New Delhi: The Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued a clarification regarding the mandatory submission of dissertations or theses for postgraduate medical students. The Commission has confirmed that students will not be barred from appearing in their final postgraduate examinations if they fail to obtain approval for their dissertation/thesis from their Head of Department (HoD).
In an official communication to the Vice Chancellors of Health Science Universities and the Deans/Principals of Medical Colleges across India, the NMC clarified that the dissertation now accounts for 5% of the total marks in the clinical/practical and viva voce components of the examination. Specifically, 20 marks out of the total allocated for these components are reserved for the dissertation.
This clarification follows concerns raised about the mandatory nature of dissertation submission as a prerequisite for the final examination for the PG Broad Specialty batch of 2021. The PG Board had previously, in a public notice dated 13th June 2024, informed medical colleges and institutions about the requirement to complete the final examination by 31st December 2024.
During an online meeting held on 31st July 2024, which included representatives from various health universities, concerns were expressed regarding the mandatory submission of dissertations for PG students. The NMC PG Board clarified that the agenda of the meeting focused on examination scheduling, and any issues related to the thesis would be resolved in accordance with the provisions of the Post Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023 (PGMER-2023).
In response to a letter from the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nashik, dated 1st August 2024, and similar inquiries from other stakeholders, the PG Board referred to the relevant sections of PGMER-2023, which were published in the Official Gazette on 1st January 2024. The Commission also highlighted a public notice issued on 10th April 2024, which provided detailed clarifications regarding the examination of dissertations and the viva voce process through a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
According to Regulation 5.2 (iii) of PGMER-2023, all broad specialty and super specialty students are required to conduct thesis-related research and submit a thesis. Additionally, Regulation 8.4 states that 5% of the total marks for clinical/practical and viva voce components (20 marks) will be allocated to the dissertation/thesis. An external examiner from outside the state will evaluate the dissertation/thesis, conduct the viva voce, and award marks based on the quality of the research and the student's performance during the viva voce.
Emphasizing that students will not be prevented from appearing in their final exams due to the lack of HoD approval for their dissertation, the NMC stated, "Students will submit the dissertation to the University through their HoD and Dean of the Medical College. However, failure to obtain HoD approval will not bar students from taking the examination." The Commission also noted that reserving 20 marks for the dissertation in the clinical/practical and viva voce components aims to enhance the quality of thesis-related research work.
The NMC has issued this clarification to all concerned parties, including postgraduate students, to eliminate any confusion.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Ankur Deka/MSM)