Postgraduate medical entrance system needs reform

摘要

The article by Vyas and Supe focuses on the important issue of formats of question papers for assessing the quality of medical education in India. Question papers based on MCQs (multiple choice questions) are used for both undergraduate and postgraduate medical examinations in India. We would like to highlight some key concerns with the design and conduct of postgraduate medical entrance examinations from a candidate's perspective. As individuals who have been candidates in postgraduate medical entrance examinations at two different time periods in the past few years (Anant Bhan 2002-03, Divya S. Iyer 2008-09), it is our opinion that those who set question papers need to consider several aspects while designing questions. We also feel that MCQs should not be the sole modality for selection to postgraduate courses.