MBBS exams during COVID-19: NMC issues advisory, gives certain relief

Via its recent notifications, the apex medical regulator has advised all medical colleges and universities to adhere to the existing norms to conduct the final MBBS (Part-I & Part-2) Theory and Practical, 2nd MBBS and Supplementary (1st and 2nd) MBBS examinations.

In addition, the NMC has specified the allotment of examiners throughout the examinations timeline. Further, in a relief to all the students who won't be able to appear for the said exams, the regulator has clarified that they may take the exams with the supplementary batches; this will not be considered as an additional attempt for them.

According to the advisories signed under the authority of Dr Aruna V. Vanikar, President of Undergraduate Medical Education Board of the National Medical Commission, it is directed to all the universities:

"1. The universities are advised to adhere to the existing norms for conducting theory examination. However, considering the risk stratification of the areas where the Medical Colleges/Institutions are located all necessary precautions including staggering of small batches must be adhered to.
2. If the external examiners are not able to travel, they may conduct the exams online.
3. The internal examiners should be available physically for the conduct of examinations.
4. All students who are unable to appear for the examinations for whatever reasons, may take up the examinations with the supplementary batches. This will not be counted as an additional attempt for them."

Meanwhile, with respect to the practical/ clinical examinations for students appearing during the 2nd MBBS and Supplementary (1st and 2nd) exams, the NMC has directed the medical institutes to conduct the tests in the laboratories with due precautions.

However, for the conduct of practical/clinical examinations for final MBBS (Part-I & Part-2) examinees, the NMC has ordered that if there is shortage of clinical material, the same may be replaced by case scenarios, simulations and use of appropriate/ relevant X-rays, CT scan, ECG, lab reports etc.

Earlier, the NMC had issued an advisory to all the medical colleges concerning the conduct of final MBBS examinations. The advisory had come in pursuance of the several representations received by the apex medical regulator seeking guidance for the conduct of final MBBS examinations for MBBS course considering the unprecedented situation due to the pandemic.

Read Also: NMC issues advisory to all medical colleges on conduct of final MBBS examinations during COVID-19 pandemic

To view the official NMC advisories, click on the following links:

https://www.nmc.org.in/