Kerala waives Rs 10 lakh discontinuation penalty for MBBS student who failed 4 attempts to clear exam

Thiruvananthapuram: An MBBS student from the Government Medical College (GMC) Manjeri, who failed to clear the first-year MBBS examination after four attempts, has been granted relief by the Kerala Government. The state has exempted the student from paying the discontinuation fee.

The student was admitted to the MBBS course back in 2021 and was pursuing her MBBS course at GMC, Manjeri.

As per the prospectus for admission to professional degree courses, if candidates after getting admitted to courses in Government/Self-financing medical & dental colleges for MBBS/BDS courses discontinue the course after the third allotment in the same academic year, to join other courses/colleges or for other purposes, they have to pay liquidated damages of Rs 10 lakh for MBBS course and Rs 5 lakh for BDS courses.

The amount of the discontinuation fee is fixed irrespective of annual family income/nativity/reservation status. Apart from paying the discontinuation fee, such students are also liable to be debarred from appearing for the Entrance Examinations and allotments conducted by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations for a period not exceeding two years. If the candidates fail to remit the penalty, the amount will be recovered under the Revenue Recovery Act. At the time of admission, the candidates need to execute a bond in the prescribed format regarding the payment of liquidated damages.

According to the latest media report by Onmanorama, the student in this case was pursuing the MBBS course at GMC Manjeri. She failed to clear the first-year examination even after four attempts allowed as per the MBBS course regulations.

Thereafter, the Principal of GMC Manjeri applied to the Director of Medical Education to discharge the student from the course and hand over the transfer certificate and other documents by relaxing the payment of liquidated damages. Following the request of the College Principal, the DME sent a letter back in August.

Now, the Government has issued an order exempting the student from the payment of a penalty on compassionate grounds. In its order, the Government cited that the decision is being made to ensure that future studies are not affected.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that the Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC) had notified the Graduate Medical Education Regulations (GMER) 2023, and reiterated that MBBS students will be allowed altogether four attempts to clear the First Professional MBBS examination.

Also Read: Altogether 4 Attempts to Clear MBBS 1st prof Exams: NMC GMER 2023