JIPMER resident doctors raise concerns over PG exams, demand re-evaluation, practicals recording

Chandigarh: The postgraduate junior resident doctors at the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, have demanded greater transparency in the PG examination process, including the introduction of a re-evaluation system and recording of practical examinations.

The doctors, under the JIPMER Resident Doctors’ Association (JRDA), made the demands in a letter addressed to the JIPMER Director on September 17, 2026. The association said residents from several departments expressed anxiety regarding the forthcoming postgraduate examinations. 

They said their concerns were not due to a lack of confidence in the examination system but were linked to repeated warnings and remarks about the possibility of failure. The residents were also concerned about factors they felt were beyond a candidate’s academic preparation or performance.

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To improve transparency in the examination process, the association requested JIPMER to consider introducing a re-evaluation system, subject to appropriate eligibility criteria and safeguards, for candidates seeking verification of their assessment.

At the same time, the doctors also requested that practical examinations, including viva voce and case presentations, be recorded through a secure institutional mechanism, such as video or Zoom recording, with appropriate provisions for confidentiality and restricted access.

"These measures may serve to reinforce residents’ confidence in the transparency and fairness of the examination process, while maintaining its academic rigour and integrity. The matter may kindly be considered at the appropriate level and necessary action taken," the doctors said in the letter.

Meanwhile, RTI activist Swami Das, in a post on X on September 19, 2026, referring to the JRDA letter, further raised concerns regarding the working hours of postgraduate residents, particularly first-semester PG students. He said that despite a meeting between the Dean and Heads of Departments (HoDs) on April 23, 2026, and measures taken subsequently, first-semester PG students were still facing 20-hour duties throughout the month and were not getting a weekly day off since joining. He requested the JRDA to look into the matter

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