NBEMS makes barcode entry mandatory for hybrid exams from DNB Final theory exam 2025

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has made it mandatory for candidates to enter the answer booklet barcode on the computer console in hybrid mode exams, starting from the DNB Final Theory Examinations December 2025.

“From DNB Final Examination 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,” NBEMS said.

The DNB Final December 2025 exam will be conducted by the NBEMS on December 18, 19, 20, and 21 in hybrid mode, where questions will be displayed on the computer screen but answers will be written in barcoded physical answer booklets.

To familiarise candidates with the new exam pattern, NBEMS has made mock tests available with instructions to be followed for entering barcodes. Candidates will be provided two minutes time to enter the barcode using a virtual numeric keypad displayed on the computer screen.

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NBEMS Hybrid Exam: Guidelines to enter barcode

• Candidates have been instructed to verify that the answer booklet has 50 pages, no misprints, torn or missing pages, and barcode printed on all of the pages.
• Enter the barcode in the same sequence in the space provided using a virtual number pad displayed on the screen.
• Answer sheets with incorrect barcodes will not be assessed by the NBEMS.
• Candidates will be provided two minutes for entering the barcode.
• After entering the barcode, click on the save button. The ‘Submit’ button will be enabled only after two minutes.
• The question paper will not be visible to candidates who do not enter their barcode or save it.
• Those who fail to enter the barcode even after two minutes will start losing their exam time.