The DNB CET — Super Speciality exam tests your depth in a chosen super-specialty branch. The syllabus is divided into two papers: Paper 1 (Basic Sciences & Recent Advances) and Paper 2 (Clinical / Specialty Subject). Below is the exact section breakdown, estimated weightage, and study tips for each topic.
Paper 1: Basic Sciences & Recent Advances (50% weightage)
This paper covers the foundational sciences relevant to your specialty, plus recent advances. It typically carries 50% of the total marks.
Anatomy & Physiology relevant to specialty (~10%)
- Focus on applied anatomy: nerve supply, blood supply, lymphatic drainage of organs in your specialty.
- For Physiology: mechanisms of disease, organ system physiology.
- Tip: Draw diagrams and label them. Use standard textbooks like Gray's for Anatomy and Guyton for Physiology — but only the specialty-relevant chapters.
Pathology & Microbiology (~15%)
- Pathophysiology of common diseases in your specialty.
- Microbiology: common pathogens, antibiotic resistance patterns, infection control.
- Tip: Make tables comparing similar pathologies. For microbiology, focus on organisms relevant to your specialty (e.g., for cardiology: infective endocarditis organisms).
Pharmacology (~10%)
- Drugs used in your specialty: mechanisms, side effects, interactions.
- Recent advances in pharmacotherapy.
- Tip: Create a drug formulary for your specialty. Include dose, route, and key side effects.
Recent Advances (~15%)
- Latest guidelines, new diagnostic modalities, novel therapies.
- Journals like your specialty's official journal (e.g., JACC for cardiology, Gastroenterology for GI).
- Tip: Read the last 2 years of your specialty's leading journal abstracts. Focus on landmark trials and updated guidelines.
Paper 2: Clinical / Specialty Subject (50% weightage)
This paper tests your clinical knowledge and decision-making in your chosen super-specialty. It carries the remaining 50%.
Core Clinical Topics (~30%)
- All major diseases and conditions in your specialty.
- Diagnostic criteria, staging, management algorithms.
- Tip: Use standard specialty textbooks (e.g., Braunwald for Cardiology, Harrison's for Internal Medicine). Practice writing management plans.
Clinical Procedures & Interventions (~10%)
- Indications, contraindications, steps, complications.
- For surgical specialties: operative steps, post-op care.
- Tip: Watch procedure videos and note key steps. Create a checklist for each common procedure.
Radiology & Imaging (~5%)
- Imaging modalities relevant to your specialty: X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound, nuclear scans.
- Interpretation of common findings.
- Tip: Practice reading 10-15 images per week. Use online radiology atlases.
Preventive & Social Medicine (~5%)
- Screening guidelines, epidemiology of major diseases in your specialty.
- Preventive strategies.
- Tip: Review national health programs relevant to your specialty (e.g., NPCDCS for cardiology).
General Study Tips for DNB CET SS
- Start early: Give yourself at least 4-6 months of dedicated preparation.
- Mock tests: Take at least one full-length mock test every 2 weeks. Analyze mistakes.
- Revision: Use spaced repetition. Review Paper 1 topics weekly.
- Guidelines: Stay updated with latest specialty guidelines (ACC, AHA, ESMO, etc.).
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How to Use This Syllabus
- 1Print this page and tick off topics as you cover them.
- 2Allocate time proportionally to weightage. Paper 1 topics need equal attention to Paper 2.
- 3Focus on weak areas — use mock tests to identify them.
- 4Revise recent advances in the last month before the exam.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring Paper 1: Many candidates focus only on clinical subjects. Paper 1 often decides the rank.
- Relying only on textbooks: Recent advances are not in older editions. Use journals and guidelines.
- Not practicing writing: DNB CET SS has descriptive questions. Practice writing answers within time limits.
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