If you are a DNB / DCH resident and going to appear for these exams, then this post might be helpful for you.
Analyzing the previous year papers provides a great help in understanding the pattern of questions appearing in the final exit exams, which helps in planning your exam preparation strategy.
Analyzing the three papers from the December 2024 Diploma Paediatrics Exam reveals a systematic distribution of topics designed to test your breadth of knowledge across Neonatology, systemic pediatrics, and emergency management.
1. Systematic Distribution of Topics
The National Board of Examinations appears to have followed a structured approach to ensure no major system was left out across the three papers. The distribution covers the major topics and is not exhaustive. There are more questions above these topics.
| System / Category | Paper 1 Topics | Paper 2 Topics | Paper 3 Topics |
| Neonatology | NEC, Neonatal GI Bleeding | — | — |
| Neurology | Benign Intracranial HTN, Intellectual Disability | Migraine, Neuro-cutaneous markers, ADEM, Autism | AFP, Periodic Paralysis |
| Gastro / Hepatology | — | Extrahepatic Portal HTN | CLD, Hepatitis C, Chronic Diarrhea |
| Emergency / ICU | Hypertensive Crisis, Salicylate Poisoning | DIC | Myocarditis, Sudden Breathlessness |
| Rheumatology | — | SLE | Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis |
| Metabolic/Endo | Vitamin D, Hyponatremia, DSD | Short Stature | Cystic Fibrosis |
| General / Stats | Sensitivity, Specificity, PPV, NPV | — | — |
2. Key High-Yield Trend
- Neurology Weightage: Neurology is a dominant theme, appearing in all three papers. It covers a wide spectrum from developmental (Autism, ID) and acute (ADEM, AFP) to chronic/syndromic (Neuro-cutaneous markers, Migraine).
- The “Emergency” Constant: Each paper includes at least one high-stakes emergency or critical care topic (Hypertensive crisis, DIC, Myocarditis, Poisoning). This highlights the need for a solid grasp of stabilization and management protocols.
- Biostatistics: Paper 1 included a dedicated 10-mark question on screening test statistics (Sensitivity/Specificity). This suggests that “basics of research” is a non-negotiable section for Paper 1.
- Topic Overlap/Repetition: Hypertension appeared in both Paper 1 (Crisis) and Paper 2 (General definition/etiology). Similarly, liver-related issues were split between Paper 2 and Paper 3.
3. Question Structure & Scoring Pattern
The examiners have moved toward a highly structured marking scheme (3-3-4 or 2-2-2-4), which is excellent for scoring:
- Pathophysiology/Etiology (2–3 Marks): Requires concise, bulleted points on “how” and “why.”
- Clinical Features/Diagnosis (2–3 Marks): Focuses on “what to look for” and “how to confirm.”
- Management (4–5 Marks): Usually carries the most weight. You are expected to provide step-by-step treatment, including dosages and monitoring.+2
4. Strategic Advice
- Focus on Management: Since management consistently carries 40–50% of the marks per question, providing clear, protocol-based flowcharts in your app will be a major selling point.
- Don’t Ignore Stats: Create a small “General/Stats” section in the app, as these are easy marks that students often skip.
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