Doctorate of National Board (DNB) is a six-year neurosurgery qualification program that helps students become professional neurosurgeons under the guidance of an expert neurosurgical team at WIINS hospital, Kolhapur. This postgraduate degree is considered as valuable as other medically advanced and highly recognised degrees, such as DM (Doctor of Medicine) and MCh (Master of Chirurgiae). 

Eligibility Criteria

The speciality of the DNB neurosurgery 6-year course is that students can enrol in the program directly after completing MBBS. Here’s the detailed eligibility criteria:

• You must have completed your MBBS from a recognised medical institute with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks
• You must have cleared the NEET PG entrance exam
• You must have a registration certificate from the Medical Council of India (MCI)
• You must not be above 50 years old

Duration & Training

DNB Neurosurgery is a 6-year course for students who join immediately after MBBS. It combines theoretical and practical sessions with clinical training. In this program, you will receive basic and advanced training in neurosurgery, post-operative care, research, and academics.

Why 6-year DRNB is Preferred

The 6-year DRNB program has become an ideal choice for aspiring neurosurgeons, as it offers a seamless entry into the comprehensive neurosurgery program immediately following MBBS. This builds advanced surgical skills and provides a deeper understanding of surgical concepts. Here are a few other reasons that make this 6-year program a preferred pathway for MBBS students:

Comprehensive Training: Neurosurgery is a broad medical field which comprises many specialities, including pediatric neurosurgery, neuro-oncology, spine surgeries, brain tumours, trauma, vascular cases, and the list goes on. A six-year program ensures comprehensive training, which begins with basic surgical skills and progresses to more complex neurosurgery operations. 

Better than a 3-year Neurosurgery Course: This 6-year DNB course is a practical choice if you are confident about a career in neurosurgery. If you go the traditional 6-year route, you will spend the first three years completing MS General Surgery, followed by the NEET-SS, an entrance test to secure a seat in DrNB Super Speciality courses. 

No NEET-SS Stress: The biggest pressure for MBBS students is clearing the NEET-SS test for MCh seats. The limited number of seats and strict cut-off scores can cause unnecessary mental stress, making this modern, comprehensive 6-year course a better alternative.

DNB Neurosurgery Stipend in India

Students pursuing a DrNB program get a stipend, which may vary from one institute to another. The average stipend ranges between INR 60,000 to INR 80,000 per month, although the exact amount might fluctuate depending on different factors. It also increases every year. 

Stipend for a 3-year neurosurgery program is often higher, as students have already received basic training in the first few years of the program. At WIINS Hopsitals, you can expect a stipend of ₹89,698 to ₹91,189 per month. 

Why Choose WIINS Hospitals, Kolhapur for DNB Program

WIINS Hospitals, one of the leading super speciality hospitals in Kolhapur, is recognised for its high-quality treatments, successful surgical outcomes, and over 33 years of experience in neurosurgery. Here are some common reasons that make WIINS Hospitals a preferred choice for aspiring neurosurgeons. 

100% Success Rate

The hospital has gained popularity for its residency programs. What sets it apart from other DNB programs is a 100% success rate in the fifth year of residency, meaning most students complete their training and clear the exam in the same year. Strong mentorship support has made it possible for students to achieve proficiency in neurosurgery ahead of schedule.

Academic-driven Curriculum

Another speciality is the academic-driven curriculum. Students are treated with respect and are assigned work or projects, which help in their clinical training rather than unnecessary, non-clinical workload. This academic-oriented program under the supervision of expert neurosurgeons ensures that residents are trained to become future neurosurgeons.

Promotes Clinical Research

Students at WIINS Hospitals feel motivated to work on research papers and present them at national and international conferences. This helps students gain recognition and build a strong network. Additionally, it makes them job-ready.

Only Institute with 3D Exoscopic Neurosurgery

WIINS Hospitals, Kolhapur, is so far the only super speciality clinical facility in the area to use 3D exoscopic neurosurgery, the next-generation surgical tool, which gives a clear, magnified view of the area that’s operated on. 

It involves a high-resolution camera, which is more effective than a traditional surgical microscope. It generates real-time pictures of the surgical site. Students enrolling in the WIINS Hospitals DNB program get to work with this latest technology.

Advanced Procedures

Another advantage of choosing WIINS Hospitals for your residency program is exposure to advanced neurological procedures. This includes minimally invasive endoscopic brain and spine surgery, which requires high precision and expertise in modern surgical tools. Other examples include subcortical brain motor mapping and keyhole brain surgery.

DNB Neurosurgery Fees Structure in India

Students applying for the DNB neurosurgery program are required to pay a mandatory application fee of INR 5000 – INR 6000, followed by the annual tuition fee of INR 12,000 to INR 15,000. The thesis submission fee of INR 10,000 to INR 12,000 is paid when submitting the thesis. After course completion, students pay a mandatory fee of INR 5000 – INR 6000 for the final exam. 

Apart from this, hospitals may charge an additional fee, which can vary depending on the institute you choose. It’s minimal for government hospitals and can be up to INR 4,00,000 per year in private hospitals. WIINS Hospitals has set a negligible fee of INR 1,25,000 (+GST) for its DNB residency program.

DNB Neurosurgery Salary After Completing the Course

You receive a stipend throughout the training program. Once you complete the course and start practising as a qualified neurosurgeon, your salary will increase. According to Glassdoor, the average salary of a neurosurgeon in India in 2025 is INR 30,00,000 per year. Salary usually varies between hospitals. It also depends on the surgeon’s experience. Private hospitals pay higher, as they receive high case volumes and private-pay patients.

Admission Process for DNB Neurosurgery at WIINS Hospitals

For admission to the DNB Neurosurgery 6-year course at WIINS Hospitals, you must have completed the NEET-PG examination, followed by counselling sessions. For more details regarding the documents, application, eligibility, and admission, please go through the WIINS Hospitals DNB neurosurgery section.