New Delhi: Through a recent notification, the National Board of Examinations (NBE) has issued the conduct of Foreign Dental Screening Test 2020, FDST 2020 for MDS Degree and PG Diploma candidates.
All the MDS Degree/PG Diploma Candidates vying for Foreign Dental Screening Test are requested to refer to their application to the Dental Council of India for the test.
National Board of Examinations, an autonomous organization of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, shall be conducting Foreign Dental Screening Test for Indian Citizens/OCI possessing MDS Degree/ PG Diploma qualifications awarded by a dental institution outside India on 29th December 2020. The examination will be held in Pen & Paper mode at Delhi.
The Foreign Dental Screening Test has been introduced through Principal Dental Council of India Screening Test Regulations, 2009. As per the regulations, "An Indian citizen or Person of Indian Origin (PIO) or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) possessing a primary dental qualification/PG Diploma/Post Graduate Dental qualification awarded by any dental institution outside India, who is desirous of getting registration with any State Dental Council or of any other purpose as specified by the Dental Council of India from time to time, on or after the date of publication of these regulations in the official gazette, shall have to qualify a screening test conducted by the prescribed authority for that purpose as per the provisions of section 10(4) or 10(5) of the Dentist Act, 1948, as the case may be".
The responsibility of NBE is limited to the conduct of the Screening Test, declaration of the result and handling of the result to DCI. NBE has no role in document verification and eligibility determination; these shall be undertaken by DCI.
Essential details including dates, the scheme of exam, admit card and test day procedures from the Information bulletin regarding the FDST 2020 – MDS Degree/PG Diploma are mentioned below:
Processes | Timelines |
Availability of the Information Bulletin | 14th December 2020 Onwards |
Issue of the Admit Card | 22nd December 2020 |
Examination Date | 29th December 2020 |
Declaration of the Result | By 15th January 2021 |
Scheme of FDST - MDS Degree/PG Diploma
1. As per Principal Dental Council of India Screening Test Regulations, 2009, the exam consists of two question papers, comprising of 100 and 150 multiple choices, single correct response questions in English language only.
2. The examination shall be a multiple-choice question delivered as a Pen and Paper based Test.
3. FDST is divided into two question papers of 100 and 150 questions with time allocation of 120 minutes and 180 minutes respectively.
4. Allocation of time for the FDST shall be as follows:
| Activities | Paper - I | Paper - II |
| Entry to Exam Centre starts at | 09:00 AM | 1:00 PM |
| Entry to Examination Center closes at | 09:30 AM | 01:30 PM |
| Distribution of OMR Sheets | 09:45 AM | 01:45 PM |
| Distribution of Question Papers | 09:55 AM | 01:55 PM |
| Exam Start Time | 10:00 AM | 02:00 PM |
| Exam End Time | 12:00 PM | 05:00 PM |
5. Negative Marking: There shall be no negative marking
6. Each Question carries one mark.
7. There will be no grace marks. The candidate has to score 50% in each paper individually to qualify for appearing the viva‑voice examination.
8. MDS/PG Diploma -Viva Voce Examination: 50 Marks. The candidate has to separately score 50% in the viva-voce examination.
9. The standard of Foreign Dental Screening Test in respect of MDS Degree/PG Diploma holders would be at par with the standard prescribed for Indian Universities.
10.Examiners for Viva-Voce Examination for MDS/PG Diploma: There shall be two examiners for Viva-Voce, out of whom, one internal from examining university and one external from any other university which awards recognized Undergraduate and Postgraduate Dental qualification.
11.There are no restrictions on number of attempts that can be availed by a candidate.
Admit Card & Test Day Procedures
1. Admit Card: Admit cards shall be issued on 22nd December 2020.
2. Candidates will be informed through SMS/Email alerts and website notice regarding availability of the admit card on NBE website. Admit card will not be sent to the candidates by Post/ Email.
3. Candidates are required to download their admit card from the NBE website and affix firmly their latest passport size photograph in the space provided on the admit card. The photograph must meet following specifications:
• Size of photograph : Minimum 35x45 mm (and not larger than the box printed on admit card for pasting the photograph) with at least 75% area on the photograph should be occupied with the face & head of the candidate.
• It should be a Colour photograph with white background
• The photograph needs to display full front view of the face with a neutral expression. No Caps, Stethoscope, Goggles, Ornaments to be worn.
• The photograph should not have reflection or shadow on the face with red eyes.
• The photograph needs to be printed on a high quality paper with at least 600 dpi Resolutions.
• The photograph must not have kinks, scratches and stains.
4. Test day procedures: NBE shall be conducting the Social Distanced - Pen and Paper based Test in safe and secure environment using touch free processes maintaining social distancing norms wherever needed. NBE reserves its rights to review the test day processes of conduct of examination in wake of changing scenario of COVID-19 pandemic.
5. Entry of Candidates as per Time given in the Admit Cards: Candidates are required to report at the 'Reporting Counter' of test venue at as per time indicated in their admit cards. The reporting counter will close 30 minutes prior to the test start time. This will allow time for security checks, identity verification and checking in for examination.
6. Candidates reporting late or beyond the prescribed time shall not be allowed to appear in the exam under any circumstances. NBE shall not be responsible for any delayed arrival of the candidate in reaching the centre due to any reason.
7. Test Centre Location: Exact address and location of the test centres shall be indicated in the admit card. Candidates are advised to familiarise themselves with the test centre locations at least one day prior to the examination day and ensure that they report for the exam as per scheduled time only.
8. Please note that only the candidates who have been issued admit card will be allowed entry inside the examination centre premises subject to fulfilment of documentary requirements.
9. Friends or relatives accompanying the candidates will not be allowed entry in the examination centre premises under any circumstances and will not be allowed to contact the candidate while the examination process is ongoing.
10.Use of Thermo Guns: All candidates will be checked at the entry point for fever with the thermo guns. In case, any candidate is observed to be having above normal temperature (> 99.14 Degree F) or displaying any symptoms of COVID-19 infection, he/she will be allowed to take the examination in a separate isolation lab.
11.Identity checks will be made upon arrival at the test centre to ensure that there are no unauthorized candidates appearing for the exam.
12.Candidates MUST bring to the test centre the following documents:
12.1.Printed copy of Barcoded/QR Coded Admit card with his/her photograph pasted on it.
12.2.Any one of the below mentioned Govt issued photo IDs** (must be original and valid/non-expired):
✤ PAN Card
✤ Driving License
✤ Voter ID
✤ Passport
✤ Aadhaar Card (with Photograph)
13.In case, any candidate reports to the test center with e-Aadhaar Card with Aadhaar number printed on it as proof of identity, the eAadhaar Card should be a good quality colour print out with clearly visible photograph. The photograph should not have kinks, scratches and stains, and should definitely match with the candidate presenting the e-Aadhaar Card. Decision of NBE in this regard shall be final".
** The name on the photo identification must match with the name as shown on the Admit Card. If name has changed due to marriage etc, candidate must show the relevant document to substantiate claim for change in name (Marriage Certificate/Divorcee Decree/ Legal Name Change Document/ Gazette notification for name change).
14.Candidates without valid ID proof shall not be allowed to enter the examination premises.
15.Unfair means case shall be registered against the candidates producing false/forged documents/ID Proofs.
16. Security at the test centre: Candidates will not be allowed to take the following items beyond security check point in examination premises under any circumstances:
• Any stationery item like textual material (printed or written), notes, Plastic Pouch, Calculator, Pen, Writing Pad, Pen Drives, Eraser, etc. Pen will be provided at the exam centre.
• Any electronic device like Mobile Phone, Bluetooth, Earphones, Microphone, Pager, wrist watch/Health Band, Calculator, Electronic Pen/ Scanner etc.
• All ornaments like bracelets, Ring, Earrings, Nose-pin, Chain/ Necklace, Pendants, Necklace with pendants, Badge, Brooch etc.
• Other items like Wallet, Goggles, Handbags, Belt, Cap etc.
• Any eatable item opened or packed, soft drinks etc.
• Any other item which could be used for unfair means, for hiding communication devices like wireless/Bluetooth device, spy camera
17.Candidates will be permitted to carry certain items with them to the examination lab:
• Face Mask
• Gloves
• Personal Transparent water bottle (The practice of water dispenser shall be discontinued in SD-CBT; Bottled water shall be made available to all candidates)
• Personal hand sanitizer in a transparent bottle (50ml)
• Exam related documents (Admit card, ID Card etc) Please read the admit card carefully for items permitted to carry inside the examination centres.
18.No arrangement will be made at the centres for keeping any articles/items belonging to the candidates. In case any candidate is found in possession of any of the barred items inside the centre beyond the security check point, it will be considered as use of unfair means and action will be taken against the candidate in accordance with the relevant provisions. To avoid any hardship candidates are advised not to bring prohibited items along with them at the test Centre.
19.After verification of ID and capture of photograph, candidates will be escorted to the examination hall ensuring social distancing.
20.Candidates are required to keep their admit card and photo identification with them at all times during the conduct of examination.
21.Candidates are required to listen to the invigilator's instructions to begin the exam. Candidates are advised not to look around at other candidates.
22.Any suspicious or disruptive behaviour on part of the candidate may lead to cancellation of candidature. For any issues during the exam, candidate may raise his or her hand to notify Invigilator.
Result
1. Result – (Pass/Fail) for eligible candidates shall be displayed on NBE website.
2. An applicant shall be declared as having passed only if he/she scores 50% in each paper individually to qualify for appearing in the viva-voce examination
3. Viva-Voce examination consists of 50 marks. The candidate has to score 50% in the viva-voce examination i.e. 25 / 50.
4. The scheme regarding delivery of authenticated copy of the result shall be indicated on the website at the time of declaration of result.
5. There will be no re-evaluation or rechecking or re-totaling. Requests forre-evaluation/re-totaling shall not be entertained.
6. The results for FDST 2020 - MDS/PG Diploma are likely to be declared by 15th January 2021. Results can be seen on website www.natboard.edu.in and www.nbe.edu.in
To view official bulletin, click on the following link:
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