's difficulty level. DNB PDCET nursing exam analysis resolves any doubts the candidates may have and aids them in identifying the medical colleges to which they may be eligible for admission. Meanwhile, the candidates can refer to the paper analysis of the DNB PDCET entrance exam 2026 to get an idea about the DNB PDCET exam pattern 2026.
Read More: DNB PDCET 2026 Preparation Tips
Before applying for the DNB PDCET exam 2026, the students must read the exam instructions carefully. The exam conducting authority has provided specific guidelines for completing the DNB PDCET exam OMR sheet. Have a look:
1. The students must utilize the ballpoint pen provided in the exam hall to mark their answers
2. The students cannot alter their answers on the OMR sheet once marked
3. It is strictly prohibited to erase or conceal any information on the OMR sheet
4. If you require rough work, then utilize the test booklet provided
5. As a part of the checking process, ensure that the test booklet code on the OMR sheet is accurate.
Want to know more about DNB PDCET
The medium of the DNB PDCET 2026 exam is English.
Candidates will be allotted 120 minutes (2 hours) to attempt the 120 multiple-choice questions in the DNB PDCET 2026 exam.
No, according to the DNB PDCET exam pattern 2026, the exam will be conducted in online mode.
Yes, there will be negative marking in the DNB PDCET 2026 exam. For every incorrect answer, one mark will be deducted.
In the DNB PDCET 2026 exam, there will be a total of 120 multiple-choice questions.
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