Medical and pharmacy students across India have received a major academic update ahead of the new year. The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has officially released the NBEMS Exam Calendar 2026, outlining the tentative schedule of key medical and pharmacy examinations to be conducted between January and June 2026.
This advance calendar is designed to help candidates plan their preparation strategy well in advance, reduce uncertainty, and align revision, internships, and professional commitments accordingly. The schedule includes several high-stakes examinations such as FMGE, GPAT, DNB, DrNB, FDST, FET, and other diploma and fellowship assessments.
Exams to Begin from January 2026
According to NBEMS, the 2026 examination cycle will commence in January, starting with diploma-level final examinations.
NBEMS Diploma Final Exam (December 2025 Session)
- Exam Dates: 6, 7, and 8 January 2026
- Exam Timing: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Mode: Computer-based test
This examination is crucial for candidates completing their diploma courses under NBEMS and marks the beginning of a packed exam season.
FMGE January 2026: A Key Exam for Foreign Medical Graduates
One of the most awaited examinations for Indian and overseas medical graduates is the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE).
FMGE December 2025 Session
- Exam Date: 17 January 2026
- Shift 1: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Shift 2: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
FMGE is mandatory for Indian citizens who have obtained their medical degree abroad and wish to practice medicine in India. Thousands of aspirants appear for this exam every year, making it one of the most competitive NBEMS assessments.
February 2026: Focus on Dental Examinations
Dental graduates will face an important qualifying exam in February.
FDST-MDS 2025
- Exam Date: 21 February 2026
The Foreign Dental Screening Test (FDST-MDS) is conducted for dental graduates trained overseas who wish to register and practice dentistry in India.
March 2026: High-Pressure Month for Medical & Pharmacy Students
March 2026 will be one of the busiest months in the NBEMS calendar, featuring multiple major examinations.
FDST-BDS 2025
- Exam Date: 1 March 2026
This exam is for foreign-trained BDS graduates seeking recognition in India.
GPAT 2026 – A Major Exam for Pharmacy Aspirants
- Exam Date: 7 March 2026
- Timing: 9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
The Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) is a gateway exam for admission into M.Pharm programs and for availing scholarships and fellowships. GPAT scores are widely accepted by universities and institutions across India.
Fellowship Entrance Test (FET) 2026
- Exam Date: 14 March 2026
FET is conducted for candidates seeking admission into NBEMS-recognized fellowship programs across various medical specialties.
April 2026: Entry & Exit Exams for Advanced Medical Courses
April will include both entrance and final examinations for postgraduate medical aspirants.
PDCET 2026
- Exam Date: 12 April 2026
The Post Diploma Centralized Entrance Test (PDCET) allows diploma holders to gain lateral entry into DNB post-diploma courses.
DrNB Final Examination
- Exam Dates: 24, 25, and 26 April 2026
The Doctorate of National Board (DrNB) final exam is a decisive milestone for super-specialty medical candidates.
May & June 2026: Final Exams and Second FMGE Attempt
Diploma Final Exam (June 2026 Session)
- Exam Dates: 14 to 16 May 2026
DNB Final Examination
- Exam Dates: 18 to 21 June 2026
The Diplomate of National Board (DNB) final exam is equivalent to MD/MS and holds significant value in India’s medical education system.
FMGE June 2026 Session
- Exam Date: 28 June 2026
This provides another opportunity for foreign medical graduates who could not qualify in the January session.
What About NEET-PG and NEET-MDS 2026?
NBEMS has clarified that:
- NEET-PG 2026 and NEET-MDS 2026 exam dates are not included in this calendar.
- These dates will be announced separately through official information bulletins.
Candidates preparing for NEET exams should continue monitoring NBEMS notifications closely.
NBEMS Exam Calendar 2026: January to June (At a Glance)
| Month | Exam Name | Session / Purpose | Exam Date(s) | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | NBEMS Diploma Final Exam | December 2025 Session | 6, 7, 8 January 2026 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| FMGE | December 2025 Session | 17 January 2026 | Shift 1: 9:00–11:30 AMShift 2: 2:00–4:30 PM | |
| February 2026 | FDST-MDS | Foreign Dental Screening Test | 21 February 2026 | To be notified |
| March 2026 | FDST-BDS | Foreign BDS Screening Test | 1 March 2026 | To be notified |
| GPAT 2026 | Pharmacy Entrance Exam | 7 March 2026 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon | |
| FET 2026 | Fellowship Entrance Test | 14 March 2026 | To be notified | |
| April 2026 | PDCET 2026 | Post Diploma Entry to DNB | 12 April 2026 | To be notified |
| DrNB Final Exam | Super-Specialty Exit Exam | 24, 25, 26 April 2026 | To be notified | |
| May 2026 | Diploma Final Exam | June 2026 Session | 14–16 May 2026 | To be notified |
| June 2026 | DNB Final Exam | PG Medical Exit Exam | 18–21 June 2026 | To be notified |
| FMGE | June 2026 Session | 28 June 2026 | To be notified |
Important Note on NEET Exams
As clarified by National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS):
- NEET-PG 2026 and NEET-MDS 2026 exam dates are not included in this calendar
- Their schedules will be released separately via official information bulletins
Important Advisory for Candidates
NBEMS has emphasized that:
- The released calendar is tentative in nature.
- Exam dates may change due to administrative or unforeseen circumstances.
- Final confirmation will be provided through individual exam information bulletins.
Candidates are strongly advised to:
- Regularly visit the official NBEMS website
- Avoid relying on unofficial sources or rumors
- Plan preparation with buffer time for possible changes
Why the NBEMS Exam Calendar 2026 Matters
The early release of the NBEMS exam calendar is a major relief for aspirants. It enables:
- Better long-term preparation
- Structured revision and mock test planning
- Efficient management of internships and clinical duties
- Reduced exam-related anxiety
For medical and pharmacy students, this calendar acts as a strategic roadmap for the first half of 2026.
⬇️ Download NBEMS Exam Calendar 2026
With multiple high-stakes exams lined up from January to June 2026, aspirants must now shift focus from uncertainty to execution. Early planning, consistent revision, and staying updated with official NBEMS notifications will be the key to success.
Stay tuned to bharatnaukri.com for the latest updates on medical exams, results, admissions, and government job notifications.
