Selection Process for Medicine – Time for Rethinking about Entrance Tests
Abstract
Background: The best method of selection to any education course should address balancing the students’ potential, society’s need and social justice. Method of selection to medical profession in India has not been scientifically evaluated till date. The present study is an attempt in that direction.
Methodology: Information gathered from all undergraduate students of three consecutive batches and Post Graduate students of Government Medical College, Trissur, about the number of attempts and the entrance coaching they underwent. The results were tabulated.
Observations: All those who could get admission to undergraduate or post graduate medicine courses had undergone specific entrance oriented coaching. Only less than one third could get admission in their first attempt and the number of repeaters getting admission showed an upward trend.
Conclusions: It was the ability to approach entrance tests, rather than the training during the qualifying course, which determines the admission to courses in medicine. The repeaters gaining admission, is leading to loss of manpower. This is important as the loss is in the prime period of a brilliant group. Giving weightage for the performance in the qualifying examination along with the entrance rank is suggested. Entrance oriented coaching can be included in the routine curricula. These two measures can minimize the negative impact.
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