The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala has opened online applications for DNB (Post-MBBS) 2026 admission. Applications are now live and will close on 27 October 2026 at 12 noon. This is a broad-speciality postgraduate medical qualification at the same level as MD/MS, and Kerala's DNB counselling is part of the national NEET-PG admission process. If you hold an MBBS degree and wish to pursue DNB in Kerala, you must apply online during this window — missing the deadline means losing your seat opportunity for this round.
DNB (Post-MBBS) 2026 online applications are open from 23–27 October 2026 (12 noon deadline); register, fill the form, pay fees, upload documents, and register your specialty choices in 5 steps.
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Unlock My College ListWhat is DNB (Post-MBBS) and who should apply?
DNB (Diplomate of National Board) is a broad-speciality postgraduate medical qualification awarded by the National Board of Examinations and Medical Sciences (NBEMS). It is equivalent to MD or MS and qualifies you for the same career paths — hospital positions, private practice, further super-speciality training (DM/M.Ch), and academic roles. DNB is NOT a super-speciality; it is a 3-year broad-speciality course, just like MD or MS.
You are eligible to apply if you hold a valid MBBS degree from a recognised medical college in India. The course is offered in various specialities such as Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Psychiatry, Anaesthesia, Radiology, and others. Kerala's DNB counselling is conducted by CEE Kerala as part of the national NEET-PG admission framework, so your NEET-PG 2026 score is your qualification to apply.
Important dates — do not miss the deadline
The application window is extremely tight. Applications open on 23 October 2026 (today) and close on 27 October 2026 at 12 noon. After 12 noon on 27 October, the portal will shut and no late applications will be accepted. This is a hard deadline — there is no extension or grace period.
Plan your application carefully: registration, form-filling, fee payment, document upload, and choice registration must all be completed within these 4 days. Do not wait until the last day, as server congestion or technical issues may prevent you from submitting in time.
- Application start: 23 October 2026
- Application close: 27 October 2026 at 12:00 noon (hard deadline)
- Total window: 4 days
Five-step application process explained
CEE Kerala has structured the DNB application into 5 sequential steps. You must complete each step in order before moving to the next. Skipping or incomplete steps will result in your application being rejected. Below is what each step involves and what you must do.
The process is designed to ensure all your information, documents, and choices are verified before the counselling round begins. Take time to fill each section accurately — errors in your name, date of birth, or category can lead to rejection or loss of your seat.
- Step 1: Registration — create your account with email and mobile number
- Step 2: Fill Application — enter personal, educational, and professional details
- Step 3: Pay Application Fee — submit the fee online or at a post office
- Step 4: Upload Images & Certificates — scan and upload all required documents
- Step 5: Option Registration and Print Acknowledgement — register your specialty choices and print your final acknowledgement page
Step 1: Registration — how to create your account
If you are a new user, you must register on the CEE Kerala portal before you can apply. Registration is free and takes a few minutes. You will need a valid email address and a mobile number — both are mandatory. These will be used for all future communication, so ensure they are correct and active.
Click the 'Registration' link on the portal homepage. Enter your email and mobile number, and follow the on-screen instructions to create a username and password. You will receive a confirmation email and SMS. Save your application number and password securely — you will need them to log in and complete your application.
If you have already registered in a previous session or for another exam on the CEE Kerala portal, you do not need to register again. Simply log in using your existing application number and password.
- Email address (mandatory)
- Mobile number (mandatory)
- Create a strong password
- Save your application number
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Step 2: Fill the application form — what information is required
Once registered and logged in, you will fill out the online application form. This form collects your personal details (name, date of birth, gender, category), educational qualifications (MBBS college, year of passing, marks), and professional information (registration with Medical Council, any prior postgraduate qualifications). Every field marked as mandatory must be completed.
Pay close attention to your category selection — General, OBC, SC, ST, or EWS. Your category determines which seats you are eligible for during counselling. If you belong to an OBC category, ensure you select the correct sub-category if the form asks for it. Incorrect category selection is a common reason for rejection.
Double-check all information before submitting this step. Once you move to the next step, you may not be able to edit certain fields. If you spot an error after submission, contact CEE Kerala support immediately.
- Full name (as on MBBS certificate)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Category (General / OBC / SC / ST / EWS)
- MBBS college name and year of passing
- Medical Council registration number
- NEET-PG 2026 score and rank
Step 3: Pay the application fee
After filling the application form, you must pay the application fee to proceed. The notice does not specify the fee amount — check the Information Bulletin or contact CEE Kerala directly for the exact fee. Payment can be made online through the portal or at designated post offices across Kerala.
If paying online, the portal will provide a payment gateway (typically credit card, debit card, or net banking). If paying at a post office, you will receive a payment reference number from the portal; take this to the post office with your application number and complete the payment. Keep the receipt as proof.
Your application is not considered submitted until the fee is paid. If you do not pay within the application window, your form will be rejected and you will lose your seat opportunity.
- Payment method: online portal or post office
- Keep payment receipt as proof
- Payment must be completed before 27 October 2026 at 12 noon
- No refund of application fee
Step 4: Upload images and certificates — document checklist
After fee payment, you must upload scanned copies of all required documents. The notice mentions 'Images & Certificates' but does not list the exact documents required. Typically, DNB applications require: (1) MBBS degree certificate or provisional certificate, (2) Medical Council registration certificate, (3) passport-size photograph, (4) category certificate (if applicable), and (5) any other qualification certificates. Check the 'Guidelines for Upload Images' link on the portal for the complete list and file format requirements.
All documents must be scanned in colour (not black-and-white) and saved as PDF or JPG files. File size limits are usually 500 KB per document. Ensure the scans are clear and legible — blurry or incomplete documents will be rejected. Do not upload documents that are expired or do not match your application details.
This is a critical step. Missing or incorrect documents are the most common reason for application rejection. If you do not have a document (e.g., you are still awaiting your MBBS degree certificate), contact CEE Kerala to ask if a provisional certificate or statutory declaration is acceptable.
- MBBS degree certificate (or provisional certificate if degree is pending)
- Medical Council registration certificate
- Passport-size photograph (colour, recent)
- Category certificate (if SC/ST/OBC/EWS)
- Any other postgraduate qualifications
- Scan in colour, PDF or JPG format
- File size: typically ≤500 KB per document
- Ensure scans are clear and legible
Step 5: Option registration and acknowledgement — finalise your choices
In the final step, you will register your specialty choices. DNB is offered in multiple specialities (Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Psychiatry, Anaesthesia, Radiology, etc.). You will be asked to rank your preferred specialities in order of choice. The counselling algorithm will allot you a seat based on your rank, your NEET-PG score, and the availability of seats in each speciality.
Rank your choices carefully. The system will try to allot you your highest-ranked choice if your score qualifies; if not, it will move to your second choice, and so on. You cannot change your choices after the application window closes, so think through your preferences now.
Once you have registered your choices, print your acknowledgement page immediately. This page contains your application number, personal details, choices, and a confirmation that your application has been submitted. Keep this page safe — you will need it for counselling, allotment, and joining.
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- Rank specialities in order of preference
- Higher rank = higher priority for allotment
- Choices are final after application closes
- Print acknowledgement page as proof of submission
- Save the acknowledgement page for counselling and joining
Pre-requisites and eligibility — who can apply
To apply for DNB (Post-MBBS) 2026, you must meet the following eligibility criteria: (1) You must hold a valid MBBS degree from a recognised medical college in India. (2) You must be registered with the Medical Council of India (now National Medical Commission) or a state medical council. (3) You must have appeared for NEET-PG 2026 and obtained a valid score. (4) You must not have already been allotted a seat in any other postgraduate medical course for the 2026-27 academic year.
The notice mentions 'Pre-requisites For Applying Online' as a link on the portal — click this to confirm all eligibility requirements before you apply. If you are unsure whether you meet any criterion, contact CEE Kerala or your medical college before submitting your application.
- MBBS degree from a recognised Indian medical college
- Valid Medical Council registration
- NEET-PG 2026 score
- Not already allotted a seat in another PG medical course for 2026-27
Common mistakes that lead to rejection
Many candidates lose their seats due to preventable errors. Here are the most common pitfalls: (1) Incomplete or missing documents — especially MBBS degree certificate or Medical Council registration. If your degree is pending, apply with a provisional certificate and update it later if required. (2) Incorrect category selection — if you select General but are eligible for SC/ST/OBC, you will not be considered for reserved seats. (3) Blurry or illegible scans — ensure all uploaded documents are clear and in colour. (4) Wrong name or date of birth — these must match your MBBS certificate and Medical Council registration exactly.
(5) Paying the fee after the deadline — the application window closes at 12 noon on 27 October; if you pay after this time, your application will be rejected. (6) Not printing the acknowledgement page — this is your proof of submission; without it, you cannot claim your seat during counselling. (7) Registering choices after the application window closes — once 27 October 12 noon passes, you cannot add or change your specialty choices.
To avoid these mistakes: fill the form carefully, use the exact spelling of your name as on your MBBS certificate, upload clear scans, pay the fee well before the deadline, and print your acknowledgement page immediately after submission.
- Missing or incomplete documents
- Incorrect category selection
- Blurry or illegible document scans
- Name or date of birth mismatch
- Late fee payment
- Not printing acknowledgement page
- Attempting to change choices after deadline
How to pay the application fee — online and post office options
The notice mentions two payment methods: online through the portal and at post offices. The exact fee amount is not stated in this notice — check the Information Bulletin or the portal homepage for the fee. If paying online, the portal will direct you to a secure payment gateway where you can use a credit card, debit card, or net banking. You will receive an instant confirmation and a transaction reference number.
If you prefer to pay at a post office, the portal will generate a payment reference number. Take this number, your application number, and the required cash to any post office listed on the CEE Kerala website (a 'Post Offices list for Payment' link is available on the portal). The post office will process your payment and issue a receipt. This receipt is your proof of payment — keep it safe.
Payment must be completed before 27 October 2026 at 12 noon. If you pay after this deadline, your application will be rejected. Plan ahead to avoid last-minute delays.
- Online payment: credit card, debit card, or net banking
- Post office payment: take reference number and application number
- Keep payment receipt as proof
- Deadline: 27 October 2026 at 12:00 noon
Forgot your application number or password? — recovery options
If you have registered but cannot remember your application number or password, the portal provides recovery options. Click the 'Forgot Application Number' or 'Forgot Password' link on the login page. You will be asked to enter your email address or mobile number (whichever you used during registration), and the portal will send you a recovery link or temporary password via email or SMS.
Use this link or temporary password to reset your credentials. Once you have recovered your application number and password, log in and continue with your application. If you do not receive the recovery email or SMS within a few minutes, check your spam folder or contact CEE Kerala support.
- Click 'Forgot Application Number' or 'Forgot Password' on the login page
- Enter your registered email or mobile number
- Check your email or SMS for recovery link
- Reset your password and log in
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between DNB and MD/MS?
DNB (Diplomate of National Board) is a broad-speciality postgraduate medical qualification equivalent to MD or MS. All three are 3-year courses at the same level and qualify you for the same career paths — hospital positions, private practice, super-speciality training, and academic roles. The main difference is the awarding body: MD and MS are awarded by universities, while DNB is awarded by NBEMS (National Board of Examinations and Medical Sciences). In Kerala, DNB counselling is conducted by CEE Kerala as part of the NEET-PG admission process.
When do applications close, and is there any extension?
Applications close on 27 October 2026 at 12:00 noon. This is a hard deadline — there is no extension or grace period. After 12 noon, the portal will shut and no late applications will be accepted. You must complete all 5 steps (registration, form-filling, fee payment, document upload, and choice registration) before this time.
What documents do I need to upload?
The notice does not list the exact documents, but typically you will need: MBBS degree certificate (or provisional certificate if pending), Medical Council registration certificate, passport-size photograph, and category certificate (if SC/ST/OBC/EWS). Check the 'Guidelines for Upload Images' link on the CEE Kerala portal for the complete list and file format requirements. All documents must be scanned in colour and saved as PDF or JPG (usually ≤500 KB per file).
I have not yet received my MBBS degree certificate. Can I still apply?
Yes, you can apply with a provisional certificate or statutory declaration from your medical college stating that you have completed your MBBS course and are awaiting the final degree certificate. However, you must update your application with the final degree certificate before the counselling round begins. Contact CEE Kerala to confirm the exact procedure for provisional certificates.
What is the application fee, and how do I pay it?
The notice does not specify the fee amount — check the Information Bulletin on the CEE Kerala portal or contact them directly. You can pay online through the portal (credit card, debit card, or net banking) or at designated post offices across Kerala. Payment must be completed before 27 October 2026 at 12 noon. Keep your payment receipt as proof.
Can I change my specialty choices after I submit my application?
No. Once you register your specialty choices in Step 5 and the application window closes on 27 October 2026 at 12 noon, you cannot change them. Rank your choices carefully before submitting. The counselling algorithm will allot you a seat based on your rank, your NEET-PG score, and seat availability.
What happens after I submit my application?
After you submit your application and print your acknowledgement page, you must wait for the counselling schedule. CEE Kerala will announce the dates for merit list publication, choice registration (if applicable), and seat allotment. Keep your acknowledgement page safe — you will need it for counselling and joining. The notice mentions 'Vacancy after Mop-up' as a link, which suggests there may be additional rounds after the main allotment.
I am an OBC candidate. Do I need to upload a category certificate?
Yes. If you belong to OBC, SC, ST, or EWS category, you must upload a valid category certificate issued by the competent authority. Ensure the certificate is current and matches your application details. If your category certificate is about to expire, renew it before applying. Incorrect or missing category certificates are a common reason for rejection.
What if I make a mistake in my application form?
If you spot an error after submitting a step, contact CEE Kerala support immediately. Some fields may be editable, while others (like name or date of birth) may be locked. It is best to fill the form carefully the first time. Double-check all information, especially your name (must match your MBBS certificate), date of birth, and category, before moving to the next step.
Is there a helpline or email for support?
The notice does not provide a specific helpline number or email address. However, the CEE Kerala portal has a 'Contact Us' link — use this to reach out with questions. You can also visit the CEE Kerala office in person or check the portal for any announcements or FAQs.
What is the 'Vacancy after Mop-up' link on the portal?
This link will show seats that remain vacant after the main counselling round and any subsequent rounds (called 'mop-up' rounds). If you are not allotted a seat in the main round, you may be eligible to apply for these vacant seats in a later round. Check this link after the main allotment results are published.
Can I apply for both DNB and MD/MS in the same round?
The notice does not explicitly address this. Typically, in NEET-PG counselling, you can register choices across different courses (DNB, MD, MS) and the system will allot you based on your rank and preferences. However, once you are allotted a seat in any course, you cannot accept a seat in another course. Confirm this with CEE Kerala before applying.
Start your application immediately — you have only 4 days (until 27 October 2026 at 12 noon). Register on the CEE Kerala portal, fill the form carefully, pay the fee, upload all required documents in colour, and register your specialty choices. Print your acknowledgement page as proof of submission. If you have any doubts about eligibility or documents, contact CEE Kerala through the portal's 'Contact Us' link before the deadline.
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