There are roughly 300 medical colleges in the country, most of which are run by state governments. Around 120 medical colleges are operated by private trusts.
A common medical entrance examination is expected to replace over 17 pre-medical tests (PMTs) conducted annually for about 35,000 undergraduate (UG) and 13,000 post-graduate (PG) seats from the 2011-12 session.
The new council of governors in Medical Council of India (MCI) has mooted the single examination. It is expected to be conducted by CBSE, which already conducts an all-India PMT for the roughly 15% MBBS seats in government colleges.
“We are working out modalities with CBSE for introduction of this system from next year,” SK Sarin, head of the new MCI board, said.
The results and rankings of this single all-India examination will form the basis for admission to all medical colleges, including those run by minority groups and private trusts. It will be mandatory for all institutions to admit students who qualify through this exam.
There are roughly 300 medical colleges in the country, most of which are run by state governments. Around 120 medical colleges are operated by private trusts.
Admissions to these colleges are based on PMTs conducted by state boards, CBSE and the armed forces. Many private colleges conduct their own exams.
“Minority medical institutions can have their quota, while private colleges can have theirs, but the seats reserved will have to be filled on the basis of the merit list from the new exam,” Devi Shetty, a member of the MCI board, said.
The single entrance test is expected to reduce stress of medical aspirants, who at present attempt average 7-10 PMTs.
“It is not possible for students to sit all 17 PMTs. This diminishes their chances of joining medical colleges. A single test will ensure students are not stressed,” Shetty said.
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