NBEMS will not collect first-year DNB fee during NEET PG counselling; float candidates pay on joining

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) issued an advisory dated 24 October 2026 on reporting and joining for NBEMS (DNB) seats allotted through MCC's NEET PG All India Quota counselling 2026. NBEMS said it will not collect the first-year course fee into its own accounts during counselling. Candidates who finally accept a seat using the freeze option pay the first-year annual fee directly to the accredited hospital where they are allotted.

Candidates who opt to float for upgradation in a later round do not pay the first-year fee while waiting, and hospitals have been told not to collect it from them; they pay the institute they finally join. Hospitals must verify original documents and category certificates at joining, and an institute that knowingly or negligently forwards false records faces a penalty of Rs 1,00,000 per candidate. Candidates who do not seek upgradation must join within the round's reporting window with no extension. Employed or bonded candidates need an NOC or relieving order; an extension of up to 90 days from allotment is possible only after document verification and fee payment, and is not automatic. The OPJR joining portal stays inactive until all MCC rounds are complete.

The advisory is on natboard.edu.in under notices; Medical Dialogues reported it on 24 October and Careers360 on 26 October 2026.