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For diploma holders in Surgery, PDCET is not just another entrance exam. It is the exam that decides where you will train next, the kind of surgical exposure you will get, and the direction your career will take.
After completing a post-diploma, most residents aim to enter DNB Surgery and continue higher surgical training. PDCET is the only pathway for that. A good rank means access to better institutions, stronger mentorship, and wider operative exposure.
With PDCET 2026 scheduled on 12 April 2026, this is the right time to begin preparation with a clear plan and proper guidance.
What is the PDCET Exam? Know in Detail
PDCET stands for Post Diploma Centralized Entrance Test. It is conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) for doctors who have completed their Post Diploma and want to pursue Post Diploma DNB courses.
Surgery residents, this exam allows your entry into DNB Surgery (Post Diploma) programmes in government and private hospitals across the country.
Simply put, PDCET is the exam that takes you from diploma training to advanced surgical specialisation.
PDCET 2026 Exam Date
- Date: Sunday, 12 April 2026
- Mode: Computer-based examination
- Centres: Conducted at multiple centres across India
PDCET Exam Pattern
The paper is designed to test your understanding of core surgery and clinical decision-making.
| Component | Details |
| Mode | Computer-based test |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Questions | 120 multiple-choice questions |
| Marking | 4 marks for every correct answer |
| Negative marking | 1 mark deducted for every wrong answer |
| Subject | Surgery only |
Why is PDCET Important?
PDCET is a turning point in a surgeon’s career. It determines:
- Where you will receive your advanced training
- The quality of operative exposure you will get
- The mentors who will shape your clinical thinking
- The confidence with which you step into independent practice
A strong rank gives you better choices and stronger training centres.
How Conceptual Surgery Supports Your Preparation?
Surgery is not a subject you can master by reading alone. It needs guidance, experience, and structured learning from teachers who understand both clinical practice and examination requirements.
Conceptual Surgery is built to provide exactly that.
What makes Conceptual Surgery different?
High-quality video lectures
Recorded exclusively by senior teachers with 35 to 60 years of experience as MS and DNB examiners.
Clinical case demonstrations
Real patient examinations, case presentations, and demonstration of clinical signs — just like in ward rounds and exams.
Mentorship programmes
Live interactive sessions, regular doubt-clearing discussions, and thesis guidance to support residents through every stage of training.
A strong academic ecosystem
- 300+ years of combined teaching experience
- 30+ expert faculty members
- 5,000+ hours of learning content being added gradually
- Dedicated academic support from experienced professionals
Conceptual Surgery is designed to help residents grow steadily — every day, every year, and throughout their surgical career.
Final Thoughts
PDCET is not just an entrance test. It is the foundation of your future as a surgeon.
With the exam scheduled for 12 April 2026, this is the time to prepare with discipline, consistency, and the right mentorship.
If you want to build strong concepts, sharpen your clinical judgement, and train under the best teachers, your preparation must begin now.
And with the guidance of Conceptual Surgery, you can move towards PDCET with confidence and clarity.
