DrNB Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Direct answer
DrNB Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is the NBEMS super-speciality covering the restoration of form and function — from trauma reconstruction and burns to cancer defect repair, congenital anomaly correction and aesthetic surgery. NBEMS offers it as a three-year residency after MS or DNB General Surgery through NEET-SS and as a direct six-year course for MBBS graduates entered through NEET-PG. The DrNB is recognised as MCh-equivalent, and the final theory and practical examinations are run nationally by NBEMS.
Course structure and curriculum
- Acute hand surgery and replantation of amputated parts, with microvascular anastomosis training as a core competency.
- Burns intensive care and staged post-burn reconstruction of contractures and scars.
- Congenital anomaly surgery: cleft lip and palate repair, hypospadias correction and craniofacial procedures.
- Oncological reconstruction after cancer excision, working alongside surgical oncologists to plan flaps and grafts.
- Local, regional and free-flap surgery, including perforator flaps in higher-volume centres.
- Aesthetic surgery exposure — rhinoplasty, breast surgery, body contouring and facial rejuvenation.
- Management of chronic wounds, pressure sores and lymphoedema, including negative-pressure wound therapy.
- Paediatric plastic surgery and correction of acquired deformities from trauma and infection.
- Laser surgery and other adjunct technologies where the unit provides them.
- Skills-lab practice on suturing, graft harvesting and flap raising before supervised operating.
- Thesis research and logbook documentation of the operative hierarchy from assisting to performing.
Entrance examinations
The post-MS course is filled by NEET-SS, the NBEMS computer-based test of 150 questions arranged in three time-locked sections of 50, scoring plus four and minus one. The integrated six-year DrNB in plastic surgery is chosen at MBBS level and admits through NEET-PG counselling. Either way, entrance preparation rests on wound-healing biology, flap and graft principles, hand anatomy, burns physiology and skin lesion knowledge stacked over a general-surgery base; INI-SS remains the separate key to institute MCh seats.
Examinations
The DrNB final examination, conducted by NBEMS, joins written theory papers to a practical assessment that traditionally includes case discussion, flap and graft planning on diagrams, instrument and implant identification, and viva voce, with the dissertation accepted beforehand. Since the subject is inherently visual, successful candidates rehearse drawing blood supply territories, flap designs and hand anatomy until reproduction is automatic. Practising with previous-year papers and finishing preparation with timed mock examinations converts steady reading into exam-day performance.
Career pathways
Graduates divide among trauma and reconstructive units, cancer hospitals, burns centres and aesthetic practices, and many combine reconstructive public-hospital work with private aesthetic practice. Fellowships in hand surgery, microsurgery, craniofacial or aesthetic surgery refine careers further, with options abroad as well. Demand spans road-trauma reconstruction to post-cancer rehabilitation.
Preparation with PrepElephant
PrepElephant helps with previous-year question practice, subject-wise banks, mock tests and revision tools for NEET-PG and NEET-SS aspirants in the app, alongside free guides on this site. Surgical judgement itself is built in wards and theatres, not on any app.
Related entrance examinations
Frequently asked questions
How can I join DrNB Plastic Surgery?
Complete MS or DNB General Surgery and qualify in NEET-SS for the three-year course, or enter the direct six-year DrNB after MBBS through NEET-PG, depending on the seats NBEMS offers.
Is a DrNB the same as an MCh?
In standing, yes — the DrNB is recognised as equivalent to MCh Plastic Surgery, though the National Board itself examines candidates in theory and practicals.
What skills distinguish this speciality?
Microsurgery, flap design and execution, hand surgery, burns management and aesthetic technique form the craft core, each documented through graded operative responsibility.
What should final-exam preparation focus on?
Flap physiology and planning, hand anatomy, burns fluid calculations, cleft and cancer reconstruction principles, plus rehearsed diagrams and previous-year question practice.
What do plastic surgeons do after DrNB?
Reconstructive consultant roles, aesthetic practice, hand and microsurgery fellowships, burns-centre leadership and academic appointments are the main routes.
Practise this in the PrepElephant app
Question banks, previous-year questions, mock tests and revision tools — for DrNB Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Free to start.