NBEMS Counselling Compliance Extension Remains in Force for Sponsored DNB Seats

This administrative decision was primarily driven by the recent reduction in the qualifying percentile for NEET PG 2025, which significantly expanded the pool of eligible in-service doctors. By providing this extension, the board ensures that regular government employees who recently met the revised cut-off scores have sufficient time to obtain necessary clearances from their parent departments.

Strategic Importance of Compliance in Sponsored Seat Allocation

For a candidate to be considered for a sponsored seat, compliance with the strictly defined documentation standards is non-negotiable. The NBEMS has emphasized that the centralized merit-based counselling is contingent upon the verified status of these documents. Unlike open seats, sponsored seats require a tripartite agreement between the candidate, the sponsoring government organization, and the training institute.

• NOC Submission: Candidates must upload a digitally signed or stamped NOC on the NBEMS Communication Web Portal in the exact format prescribed in the December 10 notice.
• In-Service Verification: The "Sponsored" status is exclusively reserved for doctors working on a regular basis in government organizations, including state health services and central autonomous bodies.
• Salary and Stipend: Under the sponsored scheme, the parent department is responsible for the trainee's salary, as NBEMS-accredited hospitals do not provide a separate stipend for these specific seats.
• Study Leave Approval: Final admission is subject to the candidate securing official study leave, which must be documented according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare guidelines.

Seat Matrix and Category Statistics

The following table provides an overview of the indicative seat availability for the sponsored category as per the latest NBEMS data.

• Broad Specialty Distribution: The 198 Post-MBBS seats are spread across various disciplines like Anaesthesiology, General Medicine, and Paediatrics.
• Post-Diploma Availability: The 36 seats for diploma holders provide a crucial pathway for secondary DNB specialization for those already serving in rural healthcare sectors.
• Finality of Data: The board has clarified that this seat matrix is indicative and the final list will be published just prior to the commencement of the choice-filling round.

Eligibility Criteria and Participation Guidelines

The NBEMS has clearly stated that while the timeline has been extended, the core eligibility requirements remain unchanged. Candidates must possess a permanent registration certificate from the National Medical Commission or a State Medical Council to be eligible for the centralized merit-based counselling.

• Academic Qualification: Candidates must have completed their mandatory internship by July 31, 2025, to participate in the current admission session.
• Employment Longevity: Most sponsoring states require a minimum period of regular service, often ranging from three to five years, before a doctor is eligible for the sponsored quota.
• Technical Accuracy: Any discrepancy in the NOC format or failure to submit through the official CWP link will result in immediate disqualification from the sponsored seat allotment.

Conclusion

The extension of the compliance deadline to February 7, 2026, serves as a final opportunity for in-service doctors to formalize their applications for the Sponsored DNB seats. As the NBEMS prepares to finalize the merit list, candidates are urged to verify that their uploaded documents meet all structural requirements. This inclusive approach following the NEET PG percentile reduction aims to fill specialized medical vacancies with experienced government practitioners.

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