Issue, September 2026

Conceptual Pediatrics

This edition of Conceptual Pediatrics is dedicated to DNB preparation.

With the DNB Theory results being a major highlight this month, we are looking at what it really takes to clear the exam—and, more importantly, how you can prepare for what comes next.

From Theory preparation and revision strategies to case presentations, clinical examination and viva, this edition brings together practical lessons from residents who have successfully cleared their DNB Theory exams.

We have also included topper interviews, where they share their preparation journeys, the challenges they faced during residency, the strategies that worked for them and the lessons they would want other DNB residents to know.

So, if you are preparing for DNB Pediatrics, have recently cleared your Theory exam, or are getting ready for your Practical examination, this edition is for you.

Let’s look at what their journeys can teach us—and how you can use those lessons in your own DNB preparation.

DNB THEORY CLEARED. WHAT'S NEXT?

The DNB Theory results are out, and for many residents, it is a moment of relief after months of balancing residency duties, patient care and exam preparation.

But clearing Theory is not the end.

The next challenge is the DNB Practical Examination—where your clinical knowledge, case presentation, examination skills and ability to communicate your thought process all come together.

This month, Conceptual Pediatrics is highlighting the journeys of our DNB toppers to understand what actually helped them clear Theory and what residents can learn as they prepare for Practical.

LEARNING FROM THOSE WHO CLEARED

DNB Theory Exam Success | Dr. Parul Sinha

Dr. Parul Sinha’s journey highlights an important part of DNB preparation: your clinical work can become your biggest learning resource.

Her approach was simple and practical:

Learn from every patient you see.
Study diseases around your clinical exposure.
Start practising case presentations early.
Make crisp, personal revision notes.
Stick to one reliable source instead of constantly switching.
Practise writing answers within a time limit.
Keep your theory preparation connected to practical knowledge.
Be vocal and explain your thought process.
Do not keep avoiding the cases or situations you find difficult.

Her journey is a reminder that preparation does not always mean studying for long hours separately from residency. The patients you see, cases you discuss and presentations you practise can all become part of your preparation.

And perhaps the most important lesson?

Work hard, trust your preparation and stay confident.

SMART PREPARATION WITH DR. AAYUSHI

Dr. Aayushi’s DNB journey brings another important perspective—studying smart matters when your residency schedule is already demanding.

Her preparation focused on:

Starting preparation alongside residency

Making her own notes for revision

Using active recall to retain information

Understanding concepts instead of only memorising them

Using flowcharts to simplify difficult topics

Following updated protocols and guidelines

Staying loyal to one reliable source

Avoiding unnecessary distractions
Teaching juniors as a way to strengthen recall

One of her strongest takeaways was:

“You must always be loyal to your source.”

With a vast DNB syllabus, constantly jumping between resources can make preparation more difficult. A focused approach, repeated revision and active recall can make your preparation more manageable.

THEORY CLEARED. NOW PREPARE DIFFERENTLY.

Theory preparation and Practical preparation are connected—but they are not the same.

For Practical exams, knowing the disease is only one part of the preparation.

You also need to know how to:

Examine → Present → Interpret → Discuss → Answer

You may be asked to present a case, identify findings, discuss differentials, interpret investigations or answer follow-up questions from the examiner.

This is where practice becomes as important as reading.

Start preparing for Practical with:

Case Presentation
Practise presenting common and important pediatric cases in a structured manner.
Clinical Examination
Do not just read examination steps. Examine real patients and build confidence in doing it yourself.
Spotters & Investigations
Revise important images, investigations, instruments and clinical findings regularly.
Viva Practice
Learn to answer clearly and briefly—and be ready for the next question.
Clinical Reasoning
Do not stop at “What is the diagnosis?” Ask yourself:
Why? What next? What will I do? What will I expect?
Communication
Your knowledge matters, but so does your ability to communicate your clinical thinking during the examination.

FROM THEORY TO PRACTICAL

Your Theory result tells you that you have crossed one important milestone.

Now, your preparation needs to move from reading and revising → doing and presenting.

Use your residency to your advantage.

See the case.
Examine the patient.
Present it.
Discuss it with your seniors.
Revise the topic later.
Repeat.

That cycle can make your Practical preparation much stronger.

PREPARE FOR DNB PRACTICALS WITH CONCEPTUAL PEDIATRICS

At Conceptual Pediatrics, the focus is not just on knowing the theory. It is about helping you become more confident with the clinical and practical side of Pediatrics.

If you have cleared your DNB Theory, now is the time to start preparing for the next step.

Your Practical preparation starts now.