DNB Medical Oncology: Eligibility, Admission, Fees, Syllabus, Colleges, Scope

DNB Medical Oncology is a three-year super-speciality programme focused on advanced training in cancer treatment. It equips students with in-depth clinical and academic expertise in personalised oncology care. Through a combination of hands-on practice and multidisciplinary learning, students gain essential skills in diagnosing and managing various types of cancer effectively.

To pursue DNB Medical Oncology, candidates must hold an MD or DNB in General Medicine from a recognised institution. Admission is solely through the NEET SS entrance exam conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE), followed by centralised counselling. This ensures merit-based selection for top super-speciality medical colleges in India.

Medical Oncology is a rapidly growing speciality in India, driven by rising cancer cases and advancements in targeted therapies. Oncologists are in high demand across hospitals, research centres, and pharmaceutical companies. Leading recruiters include Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Fortis Healthcare, Reliance Foundation Hospital, and Pfizer, offering excellent career prospects and growth.

DNB Medical Oncology- Highlights

DNB Medical Oncology is a specialised three-year postgraduate programme that prepares doctors to diagnose and treat cancer patients through advanced medical practices. With a curriculum that integrates theoretical knowledge and clinical training, it opens career paths in hospitals, research, and pharmaceuticals. Here are the key highlights of the programme.

DNB Medical Oncology Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must fulfil specific academic qualifications to gain admission into the DNB Medical Oncology programme. While the core eligibility criteria are generally uniform across institutions, applicants should verify the exact requirements with their preferred college or hospital. Below are the commonly accepted eligibility parameters:

DNB Medical Oncology Admission Process

Admission to the DNB Medical Oncology programme is conducted through a national-level entrance exam followed by centralised counselling. The process is overseen by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) and the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC). While procedural steps remain consistent, candidates must follow official guidelines carefully.

Step 1: Check Eligibility – Ensure you possess an MD or DNB in General Medicine from a recognised university, along with any additional criteria outlined by the authorities.

Step 2: Register Online – Visit the official NBE website and fill out the application form, upload the required documents, and complete the fee payment within the given timeline.

Step 3: Appear for the Selection Process – Take part in the scheduled selection procedure, as per the details and dates announced on the official portal.

Step 4: Participate in Counselling – After results are declared, register for centralised counselling. Seat allocation is done based on merit and preferences submitted during the counselling process.

Step 5: Confirm Admission – Finalise your admission by completing document verification and fee payment at the allotted institute.

DNB Medical Oncology Entrance Exam

To gain admission into the DNB Medical Oncology programme, candidates must qualify for the NEET-SS exam conducted by the National Board of Examinations. This entrance test is compulsory for all super-speciality medical courses in India. A good rank in NEET-SS increases the chances of securing seats in reputed medical institutions.

DNB Medical Oncology Syllabus

The DNB Medical Oncology syllabus is carefully structured to develop clinical expertise and academic understanding of oncology in cancer care. It covers essential areas such as tumour biology, cancer epidemiology, chemotherapy, prevention, and palliative care. The curriculum is divided into five comprehensive sections, as outlined by the National Board of Examinations below.

Section 1: Hallmarks of Cancer

• The hallmarks of cancer
• Growth factors and uncontrolled proliferation
• Cell signalling pathways
• Cell cycle control
• Cancer cell death
• Angiogenesis
• Invasion and metastases
• Genetic instability
• DNA repair after oncological therapy
• Biology of cancer stem cells
• Biomarker identification and clinical validation
• Cancer, immunity, and inflammation
• Cancer and metabolism

Section 2: Etiology and Epidemiology of Cancer

• Epidemiologic methods, descriptive and analytical epidemiology
• Smoking and cancer
• Viruses
• Chemical carcinogens
• Radiation
• Body fatness, physical activity, diet, and other lifestyle factors

Section 3: Principles of Oncology

• Practice points for surgical oncology
• Practice points for radiation oncology
• Principles of chemotherapy
• Delivery of multidisciplinary cancer care
• Principles of clinical pharmacology: Introduction to pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
• Design and analysis of clinical trials
• Medical ethics in oncology
• Health economic assessment of cancer therapy

Section 4: Population Health

• Cancer control: The role of national plans
• Cancer prevention: Vaccination
• Cancer prevention: Chemoprevention
• Population cancer screening
• Familial cancer syndromes and genetic counselling

Section 5: Support for the cancer patient

• Supportive palliative care, hospice care, home care, and bereavement counselling
• Pain management
• End of life care
• Quality of life: metrics and measures
• Cancer survivorship and rehabilitation

DNB Medical Oncology Fees

The fee structure for DNB Medical Oncology varies across government and private institutions, with private colleges generally charging higher tuition. Students are advised to review each institute’s admission process, eligibility, and detailed fee breakdown before applying. Typically, the course fees range between Rs. 36,000 and Rs. 2.4 lakhs.

Scope of DNB Medical Oncology

There is a lot of scope after pursuing DNB Medical Oncology. Students can pursue super-specialities and work as experts in the field. Students can become consultants, oncologists or researchers. Students can also receive PhD fellowships from institutions such as the National Institutes of Health. Students can also opt for further studies like DNB in various specialisations to further their careers.

Career Opportunities After DNB Medical Oncology

DNB Medical Oncology graduates can pursue rewarding careers in specialised cancer care, research, and consultancy. They are equipped to work in leading cancer hospitals, research institutions, and pharmaceutical firms. With the growing cancer burden, skilled professionals are in high demand across the healthcare sector. Here are some of the job roles:

Oncologists: Oncologists are medical professionals who diagnose and treat various types of cancer. They oversee patient care from initial diagnosis through treatment and follow-up.

Oncology Consultants: Oncology Consultants specialise in evaluating cancer stages and types. They develop treatment plans and provide continuous support throughout the patient’s cancer journey.

Cancer Researchers: Cancer Researchers investigate the behaviour of cancer cells and their interaction with living systems. They work to discover new methods for cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Top Recruiters

• Reliance Foundation Hospital
• Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories
• Pfizer
• Fortis
• Apollo Hospitals
• Cipla

Benefits of DNB Medical Oncology

DNB Medical Oncology prepares students with advanced clinical skills and in-depth knowledge essential for cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient care. The structured training prepares them for roles in multidisciplinary cancer care teams. The DNB qualification is gaining wider global recognition, offering greater career opportunities both in India and abroad.

DNB Medical Oncology Salary Trends

The salary trends for DNB Medical Oncology graduates depend on multiple factors such as job profile, experience level, healthcare institution, and geographical location. Professionals working in reputed hospitals or research institutes may earn significantly higher. Private sector opportunities often offer better pay packages. Here are some of the average salary figures:

Source: AmbitionBox, SalaryExpert

Top Private Colleges DNB Medical Oncology Colleges

DNB Medical Oncology is offered by several reputed private institutions across India. These institutes provide advanced clinical training, modern infrastructure, and experienced faculty. While private colleges may have higher fees compared to government ones, they often offer better facilities and exposure. Below are some of the top private colleges offering this course:

• Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (BMCHRC)
• Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research Institute, Mumbai
• HCG Cancer Centre (Bangalore and Manavata)

Top Government DNB Medical Oncology Colleges

Government colleges offering DNB Medical Oncology are generally more affordable and are known for their well-structured academic programmes and experienced clinical faculty. These institutes often have strong research facilities and patient loads, ensuring ample learning opportunities. Below are some of the top government institutions offering the DNB Medical Oncology course.

• Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre (RGCIRC), Delhi
• Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Gwalior
• Mahatma Gandhi Cancer Hospital & Research Institute, Visakhapatnam