NBEMS has released a tentative calendar of medical and pharmacy examinations for the first six months of 2026, making it easier for students to prepare.

Major and welcome news has come for millions of students studying medical and pharmacy courses before the new year. The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has released a tentative examination calendar for the major entrance and eligibility examinations to be held in the first six months of 2026. This step will particularly benefit those students who were confused about their preparation for a long time and wanted to formulate the right strategy at the right time.

NBEMS says that the main objective of this examination calendar is to provide students with a clear timeline in advance so that they can proceed with their studies and practice in the right direction without any confusion. The board has also clarified that this calendar is currently tentative and may be subject to change if needed.

Examination process to begin from January 2026

According to the released calendar, the examination process for the year 2026 will begin in January. First, the NBEMS Diploma Final Examination, which is related to the December 2025 session, will be held on January 6, 7, and 8, 2026. This examination will be conducted from 2 PM to 5 PM. This examination is considered very important for students pursuing diploma courses, as it determines the direction of their further studies and career.

In the same month, a major examination is also going to be held for students who have completed their medical studies abroad. The FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) for the December 2025 session will be held on January 17, 2026. This examination will be held in two shifts. The first paper will be from 9 AM to 11:30 AM and the second paper will be from 2 PM to 4:30 PM. This examination is considered the most important step for foreign medical graduates who dream of practicing in India. Exam Schedule to Intensify in February and March

In February 2026, the FDST-MDS exam for dental students will be held on February 21st. The month of March will be quite busy for medical and pharmacy students.

The FDST-BDS exam will be conducted on March 1st, 2026.  Exactly one week later, the GPAT 2026, considered one of the most important exams for pharmacy students, will be held. This exam will take place on March 7th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. GPAT provides admission to M.Pharm programs in prestigious institutions across the country, so students begin preparing for it well in advance.

Additionally, the Fellowship Entrance Test (FET) for candidates preparing for admission to fellowship courses will be held on March 14th, 2026.

Exam Season Continues from April to June

The exam season will continue in April. The Post Diploma Centralized Entrance Test (PDCET) will be conducted on April 12th, 2026.  Following this, the DRNB Final exam will be held on April 24th, 25th, and 26th.

In May 2026, the Diploma Final Examination (June session) will be held between May 14th and 16th. The DNB Final Examination will take place from June 18th to 21st. Towards the end of the month, the FMGE exam will be conducted again. The FMGE June session exam will be held on June 28th, 2026.