Medical Colleges Help Students Clear Exams

Three first-year medical students secured 58 out of 60 marks in the Internal Assessment (IA) conducted by their college, but failed in the university exams in all subjects. But these students were deemed to have passed.

We may find this shocking , but not for the medical colleges which use the apex body norms to their advantage . The candidate's marks in Internal Assessment and university exams are added up to determine his pass or fail status.

First-year students have five papers - two anatomy, two physiology and one biochemistry . Each paper carries 100 marks. Of these 100, 60 marks are allotted for internal assessment and 40 marks for viva voce, for each subject.

The total marks per subject for theory is 300, of which the student has to get 150 to pass. Many students score high in IA and viva voce, but fare poorly in theory.

This is because medical colleges are very liberal in IA. When results are announced , colleges register a high pass percentage, which also helps them get more students.

When Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) unearthed this unethical practice, it sent a team to inspect the various colleges. Answer scripts of students were confiscated and examiners will now have to give an explanation before the professional misconduct committee.

The university decided to implement the system prevalent in Maharashtra for 2009-10 , which relates to a Supreme Court judgment. The order said it is mandatory for a student to secure 50% pass marks in university-conducted theory and practical examinations.

The IA marks are taken into consideration for a candidate to be eligible, by securing 35% for appearing in university exams. Ultimately , a candidate who passes should secure a minimum of 50% in the university-conducted examination, plus an overall percentage which includes IA, should also be 50%.

"RGUHS has relayed the same to the Board of Studies on this. Next, it will be placed before the academic council. Meanwhile, RGUHS will send a circular to all colleges and seek suggestions," said S Ramananda Shetty, vice-chancellor, RGUHS.

Source - Times of India