DNB General Surgery: Admission, Colleges, Fees, Syllabus, Eligibility, Scope

Diplomate of National Board (DNB) in General Surgery is a three-year postgraduate programme designed for MBBS graduates who aim to become proficient surgeons. This course focuses on developing advanced surgical knowledge and technical skills through structured clinical training, regular assessments, and supervised surgical practice across various specialities.

The programme covers core areas such as general surgery, orthopaedics, anaesthesia, and emergency care. It emphasises hands-on experience through rotations in multispecialty hospitals accredited by the National Board of Examinations (NBE). To enrol, candidates must hold an MBBS degree, complete a compulsory internship, and qualify in entrance exams like NEET PG.

After completing the DNB in General Surgery, graduates can work as general surgeons, pursue super-specialisation, or contribute to teaching and clinical research. With salaries typically ranging from Rs. 6 LPA to Rs. 30 LPA, this qualification opens doors to promising careers in both government and private healthcare sectors.

DNB in General Surgery Important Dates and Events

NEET PG Exam Date- August 03, 2025

DNB in General Surgery- Highlights

DNB in General Surgery is a specialised three-year postgraduate programme designed to enhance surgical expertise and clinical decision-making. It provides hands-on training and academic knowledge for a successful medical career. Below are some of the key highlights, including duration, average salary, top recruiters, entrance exams, and job roles.

DNB in General Surgery Course Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the DNB in General Surgery programme, candidates must fulfil specific eligibility requirements set by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) and participating institutions. While admission is largely entrance-based, the foundational qualification is an MBBS degree along with relevant registrations and clinical training experience.

DNB in General Surgery Admission

Admission to the DNB General Surgery programme is conducted primarily through national-level entrance examinations and centralised counselling. Although the process may differ slightly depending on the institution, the overall steps remain consistent. Candidates must follow the official instructions issued by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) or authorised authorities.

Step 1: Check Eligibility – Ensure you have completed an MBBS degree, a one-year mandatory rotating internship, and have valid registration with the Medical Council of India or the State Medical Council.

Step 2: Register Online – Visit the official website of the National Board of Examinations (NBE) and complete the online registration by providing your personal and academic details.

Step 3: Appear for Entrance Test – Sit for the NEET PG examination, which is the standard entrance test for admission into DNB General Surgery and other postgraduate medical programmes.

Step 4: Participate in Counselling – Qualified candidates must attend the centralised counselling process conducted by NBE, where they can choose their preferred hospitals or institutions based on their rank and seat availability.

Step 5: Confirm Admission – After seat allotment, candidates must verify their original documents, submit the required certificates, and pay the admission fee within the stipulated time to secure their seat.

Top Entrance Exams for DNB in General Surgery

Admission to the DNB in General Surgery programme is primarily based on national-level entrance examinations. Candidates must qualify for these competitive exams to secure admission in reputed medical institutions. These exams assess the candidate's knowledge, skills, and readiness for advanced surgical training.

DNB in General Surgery Syllabus

The DNB in General Surgery syllabus provides detailed training over three years, focusing on both basic sciences and clinical subjects. It includes areas like anatomy, pharmacology, general medicine, orthopaedics, and anaesthesiology. This structured approach helps students gain hands-on expertise. Below is the year-wise syllabus.

DNB in General Surgery First Year Syllabus

The first-year syllabus of DNB in General Surgery lays the groundwork for advanced clinical training. It introduces essential pre-clinical and para-clinical subjects that form the base of surgical education. This phase helps students develop a thorough understanding of human body functions, disease processes, and pharmacological principles. Below are the key subjects.

• Anatomy
• Pathology
• Physiology
• Microbiology
• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology

DNB in General Surgery Second Year Syllabus

The second-year syllabus of DNB in General Surgery focuses on expanding the learner’s clinical knowledge across multiple medical disciplines. It introduces subjects that improve diagnostic skills and interdisciplinary understanding, crucial for surgical practice. This year helps bridge general medicine with surgery through exposure to various clinical and supportive specialities. Below are the key subjects.

• Forensic Medicine
• SPM, Statistics and Biomedical Research
• Ophthalmology
• Psychiatry
• ENT
• General Medicine

DNB in General Surgery Third Year Syllabus

In the third year of DNB in General Surgery, the focus shifts towards advanced clinical exposure and multidisciplinary integration. This stage is crucial for developing decision-making skills and managing complex surgical scenarios. Students engage with key subjects that support comprehensive patient care and surgical proficiency. Below are the core subjects.

• Orthopaedics
• Obstetrics and Gynaecology
• Anaesthesiology
• Paediatrics
• Radiology
• Pharmacology

DNB General Surgery Fees Structure

The fees for the DNB in General Surgery course vary based on the institution. Government-affiliated colleges generally offer the programme at a lower cost, making it more affordable for students. In contrast, private institutions may charge between Rs. 2 to 5 Lakhs per year or more.

In addition to tuition, students should also consider other expenses such as examination fees, hostel charges, and miscellaneous costs. These additional charges differ from one college to another, depending on their policies and facilities provided.

Scope of DNB in General Surgery

DNB in General Surgery offers a broad scope, with graduates finding fulfilment in diverse clinical practices. As General Surgeons, they perform various surgical procedures, honing their skills and contributing to patient care. Beyond clinical practice, DNB graduates can opt for specialisation, leadership roles, and involvement in hospital administration or medical education.

Moreover, the scope extends globally, offering international opportunities. Graduates may explore roles in entrepreneurship, engage in research and innovation, or contribute to the pharmaceutical and medical device industry. This versatility allows DNB General Surgery professionals to craft dynamic and impactful careers aligned with their passions and aspirations in the ever-evolving field of surgical sciences.

Career Opportunities in DNB in General Surgery

DNB in General Surgery offers a wide range of career opportunities across clinical practice, academics, research, and healthcare management. Graduates can specialise further or take up leadership roles in hospitals, medical colleges, or research institutes. Here are some of the job roles, along with their average salary.

Salary Source: AmbitionBox

Top Recruiters

• Apollo Hospitals
• Fortis Healthcare
• Max Healthcare
• AIIMS
• Columbia Asia Hospitals
• Manipal Hospitals

Benefits of Studying DNB General Surgery

Pursuing a DNB in General Surgery offers in-depth training in surgical principles, preparing candidates to manage diverse clinical situations confidently. The programme enhances critical thinking, decision-making, and hands-on surgical expertise, ensuring candidates are well-equipped for demanding medical roles in hospitals and healthcare institutions.

It also promotes research, encouraging candidates to explore innovations in surgical practices and patient care. The course fosters professional growth through exposure to experienced mentors, multidisciplinary teams, and real-world clinical scenarios. Graduates gain a recognised qualification that improves job prospects, leadership potential, and credibility in both national and international medical environments.

Top DNB in General Surgery Colleges in India

Several reputed institutions across the country offer the DNB in General Surgery programme, providing quality education, clinical training, and exposure to a variety of surgical procedures. These colleges are recognised by the National Board of Examinations and are known for their advanced healthcare facilities. Here are some of the top colleges offering this course:

• Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi
• Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, Pune
• The Calcutta Medical Research Institute (CMRI), Kolkata