St John's Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, offers Diplomate of National Board (DNB) (Palliative Medicine) as a 3-year postgraduate medical programme accredited by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS / NBE). The programme trains postgraduate doctors in comprehensive pain and palliative care, symptom management, end-of-life care, communication skills, psychosocial support, paediatric palliative care, and home-based and community palliative models. Total fees are Rs. 3,75,000 for the 3-year programme (Rs. 1,25,000/year); verify the exact fee with the SJMC DNB cell before admission. Admission is through NEET PG / NBE PG counselling conducted by the National Board of Examinations. Collegedunia ranks SJMC 89 in the India Medical Colleges list (2025).
Admission to DNB programmes at St John's Medical College is through NEET PG / NBE PG counselling. NEET PG 2026 was conducted in June 2026; NBE PG counselling for DNB seats typically follows. Monitor the NBE website (nbe.edu.in) and stjohnsadmissions.in for 2026-27 DNB seat notifications.
Key Points
- DNB (Palliative Medicine) at SJMC is a 3-year NBE-accredited postgraduate programme; admission is through NEET PG / NBE PG counselling.
- Total fees are Rs. 3,75,000 for 3 years (Rs. 1,25,000/year); verify the SJMC-specific fee with the DNB cell before admission.
- St John's Medical College is listed among the top-5 preferred institutions for DNB Palliative Medicine in NEET PG 2025 counselling; it is a high-demand, low-seat programme.
- DNB Palliative Medicine has only 14 seats across 8 colleges in India; competition is high and the 2025 closing NEET PG score was 522 (General Category).
- DNB holders are treated on par with MD/MS for most clinical and academic posts across India.
SJMC DNB Palliative Medicine Fees
DNB Palliative Medicine Fee Structure
| Component | Amount (INR) |
| Programme Fee (Year 1) | Rs. 1,25,000 |
| Programme Fee (Year 2) | Rs. 1,25,000 |
| Programme Fee (Year 3) | Rs. 1,25,000 |
| Total Fees | Rs. 3,75,000 |
- Fee of Rs. 3,75,000 (Rs. 1,25,000/year) for DNB (Palliative Medicine) is based on available industry data based on available industry data; St John's Medical College-specific fee was not confirmed online. Verify the exact 2026-27 fee with the SJMC DNB cell or the St John's admissions office before admission.
- The National Board of Examinations (NBE) sets accreditation norms but does not mandate a uniform fee for DNB programmes; fees vary by institution and are set by the hospital/college.
- Some DNB centres provide a monthly stipend to trainees; confirm whether SJMC provides a stipend for DNB Palliative Medicine with the department directly.
SJMC DNB Palliative Medicine Admission 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| NEET PG 2026 Exam | June 15, 2026 |
| NBE PG Counselling Round 1 (Tentative) | August 2026 (Tentative) |
| NBE PG Counselling Round 2 (Tentative) | September 2026 (Tentative) |
| DNB Palliative Medicine Programme Commencement | October 2026 (Tentative) |
Entrance Exam Dates
| Exam | Registration End | Exam Date | Result |
| NEET PG | Closed (2026 cycle) | June 15, 2026 | To be announced |
- Admission to DNB (Palliative Medicine) at SJMC is through NEET PG score and NBE PG counselling; apply through the NBE portal (nbe.edu.in) during the counselling window.
- DNB Palliative Medicine is a low-seat specialty (14 total seats nationally); a strong NEET PG score significantly improves the chance of securing a seat at SJMC.
- Candidates must complete MBBS with one year of compulsory rotating internship before joining.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- MBBS from a recognised medical college (MCI/NMC-approved) with completion of one year of compulsory rotating internship before the date of joining.
- Valid NEET PG score; the 2025 closing score for DNB Palliative Medicine at SJMC was 522 (General Category, based on 2025 counselling data).
- Provisional registration with a State Medical Council or Medical Council of India is required at the time of joining.
Admission Process
- Register and appear for NEET PG through the NTA/NBE portal; the 2026 exam was held on June 15, 2026.
- Check DNB Palliative Medicine seat availability at SJMC in the NBE PG counselling merit list.
- Register for NBE PG counselling at nbe.edu.in during the counselling window; pay counselling fee.
- Fill choice of institute (St John's Medical College, Bangalore) in the online preference form.
- If allotted, report to SJMC within the joining deadline with original MBBS documents, internship completion certificate, and NEET PG scorecard.
- Complete NBEMS registration formalities and begin the 3-year DNB training programme under a recognised guide / faculty at SJMC.
SJMC DNB Palliative Medicine Scholarships 2026
DNB Palliative Medicine Scholarships Available
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
| NSP Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST/OBC/Minorities) | As per central government norms | Eligible category candidates; apply at scholarships.gov.in after admission |
| Karnataka State Post-Matric Scholarship | As per state government norms | Karnataka-domicile candidates; apply via sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in |
| Minority Post-Matric Scholarship (Central) | As per central norms | Minority community students; apply at scholarships.gov.in |
| St John's Internal Need-Based Bursary | Varies by need | Meritorious students facing financial hardship; contact the Dean's office after admission |
- SC/ST/OBC and minority students may be eligible for central post-matric scholarships; apply after admission at scholarships.gov.in.
- Karnataka-domicile students can apply for state scholarships via the Seva Sindhu portal; deadlines vary each year.
- St John's offers need-based bursaries to deserving students; contact the St John's admission office for eligibility and procedure.
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