The difference between DNB and MD/MS is that the former offers the opportunity to pursue a master's in general medicine and surgery. On the other hand, the latter is equivalent to postgraduate and post-doctoral programmes in India.
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If you are curious to know the difference between DNB and MD/MS, you must note that the DNB is awarded by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) and focuses on clinical training, often in private hospitals. MD/MS, awarded by universities, offers a more research-oriented approach and is preferred for academics.
Those aspiring to pursue a postgraduate degree in the medical field are often confused when choosing the right programme. The two prominent programmes that most students wish to opt for include DNB vs MD/MS. Therefore, understanding the difference between MD/MS and DNB is necessary for you to choose the right career path. This will allow them to choose colleges according to their preferences.
What is DNB?
Diplomat of National Board (DNB) is a three-year postdoctoral qualification offered by the National Board of Examinations (NBE), under the Union Ministry of Health, India. This qualification offers rigorous training, theoretical knowledge, clinical experience and research skills.
DNB is considered equivalent to MD/MS qualifications and is recognised as a PG medical qualification. This course is highly regarded in India and is often pursued by candidates willing to specialise in surgery, medicine, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, etc.
This course is beneficial for students looking for career advancement, like academic positions, specialised clinical roles, and leadership positions in healthcare institutions.
Also Read: List of Medical Colleges under INI CET 2025
What is MD/MS?
Doctor of Medicine (MD) is a postgraduate degree program that mandates you to have obtained an MBBS degree and completed one year of internship. The duration of the course varies from two to three years, depending on the specialisation you opt for.
MD is a professional degree for Physicians to practice medicine and is recognised as the qualification for licensure as a medical doctor. It provides an opportunity to train in theoretical, practical, and clinical abilities.
Also Read: MD After MBBS
Difference Between DNB and MD/MS
Imagine this - “a fresh MBBS graduate candidate is looking to pursue higher studies. This is where they meet with a dilemma to choose the right programme - DNB or MD/MS - as it will decide their career path.” MD/MS and DNB are two of the most popular courses among students for postgraduate studies.
However, many students remain unaware of the difference between MD/MS and DNB. But this will not be the case anymore. If you are seeking to gain admission to postgraduate programmes in the medical field, you can refer to the table provided below to check out the difference between DNB and MD/MS:
| Key Differentiators | DNB | MD/MS |
| Full form | Diplomat of National Board (DNB) | Doctor of Medicine (MD) |
| Course Fee | INR 1.1 L | INR 10L- 15L |
| Entrance Exams Accepted | NEET PG | NEET PG, INI CET |
| Specializations Offered | Anaesthesiology, Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy, PsychiatryRadio Diagnosis, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Respiratory Medicine | Cardiology, Haematology, Pharmacology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Neurology, Medical Oncology |
| Career Opportunities | NephrologistsPaediatricOphthalmologistsGeriatriciansCardiologists | Pathologist, Nutritionist, Dermatologist, Paediatrician, Orthopaedist |
| Recruiting Industries | Intelligence Bureau (IB), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Hospitals, Forensic Science Labs, Law Firms | Government Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Private Super Speciality Hospitals, Bio-medical Companies, Laboratories, and Research Institutes |
| Average Annual Salary | INR 10,00,000 - 35,00,000 | INR 10,00,000 |
Also Check: MD Vs MS
Eligibility Criteria for DNB and MD/MS
The eligibility criteria for DNB and MD/MS are slightly different from one another. These have been explained as follows.
DNB Eligibility Criteria
You must meet the Diploma National Board's qualifying standards for the MBBS or equivalent examination with an aggregate percentage of 50% or above, as well as pass the DNB - CET admission test. Read the Diploma National Board eligibility below.
- Must have an MBBS degree with a minimum overall average of 50% from a recognised university/college.
- Must finish a one-year internship program before registering for the course.
- Complete the DNB test, which includes the Common Eligibility Test (CET).
- Must pass the National Board of Education's (NBE) admission test.
MD/MS Eligibility Criteria
You must be familiar with the eligibility criteria for admission to the MD/MS program. You must have a score on any relevant entrance tests that serve as a prerequisite for admission. Some institutes may request that the applicant come in for a personal interview. There is no maximum age for enrollment in MD/MS. The following are the general entry requirements for the MD/MS-
- Must have completed their MBBS at an authorised university.
- Must have scored at least 50% in the MBBS.
- Must have completed the one-year mandatory internship.
Also Read: Difference Between MS and MSc in India? Which to Choose?
Syllabus for DNB and MD/MS
The syllabus structure and course content vary for the three programs- DNB, MD, and MS. These have been explained below.
DNB Syllabus
The DNB courses offer one of the greatest and most well-structured syllabi, depending on your selected specialism. DNB courses include presentations, workshops, case studies, seminars, research projects, and thesis development. Some of the most common topics in the syllabus of the DNB course are listed semester-wise as follows:
| Semester | Topics |
| 1 | Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology |
| 2 | Microbiology, Pathology, Pharmacology |
| 3 | Forensic Medicine, ENT, Ophthalmology |
| 4 | SPM, Statistics & Biomedical Research, General Medicine, Psychiatry |
| 5 | Orthopaedics, Radiology, Anaesthesiology |
| 6 | Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Pharmacology, Paediatrics |
MD Medicine Syllabus
The MD Medicine program lasts two years and is divided into four semesters, two of which are completed each year. Throughout the MD program, the emphasis is on lectures, practical work, seminars, research and thesis work, oral exams, group discussions, and so on. Some of the most common topics in the syllabus of the MD course are listed semester-wise as follows:
| Semester | Topics |
| 1 | Applied basic science knowledge, Diseases concerning General Medicine |
| 2 | Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, Diagnostic investigation and procedures |
| 3 | Monitoring seriously ill patients, Counselling patients and relatives |
| 4 | Ability to carry out research, Ward patient management |
Master of Surgery Syllabus
MCI split the Master of Surgery program into five primary components. The assessment or internal examinations for Master of Surgery students are only held once. After the MS course, they will be required to take both written and practical exams. They must also present a thesis, the topic of which may be chosen by the candidate under the supervision of a faculty member. Some of the most common topics in the syllabus of the MS course are listed semester-wise as follows:
| Semester | Topics |
| 1 | General Surgery, Radiology and Radiotherapy, Ortho and Traumatology, Anaesthesia |
| 2 | General Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Neuro Surgery, Pediatric Surgery |
| 3 | General Surgery, Intensive Coaching |
| 4 | Ortho, Traumatology |
| 5 | Research Project |
| 6 | Research Project |
Also Read: PharmD Vs MBBS
Top Colleges for DNB and MD/MS
India offers several famous medical colleges and institutions that provide DNS and MD/MS programs in a variety of specialties. These have been listed in the tables as follows.
Top 10 DNB Colleges in India
The most popular colleges offering DNB courses are mentioned below.
| Name of the Institute | Average Fees (INR) |
| Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Memorial Medical College | 28,900 k |
| KJSMC | 1.05 L |
| NIO Aundh | 2 L |
| National Institute of Pathology | 50,000k |
| GMERS | 1.25 L |
| NDMC Medical College | 34k |
| ILBS | 60k |
| Thrissur Govt. Medical College | 34k |
| VMMC | 41 L |
| BPS Government Medical College, Sonepat | 1.05 L |
Top 10 MD/MS Colleges in India
The table below lists some of India's best medical institutes that offer MD/MS programs.
| Name of the Institute | Average Fees (INR) |
| AIIMS, Delhi | 2,100k |
| AFMC | 1.28 L |
| BJMC | 90,000k |
| Madras Medical College | 3,600k |
| Grant Medical College | 3.43 L |
| UCMS | 1.21 L |
| BMCRI | 3.41 L |
| MS Ramaiah Medical College | 19.8 L |
| Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute | 40.3 L |
| Dr DY Patil Medical College | 49.9 L |
Also Read: Top M.S Colleges in India 2025
Difference Between DNB and MD/MS: Which One to Choose?
Although both programmes are equivalent, MD/MS offers career opportunities in the academic and research fields. DNB is more concerned with clinical research and private practice. Moreover, DNB is better for candidates seeking to establish their practice overseas.
Further, admission to DNB is a little easier than MD/MS. Most top-ranking candidates opt to pursue an MD/MS. On the other hand, candidates pursuing DNB are given little to no exposure when it comes to professional training.
Ultimately, the decision lies in the candidate’s hands, their career aspirations and goals.
Also Read: PhD After MDS
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