DNB Anaesthesiology Exam: Format, Dates and Preparation

Key facts

What the DNB Anaesthesiology exam assesses

DNB Anaesthesiology is a broad-specialty exit examination conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). It has two stages: theory and practical. You must qualify in theory before you can take the practical examination. NBEMS usually conducts DNB Final sessions in June and December. The NBEMS DNB Final page provides session information and examination notices.

DNB Anaesthesiology theory and practical format

Theory: four papers

Each theory paper carries 100 marks and lasts three hours. The usual format is 10 short notes of 10 marks per paper, although the number of notes and their mark allocation can vary. Practise writing direct, structured answers: this is a written examination, not a multiple-choice test.

Practical: clinical assessment and viva

The practical examination carries 300 marks. It comprises an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and/or clinical examination, and a viva. The precise practical schedule is communicated to eligible candidates through the Online Exit Examinations Portal (OEEP).

DNB Anaesthesiology dates and applications

December 2026 session

The theory papers are scheduled for 19–22 November 2026. The session is called December, but the theory examination takes place in November.

The regular Theory & Practical application window closed on 12 October 2026. NBEMS issued a separate extension notice for Only Practical applications on 13 October; that notice concerns candidates applying only for the practical stage, not a new theory application. The NBEMS notice board lists the session notices.

DNB Anaesthesiology eligibility

Who can apply

A DNB trainee must be registered with NBEMS, complete the prescribed training by the cutoff for the session and meet the other requirements in the applicable bulletin, including thesis requirements. Candidates with a recognized MD/MS qualification may apply through the route for the same broad specialty, subject to its eligibility cutoff and documentation requirements.

For an Only Practical application, you must already have qualified in theory and remain within the permitted practical attempts.

DNB Anaesthesiology syllabus

Use the NBEMS DNB Anaesthesiology curriculum as your syllabus map. It connects scientific knowledge to safe anaesthetic practice, intensive care and pain management. Organize revision around:

• Applied anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, physics, equipment and monitoring
• Pre-anaesthesia assessment, optimization and perioperative care
• Safe anaesthesia for elective and emergency procedures, including recognition and management of complications
• Resuscitation, intensive care and postoperative care
• Acute and chronic pain, palliative care, trauma and mass-casualty practice
• Communication, professional responsibilities, research and patient safety

For each topic, be ready to explain the underlying principles and apply them to assessment, a management plan, potential complications and rescue measures.

Pass marks and practical attempts

Passing standard

The theory threshold is 200/400 in aggregate. The 2026 scheme allows up to 8 grace marks only for candidates scoring 192–199, within the stated zone of consideration. The practical requires 150/300; there are no grace marks in the practical examination.

Practical attempts

The practical examination is limited to three attempts. The first attempt is the practical examination in the session in which you qualify theory, whether or not you attend. If you do not pass, you may take two further attempts in any two of the next three consecutive DNB Final sessions. Absence after successful application counts as an attempt.

How to prepare for DNB Anaesthesiology

Make written practice match the paper

Practise timed short notes across the syllabus. Start with a clear definition or priority, then use headings to cover the mechanism, assessment, management and complications relevant to the prompt. Keep the answer focused; an organized response is easier to mark than a long, unstructured one.

Rehearse clinical reasoning aloud

For a clinical problem, present your assessment first, then your anaesthetic plan, monitoring, likely complications and rescue steps. Practise explaining your decisions as well as recalling facts. For the practical, rehearse concise viva answers and examination steps, and include OSCE-style stations in your practice without assuming every candidate will face the same components.

Review errors deliberately

After each written or oral practice set, identify whether the gap was knowledge, prioritization or presentation. Revisit that specific area, then test it again in a new question or scenario. Balance question practice with regular written answers and spoken clinical reasoning.

More preparation advice: Mastering the Indian National Board Anesthesiology Exams: Your Ultimate Guide to Success

Frequently asked questions

References

Exam rules, dates and fees change. Always confirm the details with the awarding body before you apply.