NBEMS Exam Calendar 2026 Continues to Guide Medical Aspirants’ Planning
NBEMS has released the 2026 exam calendar for FMGE, GPAT, and DNB. Aspirants can now plan their preparation according to the tentative dates for the first half.

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has released its comprehensive calendar for the upcoming 2026 academic session, providing much-needed clarity for medical professionals across the country. By outlining the tentative dates for several high-stakes examinations, the board has enabled students to streamline their long-term study goals and residency applications. This early release covers a wide range of entrance and exit tests scheduled between January and June 2026, ensuring that the planning phase for aspirants remains uninterrupted despite the increasing competitiveness of the medical field.
Detailed Examination Schedule and Timings
The newly published calendar serves as a roadmap for various categories of students, from foreign medical graduates to those pursuing super-specialty fellowships. While the dates are currently labeled as tentative, they offer a firm baseline for candidates to manage their documentation and travel logistics well in advance.
- Entrance Tests: Major entrance exams like the Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) and the Fellowship Entrance Test (FET) have been given specific slots in the first quarter of the year.
- Exit and Diploma Exams: For those finishing their specialized training, the DNB and DrNB final theory exams are prominently featured in the April and June windows.
- Screening Tests: The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) remains a priority, with the June 2026 session already marked for the final weekend of that month.
Strategic Roadmap for Major 2026 Sessions
The NBEMS has emphasized that this schedule is a tool for effective planning and should be monitored for any minor adjustments. Below is a summary of the most significant dates released by the board to assist students in their preparation.
| Name of Examination | Scheduled Exam Date | Primary Session |
| FDST-MDS 2025 | February 21, 2026 | First Quarter |
| Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) | March 7, 2026 | Entrance |
| Fellowship Entrance Test (FET) | March 14, 2026 | Specialty |
| Post Diploma Centralized Entrance Test (PDCET) | April 12, 2026 | Diploma |
| FMGE June 2026 Session | June 28, 2026 | Screening |
Conclusion
The release of the NBEMS calendar marks a proactive step in maintaining the academic integrity of the medical education system. By providing these dates early, the board helps mitigate the stress associated with the planning of multiple national-level certifications.
- Tentative Nature of Dates: Candidates are reminded that while the calendar is active, the board reserves the right to modify dates based on administrative requirements or national directives.
- Continuous Monitoring: Aspirants should regularly visit the official NBEMS website (natboard.edu.in) to stay updated on individual information bulletins and registration deadlines.
- Comprehensive Coverage: The inclusion of various screening tests and final theory exams ensures that all levels of medical trainees have a clear timeline to work toward their professional milestones in 2026.
