The Supreme Court on Tuesday told the Central government to allow MBBS students -- who had returned from war-torn Ukraine as well as from China and the Philippines during the Covid-19 pandemic -- to clear their examinations in medical colleges here by giving them two attempts for the purpose.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati submitted before a bench headed by Justice B.R. Gavai that a committee formed under the chairmanship of Directorate General of Health Services with representations from the National Medical Council (NMC) recommended that the returned students of penultimate year and who further studied online would be given a chance to clear the MBBS final exam.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in a compliance affidavit, said: "The students may be offered a single chance to clear the MBBS final, both part 1 and part 2 examinations (both theory and practical) as per existing NMC syllabus and guidelines without being enrolled in any of the existing Indian medical colleges. They can give and clear examination within a period of one year. Part 2 will be allowed only after part 1 is cleared."
The affidavit added that the committee has emphasised that this option be strictly a one-time option and not become a basis for similar decisions in future. "After clearing these two examinations, they would have to complete 2 years of compulsory rotatory internship, first year of which will be free and the second year paid as has been decided by NMC for previous cases," it said.
The affidavit said the theory examination could be conducted centrally and physically, on the pattern of Indian MBBS examination and practical could be conducted by some designated government medical colleges.
Senior advocates Gopal Sankaranarayanan and S. Nagamuthu, and others, representing the students, raised concern in connection with a single attempt being given to the students, along with other issues of syllabus.
The bench, also comprising Justice Vikram Nath, said the court accepts the committee's report subject to a minor modification that the student being offered a single chance to clear the MBBS final, both part I and part II examinations, be read as student being offered single/two chances to clear both the examinations. "We clarify that the two chances will be for both part I and part II examinations," said the bench.
Previously, the apex court had asked the Central government to consider the issues faced by students, who returned from foreign countries.
‘One Nation, One Election’ will empower voters, save resources: Tripura CM
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said on Sunday that frequent elections throughout the year hinder development work, waste financial resources, and disrupt normal life.
Bangladesh embankment: High-level team visit south Tripura, flood protection measures started
A high-level delegation on Sunday visited border town of Belonia, adjoining border villages and conducted an 'on the spot study', and possible effects on the Indian side due to the embankment being constructed by the Bangladesh government along Muhuri river, which divides the two countries.
Govt committed to preserve disappearing traditions: CM
Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today said that the present government is sincere in preserving the culture, tradition, and heritage of people from all sections.
3 Bangladeshi nationals held at Agartala Railway Station
The arrested individuals have been identified as Kamrun Nesa (23) a resident of Dhaka, Md. Ismail Hossain (22) hailing from Chittagong and Mohammad Nur Hossain (25) also from Chittagong, Bangladesh.
Bangladeshi thieves nabbed, handed over to the BSF
Two Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended and severely beaten by residents of Nandalal Das Para in Ishanpur Gram Panchayat, under Tripura’s Mohanpur sub-division, after they were caught allegedly attempting theft. The area, located in West Tripura district, lies in close proximity to the Bangladesh border.
Waqf Act row: SC to hear on Monday PIL seeking judicial probe into Bengal violence
The Supreme Court is slated to hear on Monday a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking the formation of a five-member judicial enquiry commission under the chairmanship of a retired apex court judge to enquire into the violent protests erupted against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 in West Bengal’s Murshidabad.
Security forces intensify operations in Manipur, 11 insurgents arrested
Eleven insurgents have been arrested in Manipur and arms and ammunition recovered in the past 24 hours, said officials here, adding that top Army officers of the region have met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla.
India’s forex, money markets have doubled in last 4 years: RBI Governor
Addressing the 24th FIMMDA-PDAI annual conference in Bali this weekend, Malhotra said the levels of transparency in Indian markets are at par with the best in the world.