The common entrance test for post-graduate (PG) medical students is mandatory for all government and private colleges. Making it clear to the state governments, the Union health ministry has written to them informing that the new test system has been notified and they will have to adhere to it.
Earlier the proposal to conduct common test had received stiff opposition from some states. However, citing a judgement of 2010 by the Supreme Court of India, the Union health ministry made it clear that states have no option but to come on board.
The Union health ministry in their recent letter to the states have shared all information on the new test so that it can be widely publicised in their states.
As reported first by this newspaper, the first ever all-India “online test” for post-graduate medical students will be conducted from November 23, 2012. The new system offers flexibility for aspirants to choose any date between November 23 to December 6, 2012.
After following paper-pencil format for years, this will be the first time that an online test will be conducted for post-graduate (PG) medical students. Sources in the ministry revealed that the notification with regard to the new computer based testing is likely to come up by next week.
The National Board of Examination (NBE) which agreed to conduct the Common Entrance Test (CET) for PG medical students decided to replicate the IIM model-an “online test” format for the students.
In all 34 centres all across the country have been shortlisted.