DNB PDCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria - Check Age Limit, Marks Required, No of Attempts, Important Factor

Updated By Shuchi Bagchi on 30 Jul, 2025 18:26

The DNB PDCET exam 2026 application form is expected to be released in January 2026. Before filling out the form, check the DNB PDCET eligibility criteria.

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DNB PDCET 2026 Eligibility

DNB PDCET Eligibility Criteria 2026 suggests that students need to pass a postgraduate diploma degree in the relevant subject. Aspirants planning to appear for the DNB PDCET 2026 Exam have to secure 50% marks for the postgraduate diploma. The National Board of Examinations for Medical Sciences (NBEMS) publishes theDNB PDCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria every year. Students must meet the DNB PDCET eligibility criteria 2026 for admission to postgraduate diploma degrees in India. Students need to meet all the eligibility criteria for DNB PDCET 2026 as per the guidelines of the conducting authority. It is important to mention that the DNB PDCET 2026 eligibility criteria are mentioned only for attempting the exam and not for the courses.

The DNB PDCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria describes the requirements to be fulfilled by the students, including the age limit, minimum educational qualification required, caste category reservation, registration requirements, etc. It is crucial to mention that the NBEMS is responsible for deciding the age criteria of aspiring students seeking admission into postgraduate medical courses through the DNB PDCET 2026 Exam qualifications. Students who will meet the requisite DNB PDCET Eligibility Criteria 2026 will be able to participate in the counselling process.  On this page, learn in detail about the DNB PDCET eligibility requirements, age limits, and more.

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DNB PDCET Eligibility Criteria 2026 Highlights

The DNB PDCET 2026 Registration process is likely to start in the initial weeks of January 2026. The National Board of Examinations for Medical Sciences (NBEMS) announces the eligibility criteria for DNB PDCET 2026 every year in the exam brochure. Before discussing more, let us take a look at the highlights of the DNB PDCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria.

Particular

Details

Name of Exam

DNB PDCET

Event Name

DNB PDCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Released by

National Board of Examinations for Medical Sciences (NBEMS)

Release Mode

Online

Exam Date

3rd week of July 2026 (Tentative)

Academic Qualification

Postgraduate Diploma

Minimum Aggregate

50% to 55%

Upper Age Limit

No Limit

Syllabus

MBBS Exit Level

Exam Mode

Online

DNB PDCET 2026 Academic Qualification

The academic qualification for DNB PDCET 2026 examination is as follows:

  • Students who have cleared/passed a Postgraduate Diploma degree from one of the recognised Universities or medical institutions, as per the Indian Medical Council Act 1956, are eligible for the exam.

  •  Students must have cleared/passed their PG diploma course on or before 30th November 2026. Failing to adhere to these criteria will lead to cancellation of the application to DNB PDCET 2026.

  •  Adding to the above criteria, students who will be qualifying for their exam after 30th November 2026 are advised not to apply, as their application will be rejected.

DNB PDCET 2026 General Eligibility Criteria

Apart from academic qualifications, students are to adhere to the following DNB PDCET 2026 general eligibility criteria:

  • Students who are currently pursuing an MD, MS, or DNM course in India are also ineligible for the course. These students will not be considered for the exam until they complete the specified duration of the course and have been discharged from the course.

  •  Additionally, students who have been enrolled under a DNB (Post Diploma) course in January 2026, will not be eligible for DNB PDCET 2025, even if they have resigned or discontinued the course for any reason.

  •  All students should have registered themselves with the Medical Council of India or any State Medical Council, presenting a valid documentation proof of the same during the counselling process.

DNB PDCET 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Minimum Qualification Required

The eligibility criteria for DNB PDCET 2026 is released by the National Board of Examinations for Medical Sciences (NBEMS) in the exam brochure. Students need to pass an undergraduate degree in medical sciences. Here we have provided the postgraduate diploma required to appear for the DNB PDCET Exam 2026.

Specialities of DNB

Required Postgraduate Diploma Qualification

Anaesthesiology

DA

Radio-Diagnosis

DMRD

Otorhinolaryngology

DLO

Respiratory Disease

DTCD

Obstetrics and Gynecology

DGO

Dermatology and Venereal Diseases

DVD

Psychiatry

DPM

Orthopaedics

DORTHO

Radio-Therapy

DMRT

Nuclear Medicine

DNM

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

DMPR

Pediatrics

DCH

Ophthalmology

DOMS

Pathology

DCP

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FAQs about DNB PDCET Eligibility

Can I apply if I'm already doing an MD/MS/DNB course?

No, if you're already pursuing an MD/MS/DNB course, you can't apply for DNB PDCET 2024. You need to be free from any other MD/MS/DNB courses to be eligible. Check your eligibility before applying to avoid any issues.

When should my Post Graduate Diploma result be declared to be eligible?

Your final exam result for the Post Graduate Diploma should be declared before the date mentioned in the DNB PDCET 2024 brochure. Make sure your result is announced within this timeframe to meet eligibility.

Who can apply for DNB PDCET 2026?

If you'll finish your Post Graduate Diploma before July 31, 2026, you're eligible. You must have a Postgraduate Diploma from a recognized university/institute under the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956, and be registered with the Medical Council of India/State Medical Council.

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