The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE) Kerala has opened the online option registration window for DNB (Diplomate of National Board) Post MBBS 2026 admissions. Candidates who have qualified for the first phase of centralised allotment must now enter their preferred courses and hospitals in order of choice. The deadline to submit these preferences is November 6, 2026, at 2 PM — a critical step that directly determines which specialty and institution a candidate may be allotted. Missing this window means losing your seat in the first round, so understanding the process and timeline is essential.
You must log in to the CEE Kerala portal and rank your DNB specialty and hospital choices by November 6, 2026, 2 PM, or you will not be considered for Phase 1 allotment.
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 DNB Option Entry and Why Does It Matter?
Option entry is the stage in DNB counselling where you declare your preferences for specialty (such as General Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, etc.) and the hospital or institution where you wish to pursue that specialty. Unlike NEET-PG, where you rank colleges and specialties together, DNB counselling in Kerala requires you to select from a pre-defined list of available courses and hospitals that CEE Kerala has approved for allotment.
This step is crucial because the allotment algorithm uses your ranked preferences to match you with a seat. If you do not enter your choices, you cannot be allotted a seat in Phase 1, even if you have qualified. The order in which you rank your preferences matters — the system will try to allot you your highest-ranked available choice.
How to Access and Complete Option Entry on CEE Kerala Portal
To enter your options, visit the official CEE Kerala website and navigate to the DNB (Post MBBS) 2026 candidate portal. You will need your application number and password to log in. Once logged in, you will see a link for 'Option Registration' on your home page. Click on it to access the list of available hospitals and courses.
The portal will display all specialties and institutions available for allotment in your category. You must select your choices and arrange them in order of preference — your first choice is your most preferred, your second choice is your backup, and so on. After arranging all your choices, save and submit your preferences. The system will not allow changes after submission, so review your ranking carefully before clicking submit.
- Visit cee.kerala.gov.in
- Click on DNB Post MBBS Admission 2026
- Log in with your application number and password
- Click on 'Option Registration' link
- Select courses and hospitals from the provided list
- Arrange them in your order of preference
- Save and submit before the deadline
Know the exact MD/MS/DNB seats your rank can get
Official round-wise closing ranks with fee and stipend, matched to your rank.
Critical Deadline: November 6, 2026, 2 PM
The option entry portal will close on November 6, 2026, at 2 PM. After this time, the link will no longer be accessible, and no further entries or changes will be accepted. This is a hard deadline — there are typically no extensions for option entry in DNB counselling, as the allotment process must proceed on schedule.
If you miss this deadline, you will not be allotted a seat in Phase 1. You may be eligible to participate in Phase 2 or subsequent rounds if seats remain vacant, but Phase 1 is the largest allotment round and offers the most choices. Plan to complete your option entry well before 2 PM on November 6 to avoid technical issues or last-minute delays.
What Happens After Option Entry: Allotment Timeline
After the option entry deadline, CEE Kerala will process all submitted preferences and generate a provisional allotment result. This result will be published online, and you will be able to see which specialty and hospital you have been allotted based on your preferences, merit rank, and availability of seats.
Following the provisional result, candidates are given a window to submit grievances or objections if they believe there is an error in the allotment. After grievances are addressed, the final allotment result is released. Once you receive your final allotment, you must report to the allotted hospital or institution on the specified date with all required documents (degree certificate, identity proof, medical fitness certificate, etc.) to complete your admission.
How to Rank Your Choices Strategically
Ranking your preferences wisely is key to securing a seat you are satisfied with. Your first choice should be the specialty and hospital combination you most want — this is where the algorithm will try to place you first. Your subsequent choices should reflect your genuine preferences in descending order of priority, not random selections.
Consider factors such as the reputation of the hospital, the quality of training in that specialty, location, and your own career goals. If you have a strong merit rank, you may be able to secure a highly competitive specialty or a well-known institution. If your rank is lower, prioritise specialties and hospitals that are less competitive but still align with your interests. Do not leave choices blank or rank them carelessly — every slot you fill increases your chances of allotment.
Every kind of PG seat, one rank
See the real seats your NEET-PG rank can reach.
What If You Are Not Allotted in Phase 1?
If you are not allotted a seat in Phase 1, you will be eligible to participate in Phase 2 (if announced) or subsequent rounds. In these rounds, you will again be asked to enter your preferences, but the pool of available seats will be smaller because Phase 1 allotments have already been made. Your chances of securing a seat depend on the number of vacant seats and your merit rank relative to other candidates in that round.
Some candidates also choose to participate in stray vacancy rounds or apply for seats in other states' DNB counselling if they are eligible. However, the best strategy is to ensure you submit your Phase 1 preferences on time and rank them thoughtfully, as Phase 1 typically offers the widest range of options.
Important Documents to Prepare for Admission Reporting
Once you receive your final allotment, you will need to report to the allotted hospital with original and photocopied versions of several documents. These typically include your MBBS degree certificate, NEET-PG scorecard or DNB entrance exam scorecard, identity proof (Aadhaar, passport, or PAN), medical fitness certificate from a registered medical practitioner, and any other documents specified by CEE Kerala or the allotted institution.
Start gathering these documents now, even before option entry, so you are not caught off guard. Delays in document submission can result in forfeiture of your seat, so keep everything organised and ready. Contact the allotted hospital's admission office if you are unsure about any specific requirements.
Why This Process Matters for Your PG Career
The specialty and hospital you are allotted in Phase 1 will shape your next three years of postgraduate training and your future career trajectory. DNB is a nationally recognised qualification equivalent to MD/MS, and the quality of your training depends heavily on the institution and the faculty guiding you. A well-regarded hospital with strong clinical exposure and research opportunities can significantly enhance your CV and career prospects.
This is why taking the option entry process seriously — entering genuine preferences, ranking them thoughtfully, and meeting the deadline — is so important. You are not just filling out a form; you are making a choice that will influence your professional development as a doctor.
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 deadline for entering DNB option choices in Kerala 2026?
The deadline is November 6, 2026, at 2 PM. The option entry portal on the CEE Kerala website will close at this time, and no further entries or changes will be accepted after this deadline.
How do I log in to the CEE Kerala option entry portal?
Visit cee.kerala.gov.in, click on DNB Post MBBS Admission 2026, then click Login. Enter your application number and password. Once logged in, click on the 'Option Registration' link to access the list of available courses and hospitals.
Can I change my preferences after submitting them?
No. Once you submit your ranked preferences, the system will not allow changes. Review your choices carefully before clicking submit. If you need to make changes, you must do so before the final submission.
What happens if I do not enter my preferences by November 6?
If you do not enter your preferences by the deadline, you will not be allotted a seat in Phase 1. You may be eligible to participate in Phase 2 or subsequent rounds if seats remain vacant, but Phase 1 is the largest allotment round and offers the most options.
How is the allotment decided after I submit my preferences?
CEE Kerala uses an allotment algorithm that matches your preferences with your merit rank and the availability of seats. The system tries to allot you your highest-ranked available choice. A provisional allotment result is released first, followed by a grievance window, and then the final allotment result.
What documents do I need to carry when reporting to the allotted hospital?
You will typically need your MBBS degree certificate, NEET-PG or DNB entrance exam scorecard, identity proof (Aadhaar, passport, or PAN), medical fitness certificate, and any other documents specified by CEE Kerala or the allotted institution. Check with the hospital's admission office for a complete list.
Is DNB the same as MD/MS in terms of qualification?
Yes, DNB (Diplomate of National Board) is a nationally recognised postgraduate qualification equivalent to MD/MS. It is awarded by the National Board of Examinations and is accepted across India for practice, further studies, and employment.
Can I participate in DNB counselling in other states if I am not allotted in Kerala?
Yes, if you are eligible and have qualified for DNB entrance exams in other states, you can participate in their counselling rounds. However, check the eligibility criteria and registration deadlines for each state's counselling process.
If you are a qualified candidate for DNB Post MBBS 2026 in Kerala, mark November 6, 2026, 2 PM as a non-negotiable deadline on your calendar. Log in to the CEE Kerala portal, carefully rank your preferred specialties and hospitals, and submit your choices well before the cutoff time. Your Phase 1 allotment depends entirely on this step — do not delay or overlook it.
Plan your admission with free AI tools
Turn your NEET score into a rank, then into the exact colleges you can get.