The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has announced an extension to the application deadline for DNB Final examination candidates appearing for the Only Practical session in December 2026. This extension gives eligible doctors additional time to submit their online application forms before the new cutoff. The move is particularly relevant for DNB aspirants who are in the final stages of their postgraduate training and preparing for the practical component of their board examination.
DNB Final December 2026 Only Practical examination applications can now be submitted until December 22, 2026, at 11:55 PM, providing candidates with an extended window to complete their registration.
Your matched MD/MS/DNB seats
LockedEnter your NEET-PG rank to unlock the real colleges you can get — All India Quota and state — with closing ranks, fees and stipend.
Unlock My College ListWhat is the new DNB Final December 2026 Only Practical application deadline?
NBEMS has extended the online application submission window for the DNB Final examination's Only Practical component to December 22, 2026, at 11:55 PM. This extension applies specifically to candidates who are appearing for the practical examination only, rather than those taking both theory and practical components.
The extension was announced through an official notice from the NBEMS Department of Examinations Conduct. Candidates who have already submitted their applications or are planning to apply should note this revised date to ensure they do not miss the opportunity to register for the examination.
Who is eligible to apply for DNB Final Only Practical examination?
The Only Practical examination category is designed for DNB candidates who have already completed their theory examination or are exempt from it based on NBEMS eligibility criteria. This pathway allows doctors to focus solely on the practical component of their final board assessment.
Candidates must meet the specific eligibility requirements set by NBEMS, including completion of their DNB training period and fulfillment of all prerequisite conditions. For detailed eligibility criteria and required documentation, candidates are advised to consult the NBEMS Communication Web Portal or refer to the official information bulletin.
How does the Only Practical examination differ from the full DNB Final exam?
Know the exact MD/MS/DNB seats your rank can get
Official round-wise closing ranks with fee and stipend, matched to your rank.
The DNB Final examination typically consists of both theory and practical components. However, NBEMS offers an Only Practical pathway for candidates who have already cleared the theory portion or meet specific exemption criteria. This allows for flexibility in examination scheduling and completion timelines.
Candidates appearing for the Only Practical examination follow the same rigorous assessment standards as those taking the full examination. The practical component evaluates clinical competency, procedural skills, and case management abilities specific to the candidate's chosen speciality.
What documents and information do DNB candidates need to submit?
While the source does not specify the exact list of required documents, NBEMS has clarified that candidates should refer to the official information bulletin for complete details on eligibility criteria and necessary documentation. The application process is conducted entirely online through the NBEMS portal.
Candidates facing difficulties during the application process or requiring clarification on eligibility can reach out to NBEMS through its Communication Web Portal. The Board has provided dedicated support channels to assist candidates in completing their registrations accurately and on time.
What is the Joint Accreditation Programme mentioned in the notice?
The Joint Accreditation Programme is a flagship initiative of NBEMS that involves partnerships between primary and secondary hospitals or institutions for DNB training and examination purposes. Under this scheme, candidates may be trained and assessed across linked facilities, allowing for comprehensive clinical exposure across multiple settings.
For the 2026 admission session, NBEMS has listed 28 primary-secondary hospital arrangements under this programme, spanning multiple specialities. The notice provides details on the accredited specialities, number and type of seats available, and the distance between linked institutions. Candidates participating in DNB counselling should review these arrangements to understand their potential posting locations and training environments.
Every kind of PG seat, one rank
See the real seats your NEET-PG rank can reach.
How should DNB candidates approach the application process?
Candidates should begin by reviewing the official NBEMS notice and information bulletin to confirm their eligibility for the Only Practical examination category. They must gather all required documents and ensure they have accurate information about their training completion, speciality, and any exemptions they may qualify for.
The online application form should be completed carefully, as errors or incomplete submissions may lead to rejection. Candidates are advised to submit their applications well before the December 22, 2026, deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues. After submission, candidates should retain confirmation receipts and monitor their email for any communication from NBEMS regarding their application status.
What support is available if candidates face application difficulties?
NBEMS has made it clear that candidates experiencing technical or procedural difficulties during the application process can seek assistance through the Board's Communication Web Portal. This portal serves as the official channel for queries related to eligibility, required documents, and application submission issues.
Candidates should not hesitate to reach out to NBEMS if they have questions about their eligibility status or need clarification on any aspect of the application process. Timely communication with the Board can help resolve issues before the deadline and ensure smooth registration for the examination.
What does this extension mean for DNB counselling and admission timelines?
The extension of the application deadline provides candidates with additional time to prepare their submissions and ensures that more eligible doctors can participate in the December 2026 examination session. This may influence the overall timeline for result declaration and subsequent counselling processes.
Candidates should remain aware that while the application deadline has been extended, other examination-related dates and counselling schedules may remain unchanged. It is advisable to regularly check the NBEMS website and official communications for updates on examination dates, result announcements, and counselling schedules to plan accordingly.
See the exact MD/MS/DNB seats your NEET-PG rank can get
Free 2-minute preview — round-wise closing ranks, fees and stipend for every seat your rank can reach.
See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What is the new application deadline for DNB Final December 2026 Only Practical examination?
The application deadline has been extended to December 22, 2026, at 11:55 PM. Candidates must submit their online application forms through the NBEMS portal by this date and time.
Who can apply for the DNB Final Only Practical examination?
Candidates who have already cleared the theory examination or meet NBEMS exemption criteria are eligible to apply for the Only Practical examination. Candidates must have completed their DNB training period and fulfilled all prerequisite conditions as per NBEMS guidelines.
How is the Only Practical examination different from the full DNB Final exam?
The Only Practical examination allows candidates to appear for the practical component alone, typically after they have already cleared the theory portion. The full DNB Final exam includes both theory and practical components. Both pathways maintain the same rigorous assessment standards.
Where can I find the list of required documents for the application?
Candidates should refer to the official NBEMS Information Bulletin and the notice issued by the Department of Examinations Conduct. For specific queries about required documents and eligibility criteria, candidates can contact NBEMS through its Communication Web Portal.
What is the Joint Accreditation Programme and how does it affect my DNB training?
The Joint Accreditation Programme involves partnerships between primary and secondary hospitals for DNB training and examination. For the 2026 admission session, NBEMS has listed 28 such arrangements across multiple specialities. Candidates may be trained and assessed across these linked facilities, providing exposure to multiple clinical settings.
What should I do if I face technical difficulties while applying?
If you encounter any technical or procedural issues during the application process, contact NBEMS through its Communication Web Portal. The Board provides dedicated support to help candidates resolve application-related problems before the deadline.
Will the examination date change due to the application deadline extension?
The source does not indicate any change to the examination date itself. The extension applies only to the application submission deadline. Candidates should regularly check the NBEMS website for updates on examination dates, result announcements, and counselling schedules.
How many DNB seats are available under the Joint Accreditation Programme for 2026?
The source indicates that 28 primary-secondary hospital arrangements are listed under the Joint Accreditation Programme for the 2026 admission session, spanning multiple specialities. The exact number of seats varies by speciality and arrangement. Candidates should refer to the official notice for detailed seat information.
DNB candidates appearing for the December 2026 Only Practical examination should mark December 22, 2026, at 11:55 PM as their application deadline and begin preparing their submissions immediately. Review the official NBEMS notice and information bulletin carefully, and reach out to the Board's Communication Web Portal if you have any questions about eligibility or the application process.
Plan your admission with free AI tools
Turn your NEET score into a rank, then into the exact colleges you can get.