DNB Thesis: From Protocol to NBEMS Approval
Complete guide based on official NBEMS guidelines. Everything you need to know about thesis protocol, writing, submission, and modifications.
📋 Official Source: This guide is based on official NBEMS guidelines from natboard.edu.in/thesisonline/archive. Always verify current guidelines as rules may change.
⏰ Critical Deadlines (As Per NBEMS Guidelines)
Warning: Candidates who fail to submit thesis by cutoff date shall NOT be allowed to appear in DNB final examination.
Part 1: Thesis Protocol
The protocol is a study plan designed to describe the background, research question, aim and objectives, and detailed methodology. It is the "operating manual" to refer to while conducting your study.
Protocol Word Limits (NBEMS Prescribed)
| Section | Word/Character Limit |
|---|---|
| Title | 120 characters (with spacing) |
| Synopsis (Structured) | 250-300 words |
| Introduction | 300-500 words |
| Review of Literature | 800-1000 words |
| Aim and Objectives | Up to 200 words |
| Material and Methods | 1200-1600 words |
| References | 10-25 references (ICMJE style) |
Ethics & Scientific Committee Approval (Mandatory)
It is mandatory to have Ethics Committee and Scientific Research Committee approval before initiation of research work.
Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) Requirements
- Must be multidisciplinary and multi-sectorial in composition
- Must be registered with Drug Controller General of India (DCGI)
- Should follow ICMR Biomedical Research Guidelines
- Committee size: 8-12 members (minimum 5 for quorum)
- Chairman must be from outside the institution
IEC Composition (As per NBEMS):
- • Chairperson (from outside institution)
- • 1-2 persons from basic medical science area
- • 1-2 clinicians from various institutes
- • One legal expert or retired judge
- • One social scientist/NGO representative
- • One philosopher/ethicist/theologian
- • One lay person from community
- • Member Secretary (from same institution)
No IEC at your hospital? The hospital may tie up with a nearby institution having DCGI-registered IEC. A Memorandum of Understanding must be submitted to NBEMS Accreditation Department.
Scientific Research Committee (SRC) Requirements
SRC Composition (As per NBEMS):
- • Head of Institute (Chairman)
- • Statistician
- • Professor/Sr. Consultant from other hospitals/institutions
- • Guide & Co-Guide(s) of concerned DNB trainee
- • Basic Sciences Faculty
Note: SRC must be constituted in-house. All Guide/Co-Guides act as ex-officio members.
Protocol Submission to NBEMS
- Submit online at: natboard.edu.in/thesisonline/index
- Deadline: Within 3 months of joining DNB training
- Protocol must be approved by IEC & SRC before submission to NBEMS
Research Ethics Warning:
Issues like Plagiarism, not maintaining confidentiality of data, or any other distortion of the research process will be viewed seriously. The primary responsibility of ensuring ethical conduct is on the thesis guide.
Part 2: Thesis Writing Guidelines
Thesis Format Requirements (NBEMS Prescribed)
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Maximum Pages | 80 pages (including text, figures, references, annexures, certificates) |
| Font | Times New Roman / Arial / Garamond, Size 12 |
| Spacing | 1.5 line spacing |
| Margins | 1 inch on all four sides |
| Printing | Both sides of paper, no blank pages |
| Page Numbers | Every page must be numbered |
| References | Cited in superscripts in text |
Section-wise Page Limits (NBEMS Recommended)
| Section | Recommended Pages |
|---|---|
| Introduction | 2 pages |
| Review of Literature | 10-12 pages |
| Discussion | 8-10 pages |
General Layout of DNB Thesis
Title
Should be brief, clear, focus on central theme, avoid abbreviations. Must contain PICO elements (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome).
Introduction
Focused on research question, directly relevant to objectives. Limit to 2 pages.
Review of Literature
Only contemporary and relevant literature. Include most relevant and recent studies. Limit to 10-12 pages.
Aim and Objectives
'Aim' = what would be broadly achieved. 'Objectives' = stem from research question, include participants, intervention, evaluation, design.
Material and Methods
Must include 10 elements: Study setting, Study duration, Study design, Study sample (inclusion/exclusion), Intervention, Data collection, Outcome measures (primary/secondary), Sample size, Data management & Statistical analysis, Ethical issues.
Results
Organized in identifiable sections with correct analysis. Present in appropriate charts, tables, graphs, diagrams.
Discussion
Start by summarizing results (without data). Compare your results with earlier studies. Limit to 8-10 pages.
Summary and Conclusion
Arrange in 4 paragraphs: (a) background & objectives, (b) methods, (c) results, (d) conclusions. Conclusions must strictly pertain to findings.
Appendices
Include: questionnaire, interview schedules, observation checklists, informed consent form (ICF), participant information sheet (PIS).
Important Guidelines from NBEMS
- Number of cases should be adequate based on hospital attendance/records
- Data collection period: around 6-12 months
- Use only clinical/laboratory data easily accessible in existing facilities
- Techniques need not be described in detail unless modifications are used
- Illustrative material should be restricted and printed on paper (no separate photo pasting)
- Statistical methods must be described specifically for each objective with software name
- DNB residents can freely use surgical pathology/autopsy data if restricted to diagnosis only
- Clinical residents are not ordinarily expected to undertake experimental work or use unavailable chemicals/radioisotopes
Part 3: Thesis Submission to NBEMS
Submission Portal
Online application available at: https://natboard.edu.in/thesisonline/index
Fees
Fresh Thesis Assessment
₹3,500/-
(excluding gateway charges)
Modified Thesis Assessment
₹1,800/-
(excluding gateway charges)
Documents Required with Thesis
- ✓Print out of online application form duly signed and stamped by all authorities
- ✓Synopsis of thesis (hard copy + soft copy uploaded online)
- ✓Copy of letter of registration with NBE
- ✓IEC and SRC approval
- ✓Annexure Publication
- ✓Declaration: Signed by Trainee, Guide, Co-Guide (if any), and Head of Institution with rubber stamp
Critical Warning:
Declaration must be signed by Trainee, Guide, and Head of Institution. Failing which thesis shall not be considered.
Late Submission
Submission after cutoff date will invite a penalty (informed individually by NBEMS). Incomplete submission forms will not be considered.
Part 4: Modified Thesis Submission
If assessors require modifications, you must resubmit within the stipulated time.
Modified Thesis Requirements (From NBEMS Guidelines)
- 1.Thesis must be modified strictly in accordance with assessor observations
- 2.Must be hard bound with front cover in standard format, labeled as "MODIFIED THESIS"
- 3.Modifications done in thesis should be appropriately flagged
- 4.Deadline: Within 6 weeks of communication issuance
- 5.Fee: ₹1,800/- (excluding gateway charges)
Documents with Modified Thesis
- A summary of thesis and modifications incorporated
- Print out of online application form duly signed and stamped
- Declaration that thesis has been modified as per suggestion of assessor - signed by Candidate, Guide, and Head of Institution
Important: Candidates are advised NOT to canvass with NBE/assessor for assessment of thesis.
Contact Information
thesis@natboard.edu.in
🌐 Thesis Portal
natboard.edu.in/thesisonlineNote: No inquiries regarding thesis assessment status prior to 4 months after thesis submission will be entertained.
Always mention your Name, Subject, Registration No., and Date of submission in any correspondence with NBE. Inform any address changes to thesis@natboard.edu.in for timely communication.
Quick Checklist
Protocol Phase
Thesis Writing Phase
Submission Phase
Thesis is mandatory for DNB degree. Start early, follow NBEMS guidelines exactly, and maintain regular communication with your Guide. Good luck!
Source: Official NBEMS Guidelines from natboard.edu.in/thesisonline/archive