Content Curator | Updated on - Apr 8, 2026

The DNB Palliative Medicine is a 3-year full-time postgraduate competency-based training program offered by CMC Vellore, one of India's premier medical institutions. This specialized course trains physicians to provide comprehensive palliative and end-of-life care to patients with serious illnesses. The program combines theoretical knowledge with extensive clinical practice in pain management, symptom control, and psychosocial support. With 2 seats available annually, this is a highly selective program. The total course fees amount to approximately 3.75 lakhs for the 3-year duration, making it an affordable option for quality postgraduate medical education. CMC Vellore's DNB Palliative Medicine program is popular among physicians seeking specialized training in palliative care, with strong emphasis on patient-centered care and holistic management.

CMC DNB Palliative Medicine Admission Status and Timeline

Admissions for 2026 are conducted through NEET PG counselling by MCC-DGHS. The admission process follows the national postgraduate medical counselling schedule. Candidates must qualify NEET PG examination to be eligible for admission. The counselling typically occurs in June-July 2026 for July batch commencement. Candidates are advised to register for NEET PG and participate in the counselling process as per the official schedule announced by MCC-DGHS. The batch is expected to commence in July 2026.

Key Points

Highly specialized 3-year postgraduate program with only 2 seats, ensuring personalized training
Competency-based curriculum covering pain management, symptom control, and psychosocial support
Access to CMC Vellore's state-of-the-art palliative care facilities and hospice services
Strong emphasis on patient-centered care, ethical decision-making, and family support
Extensive clinical training in various settings including hospital, community, and home-based care
Faculty with extensive experience in palliative medicine and end-of-life care

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Placements
Cutoff
Ranking
FAQs

CMC DNB Palliative Medicine Fees

The DNB Palliative Medicine program at CMC Vellore is one of the most affordable postgraduate medical programs in India. The total course fees of approximately 3.75 lakhs covers tuition and academic charges spread across the 3-year duration. This works out to approximately 1.25 lakhs per year. The fees structure is designed to be accessible while maintaining the highest standards of postgraduate medical education and training. Hostel facilities are available at nominal charges for resident trainees.

Fee Structure

Fee Component	Amount (INR)
Annual Tuition Fee	1,25,000
Total for 3 Years	3,75,000
Hostel Fee (Optional)	Nominal
Total Course Fees	3,75,000

Fees are subject to change as per institutional policy.
Payment can be made in annual installments.
Hostel facilities are available at nominal charges for resident trainees.

CMC DNB Palliative Medicine Admission 2026

CMC Vellore follows a merit-based admission process for DNB Palliative Medicine through NEET PG counselling conducted by MCC-DGHS. Candidates must qualify NEET PG examination and participate in the national postgraduate medical counselling. The selection is based on NEET PG score and merit rank. The admission process is transparent and conducted through the official MCC-DGHS portal. Counselling is conducted in online mode to finalize seat allocation.

Important Dates

Event	Timeline
NEET PG Examination	Typically in January-February
Result Declaration	February-March
Counselling Registration	March-April
Counselling Process	May-June
Expected Batch Commencement	July

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Must be an Indian citizen with valid MBBS degree from recognized medical college
Must have completed one year of internship after MBBS
Must have valid registration with Medical Council of India or respective state medical council
Must qualify NEET PG examination
Minimum age of 21 years at the time of admission

Admission Process

Register for NEET PG examination and appear for the exam
Obtain NEET PG score and merit rank
Register for MCC-DGHS counselling portal
Participate in online counselling process
Choose CMC Vellore and DNB Palliative Medicine as preferred choice
Seat allocation based on merit rank and availability
Report to CMC Vellore with required documents for admission confirmation

CMC DNB Palliative Medicine Scholarships 2026

CMC Vellore provides various financial assistance programs to support deserving postgraduate students. Merit-based scholarships are available for students with excellent academic performance. Need-based financial aid is provided to students from low-income backgrounds. Internal financial assistance may be available with service commitment. The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) also facilitates National and State-level scholarships for eligible candidates. Additionally, CMC offers special support for SC/ST/OBC candidates as per government norms. Students are encouraged to contact the admissions office for detailed information on available scholarships and application procedures.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship Type	Details
Merit-Based Scholarship	Available for high academic achievers
Need-Based Financial Aid	For economically weaker students
Internal Financial Assistance	Available with service commitment
Government Scholarships	MHRD and State-level scholarships for eligible candidates
Category-Based Support	Special provisions for SC/ST/OBC candidates

Scholarship amounts and eligibility criteria may vary.
Students must apply separately for scholarships.
Application deadlines and procedures are communicated during admission.
For detailed information, contact CMC admissions office at admissions.cmcvellore.ac.in or call +91 8000338855.

CMC DNB Palliative Medicine Placement 2026

CMC Vellore has a strong track record of placements for DNB Palliative Medicine graduates. Palliative medicine specialists from CMC are highly sought after by leading hospitals, cancer centers, and healthcare institutions across India and internationally. The college maintains strong relationships with major healthcare organizations, facilitating excellent placement opportunities. Graduates typically secure positions as senior residents, consultants, or faculty in government and private hospitals, cancer centers, hospices, and research institutions. The average salary for DNB Palliative Medicine graduates ranges from 8 to 24 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly higher. CMC Vellore's reputation ensures that graduates have access to quality employment opportunities in the growing palliative care sector.

Placement Details

Placement Metric	Details
Average Starting Salary	8 to 24 LPA
Top Recruiters	Leading hospitals, cancer centers, hospices, research institutions
Placement Rate	High (majority of graduates placed within 3-6 months)
Career Growth	Opportunities for academic positions, research, and international placements
Job Roles	Palliative Medicine Consultant, Senior Resident, Faculty, Hospice Director

CMC Vellore DNB Palliative Medicine Ranking

Collegedunia Ranking

#4 out of 632 in India 2025

#1st in Tamil Nadu

Indiatoday Ranking

#3 out of 54 in India 2025

#1st in Tamil Nadu

The Week Ranking

#2 out of 44 in India 2025

#1st in Tamil Nadu

NIRF Ranking

#3 out of 50 in India 2025

#1st in Tamil Nadu

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CMC DNB Palliative Medicine FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between DNB and MD in Palliative Medicine?

Ans. Both DNB and MD are 3-year postgraduate programs in Palliative Medicine with similar curriculum and competency-based training. The main difference is that MD is awarded by universities while DNB is awarded by the National Board of Examinations (NBE). Both are equally recognized and valued in India and internationally.

Ques. What is the scope of DNB Palliative Medicine after graduation?

Ans. DNB Palliative Medicine graduates have excellent career prospects in the healthcare sector. They can work as palliative medicine consultants in hospitals, cancer centers, hospices, and research institutions. With experience, they can pursue academic positions, establish private practice, or work internationally. The field offers good salary prospects and job security due to increasing demand for palliative care services.

Ques. Can I pursue further studies after DNB Palliative Medicine?

Ans. Yes, graduates can pursue postdoctoral fellowships, research programs, or specialized certifications in palliative care. Many graduates also pursue academic positions or international fellowships. CMC Vellore offers postdoctoral programs that DNB graduates can apply for.

Ques. What are the main responsibilities of a Palliative Medicine Specialist?

Ans. Palliative medicine specialists assess and manage patients with serious illnesses, focusing on pain and symptom control, psychosocial support, and quality of life. They work with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care, support families, and facilitate end-of-life discussions. They also conduct research and teach medical students and residents.

Ques. Is NEET PG mandatory for DNB Palliative Medicine admission?

Ans. Yes, NEET PG is mandatory for admission to DNB Palliative Medicine at CMC Vellore. Candidates must qualify NEET PG and participate in MCC-DGHS counselling to secure admission.

Ques. What are the job opportunities after DNB Palliative Medicine?

Ans. Graduates can work as palliative medicine consultants in government hospitals, private hospitals, cancer centers, hospices, and research institutions. They can also pursue academic careers, establish private practice, or work with NGOs providing palliative care services. With experience and further qualifications, they can move into leadership and research roles in healthcare settings.