NMC revises MBBS curriculum: The NMC (National Medical Commission) has introduced changes to the undergraduate medical curriculum, including a time limit to complete the MBBS course, a fixed number of attempts to clear failed papers, compulsory attendance for theory and practical papers, and a family outreach programme. The first-year MBBS classes are likely to commence on 1 August every year. Additionally, students must take fewer tests in certain subjects, like biochemistry and microbiology.
Reacting to the changes, senior doctors expressed fear that medical education is growing in its dependency on coaching institutes, while medical students feel the changes are welcome.
“I have worked in four medical institutes in Delhi, and I would say that many MBBS students are sitting in coaching institutes. So, while the latest overhaul is well-meaning, the real impact must be ascertained on the ground,’’ said a senior doctor and teacher in the Capital.
Meanwhile, per the latest format, the four-and-half-year MBBS course will be divided into three phases, with the first and second phases of 12 months each, and phase three will be 30 months — part I of 12 months and part II of 18 months.
Each academic year will have at least 39 teaching weeks with a minimum of eight hours of study each day, and a total of 15 hours per week of clinical posting is necessary from the second year onwards. A minimum of 75% attendance in theory and 80% in practical or clinical is a must for eligibility to appear for the examinations in that subject.
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