NBE Allows DrNB Trainees to Submit Published Research Article as Alternative to Thesis from 2024 Admission Onwards

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The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has implemented a significant change for DrNB trainees, permitting them to submit an Original Research Article (Published/Accepted) as an additional option in lieu of the traditional thesis requirement. This provision is applicable to trainees admitted from the 2024 session onwards.

Previously, submission of a thesis and protocol was mandatory for eligible award of the DrNB degree. Under the new policy, trainees now have the option to present proof of having conducted high-level research, evidenced by an original article accepted or published in journals listed in Medline, Pubmed Central, Embase, Scopus, Science Citation Index, or Science Citation Index Expanded. Eligible publication types include original papers, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and large case series.

Key conditions for availing this option:

The published/accepted article must align with the dissertation protocol submitted at the start of DrNB training, ensuring consistency of research scope.
The research must be conducted during the DrNB training period. The trainee must be the first or corresponding author.
This option is not available for trainees enrolled in Direct 6-year Super Specialty courses.
DrNB graduates who have completed training but not submitted a thesis may also utilize this provision by submitting an eligible published research article. Such graduates are exempt from submitting a dissertation protocol, provided the research was undertaken during or after DrNB training and all other exam eligibility criteria are met.
All prescribed timelines for thesis submission remain unchanged for trainees choosing this pathway.

This move is designed to encourage high-quality research and publication among medical trainees.

Disclaimer: This article summarizes official NBEMS guidelines as publicly reported. For official details, updates, or individual eligibility assessment, readers must consult NBEMS or their institution directly. This is not legal or institutional advice.