NBE invites applications for Formative Assessment Test 2026, theory exam on October 4
New Delhi: The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has invited applications for the Formative Assessment Test (FAT) 2026, a mandatory assessment for trainees enrolled in various NBEMS programmes.
The theory examination will be conducted on October 4, 2026, with online applications open on the official website of NBE.
The process of online application submission for FAT 2026 requires both the NBEMS training institutions and NBEMS trainees to complete their components of the application process. Whereas the training institutions shall be required to add the trainees who will be appearing in the FAT 2026 and make the necessary payments of the examination fee, the respective NBEMS trainees who are added by the institution to appear in FAT 2026 shall be required to upload their photograph and signature, and select the test cities.
The application process is completed only when both components of the application are successfully completed within the prescribed application window. There shall be no extension of the prescribed cut-off date for application submission. Application form for FAT 2026 can be submitted only online at the NatBoard official website as per timelines mentioned below-
S.NO | EVENTS | DATES |
1 | Information Bulletin available | July 29, 2026 onwards |
2 | Application submission and fee payment by NBEMS-accredited institutions | July 29 (5:00 PM) to August 17, 2026 (11:55 PM) |
3 | Online application submission by NBEMS trainees | July 29 (3:00 PM) to August 25, 2026 (11:55 PM) |
4 | Admit card release | September 30, 2026 |
5 | Theory Examination | October 4, 2026 |
Paper I | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | |
Paper II | 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM | |
6 | Work Place Based Clinical Assessment | Schedule to be announced after declaration of theory results |
According to the official notice issued by the NBE in this regard, the NBE shall be conducting the FAT 2026 for NBEMS trainees of the below-mentioned courses & admission sessions as per the scheme so prescribed by NBEMS-
S.NO | SPECIALITY GROUP/COURSE | ADMISSION SESSION |
1 | NBEMS Diploma | 2025 |
2 | DNB Post MBBS | 2024 |
3 | DrNB Super Speciality | 2024 |
4 | DrNB (Direct 6 years) | 2022 & 2024 |
The assessment scheme consists of three parts that must be completed by the trainees. The scheme includes-
S.NO | PART | PARTICULARS | SCHEME |
1 | PART – I | Conduct of Theory Examination. | Trainee has to appear for the Theory Examination to be held on 04 October 2026 across the country. |
2 | PART – II | Workplace-Based Clinical Assessment. | After the Theory Examination, the trainee has to appear for Clinical Assessment at exam centres allotted by NBEMS. |
3 | PART – III | Performance Counselling Session on the Theory Performance. | Trainee has to appear for his/her Theory Exam Assessment Workshop after declaration of result of Theory Examination. |
Appearance in the minimum required number of Formative Assessment Tests is mandatory towards eligibility to appear in Final Examinations.
S.NO | COURSE | MINIMUM NUMBER OF MANDATORY FATs |
1 | Broad Speciality Courses (3 Years) | Two |
2 | Super Speciality Courses (Direct 6-Year) | Three |
3 | Super Speciality Courses (3 Years) | Two |
4 | Post Diploma Courses (2 Years) | One |
5 | Fellowship Courses (2 Years) | One |
6 | NBEMS Diploma Course | One |
As per NBEMS web notice dated 06.05.2025, following is applicable for NBEMS trainees who are admitted to any course of NBEMS, 2024 admission session onwards:
Amongst the above-mentioned minimum mandatory FATs, the Formative assessments conducted by NBEMS during the training period shall be mandatorily required to be attended to by NBEMS trainees for the purpose of their eligibility to appear in respective Final exit examinations.
An eligible trainee is permitted to appear in both FAT Theory Examination and Work Place Based Clinical Assessment. Those who fail to appear in the Theory Examination shall not be allowed to appear in the Work Place Based Clinical Assessment. Absenteeism from the Work Place Based Clinical Assessment after appearing in the Theory Examination shall not be counted towards appearance in the Formative Assessment Test.
To view the notice, click the link below
