DNB Pathology: Admissions, Medical Colleges, Fee, Eligibility criteria details here

DNB Pathology or Diplomate of National Board in Pathology also known as DNB in Pathology is a Postgraduate level course for doctors in India that is done by them after completion of their MBBS. The duration of this postgraduate course is 3 years, and it focuses on the study of various concepts related to the field of diagnosis of diseases through the examination of samples from a patient's body. It basically deals with studying the nature and cause of the disease.

The course is a full-time course pursued at various accredited institutes/hospitals across the country. Some of the top accredited institutes/hospitals offering this course are- Apollo Hospital- Bangalore, Apollo Multispecialty Hospitals Limited- West Bengal, Dr. B L Kapur Memorial Hospital- New Delhi, and more.

Admission to this course is done through the NEET PG Entrance exam conducted by the National Board of Examinations, followed by counselling based on the scores of the exam that is conducted by DGHS/MCC/State Authorities.

The fee for pursuing DNB (Pathology) from accredited institutes/hospitals is Rs. 1,25,000 to Rs 2,40,000 per year.

After completion of their respective course, doctors can either join the job market or pursue a super-specialization course where DNB Pathology is a feeder qualification. Candidates can take reputed jobs at positions as Senior residents, Junior Consultants, Consultants, etc. with an approximate salary range of Rs. 7,00,000 to Rs. 10,00,000 per year.

DNB is equivalent to MD/MS/DM/MCh degrees awarded respectively in medical and surgical super specialties. The list of recognized qualifications awarded by the Board in various broad and super specialties as approved by the Government of India are included in the first schedule of the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956.

The Diplomate of National Board in broad-specialty qualifications and super specialty qualifications when granted in a medical institution with the attached hospital or in a hospital with the strength of five hundred or more beds, by the National Board of Examinations, shall be equivalent in all respects to the corresponding postgraduate qualification and the super-specialty qualification granted under the Act, but in all other cases, senior residency in a medical college for an additional period of one year shall be required for such qualification to be equivalent for the purposes of teaching also.

What is DNB in Pathology?

Diplomate of National Board in Pathology, also known as DNB (Pathology) or DNB in Pathology is a three-year postgraduate programme that candidates can pursue after completing MBBS.

Pathology is the branch of medical science dealing with the study and diagnosis of disease through the examination of surgically removed organs, tissues (biopsy samples), bodily fluids, and in some cases the whole body (autopsy).

The National Board of Examinations (NBE) has released a curriculum for DNB in Pathology.

The curriculum governs the education and training of DNB in Pathology.

PG education intends to create specialists who can contribute to high-quality health care and advances in science through research and training.

The required training done by a postgraduate specialist in the field of Pathology would help the specialist recognize the community's health needs. The student should be competent to handle medical problems effectively and should be aware of the recent advances in their speciality.

The candidate should be a highly competent specialist in Pathology possessing a broad range of skills that will enable her/him to practice Pathology independently. The PG candidate should also acquire the basic skills in the teaching medical/para-medical students.

The candidate is also expected to know the principles of research methodology and modes of the consulting library. The candidate should regularly attend conferences, workshops, and CMEs to upgrade her/ his knowledge.

Course Highlights

Here are some of the course highlights of DNB in Pathology

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for DNB in Pathology are defined as the set of rules or minimum prerequisites that aspirants must meet in order to be eligible for admission, which includes:

• Candidates must be in possession of an undergraduate MBBS degree from any college/university recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI) now NMC.

• Candidates should have done a compulsory rotating internship of one year in a teaching institution or other institution which is recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI) now NMC.

• The candidate must have obtained permanent registration of any State Medical Council to be eligible for admission.

• The medical college's recognition cut-off dates for the MBBS Degree courses and compulsory rotatory Internship shall be as prescribed by the Medical Council of India (now NMC).

• Candidates who have passed the final examination, leading to the award of a Post Graduate Degree (MD/MS) from an Indian University, which is duly recognized as per provisions of the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, 2019 and the first schedule of the IMC Act can apply for the DNB Final examination in the same broad specialty.

Admission Process

The admission process contains a few steps to be followed in order by the candidates for admission to DNB in Pathology. Candidates can view the complete admission process for DNB in Pathology mentioned below:

• The NEET PG or National Eligibility Entrance Test for Post Graduate is a national-level master's level examination conducted by the NBE for admission to MD/MS/PG Diploma Courses.
• The requirement of eligibility criteria for participation in counselling towards PG seat allotment conducted by the concerned counselling authority shall be in lieu of the Post Graduate Medical Education Regulations (as per the latest amendment) notified by the MCI (now NMC) with prior approval of MoHFW.

Fees Structure

The fee structure for DNB in Pathology varies from accredited institute/hospital to hospital. The fee is generally less for Government Institutes and more for private institutes. The average fee structure for DNB in Pathology is Rs. 1,25,000 to Rs 2,40,000 per year.

Colleges offering DNB in Pathology

Various accredited institutes/hospitals across India offer courses for pursuing DNB (Pathology).

As per the National Board of Examinations website, the following accredited institutes/hospitals are offering DNB (Pathology) courses for the academic year 2022-23.

Syllabus

A DNB in Pathology is a three years specialization course which provides training in the stream of Pathology.

The course content for DNB in Pathology is given in the NBE Curriculum released by the National Board of Examinations, which can be assessed through the link mentioned below:

The Study of Pathology includes all aspects of pathology including surgical pathology, cytology, Hematology, Lab medicine, immunology and Transfusion Medicine.

The syllabus would also include the principle and practice of pathology and its applied aspects and essential of Transfusion Medicine.

General Pathology

Normal cell and tissue structure and function. The changes in cellular structure and function in diseases. Causes of disease, its pathogenesis, reaction of cells, tissues, organ systems and the body as a whole to various sub lethal and lethal injuries.

Cellular adaptation cell injury and cell death

• Mechanism, morphology and examples of cell injury, necrosis and apoptosis.

• Sub cellular and cellular responses and adaptation to injury

• Intracellular and intercellular accumulations, pathological calcification and cell aging.

Acute and chronic inflammation

• Vascular and cellular events in acute inflammation, chemical mediators, outcome and morphological patterns of acute inflammation.

• Chronic inflammation with special reference to granulomatous inflammation.

• Systemic effects and effects of deranged inflammation.

Tissue renewal and repair: Regeneration healing and fibrosis

• Control of normal cell proliferation and tissue growth, mechanism of tissue regeneration, repair by healing and fibrosis.

• Extracellular matrix and cell matrix interactions.

Hemodynamic disorders, thrombo embolic disease and shock.

• Edema, hyperemia, congestion and haemorrhage.

• Normal Hemostasis, thrombosis, DIC, embolism, infarction and shock.

Genetic Disorders

• Principles of genetics, normal karyotyping.

• Mutations, Mendelian disorders, disorders with multifactoral inheritance cytogenetic disorders involving autosomes and sex chromosomes.

• Single gene disorders with nonclassic inheritance.

• Diagnosis of genetic disorders involving molecular and genetic techniques.

Neoplasia

• Definition, nomenclature and biology of tumor growth.

• Molecular basis of cancer with special reference to carcinogenic agents and molecular basis of multistep carcinogenesis

• Epidemiology and clinical features of tumors.

• Grading, staging and laboratory diagnosis of cancer.

Infectious Diseases

• Pathology and general principles of microbial pathogenesis, special techniques for diagnosing bacterial, fungal, parasitic and viral infections.

Environmental and nutritional pathology

• Common environmental and occupational exposures leading on to diseases.

• Nutritional deficiencies and obesity related disorders.

Disease of Infancy and Childhood

• Congenital anomalies, birth injuries, diseases of neonates, inborn errors of metabolism, tumor and tumor like lesions of infancy and childhood.

Immunopathology

• Innate immunity- Role of phagocytic cells, complement, mast cells & humoral mechanisms

• Specific Acquired Immunity- Details about antibody production & action, Brief principles about memory, Ag specificity & vaccination

• Cell involved in Immune response- T- Lymphocytes, B- lymphocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells and natural-killer cells

• Cytokines with details about their properties and functions

• Structure and function of histocompatibility molecules and disease association

• Disorders of the immune system

> All hypersensitivity reactions

> Autoimmune disorders with special reference to SLE, Rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, systemic sclerosis, polyarteritis nodosa and other vasculitides, Mixed connective tissue disorders and inflammatory disorders.

> Immunodeficiency syndrome – Acquired with emphasis on AIDS

• Amyloidosis including pathogenesis, special stains & clinical correlation

• Transplant rejection in detail

• Graft Vs Host Disease

General principles of techniques and instrumentation

Systemic Pathology

Histopathology, Hematology, Cytology, Lab Medicine and Transfusion Medicine

• The student should be able to comprehend the histogenetic and patho- physiologic processes, demonstration of morphology (gross and microscopic) associated with various lesions during discussions with colleagues, clinicians, students and patients.

• Should be able to identify problems in the laboratory and offer viable solutions

• Comprehend principles and procedure of lab techniques and trouble shooting

Blood vessels, lymphatic and veins

• Normal morphology, congenital anomalies, atherosclerosis, hypertensive vascular disease.

• Inflammatory and neoplastic diseases of all the vessels.

Heart

• Normal morphology, its blood supply and effect of aging on heart.

• Ischemic

• Hypertensive, valvular, congenital heart diseases

• Cardiomyopathies

• Myocardial disorders

• Pericardial diseases.

• Tumors of the heart.

Lungs and Mediastinum

• Congenital anomalies

• Obstructive and restrictive pulmonary diseases.

• Diseases of vascular origin.

• Infections of Lung

• Infections of Mediastinum

• Tumors of lung

• Lung transplantation

• Diseases of pleura.

• Thymus – Developmental, autoimmune and inflammatory disorder and tumors.

Head and Neck

• Oral cavity: - inflammatory disease, Preneoplastic lesions and tumors

• Diseases of teeth and supporting structures.

• Upper airways and ear – congenital anomalies, infections and tumors.

• Salivary glands – Infections autoimmune disorders and tumors.

Gastro Intestinal Tract

• Congenital anomalies, infections, inflammatory and vascular disorders and tumors of esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, appendix and anal canal.

• Diseases of the peritoneum, Omentum and Mesentry

Retroperitoneum

• inflammatory and neoplastic lesions

Liver

• Normal morphology with general features of hepatic disease including LFTs.

• Infectious, autoimmune drug induced metabolic and circulatory disorders of liver.

• Hepatic diseases associated with pregnancy, neonates organ and bonemarrow transplantation.

• Liver transplantation pathology

• Cysts, Nodules and tumors of liver.

Biliary tract

• Congenital anomalies, injuries, Infection, inflammation, of Gallstones and tumors of gall bladder and extra hepatic bile ducts.

Pancreas

• Congenital anomalies, pancreatitis and neoplasms of pancreas.

Kidney

• Clinical manifestations of renal diseases

• Congenital anomalies

• Diseases affecting glomeruli, tubules, interstitium and blood vessels.

• Cystic diseases of kidney

• Nephrolithiasis

• Tumors of kidney

• Kidney Transplant pathology

Lower urinary tract and male genital system

• Congenital anomalies, inflammation and tumors of ureter, urethra, penis, testis, epididymis and Scrotum

• Inflammation, enlargement and tumors of prostate.

Female genital tract

• Physiology, cytology and histology of female genital tract, menstrual disorders and hormonal abnormalities

• Congenital anomalies, inflammation, preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions of vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and mesonephron

• Gestational and placental disorders.

Breast

• Inflammations, benign epithelial lesions and tumors of the breast.

• Diseases of male breast.

Endocrine System

• Normal hormonal levels and functions of all the endocrine glands.

• Hypo and hyperactivity of glands of endocrine system i.e. pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, adrenals and pineal gland.

• Autoimmune diseases, inflammations and tumors affecting these glands.

• Neuroendocrine tumors

Skin and Subcutaneous tissue

• Disorders of pigmentation and melanocytes

• Inflammatory, vesiculobullous and infectious disease

• Proliferative lesions and Tumors of the epidermis, dermis and skin appendage.

Musculoskeletal system

• Bone Modelling, growth and development, genetic and acquired abnormalities in bone cells, matrix and structure, factures, necrosis and infections of bones, tumors and tumor like lesions.

• Joints: Arthritis, tumor and tumor like lesions.

• Soft tissue: Tumors and tumor like lesions

Peripheral nerves and skeletal muscles

• General reactions of motor units

• Inflammatory, infectious, hereditary, metabolic and traumatic neuropathies

• Atrophy, dystrophy, myopathies of the skeletal muscles

• Diseases of neuromuscular junction

• Tumors of peripheral nerves and skeletal muscles

Skull and Central Nervous System

• Degenerative, metabolic, toxic, demyleinating, infectious, cereberovascular malformations and traumatic injuries

• Tumors

Eye and Orbit

• Infections, inflammatory, congenital diseases and neoplasms of orbit, eyelid, conjunctiva sclera, uvea, cornea, retina and optic nerves

Biology of stem cell and Hematopoiesis

• Overview of stem cell biology and cellular biology of haematopoiesis.

• Transcription factors and humoral regulation in normal and malignant haematopoiesis.

• Interaction between haematopoietic stem cells, progenitor cell and stromal compartment of bone marrow.

• Stem cell homing & mobilization.

Erythroid maturation, differentiation and abnormality

Pathobiology of human erythrocyte & Hemoglobin Anemia

• Approach to anaemia in adults and children in: Clinical correlation & diagnostic modalities.

• Classification of anaemias (Morphological, pathophysiological and based on erythropoiesis ie Proliferative vs non-proliferative)

• Iron deficiency anaemia including iron metabolism and differential diagnosis from other microcytic hypochromic anaemias.

• Disorder of iron metabolism including iron overload.

• Anaemia of chronic disorders with special reference to infections, collagen vascular disorders, inflammation etc.

• Megaloblastic anaemia and other causes of megaloblastosis.

• Definition, approach and classification of haemolytic anaemia

• lab diagnosis of Haemoglobin disorders and hereditary anemia like Thalassemia and related hemoglobinopathies, sickle cell anaemia, Haemoglobin associated with altered Oxygen affinity.

• Red blood cell enzymopathy, membrane disorder, autoimmune hemolytic anaemia, non-immune hemolytic anaemia, paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria.

• Approach to Pancytopenia/ Cytopenias

• Bone marrow failure syndrome

• Porphyrias

WBC disorders, complement and immunoglobin biology

• Normal granulopoiesis

• Acquired and congenital disorders of phagocytosis (neutrophil, monocyte, eosinophil and macrophages

• Disorder of leukocyte number, function and morphology

• Storage disorder

• Hematological responses to Viral disorders (Infectious mononucleosis, Hepatitis and dengue) and parasitic infections (Malaria, Kala azar)

Haemotological malignancies

• Conventional & molecular cytogenetic and immunohistochemical basis of haematological malignancies.

• Classification (FAB, WHO). Their basis and diagnostic approach to various haematological malignancies.

• Pathophysiology, prognostic factors, cytochemistry, cytogenetics of various leukaemias

• Pathophysiology and classification of MDS, MPN/MDS, myeloproliferative disorders

• Pathophysiology of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Clinical staging of Hodgkin's lymphoma. Role of molecular cytogenetics and immunohistochemistry in Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and lymphoproliferative disorders.

• AIDS related and Transplant related lymphomas.

• Plasma cell dyscrasias and gamaopathies

• Mastocytosis

• Role of chemotherapy and antineoplastic agents based on molecular mechanism of haemotological malignancies, clinical use of haematopoietic growth factors.

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

• Role and indications of HST

• Immunodeficiency state, Genetic disorders haematological Malignancies and Non-haematological disorders.

• Practical aspect of umbilical cord stem cells transplantation. Peripheral stem cell collection.

• Role of stem cell in tissue repair. Complications of Haematopoietic stem cell transplant.

Gene therapy and genetic engineering

Hemostasis & Thrombosis

Megakaryocyte and platelet structure. Molecular basis of platelet function, activation. Role of blood vessel, coagulation system and fibrinolytic system in haemostasis.

• Clinical and lab evaluation of bleeding and coagulation disorders.

• Clinical & diagnostic aspects of:

> Factor deficiencies including haemophilia, von Willebrand disease, DIC, Vitamin K deficiency

> Thrombotic and non-thrombotic purpura

• Hereditary and acquired platelet disorders and its management

• Thrombophilia (Inherited & acquired) and Lab evaluation and management of hypercoagulable states

Human blood group antigen and antibody and Immuno-hematology

• Selection of donor and screening

• Principle, indication and storage of red blood cells, WBC, platelet, and plasma transfusion

• Various methods of component separation and plasma derivatives with special reference to Fresh frozen plasma, cryo-precipitates, albumin and Immunoglobulin

• Graft Rejection, GVH diseases, Transfusion Reactions, Blood grouping & cross-matching

• Blood bank audit

• Apheresis

Hematological manifestations of systemic diseases like liver disorders, renal disorders, infections, cancers, parasitic diseases, AIDS, pregnancy and surgical patients

Spleen and its disorders

Current topics and recent advances in pathology Quality assurance program

Establishment Act and Rules and Regulations formed by Govt. or regulatory bodies

Biomedical Waste Management

Biostatistics, Research Methodology, and Clinical Epidemiology Ethics

Medico-legal aspects relevant to the discipline

Health Policy issues as may be applicable to the discipline

Career Options

After completing a DNB in Pathology, candidates will get employment opportunities in Government as well as in the Private sector.

In the Government sector, candidates have various options to choose from, including Registrar, Senior Resident, Demonstrator, Tutor, etc.

While in the Private sector the options include Resident Doctor, Consultant, Visiting Consultant (Pathology), Junior Consultant, Senior Consultant (Pathology), Consultant Pathology Specialist, etc.

Courses After DNB in Pathology Course

DNB in Pathology is a specialization course that can be pursued after finishing MBBS. After pursuing a specialization in DNB (Pathology), a candidate could also pursue super specialization courses recognized by NMC, where DNB (Pathology) is a feeder qualification.

DM Clinical Haematology, DM Onco-Pathology are the courses that require DNB (Pathology) as a feeder qualification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – DNB in Pathology Course

Question: What is a DNB in Pathology?

Answer: DNB Pathology or Diplomate of National Board in Pathology also known as DNB in Pathology is a Postgraduate level course for doctors in India that is done by them after completion of their MBBS.

Question: Is DNB in Pathology equivalent to MD in Pathology?

Answer: DNB in Pathology is equivalent to MD in Pathology, the list of recognized qualifications awarded by NBE in various broad and super specialties as approved by the Government of India are included in the first schedule of the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956.

Question: What is the duration of a DNB in Pathology?

Answer: DNB in Pathology is a postgraduate programme of three years.

Question: What is the eligibility of a DNB in Pathology?

Answer: Candidates must be in possession of an undergraduate MBBS degree from any college/university recognized by the Medical Council of India (now NMC).

Question: What is the scope of a DNB in Pathology?

Answer: DNB in Pathology offers candidates various employment opportunities and career prospects.

Question: What is the average salary for a DNB in Pathology postgraduate candidate?

Answer: The DNB in Pathology candidate's average salary is between Rs. 7,00,000 to Rs. 10,00,000 per year depending on the experience.

Question: Are DNB Pathology and MD Pathology equivalent for pursuing teaching jobs?

Answer: The Diplomate of National Board in broad-speciality qualifications and super speciality qualifications when granted in a medical institution with attached hospital or in a hospital with the strength of five hundred or more beds, by the National Board of Examinations, shall be equivalent in all respects to the corresponding postgraduate qualification and the super-speciality qualification granted under the Act, but in all other cases, senior residency in a medical college for an additional period of one year shall be required for such qualification to be equivalent for the purposes of teaching also.