National Board of Examinations in Medical Science (NBEMS)

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) is an autonomous body under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. It was established in 1975 (formally registered in 1982) as a society under the Delhi Societies Registration Act, its primary purpose is to standardize and raise the quality of postgraduate medical education nationwide. NBEMS designs and conducts national-level examinations to ensure uniform evaluation of medical specialists.

It awards the Diplomate of National Board (DNB) in broad specialties and the Doctorate of National Board (DrNB) in super-specialties, as well as postgraduate diplomas and fellowships (FNB – Fellow of National Board). These qualifications are officially recognized by the Government of India and listed in the First Schedule of the Indian Medical Council/National Medical Commission Act, meaning they are treated as equivalent to MD/MS and DM/MCh degrees respectively.

NBEMS’s scope also includes conducting entrance tests (such as NEET-PG, NEET-SS) for admission to postgraduate and super-specialty courses, and screening tests (like the FMGE) for foreign medical graduates seeking licensure in India. Through this broad portfolio of exams and accrediting institutions, NBEMS plays a pivotal role in setting high uniform standards for advanced medical training across India.

Organizational Structural Design of NBEMS

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) functions as an autonomous organization under the administrative aegis of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. As an independent entity, NBEMS operates with substantial self-governance while maintaining policy alignment with broader national health education goals.

1. Governance Framework

NBEMS is governed by a high-level Governing Body, which is the apex decision-making authority of the organization. This body comprises:

• President: Dr. Abhijat Sheth, associated with Apollo Hospital, currently serves as the President of NBEMS.
• Executive Director: Prof. Subodh Kumar is the present Executive Director, managing day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives.
• Institutional Representatives: Senior members from accredited medical institutions and public health administration contribute to policy-making and academic oversight.

The Governing Body holds the authority to formulate, review, and amend the organization’s strategic direction, in alignment with national healthcare education policy.

2. Legal and Structural Autonomy

NBEMS is registered as a society, giving it the flexibility to operate under its Memorandum of Association (MoA) and By-laws, independently developed and approved by its Governing Body. These foundational documents define the scope, powers, and operational norms of the organization.

While NBEMS functions under the Ministry’s administrative oversight, it retains the autonomy to:

• Design and update academic programs
• Conduct national-level examinations
• Accredit training institutions
• Establish internal administrative procedures

3. Location and Infrastructure

NBEMS is headquartered in New Delhi, from where it administers its academic, regulatory, and examination functions across India.

4. Coordination with Regulatory Bodies

NBEMS works in collaborative alignment with key medical regulatory authorities, especially the National Medical Commission (NMC) the statutory body that replaced the erstwhile Medical Council of India (MCI). Specifically:

• NBEMS follows NMC-approved curricula and academic standards
• It adheres to NMC regulations for the recognition of qualifications
• It coordinates with state and central institutions for implementing postgraduate medical education frameworks

Despite this coordination, NBEMS remains institutionally distinct from NMC and is not under its direct control.

5. Recent Policy Developments and Structural Proposals

As of early 2023, NBEMS continues to function autonomously. However, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has proposed significant legislative reforms aimed at integrating NBEMS into the NMC framework. Key developments include:

• A proposal to establish a new entity titled the “Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (BEMS)” as the fifth autonomous board within NMC, effectively replacing NBEMS.
• Under this proposed structure, NBEMS functions – including conducting the National Exit Test (NEXT) would become part of NMC’s broader mandate under the NMC Act (2019).

This proposal has faced widespread opposition from various medical associations and NBEMS-accredited institutions, raising concerns over autonomy, academic freedom, and operational efficiency.

As of mid-2025, the reform remains under consultation, and NBEMS continues to function independently while discussions between stakeholders and the government are ongoing.

6. Summary of Current Status

Aspect	Status (As of Mid-2025)
Legal Status	Autonomous Society under MoHFW
Governing Authority	Governing Body led by President and Executive Director
Affiliation with NMC	Not under NMC; operates independently
Key Responsibility	National-level postgraduate medical examinations
Proposed Reform	Integration as BEMS under NMC (pending decision)

This structural design highlights NBEMS’s unique position as a semi-regulatory, examination-conducting authority that balances autonomy with government alignment. While the future structure may evolve depending on legislative decisions, NBEMS remains a critical institution in India’s postgraduate medical education ecosystem.

Scope of Functions of NBEMS

Exams Conducted by NBEMS

It conducts nine major medical and dental entrance exams across India. Here’s a simplified guide to the exams and eligibility criteria set by NBEMS.

1. Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE)

• A licensing exam for Indian citizens or Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) who completed their medical degree from a foreign university and want to practice in India.

2. NEET PG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – Postgraduate)

• A national-level entrance exam for admission into MD/MS/PG Diploma courses in India.

3. NEET MDS (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – MDS)

• Conducted for dental graduates seeking admission to MDS postgraduate dental courses.

4. NEET SS (Super Speciality)

• A competitive exam for admission to DM/MCh super speciality medical programs.

5. PDCET (Post Diploma Common Entrance Test)

• For candidates with a diploma seeking admission into the DNB Broad Speciality postgraduate programs.

6. DNB CET (Super Speciality)

• Entrance test for admission into DNB Super Speciality courses.

7. DNB Dental Speciality

• Conducted for dental graduates applying for DNB postgraduate dental programs.

8. FET (Fellowship Entrance Test)

• For admission to Post-Doctoral FNB Fellowship programs in various medical specialties.

9. FDG ST (Foreign Dental Graduate Screening Test)

• A licensing exam for Indian citizens or OCIs who completed their dental education abroad and wish to practice dentistry in India.

NBEMS and the DNB Degree

NBEMS is the authority that grants the Diplomate of National Board (DNB) degree. It conducts:

• DNB PD-CET for admission to 3-year DNB (Broad Speciality) courses.
• Theory and practical examinations for DNB candidates during and after the course.
• DNB CET SS for super speciality DNB programs after MD/MS/DNB.

Eligibility Criteria for NBEMS Exams

Below is a summary of the eligibility criteria for each exam:

FMGE

• Must be an Indian citizen or OCI.
• Must hold a primary medical qualification recognized by the Indian Embassy in that country.

NEET PG

• Must have an MBBS degree from a recognized Indian university.
• Must have completed a one-year rotatory internship.
• Must be registered with the State Medical Council.

NEET MDS

• Must have a BDS degree from a recognized Indian university.
• Must have completed a one-year rotatory internship.
• Must be registered with the State Dental Council.

PDCET

• Must have an MBBS degree from a recognized Indian university.
• Must have completed a one-year internship.
• Must be registered with the State Medical Council.

NEET SS

• Must hold a recognized postgraduate degree (MD/MS/DNB).
• Must have a permanent registration certificate for their MBBS qualification.

DNB CET SS

• Must possess a Post Graduate Medical Degree or Provisional Pass Certificate (MD/MS/DM/DNB/MCh).
• Must have permanent MBBS registration.
• Additional qualification must be recognized under the Indian Medical Council Act.

FET

• Must possess a Post Graduate Medical Degree/Provisional Pass Certificate (MD/MS/DM/DNB/MCh).
• Must have permanent MBBS registration.
• The qualification must be valid as per IMC Act provisions.

FDG ST

• Must be an Indian citizen or OCI.
• Must hold a primary dental qualification confirmed by the Indian Embassy concerned.

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Science (NBEMS) plays a crucial role in maintaining high standards in India’s postgraduate medical education system. Whether you are a graduate from India or abroad, NBEMS provides structured entry pathways through its transparent and standardized entrance exams.

NBEMS has established itself as a backbone of India’s postgraduate medical education system. It is well-positioned to continue innovating and expanding, ensuring that India’s healthcare system has an ever-growing cadre of well-trained specialists.

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