Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Anesthesia is one of the branches where learning never really stops. Even after finishing your diploma or residency, every OT day teaches you something new. But when it comes to career growth, higher training becomes important — not just for degrees, but for confidence, exposure, and long-term stability.
For anesthesia diploma holders, one exam plays a key role in this transition: PDCET.
This blog explains:
- What PDCET is
- Who it is meant for
- Exam pattern and basic details
- Why it matters for anesthesia residents
- What comes after clearing the exam
What Exactly is the PDCET Exam?
PDCET stands for Post Diploma Centralized Entrance Test. It is conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE).
The exam is meant for doctors who have completed a Post Diploma in Anesthesia (DA) and want to move ahead to DNB Anesthesiology.
In practical terms,
PDCET is the exam that allows a diploma anesthesia doctor to enter formal, structured DNB training.
It is not an optional exam if you are planning to upgrade your qualification after DA — it is the only route.
PDCET 2026: Important Dates and Mode
- Exam date: 12 April 2026 (Sunday)
- Mode: Computer-based test
- Centres: Multiple cities across India
Who Should Appear for PDCET?
You should plan for PDCET if you have:
- Completed Post Diploma (DA) in Anesthesia
- Valid registration with NMC or State Medical Council
- Completed all required training as per norms
If DNB Anesthesiology is your next goal, PDCET is unavoidable.
PDCET Exam Pattern (At a Glance)
PDCET focuses only on anesthesia. There are no mixed subjects.
| Item | Details |
| Exam type | Computer-based |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Total questions | 120 MCQs |
| Correct answer | +4 marks |
| Wrong answer | –1 mark |
| Subject | Core Anesthesiology |
Questions are mainly concept-based and clinically oriented.
Why PDCET Matters for Anesthesia Residents?
Anesthesia is not about memorising drug names or machine settings. Real work begins when:
- Airway becomes difficult
- Patient suddenly desaturates
- BP crashes
- Things don’t go as planned
PDCET indirectly checks whether you understand anesthesia as a clinical specialty, not just as theory.
It helps decide whether you are ready for:
- Higher responsibility
- Advanced training environments
- Complex cases and ICUs
- Independent decision-making
That is why PDCET is important — it filters for readiness, not just marks.
What Happens After Clearing PDCET?
Once you clear PDCET, you become eligible for:
- DNB Anesthesiology admission
- Training in recognised, high-load hospitals
- Exposure to advanced anesthesia, ICU, and perioperative care
Over time, this opens doors to areas like:
- Critical Care
- Pain Medicine
- ICU-based practice
- Senior anesthesia roles
In simple words, PDCET helps you move from training to career building.
Final Note
For anesthesia residents, career growth is closely tied to training quality. Clearing PDCET is not just about getting another degree; it is about putting yourself in a better learning environment. So, understanding PDCET early and planning for what comes next can save you a lot of confusion later.
