NMC issues advisory of PG Practical Exams, Allows presence of external examiners online

In its advisory, the apex medical regulator has allowed the presence of external examiners online noting that some examiners are denying to participate in the practical exam conduct. However, the NMC has stressed the need for internal examiners to be present physically.

The recent advisory comes in view of the several representations received by the NMC from all the varsities and medical institutions seeking a solution on the issues they are facing in conducting Practical Examinations in Postgraduate Courses due to the prevailing pandemic.

In their representation, the institutions highlighted the fact that many teachers are declining to be examiners.

Considering the issue, the Postgraduate Medical Education Board has now issued an advisory for all the concerned medical institutes complementing the earlier relaxations with respect to the appointment of external examiners which were:

Appointment of Examiners:-

A. Universities must in the first instance try to adhere to the existing norms regarding External ' examiners as provided for in Regulations for Post Graduate Medical Education, 2000.

B. If option A is not feasible, Universities are advised to follow one of the following options with respect of external examiners for the postgraduate examinations considering the risk stratification of the areas where the Medical colleges/institutions are located, if external examiners are not available from outside the state due to the pandemic:-

i. External examiners to be selected from a different University in the State. These external examiners have to be physically present at the venue of the examination.

ii. In case of States having all the medical colleges under the same University i.e. State Health University, Medical Colleges may engage external examiners from any other college under the State Health University. Both of such external examiners should be physically present during the examination.

Read Also: NMC extends relaxation on Provision of Appointment of External Examiners in the PGMER 2000

Now, according to the fresh advisory signed under the authority of the NMC Post Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) President Dr M.K. Ramesh, the board has decided as under:

"The Postgraduate Medical Education Board has decided to permit the examiners from outside the state to participate in the Practical examination process through video conferencing.

The two internal examiners, who may be from the same Institution or from different Institutions under the same University, should be physically present."

"The concerned Universities may decide the time and the method of Examination taking into consideration the pandemic situation in their area," added the NMC advisory.

To view the official notice, click on the following link:

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/nmc-151539.pdf

For more details, log on to the official website of NMC:

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

Last year, Medical Dialogues had reported that the conduct of MD, MS exams, apart from other hurdles has seen a major issue in terms of appointment of External Examiners, that are necessary under the regulations. The Board of Governors had considered the representations from Universities across the country, wherein they have expressed their difficulties in getting External Examiners for the conduct of exams due to restriction in travel imposed due to the current Pandemic situation. The representations also had sought relaxation in the existing norms for the conduction of the exams regarding the appointment of External Examiners.

Read Also: Conduction of MD, MS Exams: MCI BOG issues advisory to Medical colleges, gives deadline

Recently, Medical Dialogues had reported about the advisory released by the NMC for the conduct of MBBS examinations. The regulator 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 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.

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