Amidst demand for release of FMGE Answer key, NBE cites privacy of question bank must be maintained: Report

New Delhi: Amid the shocking result of Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) December 2023, where around 78% candidates failed in the exam and the demands for releasing the answer key, the National Board of Examinations (NBE) has pointed out that coaching centres might misuse the questions.

While NBE has stressed on their wish to maintain the privacy of the question bank, Dr. Minu Bajpai, the Vice-President & Executive Director of NBEMS has confirmed that NBEMS is planning to bring reforms to help students appearing in the FMGE, clearing which is a mandatory requirement for the foreign medical graduates wishing to practice in India.

"Releasing the answer key will lead to misuse of the questions by the coaching centres as it will give them an opportunity to understand the exam pattern. Moreover, we would like to maintain the privacy of the question bank. However, there are plans to bring in more transparency into the system soon," Dr. Bajpai explained to Education Times.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that around 78% if candidates who appeared in FMGE December 2023 session failed to clear the test. NBE recently declared the results of 38535 candidates, who registered for the exam and among them, a total number of 1,386 candidates were absent. Therefore, a total number of 37,149 candidates appeared in the exam.

As per the results published by NBE, only 7781 candidates successfully cleared the exam and altogether 30,046 candidates failed the test. Therefore, considering the 37,149 candidates who appeared in the test, this year, the pass percentage in the FMGE exam is around 20 % and around 78% of candidates have failed the test. The results of 15 students have been withheld by NBE.

Also Read: Around 78 percent of Candidates Fail in FMGE December 2023 exam

As per the latest media report by Education Times, the media coordinator of the All FMGs Association (AFA) Dr. Kaushal has been demanding the need to frame provisions to release the FMGE answer key on the NBEMS website. Dr. Kaushal argued that releasing the answer key was required to ensure accuracy in the correction process. AFA also alleged that NBE delays issuing FMGE qualification certificate, which in turn delays the internship process for the qualified FMGs.

However, NBE Vice-president and Executive Director Dr. Bajpai explained that the coaching centres might misuse the answer key as it will provide them with a chance to understand the exam pattern.

"The release of qualification certificate of FMGs is lengthy process that involves a double background verification. The NBEMS cannot provide the certificate without making the necessary verifications to control fraudulent means. Meanwhile, there is a window of operation for the distribution of FMGE pass certificates. Qualified candidates are expected to collect the certificates in person from the NBEMS office in Delhi. The board cannot provide the certificate once the distribution window is closed," Dr. Bajpai told Education Times.

He further mentioned that relatives, friends and other trusted persons of candidates report to the office for collecting the pass certificate on their behalf. Referring to this, he clarified that such practice is unacceptable by the board and it results in delaying the process of issuance.

While AFA blamed NBE for delaying the process of releasing FMGE admit cards before the exam leading to stressful situations for students, NBE claimed that the distribution of admit cards is a long-drawn-out process requiring time after the candidates submit their documents. It explained that the board starts the verification process with the best possible precautions.

Commenting on the matter, Dr. Bajpai added, "f the board finds any forgery or mismatch in the documents, it becomes the responsibility of the board to verify it and then push it further. This is the reason that the admit card release takes time."

Further underlining that the criteria for those who go abroad are stringent, he mentioned, "A level of merit is imperative for the students who go overseas for their undergraduate medical education as it is the only way the quality of students can improve."

Also Read: NBE notifies on Distribution of Pass Certificates to FMGE December 2023 candidates, details