Provide adequate Gap between PG Final Theory Exams and Dissertation Submission Deadline: Resident Doctors Urge varsity

Chennai: While appreciating the extension of the postgraduate thesis submission deadline by Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, the resident doctors' association in Tamil Nadu has urged the University to ensure an adequate gap between dissertation submission and theory examinations.

The Tamil Nadu Resident Doctors Association (TNRDA) has made this request to the authorities while highlighting the lack of clarity on E-journal approvals, continuous corrections from external reviewers, no clarity regarding the practical examination dates, and repeated deadline extensions highlighting a pattern of recurring delays that disrupt academic timelines.

Apart from seeking a minimum gap of 3 to 4 weeks between the revised dissertation submission deadline and the theory examinations scheduled for December 9, 2024, the association has also requested the university authorities to provide a clarity on e-journal approvals and streamlining communications from external reviewers to reduce unnecessary delays. It has also demanded an immediate release of practical/clinical examination dates at the earliest.

"The current uncertainties, compounded by unmanageable deadlines and clinical responsibilities, are taking a toll on students' mental health and academic performance. The TNRDA earnestly requests the university to act on these concerns promptly and consider the welfare of postgraduate students," the release by Dr. M. Keerthy Varman, General Secretary of TNRDA, mentioned.

Also Read:NMC clarifies on mandatory thesis requirement; PG Medicos can appear in final exams without HoD's approval on dissertation

Issuing a Press Release, the TNRDA highlighted these demands after recently the Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R Medical University extended the deadline for e-dissertation submissions for MD/MS PG Degree courses from November 22, 2024 to November 29, 2024.

"While the extension is a relief, it highlights ongoing systemic challenges causing significant distress among postgraduate students," the association mentioned in the release.

TNRDA highlighted these following issues leading to uncertainties among the postgraduate medical students:

Lack of Clarity on E-Journal Approvals:

As per the association, the e-journal approval process remains despite the submission deadline in November. According to the TNRDA, this delay has left many students uncertain about their next steps.

Continuous Corrections from External Reviewers: 

The association mentioned that the students are still receiving corrections from external reviewers, adding to the already overwhelming workload and delaying final submissions.

No Announcement of Practical Examination Dates: 

TNRDA opined that the absence of a finalized practical/clinical examination schedule is causing immense anxiety among students, hindering their ability to plan effectively.

Recurring Deadline Extensions: 

This dissertation deadline has now been extended from November 22 to November 29, TNRDA pointed out while mentioning that this reflects a pattern of recurring delays that disrupt academic timelines.

TNRDA's Request to University: 

Amid this situation, the association has urged the University for the following:  

1. Ensure a minimum gap of 3 to 4 weeks between the revised dissertation submission deadline and the theory examinations scheduled for December 9, 2024.

2. Provide immediate clarity on e-journal approvals and streamline communications from external reviewers to reduce unnecessary delays.

3. Announce practical/clinical examination dates at the earliest to alleviate stress and allow students to plan their preparations effectively.

Commenting on the issue, Dr V Vignesh, President, TNRDA told Medical Dialogues, "TNRDA strongly condemns this absurd timetable of having the thesis submission and Final exams within a week of each other. This will make students mentally stressed. It is humanely impossible to do both thesis submission and exam preparation when both are just 1 week apart. The university has to understand the plight of postgraduates, shuffle the dates, and give adequate time between thesis submission and final exams. And also provide clarity on the practical exam dates. Almost 1100 PGs are affected in our state."

Is e-dissertation Approval mandatory to appear in Theory Examinations? 

Providing clarity on whether getting approval for thesis or e-dissertation mandatory to appear in the theory examinations, Dr. Keerty Varman informed Medical Dialogues, "No, thesis or e-dissertation approval is not mandatory for appearing in the theory examinations as per the recent clarifications by the National Medical Commission (NMC). While the submission of a thesis is a requirement for postgraduate medical courses, students are allowed to sit for their final theory examinations even if their thesis has not been approved by their Head of Department (HoD)."

"However, thesis evaluation is an essential component for the clinical/practical and viva voce examinations, contributing 5% of the total marks for these components (20 marks). The evaluation process involves external examiners assessing the thesis and conducting a viva voce. This approach ensures that students are not unduly delayed in their academic progression due to administrative hurdles while maintaining the academic rigor of the program," he added.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that issuing clarification regarding the mandatory requirement of dissertation/thesis submission to appear in the final postgraduate medical examination, earlier this year, the Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC) had mentioned that the students would not be barred from appearing in the exam if they failed to obtain the approval of dissertation/thesis from the HoD.

Writing to the Vice Chancellors of Health Science Universities in India and the Deans/Principals of Medical Colleges/Institutions in India, the Commission had further mentioned back then that the dissertation now accounts for 5% of the total marks in the clinical/practical and viva voce components, meaning 20 marks out of the total marks allocated for those components are reserved for the dissertation.

Also Read: PG Medicos can appear in final exams without HoD's approval on dissertation: NMC clarifies on mandatory thesis requirement