DNB Doctors demand postponement of final exams, grace marks for COVID service

Under normal circumstances, the DNB Final theory examination was to be conducted in June 2021. However, it got delayed due to the 2nd wave of COVID19. Also, the tenure of the concerned batches was extended by 3 months. The Honorable Prime Minister also made a decision to postpone NEET-PG for at least 4 months and the exam will not be held before 31st August 2021. Therefore, the final year DNBs have stated the exam should also be extended by 3 months that is September October.

The association pointed out that NBE accredited hospitals played a vital role in the 2nd wave of COVID19 and residents worked overtime for better patient management. They were not in the mental state to prepare for examinations. DNB final exam is known for its tough nature and track record Of less than 50% overall passing rates. This causes enormous apprehension and fear among the DNB COVID warriors, it said.

Moreover, as the Solicitor General Tushar Metis representing Respondent Govt of India in the Supreme court agreed "There could also be incentives in the form of grace marks to students involved in the COVID workforce", the association pointed out requesting the authorities to further look into this matter and allow additional grace marks for DNB Final (both theory and Practicats) for COVID warrior as a temporary measure to improve passing rate of DNB Final exam, to improve the availability of specialists.

Furthermore, the association stated that theory results of the previous session have still not been declared even after almost 4 months of the exam. The previous theory exams were conducted in Hybrid mode and the answer sheets were scanned and to be checked by the examiner electronically. The previous theory session candidates are clueless if they have to prepare for the theory again or Practicals. Hence, the doctors have requested NBE to adopt a better time-bound mechanism of answer sheet checking by hiring more examiners.

Saying that the NBE declared practical examinations on August 2021, on the other hand, the theory results of most specialities are not yet declared but as per NBE rules, only those candidates who qualify for theory are eligible for practicals, the association has requested NBE to declare all theory results immediately and give at least 1 month time for the practicals.

In the letter, the association further mentioned that many candidates are not able to fill the DNB final theory exam forms due to the late submission of the Thesis by just a few days, as the online system does not allow to pick a date after 31st March. They pointed out that late submission of the Thesis was allowed to give examination till the previous exam session and if at all these candidates are to be barred from the examinations based on late submission of the thesis, it has to be categorically notified by the NBE well before the thesis submission date. Also, it is counterproductive during the COVID19 pandemic where clinical material was not available for the candidates to be included in the thesis.

It further said that as per the previous NBE expert committee recommendations, NBE should conduct on-demand theory papers and additional sessions. Considering these, the association has further requested the NBE to "conduct theory examinations 4 times a year as there is a high failure rate in NBE examinations and a lot of backlogs is not in public interest especially during the COVID 19 pandemic. Unlike University-based MD/ MS examinations where preparatory leave is usually given, NBE prohibits any preparatory leave, The candidates hence appear in the examinations underprepared. Failed candidates have to wait 6 months or more to appear in the next examination", added the association.

NBE declared practical examinations in OSCE format in 13 specialities, while previously NBE conducted OSCE format practical in 16 specialties. Stating that this "arbitrary and unilateral change of pattern of examinations in some specialities is causing immense pressure and uncertainty to the candidates of these specialties" the association has further asked the NBE to conduct OSCE format for at least these 16 specialities if not all.