DNB Cardiothoracic Surgery is really competitive, as the 6-years course is designed as 2 years +3 years +1 year. In the primary 2 years, residents will go through General Surgery and Allied specialities posting. This will be followed by an examination conducted by NBE. In the following 3 years, residents will be going through to Cardiovascular and Thoracic specialities. In the latter year, the residents will be placed in a center of excellence. During their training, aspirants are paid a stipend as per National Board Guidelines.