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Goa Medical College to Increase MBBS Seats and Introduce New Speciality Courses

The Goa Medical College (GMC) will expand the State’s options for aspirant students seeking medical education. The overall number of seats will increase from 180 to 250 with the addition of about 70 extra MBBS seats, providing more options for undergraduate medical study.

Expanding Opportunities for Medical Education

GMC wants to strengthen its educational options by adding new MD/MS and super-speciality degrees in addition to adding more MBBS seats. MCh pediatric surgery, hand surgery, and DM neurology are some of these contributions. The institute also seeks to increase PG medical seats in the departments of surgery, anesthesia, and psychiatry, as well as to provide a specialization degree in DM medical oncology.

 

Additionally, the GMC plans to start up new postgraduate medical courses in physical therapy, critical care medicine, and emergency medicine. The medical college also hopes to implement postgraduate programmes in physiotherapy and echocardiography inside the oncology system.

Medical Excellence’s Legacy

Goa Medical College (GMC), one of the nation’s oldest medical schools, was founded in 1691. The government-run organization functions as an organic institute under the direction of Goa University. 180 MBBS seats are now available for admission at GMC. Additionally, it offers 14 super-specialty seats, two of which were introduced for MCh Neurosurgery in 2021.

 

GMC offers 121 slots in various specialties for postgraduate medical education. In particular, PG courses in immunohematology, blood transfusion, and geriatric medicine were established in 2022.

Forward-looking Initiatives

In a significant breakthrough, the National Medical Commission (NMC) granted the GMC permission to create 10 new super-specialty seats in six departments, including cardiothoracic surgery, urology, plastic surgery, cardiology, cardiac anesthesia, and nephrology. Building on this trend, GMC intends to expand its current portfolio.

 

The GMC has submitted an application to the NMC to offer super-specialty courses in MCh pediatric surgery, hand surgery, and DM neurology, according to Dr. S M Bandekar, the Dean of GMC. A DM Medical Oncology specialist course is also planned by the medical college. The regional cancer center’s construction is anticipated to be finished by the end of the year, and an outpatient department (OPD) specifically for oncology patients is already up and running.

Strengthening Allied Health Sciences 

The GMC has taken the initiative to promote degree programmes in allied health sciences. The college launched six of these courses in 2013, totaling 50 students. Following a subsequent increase in seat capacity in 2015, the economically weaker section (EWS) quota received an additional 10 seats in 2019. Although there isn’t a separate structure for the allied health sciences division, students are now accommodated in existing classrooms.

 

Dr Bandekar has noted that a proposal for an autonomous building for allied health science has been submitted to the Government in an effort to allay this worry. Once completed, this specific location will offer students pursuing these career-oriented courses a more favorable learning environment.

Possibilizing Local Opportunities

An academic representative from GMC emphasized the benefits of doing these courses in Goa itself while noting the inconvenience created by the lack of a designated department for applied health sciences. Such chances were more limited ten years ago, forcing students to pursue their education outside of the state.

 

Students who enroll in allied health science courses obtain useful, career-focused skills that enable them to work in Goa after earning their degrees. The need to relocate in search of employment opportunities has considerably decreased as a result of this development, which has helped the state’s overall growth and talent retention.

Hyderabad’s GMC, Mahabubnagar Faces Setback as NMC Disapproves MBBS Seats Proposal

The application for 150 MBBS seats at Government Medical College, Mahabubnagar was rejected by the National Medical Commission (NMC), which is a significant event and a setback for Telangana’s undergraduate medical programmes. The NMC made this choice in response to some issues with the college that were discovered, mostly in the area of the faculty. It is significant to highlight that this is the second government-run medical facility in the previous two years to experience such criticism, making it the fifth medical college in the state overall. With this denial, 150 graduating MBBS students’ futures are at jeopardy because their degrees may not be recognised.

Background 

As the first medical college to be founded following the creation of Telangana State, Government Medical College (GMC), Mahabubnagar, began operations in the academic year 2016–2017. The college, which was a part of Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences in Warangal, initially had room for 150 MBBS students. The NMC has recognised the institution over time for a variety of seat increments, with the most recent accreditation being for 150 MBBS seats for the academic year 2020–2021. The application was rejected, nevertheless, because the college was up for renewal and because of flaws discovered during a physical examination by assessors chosen by the medical assessment and rating board.

Flaws and NMC Decision

The teaching staff and the placement of cameras are the two main issues at Government Medical College, Mahabubnagar. The NMC’s assessment report found the institution’s reaction to be poor after taking into account the Aadhaar-enabled biometric attendance system (AEBAS) data, CCTV footage, and comments from the college officials. In particular, the college lacked resident doctors on AEBAS and did not meet the minimal faculty standards. Additionally, issues with the setup and operation of cameras were discovered. As a result, the NMC rejected the college’s request for the 150-seat MBBS programme to be recognised.

Consequences for Students

The academic destiny of 150 graduating MBBS students is in jeopardy as a result of the Government Medical College, Mahabubnagar, rejecting the proposal for MBBS seats. Without the necessary accreditation, their degrees could not be as valuable as those from accredited institutions, which could have an impact on their professional prospects and chances to pursue further education. To protect these kids’ interests, it is crucial that the relevant authorities handle the issues as soon as they arise.

The Lessons from the Past and the Way Forward

This is not the first time the NMC has expressed dissatisfaction with a government medical facility in Telangana. Government Medical College, Nizamabad, experienced a similar denial in the academic year 2018–2019. The state health secretary’s promise to address the found problems led to the institution later receiving approval from the apex medical commission. It is uncertain whether Government Medical College, Mahabubnagar, would be able to implement comparable corrective actions in order to win back the NMC’s recognition.

 

The National Medical Commission’s rejection of the proposal for MBBS seats at Government Medical College, Mahabubnagar owing to inadequate teaching staff and camera installation raises questions about the caliber of medical education in Telangana. The consequences for the graduating MBBS students are considerable because they run the possibility of having their degrees rejected. It is crucial that the college administration and other key players address the issues right away and take the necessary steps to guarantee the academic future of the impacted students. Additionally, lessons should be taken away from this tragedy to maintain the state’s medical education standards and prevent future setbacks of a similar nature.

 

Addressing the Apprehensions and Stress around the NExT Examination

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has taken proactive action to address the worries and stress that MBBS students are experiencing while they prepare for the National Exit Test (NExT) test. The NMC, in conjunction with all medical colleges nationwide, has organized a webinar in an effort to reduce stress and provide clarity regarding the upcoming exam. This post will describe the webinar’s specifics and explain the importance of the NExT test.

The Webinar’s Announcement

The Under Secretary of NMC, K Srinidhi, informed the deans of all medical colleges about the upcoming webinar in a letter dated June 23, 2023. During the webinar, the chairman of NMC will speak to faculty members and final-year MBBS students to allay any fears they may have about the NExT exam. The webinar is slated to start at 2:30 PM on June 27, 2023.

Information on the Webinar

The webinar is anticipated to serve as a channel of direct communication between the Chairman of NMC and teachers and final-year MBBS students. One hour prior to the appointed time, all medical colleges—private or public—have been asked to join the webinar using the provided URL. Each medical college must make suitable arrangements and outfit their lecture halls with appropriate audio-visual technology. Only one login is allowed from each medical college, and the webinar is only open to final year MBBS students and teachers.

What the Webinar for

The main goal of the webinar is to relieve anxiety and concern that have been raised over the proposed National Exit Test (NExT) test. Given that the NExT is a popular exit cum licentiate examination, it is critical to allay student worries and give them a thorough understanding of the examination’s structure, prerequisites, and advantages.

The National Exit Test’s (NExT) significance

The NExT exam is a significant step towards national uniformity in medical education. The NMC put out the idea as a part of the 2019 law that was approved. The exam is a final year undergraduate exam that is used as a baseline for admission to PG medical programmes, registration to practice medicine, and the screening test for foreign medical graduates seeking to practice modern medicine.

 

Advantages of the NExT Exam

The Indian medical school system benefits in a number of ways from the NExT exam. It guarantees a consistent method of grading medical students and creates a standard for their proficiency. The NExT promotes openness, justice, and excellence in medical education by administering a standardized test. It also attempts to close the knowledge gap between theory and application, preparing students for medical problems they will face in the real world.

Questions and Concerns

Dr. Yogender Malik, a member of the NMC Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB) and the director of NMC’s Publication Division, has extended an invitation to students and physicians to submit their concerns and questions. The NMC attempts to include as many questions as possible and offer thorough responses during the webinar, ensuring that all questions are answered and students are at ease before the test.

Actions by the NMC

To ensure the smooth operation of the webinar and the NExT exam, the NMC has taken proactive measures. On June 26, 2023, a sample run was planned to find and fix any technological issues beforehand. The NMC intends to deliver a flawless webinar experience for all participants and reduce any potential disruptions by conducting the mock run.

NMC Members’ Confirmation and Support

The anticipated meeting of the Chairman of NMC with final year students and faculty members of all medical colleges has been confirmed by Dr. Yogender Malik, a member of the NMC Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB) and the Public Relation Officer (PRO) in NMC. The NMC is dedicated to allaying concerns and making sure that students are adequately ready for the NExT test.

The Webinar’s URL

Participants must use the following link to view the webinar: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/eventi2f6bb54f-13e8-4a55-a2df-79a20a6bbc4e@b0ebec68-73cc4678-ac24-4d2c3ce38b6d. All participants must sign up for the webinar through this link at least one hour before the scheduled start time.

 

The NMC’s initiative to provide a webinar to address concerns and stress related to the NExT examination demonstrates its dedication to the achievement and well-being of final year MBBS students. The NMC seeks to create confidence and guarantee a seamless transition for students into the next stage of their medical careers by providing clarity, responding to questions, and offering guidance.

 

MBBS college Admissions: Jammu and Kashmir

For aspirant medical students who want to follow their aspirations of becoming doctors, Jammu & Kashmir provides wonderful prospects. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the NEET UG entrance exam once a year to determine admission to MBBS colleges in the state. The finest MBBS colleges in Jammu & Kashmir will be covered in this article, along with the admissions procedure and counselling.

Intake for MBBS in Jammu & Kashmir

In Jammu and Kashmir, admission to MBBS programmes is extremely tough and determined by how well applicants perform on the NEET UG entrance exam. The counselling process and seat distribution for the MBBS programme are handled by the Board of Professional Entrance Examinations for Jammu and Kashmir (BOPEE).

NEET UG and the Requirements

Candidates must pass the NEET UG test in order to be considered for MBBS admissions in Jammu & Kashmir. Age limitations, educational requirements, and a minimum NEET UG score are also part of the eligibility requirements.

Seating allocation and the counselling process

In Jammu and Kashmir, the counselling procedure for MBBS admissions is carried out online. Candidates must submit their applications by the deadline after the application form is made available. Following that, the candidates who qualify for counselling are listed on a provisional merit list.

Counselling sessions

There are three stages in the counselling process: round 1, round 2, and mop-up round. After these rounds, a college-level “stray vacancy round” is held if there are still open seats.

Allocation of Seats and Choice Filling

Candidates must write up a list of the colleges they want to attend during the counselling process. The seats are distributed by BOPEE in accordance with the reservation requirements, the choices made by the candidates, and their standing on the state merit list.

 

Presenting at The Designated College

Candidates whose places in MBBS colleges have been confirmed must report to those colleges in order to complete the admissions process. The candidates must submit all required paperwork and finish the admissions requirements within the allotted deadline.

Roster Rounds

After the first round of counselling, if there are still open seats, a vacancy round is held to fill them. These rounds make sure that every seat is used effectively and that no possibilities are lost.

Leading medical schools in Jammu and Kashmir

Here are some of the best medical schools in Jammu and Kashmir if you want to study MBBS there:

 

  1. Government Medical College, Jammu
  2. Government Medical College, Srinagar
  3. Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar
  4. Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences, Sidhra
  5. All India Institute of Medical Sciences Vijaypur
  6. Government Medical College, Doda
  7. SKIMS Medical College Hospital, Bemina
  8. Government Medical College, Anantnag
  9. Government Medical College, Baramulla
  10. Government Medical College, Rajouri
  11. Government Medical College, Handwara

 

For students pursuing an MBBS degree, these universities offer top-notch facilities, knowledgeable professors, and a supportive learning atmosphere.

 

Jammu and Kashmir’s MBBS college admissions are determined by the NEET UG entrance exam. The BOPEE’s counselling procedure ensures equitable seat distribution based on candidates’ preferences and merit position. To ensure a spot in their top college, prospective medical students must keep informed about the admissions process and fulfil the essential prerequisites.

 

Examination of Alleged Seat-Blocking Fraud and Abnormalities in Telangana Medical Colleges

In a recent incident, Telangana’s 12 medical colleges were searched by Enforcement Directorate (ED) agents. These searches were conducted to look into possible fraud involving seat blocking and irregularities in these universities’ financial dealings. An account of the incident, the ED’s response, and any potential repercussions of the suspected fraud will be given in this article.

 

In Telangana, 12 medical institutions were recently searched by Enforcement Directorate (ED) agents in response to charges of seat-blocking fraud and financial transaction irregularities. The investigation’s goals are to find any illegal activity and collect proof to back up the claims.

Seat-blocking fraud allegations

According to allegations, some medical schools connected to Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences (KNRUHS) participated in dishonest behaviour by shadily reserving seats and then reselling them for more money. The prior year’s inconsistencies raised questions about the fairness and transparency of the admissions process.

The investigation by the Enforcement Directorate

A detailed investigation into the alleged seat-blocking fraud and financial irregularities was begun by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The goal of the ED officials’ searches at different places was to gather pertinent paperwork and proof to back up the claims.

Concurrent Searches at Several Sites

Multiple locations, including Hyderabad, Karimnagar, Warangal, Mahabunagar, and others, were searched simultaneously by ED personnel. To guarantee a thorough inquiry, both medical institutions and related offices were searched.

Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) participation

The members of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) guarded the ED teams as they searched various locations. The goal of this coordinated effort was to make sure that the search activities would go off without a hitch.

 

Medical Schools Are Being Examined

Malla Reddy Medical College at Suraram, Hyderabad, stood out among the colleges being investigated because of its connection to the Malla Reddy group of institutions, which is run by Telangana’s labour minister Malla Reddy. Along with other offices of the group, the searches also targeted the Prathima Group’s corporate office in Film Nagar, Hyderabad.

Alleged Prathima Group Involvement

Searches were conducted at the Prathima Medical College and Prathima Multiplex in Karimnagar after the Prathima Group was accused of being involved in a seat-blocking scandal. These actions were a part of the ED’s efforts to find any proof of financial transactions and anomalies connected to the alleged fraud.

Additional Universities Under Investigation

The ED officials searched numerous other medical colleges including Malla Reddy Medical College and Prathima Group. Among these were the Mamatha Medical College in Khammam, the Chalmeda Ananda Rao Medical College in Karimnagar, the Kamineni Medical College in L.B. Nagar, Hyderabad, the SVS Medical College in Mahabubnagar, the MNR Medical College in the Sangareddy district, and others.

Blocked Seats and Complaint from the Registrar

The case began with a complaint made at the Matwada police station in Warangal by Praveen Kumar, the KNRUHS registrar. The blocking of roughly 45 seats under the convenor limit or free seats was emphasised in the complaint. These seats allegedly were barred using the names of northern state students who hadn’t submitted an application for admission to KNRUHS.

Concerns Regarding Private College Involvement

The university administration learned that the students whose names were used to reserve the seats never planned to apply for admission to KNRUHS after getting in touch with them. This led to allegations that certain private medical colleges may have been involved in moving the restricted seats to the NRI quota in exchange for large financial rewards.

Inconsistencies in the Merit List

45 applicants had errors in the merit list that were discovered throughout the admissions process by university personnel. Investigation into these candidates’ intentions revealed they had no desire to enrol in colleges connected to KNRUHS. These inconsistencies made it impossible for eligible state rank holders to gain admission to these medical institutes.

 

The Governor’s Report and Important Inquiry

The Telangana Governor sent an email to the Vice Chancellor of KNRUHS asking for a thorough report on the seat-blocking scandal. The pressing nature of the situation highlighted the requirement for swift action and candour in handling the suspected fraud.

Matwada Police’s Response

The private medical colleges allegedly implicated in the suspected seat-blocking fraud were targeted by Matwada Police. The Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 417 and 420 were used to charge the colleges. The National Medical Commission (NMC) was also notified of the situation so that further investigation and necessary action could be taken.

The Case Referred to the National Medical Commission (NMC)

Given the seriousness of the seat-blocking scheme, the National Medical Commission (NMC) was tasked with conducting a thorough investigation. The NMC’s participation guarantees an objective evaluation and possible disciplinary action against the colleges found responsible for anomalies.

The observations of the Telangana High Court

The Telangana High Court criticised the KNRUHS administration for its part in aiding a multi-crore PG medical seat-blocking fraud in a separate but connected case. The court implied that the current investigations may simply be the beginning of the anomalies, viewing the case as just the top of the iceberg.

 

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) recently searched 12 medical colleges in Telangana, which is a significant advancement in the probe of alleged anomalies and seat-blocking fraud. The ED’s operations are intended to gather proof and shine light on the questionable procedures used in seat distribution and financial transactions. These investigations emphasise how crucial it is to uphold justice and transparency in the selection of students for medical colleges.

 

Effect of Fee Increases in Maharashtra’s Private Medical Colleges

An upward adjustment of up to Rs 1 lakh per year has been declared by private medical colleges in Maharashtra for this year’s MBBS application fees. It is important to note that the increase is really slight and that most medical colleges continue to charge stable fees. Because of the Fee Regulating Authority’s (FRA) heightened monitoring, several universities have even lowered their tuition costs. The FRA’s action aims to ensure that medical colleges only charge fair and legitimate prices.

The FRA’s Function in Fee Regulation

In charge of regulating the fee schedules at private medical colleges is the Fee Regulating Authority (FRA). The decrease in spending during the COVID-19 epidemic may have influenced the smaller growth in fees. The increased fees collected under the NRI and institutional quota have been taken into account by the FRA as part of the colleges’ income in order to preserve stability in fee increases.

Various Fee Adjustments Examples

The cost of an MBBS programme decreased significantly at Sangli’s Prakash Institute of Medical Sciences last year. It was successfully reduced by the fee panel from Rs 8.4 lakh to Rs 4.84 lakh annually. The ultimate cost was set at Rs 5.75 lakh after the college later asked for a review. With MBBS costs approaching Rs 7.05 lakh annually, Prakash Institute saw one of the largest fee rises this year.

 

Pune’s Kashibai Navale Medical College, whose tuition is notoriously exorbitant, has also made changes. The tuition for students at this college has increased from last year’s cost of Rs. 13.91 lakh to Rs. 14.23 lakh. Similar to this, several universities that cost Rs 6 lakh in tuition fees a few years ago now charge Rs 8 lakh.

The FRA’s Function in Fee Increase Approval

The task of approving proposed fee increases by medical colleges is within the purview of the Fee Regulating Authority (FRA). Before approving, the authority carefully examines each college’s budget and financial sheet. The fees are published in the FRA minutes after being established. Colleges can, however, later ask for a review of the pricing schedule.

 

Charges for the Academic Year 2023–2024

With the exception of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical College and Hospital in Pune and the Vedantaa Institute of Medical Sciences in Palghar, all medical colleges have already had their fees set for the academic year 2023–2024 by the FRA.

Previous Patterns and Comfort for Aspirants

Aspirants for the MBBS programme in Maharashtra received comfort last year when numerous private, independent medical institutions made the decision not to raise their annual fees. Some institutions, including Sangli’s Prakash Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, even cut their tuition costs by approximately 40%. In the past, fee increases at the state’s unaided MBBS colleges ranged from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 10 lakh annually. These increases were frequently attributed to the hospital revenue shortage brought on by the pandemic.

Concerns About Current Fee Affordability

Although most universities have maintained their price schedules this year, some parents contend that the costs are still prohibitive. Many institutions have annual fees that exceed Rs 10 lakh, adding caution deposits and other costs. The cost of tuition has not changed considerably, but some universities have larger caution money and refundable deposits that can reach several lakhs.

 

This year, MBBS tuition fees in Maharashtra’s private medical colleges saw a modest hike. In order to guarantee that fee increases are appropriate, the Fee Regulating Authority (FRA) plays a critical role in monitoring and approving them. While some institutions have lowered their tuition, others have slightly raised it. The affordability of fees is still a concern, since other costs like caution deposits increase to the overall financial strain on students and their families.

2 Assam Medical College Receive 5-Year Recognition from NMC

The National Medical Commission (NMC) recently extended recognition of Assam Medical College and Gauhati Medical College for an additional five years, which is good news for Assamese medical students. Himanta Biswa Sarma, the state’s chief minister, made this announcement and tweeted his confirmation. For the MBBS programme, Assam Medical College has been given 170 seats, while Gauhati Medical College has been given 156 seats.

Background

Three medical colleges—Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH), and Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College—had previously been de-recognized by the NMC (Barpeta Medical). Several shortcomings were discovered during the Commission’s inspections of these institutions, which revealed that they were not in compliance with the established norms. These included difficulties with faculty lists, Aadhaar-linked biometric attendance processes, and CCTV cameras.

 

The Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS), which records staff attendance in accordance with rules, has been actively pushed for by the NMC in all medical colleges. Around 40 medical colleges were subject to harsh punishment earlier this year by the NMC for failing to uphold the required standards for medical education. There were about 100 more colleges.

Appeals and Acknowledgement

By arguing their cases before the NMC’s UG Medical Education Board, Assam Medical College and Gauhati Medical College both appealed the decision to de-recognize them. On June 7, 2023, the Appeal Committee met to discuss the appeals, with Dr. Suresh Chandra Sharma, NMC Chairman, presiding.

 

The principal of Assam Medical College informed the first appeal committee that, among other failings, the vacant position in the ENT Department was the main source of concern. There are currently no faculty vacancies, though the college fixed all of the found flaws. The AEBAS portal requires registration from every faculty member, and the system tracks registered users’ attendance. Additionally, the college made sure that every camera is operational and connected to the NMC Data Center via the HMIS Portal.

 

The 1st Appeal Committee decided after taking into account Assam Medical College’s appeal to continue recognition of the college for 170 MBBS degree seats for the following five years. Apart from the AEBAS issues, the committee acknowledged that all other institution-wide parameters are satisfactory and in line with NMC standards.

 

In a similar manner, the Principal of Gauhati Medical College and Hospital informed the First Appeal Committee that all shortcomings identified by the UG Medical Education Board had been corrected. There are no open faculty positions, and every faculty member is listed on the AEBAS website. Many faculty members used the AEBAS system to indicate their attendance during the hearing. The college also made sure that functional cameras were present at key locations.

 

Following thorough deliberation, the 1st Appeal Committee decided to extend Gauhati Medical College and Hospital’s recognition for 156 MBBS degree seats for the following five years.

 

The committee emphasised that the institution should set an example for other medical colleges in the northeastern region because, in addition to addressing the AEBAS issues, its parameters are within the NMC’s normal range.

 

Medical aspirants in the state are relieved that Assam Medical College and Gauhati Medical College will continue to be recognised by the National Medical Commission for another five years. The colleges have successfully corrected the flaws and put the necessary safeguards in place to abide by the NMC’s rules. This choice guarantees that Assam will continue to offer high-quality medical education, strengthening the local healthcare system.

 

Top IITs, NITs Discontinue Branch Upgrade Option for Students

An important choice about the branch upgrading option for students was recently taken by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, along with numerous other esteemed IITs and National Institutes of Technology (NITs). According to rumours, 12 NITs and about three IITs—IIT Bombay, IIT Hyderabad, and IIT Jammu—have decided to stop offering the branch switching option. For the applicants to these prestigious institutions, this decision has important ramifications.

1. The Branch Upgrade Option Has Been Discontinued

One of the top universities in India, IIT Bombay, has declared that it will no longer offer the branch upgrading option to help first-year students cope with their stress. The institute realised that pushing students to get better grades merely for the purpose of switching branches was burdening them unnecessarily. As a result, IIT Bombay has decided to completely do away with this system.

2. Affected Organisations

In addition to IIT Bombay, two other notable IITs—IIT Hyderabad and IIT Jammu—have also decided to stop allowing students to change their discipline of study. Additionally, about 12 NITs have done the same. NIT Delhi, Tiruchi, Warangal, Suratkal, Jaipur, Rourkela, Calicut, Kurukshetra, Jamshedpur, Surat, Pondicherry, and Nagaland are among the NITs that have abandoned the branch upgrade option. These prestigious institutions’ joint choice represents a fundamental change in how branch changes are approached.

3. Justification for the Choice

To lessen the intellectual and emotional burden on first-year students, it was decided to discontinue the branch upgrade option. IIT Bombay has emphasised that this adjustment will lessen the pressure that comes with getting good grades simply in order to switch to a preferred branch. The institute wants to establish a healthy learning atmosphere and all-around development in its pupils by getting rid of this system.

4. Advice from Professionals in Career Counselling

Amit Ahuja from the ALLEN Career Institute, a renowned expert in career guidance, has highlighted the motivations for this choice. Many IITs and NITs, according to Ahuja, opted to discontinue the branch upgrade option after evaluating the performance of first-year students. Many students enrol each year in a branch that they think is less desirable with the idea of transferring later to their core branches of choice. The subsequent removal of this option, however, means that students must now give priority to their preferred branch from the outset.

JOSAA Counselling 2023 Has Been Started

It is significant to note that JOSAA Counselling 2023 has begun and will serve as the venue for admissions to IITs, NITs, IIEST Shibpur, IISER, IIIT, and other CFTIs throughout India. On June 19, 2023, the registration period for JOSAA Counselling 2023 officially opened. Applicants have until June 28 to submit their applications. Aspiring students must keep up with the most recent developments and make sure that all necessary steps are taken on time.

 

The branch upgrading option has been eliminated by IIT Bombay and several other top IITs and NITs, signalling a substantial change in the academic environment. The decision to do away with this system is meant to lessen the pressure on first-year students and encourage a more well-rounded approach to learning. In order to establish their academic paths, students must carefully analyse their branch interests as they get ready for JOSAA Counselling 2023.

 

New Regulations For NEET UG Counselling Beginning 2024

Recent noteworthy developments made by the National Medical Commission (NMC) about the NEET UG counselling process. A uniform platform for counselling would be available beginning in 2024 for both State quota and All India Quota (AIQ) seats. The idea of supplemental batches for MBBS students will also be abandoned. With these modifications, the counselling procedure will be streamlined and a more effective and standard approach will be provided for prospective medical students. Let’s look more closely at the specifics.

 

Graduate Medical Education Regulations (GMER) 2023, new regulations put forth by the NMC, India’s governing body for medical education. These recommendations suggest a standardised counselling process for NEET UG Counselling that covers both AIQ and State quota seats. The main goal is to standardize and streamline the admissions process so that it is more open to students and transparent.

Common Counselling for State Quota and AIQ Seats

The NMC has proposed that counselling for AIQ and State quota seats be performed using a unified platform in accordance with the GMER 2023 criteria. Students won’t have to submit various applications, pay different fees, or register more than once thanks to this strategy. The unified counselling system will simplify everything and give future medical professionals a smooth experience.

Termination of Supplemental Batches

The abolition of supplemental batches for MBBS students is one notable modification brought about by the new standards. Presently, follow-up exams are held six months after the results are announced. The NMC, however, has chosen to do away with this idea. Students who fail their exams will still have the chance to show up for additional exams despite the end of supplementary batches. The NMC has instructed officials to hold these exams three to six weeks after the results are announced. The students can join regular batches during the same academic year thanks to this change.

Present-day Counselling System

For 15% of the AIQ seats, NEET UG Counselling is currently administered by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), a central body. The relevant state bodies conduct the counselling for the remaining 85% of seats. Students are required to apply, pay, and register separately for AIQ and State seats under this system. These difficulties will vanish with the implementation of unified counselling, streamlining the admissions procedure as a whole.

 

Advantages of General Counselling

There are many advantages to using a centralized platform for NEET UG counselling. First off, by doing away with the requirement for separate registrations, fees, and applications for AIQ and State quota seats, it lessens the administrative load on students. Additionally, it promotes equitable opportunity for all applicants by ensuring a fair and open selection process. Common counselling also promotes cooperation between various authorities, improving resource allocation and coordination across medical universities and colleges.

 

The NMC’s decision to standardise the admissions process and level the playing field for medical aspirants by implementing common counselling for NEET UG admissions beginning in 2024 is a significant step in that direction. The AIQ and State quota seats’ counselling platforms have been combined, resulting in a streamlined and open admissions process for students. Additionally, the elimination of supplementary batches will make it possible for students who need extra assistance to enroll in ordinary batches during the same academic year. These adjustments will help India’s medical education system become more effective and inclusive.

 

NMC’s Guidelines for MBBS Admissions and Curriculum: What You Need to Know

The Graduate Medical Education Regulation 2023 guidelines, which provide crucial instructions for universities and colleges on MBBS admissions and curriculum, were recently announced by the National Medical Commission (NMC). We shall examine the main tenets of these principles in this article, including the admissions procedure, curriculum design, instructional strategies, testing procedures, and the implementation of the National Exit Test (NExT).

 

The Graduate Medical Education Regulation 2023 rules were created by the NMC in an effort to raise the bar for medical education. These regulations seek to speed up the application procedure for MBBS programmes and guarantee that the medical credentials awarded follow a set schedule. It is essential for universities and colleges to adhere to these recommendations in order to make sure that their programmes satisfy the standards of the NMC.

Rules and Procedures for Admission

The NMC has given institutions the directive to start first-year MBBS programmes on August 1 of every year, with a very rigorous August 30 deadline for admissions. It is emphasised by the commission that any student enrolled after August 30 will not be registered and their medical credentials will not be acknowledged. The academic year 2023–2024 is covered by these rules.

 

The rules demand that uniform counselling be used for admission to graduate medical programmes at all Indian medical institutions in order to promote fairness and transparency. This counselling process would be based on the National Eligibility Cumulation Entrance Test (NEET-UG) merit list. However, this clause will go into force after NEET UG 2024.

MBBS Curriculum 

For the academic year 2023–2024, there will be three phases to the four and a half-year MBBS curriculum. The first and second stages will each last 12 months, while the third phase, which is divided into parts I and II, will last 30 months.

 

Students will learn preclinical subjects like Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, and Introduction to Community Medicine throughout their first professional year. In addition, professional development modules covering family adoption programmes, pandemic courses, and attitude, ethics, and communication (AETCOM) will be covered.

 

Pathology, pharmacology, microbiology, general surgery, general medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology, and additional AETCOM development are the main topics of the second professional year. To achieve a well-rounded education, simulated learning and exposure to clinical topics are also introduced.

 

The Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Community Medicine, Medicine and Allied Specialties, Surgery and Allied Specialties, Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and AETCOM modules are all included in the third professional year (part I). The provision of clinical instruction in a variety of fields gives students practical training.

 

The study of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (including Family Welfare), Paediatrics, AETCOM modules, and Medicine and Allied Specialties is covered in the third professional year (part II).

Approaches to learning and teaching

The recommendations place a strong emphasis on a balanced method of instruction to improve the learning experience. Didactic lectures shouldn’t take up more than one-third of the timetable; the other two-thirds should be devoted to group activities, practicals, clinical discussions, and interactive sessions. Case studies, problem-oriented methodologies, clinical experiences, and community health care initiatives should all be incorporated into the learning process.

Exams for the MBBS and supplemental exams

Students must adhere to attendance rules in order to advance academically. To be eligible for topic examinations, you must attend at least 75% of your theory sessions and 80% of your practical or clinical sessions. Students will not be permitted to sit for the Third Professional Part II test or the National Exit Test (NExT) if they do not meet the attendance requirements for electives.

 

At the conclusion of each academic year, students who do not pass the university exams will take additional exams. Within three to six weeks of the announcement of the results of the primary examination, these exams and the declaration of results shall be processed. Candidates who succeed in the additional exams may advance by joining the regular batch.

(NExT) National Exit Test

The National Exit Test (NExT), which will be administered at the conclusion of the third professional part II training in either the 17th or 18th month, has been adopted by the NMC. General medicine, general surgery, ophthalmology, otorhinolaryngology, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, and associated subjects will all be covered in the NExT exam. The NExT test will be taken by MBBS students from the 2023–24 batch in December 2027 or January 2028. The test will then be administered annually in December or January.

 

The National Medical Commission’s Graduate Medical Education Regulation 2023 policies seek to harmonise the admissions procedure and course content for MBBS programmes in India. These regulations create a clear framework for colleges and universities to adhere to, ensuring that medical education complies with the NMC’s requirements. The NMC wants to raise the overall standard of medical education in the nation by putting these recommendations into practise.