The DNB PDCET 2027 syllabus is the full curriculum of your own PG diploma specialty, not the MBBS syllabus. Each of the 16 papers has 120 questions from one specialty, set at diploma exit level. For example, the Anaesthesiology paper covers the entire Diploma in Anaesthesiology curriculum. NBEMS will confirm the 2027 scheme in its bulletin.
DNB PDCET Syllabus 2027
This page explains what the DNB PDCET 2027 syllabus covers for each specialty, the exam pattern and marking, the official source and how to prepare.
What is the DNB PDCET 2027 syllabus?
The syllabus for each DNB PDCET paper is the entire curriculum of the matching PG diploma course, and questions are set at the level of that diploma’s exit exam. There is no common paper: you take only the paper of the specialty you apply for.
| Paper (specialty) | Syllabus based on |
|---|---|
| Anaesthesiology | Diploma in Anaesthesiology (DA) |
| Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy | DVD curriculum |
| Nuclear Medicine | DNM curriculum |
| Family Medicine | Diploma in Family Medicine (NBE) |
| Obstetrics and Gynaecology | DGO curriculum |
| Ophthalmology | DOMS / DO curriculum |
| Orthopaedics | D.Ortho curriculum |
| Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) | DLO curriculum |
| Paediatrics | DCH curriculum |
| Psychiatry | DPM curriculum |
| Radio Diagnosis | DMRD curriculum |
| Radiation Oncology | DMRT curriculum |
| Respiratory Medicine | DTCD curriculum |
| Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation | DPMR curriculum |
| Pathology | DCP curriculum |
| Emergency Medicine | Diploma in Emergency Medicine curriculum |
The list above is the latest (2026) course list. The bulletin gives no separate topic list or subject weightage.
What is the DNB PDCET 2027 exam pattern and marking?
Each paper has 120 MCQs in 120 minutes, split into time-bound sections, with 1 mark deducted for each wrong answer. This is the latest (2026) scheme.
| Feature | Details (latest bulletin, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Mode | Computer-based test (CBT), single day and single session |
| Questions | 120 MCQs with 4 options, all from your diploma specialty |
| Level | Post Diploma exit exam level of the concerned specialty |
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Sections | Time-bound sections (for example 3 sections of 40 questions and 40 minutes); you cannot go back to a closed section |
| Maximum marks | 480 |
| Marking | +4 correct, -1 wrong, 0 unattempted |
| Language | English only |
Questions marked for review are still evaluated. Once a section’s time is over, its questions close and the next section starts automatically.
Where can you get the official DNB PDCET 2027 syllabus?
The syllabus and scheme are defined in the DNB-PDCET information bulletin on natboard.edu.in. The 2027 bulletin is expected in February 2027; until then the 2026 bulletin below is the latest official source. NBEMS also offers a demo test on its website before the exam.
- PDFDNB-PDCET 2026 Information Bulletin (latest) (17 February 2026)Official site · nbe.edu.inOpen
- LINKNBEMS DNB-PDCET official pageOfficial site · natboard.edu.inOpen
How should you prepare for DNB PDCET 2027?
Prepare as you would for your diploma final exam, but in MCQ form, because every question comes from your own specialty.
- Revise your diploma specialty’s standard textbooks and the whole curriculum, not just high-yield MBBS topics.
- Practise specialty MCQs under time limits of about one minute per question.
- Answer each section fully before its time ends, since you cannot return to it.
- Guess with care: a wrong answer costs 1 mark, while an unattempted question costs nothing.
- Try the NBEMS demo test to get used to the CBT screen.
NBEMS keeps the exam content confidential and does not release question papers or answer keys, so practise with specialty MCQ books and your diploma exam papers. Exam dates and the application are on the DNB PDCET 2027 page.