Practical-Only DNB Exam Applications Reopened by NBEMS After Candidate Requests — Deadline Now 17 Dec

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has reopened the application window for the DNB Final Examination December 2025 session's "Only Practical" component. This critical decision, driven by numerous candidate requests, offers a final opportunity for previously theory-qualified aspirants to register. The registration link on natboard.edu.in is open from December 4 to December 17, 2025. Candidates who already applied successfully do not need to re-apply. Failure to meet this extended deadline means missing the practical exam and delaying the award of the Diplomate of National Board qualification.

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has provided a significant reprieve to postgraduate medical aspirants by announcing the reopening of the online application window for the "Only Practical" component of the DNB Final Examination December 2025 session. This move, made pursuant to representations from several candidates who missed the initial submission deadline, confirms the Board’s commitment to facilitating the completion of the rigorous DNB/DrNB qualification. The application portal is live, and aspirants must leverage this final, extended window to submit their forms. This is exclusively for candidates who have already qualified the theory examination component and are now eligible to appear only for the practical assessment.

I. Final Timelines for the 'Only Practical' Application

The extended schedule for the DNB Final "Only Practical" Examination for the December 2025 session is extremely strict, and candidates are advised to complete the process well before the final cut-off time.

• Application Reopening Date: The window for online application officially reopened on December 4, 2025, at 3:00 PM.
• Absolute Submission Deadline: The final date and time to submit the online application form for the "Only Practical" examination is December 17, 2025, at 11:55 PM. No further extensions are anticipated.
• Theory Exam Schedule: For context, the DNB Final Theory Examination for the same session is scheduled to be held from December 18 to December 21, 2025, in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
• Practical Exam Intimation: The exact date, time, and venue for the DNB Practical Examination will be intimated later to all eligible candidates who successfully register. This information will be made available through their Online Exit Examination Portal (OEEP) account on the NBEMS website.

II. Eligibility and Application Protocol

The reopening of the window is specifically for a subset of candidates, and strict adherence to eligibility and submission protocol is mandatory for successful registration.

• Target Candidates: This reopening is only for those candidates who were previously successful in the DNB Final Theory Examination and are now eligible to appear for the practical component.
• No Re-application Necessary: Candidates who already submitted their applications successfully during the initial window for the DNB Final Theory & Practical or Only Practical are NOT required to apply again. Attempting to do so may lead to complications or forfeiture of fees.
• Dual Eligibility Requirement: Eligibility to appear for the DNB Final Practical Examination is fundamentally tied to two conditions:
  • Successfully qualifying the DNB Final Theory Examination.
  • Having completed or completing the prescribed DNB/DrNB trainee training at an NBEMS-accredited institution by the specified cut-off date. Submission of the required training completion certificate is mandatory.
• Admit Card Access: The admit cards for the DNB Practical Examination will be uploaded to the concerned candidates’ OEEP account. Candidates must regularly check the NBEMS website, as no communication regarding the center allotment is sent via email or post.

III. Strategic Importance of the Practical Exam

The DNB Final Examination is a two-tiered assessment, and passing the practical component is the final barrier to achieving the prestigious Diplomate of National Board qualification.

• Final Hurdle to DNB Certification: Success in the DNB Practical Exam is the decisive final step. Only upon successfully passing both the theory and practical components can a candidate be awarded the DNB title, which is recognized as equivalent to an MD/MS degree.
• Limited Attempts: Candidates must be keenly aware of the rules concerning attempts. The practical examination following the theory qualification is considered the mandatory first attempt, irrespective of absence. A candidate unsuccessful in the first attempt or absent is permitted only two more attempt(s) in the next three consecutive sessions of the DNB Final (Broad Specialty) Examinations.
• Consequences of Missing the Deadline: Failure to submit the application by December 17, 2025, means the aspirant will forfeit their mandatory first practical attempt and will have to wait for the next examination session (June 2026) to appear, delaying their specialist career progression by at least six months.
• Fee Structure: Candidates should review the Information Bulletin on the natboard.edu.in website for the prescribed examination fee structure and payment guidelines. Fees are non-refundable and will be forfeited if a candidate is absent or declared ineligible.

The NBEMS has commendably granted a final, non-negotiable extension for the DNB Final "Only Practical" Examination for the December 2025 session, offering relief to eligible aspirants who need to complete this final step. With the deadline looming on December 17, 2025, every eligible candidate who missed the initial window must immediately access the OEEP portal on natboard.edu.in, complete the online application, submit the requisite documents, and pay the fee to ensure their candidature is finalized for the practical examination and avoid a critical delay in achieving their DNB qualification.

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