NBEMS Counselling Compliance Extension Remains Active for Sponsored DNB Seats

As of February 7, 2026, the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) continues to accept No Objection Certificates for sponsored DNB seats. This extension allows in-service doctors more time to complete administrative compliance following the reduction in NEET PG 2025 qualifying percentiles. Eligible candidates from government and PSU sectors must submit their verified NOC through the official portal today. Ensure all documents adhere to the December 2025 guidelines to secure participation in the centralized merit-based counseling. The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) is currently overseeing a vital extension period for candidates seeking admission into Sponsored DNB (Post MBBS and Post Diploma) courses for the 2025-26 academic session. Today, February 7, 2026, marks the final day of this extended window, which was granted to accommodate a larger pool of eligible in-service doctors following the recent lowering of the qualifying percentile for NEET PG. This administrative adjustment ensures that specialized medical seats in government and public sector undertaking (PSU) hospitals do not remain vacant due to procedural delays.

Extension Rationale and Eligibility Framework

The decision to provide a compliance extension was catalyzed by directives from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. By extending the deadline for the submission of the No Objection Certificate (NOC), the National Board of Examinations has allowed hundreds of additional medical officers to join the centralized merit-based counseling. This move is specifically designed for regular employees of government organizations who wish to pursue higher specialization while remaining in service.

• Revised Cut-off Impact: The reduction in qualifying marks meant that many doctors previously ineligible now qualify for Sponsored DNB Seats, necessitating more time for document procurement.
• Service Requirements: Only regular in-service doctors working in Government, Central/State Autonomous, or PSU organizations are eligible for these specific quotas.
• Documentary Integrity: Despite the time extension, the board has clarified that the format of the NOC must strictly follow the template released on December 10, 2025.
• Final Opportunity: This extension represents the final chance for candidates to upload their documents via the NBEMS Communication Web Portal.

Procedural Guidelines for Administrative Compliance

To ensure full compliance, candidates must navigate the multi-layered verification process mandated by the National Board of Examinations. The board emphasizes that late submissions or certificates sent via email will not be entertained. The physical and digital verification of these documents is a prerequisite for being featured in the upcoming merit list, which dictates the order of seat selection during the online counseling rounds.

• Portal Navigation: Candidates must visit the official NBEMS website and select the 'Department of Training and Monitoring' to upload their signed NOC.
• Cadre Control: The NOC must be issued by the competent Cadre Controlling Authority (CCA) of the candidate’s parent department.
• Technical Support: For any discrepancies in the upload process, applicants are encouraged to use the dedicated NBE helpdesk services.
• Seat Matrix: An indicative list of approximately 241 Sponsored DNB Seats (Post MBBS) and 57 (Post Diploma) seats is currently visible on the board's accredited seat portal.

Impact on the 2025-26 Academic Session

The ongoing compliance extension serves as a bridge between the administrative requirements of government departments and the academic schedule of the National Board of Examinations. By ensuring that all eligible in-service candidates are registered, the board aims to maximize the utilization of clinical resources across various broad specialty subjects like General Medicine, Pediatrics, and Anaesthesiology.

• Avoidance of Vacancies: This oversight helps in filling seats that are often left unoccupied in rural or remote government medical institutions.
• Merit-Based Fairness: Even within the sponsored category, allotments are strictly based on the NEET PG 2025 rank and the preferences submitted by the candidates.
• Strict Adherence: Any candidate found providing false information or non-compliant documents during this extension phase will face immediate disqualification and potential disciplinary action from the National Medical Commission (NMC).

Conclusion

The compliance extension provided by the National Board of Examinations for the Sponsored DNB Seats highlights the board's commitment to inclusive medical education. As the February 7 deadline concludes, the focus will transition toward generating the final merit list and commencing the seat allotment process. This proactive measure not only benefits the professional growth of in-service doctors but also strengthens the secondary and tertiary healthcare framework by ensuring a steady supply of trained specialists in the public sector.

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