Tamil Nadu: Doctors demand PG exam paper revaluation

Tamil Nadu: Over 100 government doctors pursuing PG courses have reportedly flunked in their university exams. This development has invited attention from the Doctors' Association for Social Equality (DASE), who now demand a revaluation of the PG exam paper. DASE members also plan to stage a demonstration on June 13. If their demands are not adhered to, they will protest along with the failed students.

The said students also implied that the flood work during the course of their exam affected their performance. This happened in December 2015. On the basis of which students are now demanding grace markers be given to them, in consideration of the situation.

During a press meet at the Chennai press club, DASE general secretary G Ravindranath said none of the students had failed in individual subjects but their total marks fell below the required aggregate. As per MCI norms, a candidate should obtain a minimum 40% in each theory paper and not less than 50% cumulatively in all four papers for PG degree examination and three papers for diploma examination.

Students also implied that they have been granted marks by their teachers on individual paper basis, without any consideration for the overall aggregate. Some students have only one mark less than the required aggregate of 200. Now, they have to attempt both theory and practical exam again.

A final year student of Madras Medical College implied that students had to serve on duty for 24-hrs each week. They were only able to give complete time to their studies before six months of the exam. Out of which, three months were gone in their involvement in flood work this time.

Only the dental exams were postponed, even though the PG students requested to postpone their university exam, so grace marks should be given in this case implied Sugandh, president of the association, adding that grace marks could be considered given the circumstances.

According to the Tamil Nadu Dr MGR Medical University, 1397 PG degree diploma candidates appeared for the exam conducted in April 2016 and 1286 passed. The University pointed out that the same pass percentage range of 90-95% has been consistently maintained for the past three years.

Meanwhile, a statement issued by the registrar of Dr MGR University, Dr S Pushkala, says that apart from following MCI norms in evaluation, a second valuation was carried out for the failed theory papers for the benefit of students. "The representation of the failed candidates can be taken for consideration and will be placed in the Governing Council (GC) of this University . The decision of the council will later be sent to the MCI for further action. The University will always stand for the students' welfare and career," the statement said. University sources noted that the decision can only be taken by the council at this point.