It is equivalent to Doctorate of Medicine (DM) / Master of Chirurgiae (MCh) degrees awarded respectively in medical and surgical super specialities.
Besides, it has a moderate fee structure as compared to MD/MS courses", and that "some Middle Eastern countries give prominence to DNB degrees, which encourages young doctors to opt for it".
On 20 February 2009, the Government of India notified the same through an extraordinary gazette order, pertaining to the amendment made in the First Schedule of the Indian Medical Council Act of 1956, where DNB qualifications are listed.
The list of recognised qualifications awarded by the NBEMS in various broad specialties and super-specialties as approved by the Government of India are included in the First Schedule of the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956.
Candidates can also join after MBBS directly into an integrated six-year DrNB programme in limited super-specialty disciplines.