New Delhi: The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has announced that barcode entry will be mandatory for candidates participating in hybrid mode examinations. It will be implemented from the DNB Final Theory Examinations scheduled for December 2025. The idea is to enhance the accuracy of answer booklet identification and streamline the examination process.
The DNB Final examinations will be conducted between December 18 and December 21, 2025. Candidates will have to enter the barcode from their answer booklets using a computer console. An additional two minutes will be allotted to facilitate this process. They will have to complete the entry via a virtual numeric keypad displayed on the screen.
NBEMS states that the new protocol will reduce errors in answer booklet identification, and candidates will witness a smoother examination experience. In the exam, the questions will be displayed digitally, and candidates will record their answers on physical answer booklets.
Preparation for Candidates
To assist candidates in adapting to this updated format, NBEMS has made mock tests available, which include detailed instructions on the barcode entry process. This initiative is designed to familiarise candidates with the new examination pattern ahead of the actual exam.
A spokesperson from NBEMS told IE, “From the DNB Final Examination in December 2025 onwards, candidates appearing in NBEMS examinations administered in hybrid mode shall be required to enter the barcode of the answer booklet provided to them in the computer console before starting the examination.”
This statement underscores the board’s commitment to enhancing the integrity and efficiency of the examination process.
Impact on Examination Practices
The introduction of mandatory barcode entry represents a significant shift in examination practices within the medical education sector. By incorporating technology into the examination process, NBEMS aims to align with contemporary educational standards while addressing the challenges posed by traditional methods. This move is expected to improve the overall experience for candidates and examiners alike.
