The NBEMS Exam Calendar 2026 provides tentative dates for FMGE, GPAT, and DNB exams. Stay updated on the 2026 medical entrance schedule and planning.

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has solidified its roadmap for the first half of the year with the release of the tentative examination schedule. This calendar serves as the primary resource for thousands of medical and pharmacy graduates planning their professional licensing and postgraduate journeys. While the board has provided specific dates for major tests like FMGE and GPAT, it has also emphasized that these dates are subject to administrative exigencies, maintaining its role as a dynamic guide for the 2026 academic session.

Major Highlights of the 2026 Examination Schedule

The recently published calendar covers a broad spectrum of screenings and entrance tests scheduled between January and June. For many, this document is the first step in a year-long preparation cycle, providing the necessary clarity to align study plans with national deadlines.

• Screening Tests: The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) December 2025 session is confirmed for January 17, 2026. A second session is already slated for June 28, 2026, according to the tentative release.
• Pharmacy Entrance: The Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) 2026 has been allocated a single-day window on March 7, 2026.
• Specialty Exams: Fellowship Entrance Test (FET) 2026 and the Post Diploma Centralized Entrance Test (PDCET) are scheduled for March 14 and April 12, respectively.
• Dental Roadmap: While the calendar includes the Fellowship Diploma Status Test (FDST) for MDS and BDS in February and March, the board noted that the specific schedule for NEET-MDS 2026 will be notified independently.

Detailed NBEMS Exam Timetable (January – June 2026)

The following table summarizes the key dates and timings as per the official NBEMS notification to help candidates track their upcoming assessments:

Strategic Planning and the Omission of NEET PG

Despite the comprehensive nature of the calendar, the absence of the NEET PG 2026 date has caused a stir among postgraduate aspirants. The board has clarified that certain high-stakes national entrance tests are managed under a different notification cycle, which makes the current NBEMS document a focused guide for specialized and screening categories.

• Tentative Nature: Candidates are reminded that the calendar is "tentative," meaning dates can shift. Official information bulletins for each exam will eventually provide the final, legally binding dates.
• Preparation Window: Having a six-month view allows students to pace their revisions. For instance, those appearing for the DNB Final Examinations in June now have a clear five-month horizon to complete their clinical requirements.
• Admit Card Issuance: As seen with the upcoming FMGE, admit cards are generally released 3–4 days prior to the date listed in the NBEMS schedule, serving as the final confirmation of the venue.
• Official Sources Only: The board strongly advises against following social media rumors, urging students to rely solely on the "Notices" section of the official website for any changes to the calendar.

Conclusion

The release of the NBEMS schedule marks the formal beginning of the 2026 medical examination season. By providing a structured calendar, the board enables a more organized approach to medical licensing and specialty admissions in India. While the tentative nature of the dates requires students to remain vigilant for updates, the current roadmap offers the essential stability needed for effective long-term study. As the first major exams of the year approach this month, the focus remains on administrative accuracy and student readiness across the country’s medical hubs.