Accepting Colleges and Courses
MD, MS, PG Diploma and DNB Courses
NEET PG leads to three main kinds of postgraduate medical qualifications, plus DNB courses run under NBEMS.
Course Types
Course | What it is | Duration |
|---|---|---|
MD (Doctor of Medicine) | Postgraduate degree in medical/para-clinical/pre-clinical specialties (e.g., General Medicine, Paediatrics, Radiodiagnosis, Pathology) | 3 years |
MS (Master of Surgery) | Postgraduate degree in surgical specialties (e.g., General Surgery, Orthopaedics, ENT, OBG, Ophthalmology) | 3 years |
PG Diploma | Postgraduate diploma in select specialties | 2 years |
DNB (Diplomate of National Board) | Post-MBBS broad-specialty training in NBEMS-accredited hospitals | 3 years |
Direct 6-year DrNB | Super-specialty training directly after MBBS, as listed in the bulletin | 6 years |
Choosing a Branch
Consider your interest, work-life balance and long-term career goals.
Look at seat availability and last year’s closing ranks for each branch.
Clinical branches such as Radiology, Dermatology, Medicine and Paediatrics are usually the most competitive.
Key Takeaways
MD and MS are 3-year degrees; PG Diplomas are 2 years.
DNB courses are offered at NBEMS-accredited hospitals.
The NEET PG 2026 bulletin also covers direct 6-year DrNB courses.
Pro Tip: Shadow residents in two or three specialties during internship before deciding your branch preference list.
Source: NEET-PG 2026 Information Bulletin (courses covered); NMC PG regulations
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between MD and MS?
MD is for medical specialties and MS for surgical specialties; both are 3-year degrees.
Is DNB equivalent to MD/MS?
DNB is a recognised postgraduate qualification awarded by NBEMS; check NMC rules for specific equivalence purposes.
How long is a PG Diploma?
2 years.