The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) is moving forward with the second round of seat allotment for Diplomate of National Board (DNB) Post-MBBS and Post-Diploma courses. This stage follows the completion of Round 1 reporting, where joined and non-joined seats were identified to create a fresh vacancy list. The updated seat matrix provides a clear view of available positions across various accredited hospitals and medical institutions nationwide.
As of March 27, 2026, the board has integrated new vacancies that arose from candidates opting for upgrades or failing to join their initially allotted centers. This round is particularly significant for aspirants who did not receive an allotment in the first phase or those seeking a better specialty or hospital. The DNB qualification is considered equivalent to postgraduate degrees like MD and MS, making it a highly competitive path for medical professionals.
DNB 2026 Counselling Schedule for Round Two
The counselling process is conducted entirely online through the official merit-based allotment system. Candidates are required to lock their choices within the specified window to be considered for the current round of allotment.
The following table summarizes the essential dates and activities for the DNB Round 2 admission cycle.
| Activity | Scheduled Dates | Current Status |
| Release of Updated Seat Matrix | March 24, 2026 | Completed |
| Online Choice Filling / Locking | March 25 – March 29, 2026 | Ongoing |
| Round 2 Processing of Allotment | March 30 – March 31, 2026 | Upcoming |
| Declaration of Allotment Result | April 1, 2026 | Upcoming |
| Payment of First Year Course Fee | April 2 – April 6, 2026 | Upcoming |
| Physical Reporting at Institute | April 3 – April 10, 2026 | Upcoming |
Key Features of the Updated Seat Matrix
The updated seat matrix reflects both "Clear Vacancies" and "Virtual Vacancies." Clear vacancies are seats that were never occupied in Round 1, while virtual vacancies represent seats currently held by candidates who have expressed a desire for an upgrade. If these candidates are successfully moved to a higher preference in Round 2, their previous seat becomes available for others in the same round.
Candidates must analyze the matrix carefully to understand the competitive landscape for popular specialties such as Radiodiagnosis, General Medicine, and Pediatrics. The inclusion of new DNB seats in several private and government hospitals this year has slightly improved the seat-to-candidate ratio, providing more opportunities for those in the middle of the merit list.
Instructions for Choice Filling and Locking
The choice-filling window is active until March 29, and candidates are advised not to wait until the final hour to lock their preferences. Once a choice is locked, it cannot be modified. If a candidate forgets to lock their choices, the system will automatically lock the last saved preferences at the deadline.
- Preference Order: List specialties and hospitals in strict order of your genuine preference.
- Fee Payment: Allotted candidates must pay the one-year non-refundable course fee through the NBEMS portal to secure their seat before proceeding with physical reporting.
- Document Readiness: Keep original certificates, including the MBBS degree, internship completion certificate, and permanent registration, ready for the verification process at the allotted hospital.
Conclusion
The progression of DNB Round 2 seat allotment marks a vital phase for medical graduates aiming for specialized training in the 2026 session. With the updated matrix now available, candidates have the necessary data to refine their choices before the locking deadline on March 29. The transparency of the NBEMS allotment process ensures that seats are distributed based purely on merit and the preferences exercised by the aspirants. Candidates should monitor the official website natboard.edu.in for the final allotment results scheduled for release in early April.