If you are a Medicine resident or diploma holder planning to move ahead in your medical career, understanding the PDCET (Post Diploma Centralized Entrance Test) is extremely important. It is the gateway that allows diploma holders to enter DNB Broad Specialty programs and take a decisive step toward super-specialty training.
With PDCET 2026 scheduled on 12 April 2026, now is the right time to understand the exam, its importance, and how to prepare smartly for it, along with building strong clinical foundations for your long-term medical journey.
This blog will help you understand:
- What is the PDCET exam?
- Who should appear for it?
- Exam pattern and syllabus
- Why does it matter for Medicine residents?
- What to do after PDCET?
What is the PDCET Exam?
PDCET is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE).
Specially for doctors who have completed a Post Diploma and wish to pursue DNB Broad Specialty courses in their respective fields.
PDCET plays a crucial role in helping you transition from diploma-level training to advanced specialist education.
In simple words, PDCET is the bridge between your diploma and your future as a specialist physician.
PDCET 2026 Exam Date
PDCET 2026 Exam Date: 12 April 2026 (Sunday)
Mode: Computer-Based Test
Conducted across multiple centres across India
Who Should Appear for PDCET?
You should appear for PDCET if you have:
- Completed Post Diploma in Medicine
- Permanent or provisional registration with NMC/State Medical Council
- Completed compulsory training requirements
PDCET Exam Pattern
PDCET is designed to test your core specialty knowledge, clinical reasoning, and application-based understanding.
| Component | Details |
| Mode | Speciality |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Questions | 120 MCQs |
| Marking | 4 marks for correct answer |
| Negative Marking | -1 for wrong answer |
| Focus | Core specialty-based |
Why PDCET is Important for Medicine Residents?
Medicine is not just about memorizing facts — it is about understanding disease mechanisms, clinical reasoning, diagnosis, and long-term patient management.
PDCET tests:
Clinical thinking
✔ Diagnostic approach
✔ Evidence-based management
✔ Decision making
It ensures that only well-trained clinicians move ahead into higher specialty programs.
What Happens After PDCET?
Once you clear PDCET, you become eligible for:
- Admission into DNB Broad Specialty courses
- Training in high-volume hospitals
- Exposure to advanced clinical medicine
- A pathway toward super-specialty courses (DM / DrNB SS)
In short, PDCET opens doors to:
Higher training
Better clinical exposure
Career growth
Academic excellence
