I now have actual DNB Anesthesia past papers (Oct 2024, May 2024) plus topic-wise patterns. Let me give you a high-yield, data-driven answer.
High-Yield Topics for DNB Anesthesia Theory - June 2026
Important disclaimer first: No one can guarantee exact questions. What follows is based on actual past DNB papers (May 2024, Oct 2024, Dec 2025) + recurring pattern analysis. These are not predictions, they are the highest-frequency, examiner-favoured topics that appear in nearly every diet.
10 Highest-Yield Topics (Based on Actual Past Papers)
1. Neuromuscular Blockade - Reversal & Monitoring
Appears in almost every diet. Expected format: "Discuss causes, signs, and management of inadequate reversal of NMB." Know sugammadex vs. neostigmine, TOF monitoring, recurarization.
2. Obstetric Emergencies (PIH / Emergency LSCS / Labour Analgesia)
Consistently 1-2 questions per paper. Cover:
- Emergency LSCS in a PIH patient with fetal distress (spinal vs. GA)
- Labour analgesia (epidural, CSE, remifentanil PCA)
- Anesthesia for antepartum hemorrhage / placenta previa
3. Cardiac Patient for Non-Cardiac Surgery
Recurring scenario: Patient with CAD + drug-eluting stent + antiplatelet drugs posted for elective surgery (e.g., THR, cholecystectomy). Cover: preop cardiac risk stratification, antiplatelet management, regional vs. GA.
4. Pediatric / Neonatal Anesthesia - TEF / Pyloric Stenosis
Neonatal TEF (tracheoesophageal fistula) has appeared multiple times. Also pyloric stenosis, CDH. Know: preop optimization, RSI modifications in neonates, fluid/electrolyte correction.
5. One-Lung Ventilation (OLV) & Thoracic Anesthesia (VATS)
VATS lobectomy for lung carcinoma, PFT interpretation, double-lumen tube placement, hypoxia during OLV, lung-protective strategies. High yield every year.
6. Fluid Therapy - Goal-Directed, Fluid Responsiveness, Ultrasound
GDT appeared in May 2024 paper directly. Cover: dynamic vs. static indices, SVV/PPV, passive leg raise test, USG IVC collapsibility, point-of-care ultrasound.
7. Neuroanesthesia - ICP Management / Awake Craniotomy / Prone Position Surgery
Cover: cerebral autoregulation, TIVA for neuromonitoring cases, management of raised ICP, anaesthesia for posterior fossa surgery, VAE (venous air embolism).
8. Pacemakers & ICDs - Perioperative Management
Appeared in Oct 2024 paper directly. Classification (NBG code), preop information required, electrocautery precautions, magnet use, perioperative pacing modes.
9. Airway Management - Difficult Airway / Supraglottic Airways (2nd Generation)
2nd generation SGAs (ProSeal, Supreme, i-gel, LMA Protector) appeared in May 2024. Also: unanticipated difficult airway algorithm, videolaryngoscopy, AFOI. DAS/ASA guidelines.
10. Regional Anesthesia - Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Blocks + PDPH Management
USG-guided blocks (TAP, femoral, adductor canal, PECS), PDPH - causes, prevention, EBP technique. "Recent techniques for management of PDPH" appeared verbatim in May 2024.
Bonus Topics (Very High Frequency)
| Topic | Why it's Important |
|---|
| Low-flow / Closed-loop anaesthesia | May 2024 direct question |
| COPD + DM patient for elective surgery | Oct 2024 direct question |
| Prone ventilation + APRV | May 2024 direct question |
| Emergence delirium | May 2024 direct question |
| Spinal cord injury + paraplegia (obstetric) | Oct 2024 direct question |
| Postoperative analgesia / multimodal analgesia | Every paper, short note format |
How DNB Theory Papers Are Structured
Each paper has 10 questions x 10 marks = 100 marks. Questions come in two formats:
- Clinical scenarios - A patient with comorbidity posted for surgery (assess + plan)
- Short notes (a + b) - Two short topics per question (4+6 or 5+5 marks)
Prepare every topic above in both formats - as a clinical scenario answer and as a short note.
Preparation Strategy
- Get actual papers from NBE website - they are publicly available
- Study the May 2024, Oct 2024, and Dec 2025 papers in detail
- Use Miller's Anesthesia + Morgan & Mikhail for core content
- For each topic: pathophysiology (2 lines) → preop assessment → intraop management → postop care