MUHS Exam Schedule Change Sparks concern Among Medicos

Maharashtra- The change in the theory exam timetable of the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS) has created an uproar among medical students and student organisations. As per the recent notice, there will be no gap between the MUHS theory exams which are scheduled in winter.

As per the HT report, the announcement of no gap between theory exams scheduled in winter has led to widespread concern among medical students and student organisations, who are saying “Elimination of gaps pose a threat to their well-being and academic performance at a time when they are already grappling with a demanding curriculum and rigorous clinical training”.

Meanwhile, the Indian Medical Association Medical Students Network (IMA MSN) issued a statement, saying “Medical students grapple with an intense workload, balancing numerous lectures, laboratory sessions, rotations, and study hours. A staggered exam schedule would allow students to manage their time effectively, ensuring they could prepare adequately without compromising their clinical experience or overall well-being”.

Additionally, IMA MSN demanded that the exams should be conducted on alternate days instead of consecutive days, which would give students extra time to prepare for the exam and reduce chances of fatigue. At the same time, IMA MSN also suggested the students that they should take feedback from their peers on the exam scheduling process.

Dr Sandeep Kadu, controller of examinations at MUHS, informed HT, “We have already explained in our circular forwarded to every medical college in India that no other health science university gives a one-day gap between exams. For practical examinations across Maharashtra, which involve around 50-60 thousand students, it requires at least one month. Theory exams, with at least 6-8 papers and a one-day gap, would take another 16-18 days. How can we finish conducting all the exams within one month, in line with the National Medical Commission’s timeframe?”

Speaking to HT, Zeeshan Bagwan, regional coordinator of the Association of State Medical Interns (ASMI), also spoke about the rigorous curriculum and training of medical students. He said “Final year MBBS students will be hit the hardest by the removal of gaps as they have a huge syllabus with nine subjects. They may have to suffer from mental stress throughout the month when the exams are scheduled. MUHS and NMC (National Medical Council) should consider their situation and find a way out. Students are humans and not machines”.