In a move aimed at addressing the growing mental health concerns among postgraduate medical students in India, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has relaxed the requirement for thesis approval before appearing in final examinations. This decision comes in the wake of several incidents of student suicides and reports of harassment during the thesis process.
The NMC’s Post Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB), in a letter to medical colleges, clarified that thesis approval will no longer be a prerequisite for taking the final postgraduate exams. Students can now submit their theses to the university through their head of department (HoD) and dean. This change is intended to alleviate pressure and reduce the risk of mental health issues.
The regulator’s decision is also influenced by the recent agitation within the medical education community, spurred by the tragic rape and murder of a young female doctor in Kolkata. The PGMEB emphasized the importance of completing the final postgraduation examination by December 31st.
The NMC’s new guidelines prioritize the quality of thesis research. The thesis will now account for 5% of the total marks in the clinical/practical and viva voce components, with 20 marks reserved specifically for the thesis. Previously, there were no marks assigned for the thesis, but its approval was mandatory for exam eligibility.
An external examiner from outside the student’s state will now evaluate the thesis and conduct a viva voce examination. This evaluation will focus on the quality of the thesis and the student’s performance during the viva voce, contributing to the overall assessment.
This change in policy is expected to improve the quality of thesis-related research and reduce the pressure on students. The NMC has acknowledged the significant impact of thesis-related issues on postgraduate medical students’ mental health. A survey conducted by the NMC revealed that 15.3% of postgraduate students suffer from mental health disorders, with 31.2% reporting having considered suicide. The survey also highlighted concerns about exploitation and challenges faced by students during the thesis process, including delays in thesis submission by guides and requests for data manipulation.
The NMC’s decision to remove thesis approval as a prerequisite for final exams is a positive step towards creating a healthier and less stressful environment for postgraduate medical students. The focus on quality evaluation and external examiners aims to enhance the research process while ensuring fair assessment. This change is crucial for addressing the serious mental health challenges faced by students and fostering a more supportive learning environment within medical education in India.
