VIJAYAWADA: Fed up with charges of irregularities, the authorities of the NTR University of Health Sciences (NTRUHS) are learnt to have decided to go online in conducting entrance exams for various courses.
In its first attempt, the NTRUHS will be conducting an online entrance exam this year for admission to super speciality courses Doctor of Medicine (DM) and Master of Chirurgic (M.Ch).
As some time is still left for issuance of the notification for the entrance test, which is scheduled to be held in August, the officials are working out the modalities to make it an online exam.
Speaking to Express, NTRUHS vice-chancellor T Ravi Raju said, “As part of upgrading the system, we have decided to conduct an online entrance exam for admission to super speciality courses this academic year. This will not just make the entrance examination system more effective but also ensure transparency. As still there is more than two to three weeks’ time, we are planning to conduct an online exam by taking all precautions.”
There are 10 to 13 specialisations in super speciality courses like Neurology, Cardiology, Nephrology and Surgical Gastroenterology and about 500 students are expected to appear for the entrance exam for these courses.
Though the location of examination centres is yet to be finalised, online exam may be conducted in Hyderabad, Vishakapatnam, Vijayawada and Tirupati for the first time.
“We have been constantly upgrading examination and admission processes and the online entrance exams for super speciality courses is another step in that direction. Online entrances are not only less expensive but also more convenient for students. If everything goes well, we shall also introduce the online pattern for PG medical entrance exams next year and make all entrance exams online,” added Ravi Raju.
“Though the online entrance exams cannot be termed completely foolproof, for the medical students who have been demanding online tests to avoid irregularities in admissions, the university’s decision will be a big relief,” a senior official of the university felt.