DNB Cardiology: Course, Eligibility, Admission, Fees, Colleges, Syllabus, Scope

DNB Cardiology, or Diplomate of the National Board in Cardiology, is a three-year super-speciality postgraduate programme offered by the National Board of Examinations (NBE). The course focuses on diagnosing, managing, and treating various cardiovascular disorders, including heart failure, congenital heart diseases, arrhythmias, and valvular heart conditions using advanced clinical techniques.

Admission to DNB Cardiology is done through NEET-SS, followed by centralised counselling. Candidates must have completed an MD or DNB in General Medicine or Paediatrics. The course fee in India ranges from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 10 lakhs, depending on the institute. Graduates can work as cardiologists, consultants, lecturers, or healthcare managers.

DNB Cardiology- Highlights

DNB Cardiology is a specialised postgraduate programme aimed at training doctors in advanced cardiology care, covering diagnostics, intervention, and cardiac rehabilitation. The course equips students with in-depth clinical skills and knowledge required for treating heart-related conditions. Here are the key highlights, including duration, eligibility, fees, salary, and job roles.

DNB Cardiology Eligibility Criteria

Admission to the DNB Cardiology programme requires candidates to meet strict academic and professional standards set by the National Board of Examinations. Selection is based on entrance test performance and relevant postgraduate qualifications. Candidates should ensure they meet all institutional criteria before applying. Below are the key eligibility requirements.

DNB in Cardiology Admission Procedure

The admission process for DNB Cardiology is conducted through a structured and merit-based system. While institutions may follow similar criteria, most rely on national-level entrance scores like NEET SS. Candidates must follow each step carefully to secure admission into the programme. Below is the typical admission procedure:

Step 1: Check Eligibility Criteria – Candidates must have an MD/DNB in General Medicine or Paediatrics and meet any additional institutional requirements before applying.

Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form – Applicants must register on the official portal by entering personal details, uploading documents, and paying the application fee within the given deadline.

Step 3: Appear for the Entrance Exam – Candidates must appear for NEET SS, which is conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) for admission to super-speciality courses.

Step 4: Counselling and Cut-Off Announcement – Based on entrance scores, institutions release cut-off lists. Eligible candidates are called for counselling and seat allotment based on rank and preference.

Step 5: Confirm Admission by Paying Fees – Once a seat is allotted, candidates must complete document verification and submit the course fees to confirm admission.

Top DNB Cardiology Entrance Exams

For admission to the DNB Cardiology course, candidates are required to appear for a national-level entrance examination. The NEET SS (Super-Speciality) exam is conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) and is a mandatory requirement for most institutions offering this super-speciality programme.

DNB Cardiology Cut-off

The cut-off for DNB Cardiology colleges is determined based on the candidate’s performance in the NEET SS entrance exam conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE). These cut-offs vary each year depending on factors like seat availability, exam difficulty, and applicant performance. Higher scores increase the chances of selection.

DNB Cardiology Syllabus

The DNB Cardiology syllabus spans three years and focuses on developing clinical expertise in cardiology, particularly in diagnosing and treating heart diseases. It includes topics like clinical cardiology, invasive and non-invasive cardiology techniques, and paediatric cardiac care. The subjects included in the course curriculum of DNB Cardiology are as follows:

DNB Cardiology First Year Syllabus

The first-year syllabus of DNB Cardiology builds a foundational understanding of cardiovascular disorders. It covers essential topics such as clinical cardiology, congenital and paediatric heart conditions, coronary artery disease, and rhythm disorders. This year focuses on clinical assessment and diagnosis of common and complex cardiac ailments to prepare students for advanced training.

• Clinical Cardiology
• Congenital Heart Ailment as well as other pediatric cardiac disorders
• Coronary Artery Ailment
• Pericardial Ailments
• Rheumatic Heart Ailment
• Cardiac Arrhythmias

DNB Cardiology Second Year Syllabus

The second-year syllabus of DNB Cardiology focuses on mastering non-invasive diagnostic techniques. Students are trained in procedures like ECG, stress testing, Holter monitoring, radiography, and various echocardiographic methods. This phase aims to enhance the ability to interpret cardiac imaging and monitoring results for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.

• Non-Invasive Technique
• Stress testing-treadmill test, stress-related and other nuclear techniques
• Electrocardiography
• Holter checking and monitoring for arrhythmias, as well as ischemic disorders
• Radiography-routine and specialised areas like CT and MRI
• Echocardiography-M-mode, Doppler, colour flow imaging, Two Dimensional, transesophageal echocardiography, as well as echo-directed hemodynamic studies

DNB Cardiology Third Year Syllabus

The third-year syllabus of DNB Cardiology emphasises hands-on training in invasive cardiology procedures. Students gain experience in cardiac catheterisation, pacemaker insertion, coronary angiography, and electrophysiology. This stage is designed to develop clinical proficiency in performing advanced cardiac interventions and understanding the biomedical aspects of invasive diagnostics and therapies.

• Invasive Cardiology
• To perform a temporary pacemaker insertion
• Experience in cardiac catheterisation to calculate and interpret numerous hemodynamic parameters
• Biomedical Aspects
• Right and left heart cath and coronary angiography procedures in adults and children
• Electrophysiology

DNB Cardiology Fee Structure

The DNB Cardiology fee structure varies based on the type and location of the institution. Government hospitals tend to charge lower fees, while private institutions may have higher costs. Overall, the total course fee typically ranges from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 10 lakhs for the full three-year duration.

Scope of DNB Cardiology

DNB Cardiology opens up vast opportunities for graduates to work in specialised cardiac care units, academic institutions, and research centres. Trained professionals can contribute to diagnostic cardiology, cardiac interventions, and patient management in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and heart institutes across both the public and private sectors.

Graduates can also pursue research or teaching roles, or take up consultancy positions in national health programmes or defence hospitals. Those with an interest in academics can continue with super-speciality training or fellowships in areas such as interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, or paediatric cardiology.

Career Opportunities After DNB Cardiology

After completing the DNB in Cardiology, candidates can explore a wide range of career opportunities in hospitals, cardiac care units, and defence medical services. Graduates are equipped to handle critical cardiac cases and advanced procedures. Here are some of the job roles available after completing DNB Cardiology:

Cardiologist: Cardiologists help in determining, examining, and treating diseases related to the heart and veins. They also analyse any other problems related to the heart beforehand.

Interventional Cardiologist: Interventional Cardiologists perform minimally invasive procedures like angioplasty and stent placements to treat heart conditions. They play a key role in managing complex cardiac cases, especially in critical care settings.

Consultant: Consultants provide expert opinions on complex cardiac cases and supervise treatment plans. They often lead teams and mentor junior cardiologists in clinical settings.

Lecturer: Lecturers teach cardiology subjects to medical students and postgraduates in academic institutions. They also engage in research and contribute to scientific publications.

Healthcare Manager: Healthcare managers oversee the operations of cardiology departments and ensure the efficient delivery of services. They coordinate between clinical staff, manage budgets, and maintain compliance with healthcare standards.

Top Recruiters

• Apollo
• Max Healthcare
• Integro
• Nextgen

Benefits of Studying DNB Cardiology

Studying DNB Cardiology prepares candidates with advanced clinical and procedural expertise in cardiac care. It opens rewarding opportunities in hospitals, research institutions, and private practice. Graduates are trained in diagnosing and managing complex heart conditions, enabling them to contribute significantly to patient care and cardiovascular advancements in both public and private healthcare sectors.

Salary After DNB Cardiology

After completing DNB Cardiology, candidates can expect competitive salary packages depending on their expertise, job role, and place of employment. While initial earnings may be modest, experience significantly boosts pay. Cardiologists often see steady income growth over time due to high demand in the healthcare sector. Here are the average salaries:

Source: AmbitionBox

Top DNB Cardiology Colleges in India with Fees

DNB Cardiology is offered by a limited number of reputed hospitals and medical institutions across India. These colleges provide advanced training in cardiac care, diagnostics, and intervention. With experienced faculty and modern facilities, they prepare students for specialised roles in cardiology. Here are some top colleges offering DNB Cardiology.

• G Kuppuswamy Naidu Memorial Hospital, Coimbatore
• SSSIHMS Bangalore
• Apex Heart Institute, Ahmedabad