Medical graduates from Gujarat now stand a better chance for selection in national and international qualifying exams for post-graduate courses. Based on the findings of a recent survey conducted by the B J Medical College authorities,the students of the college are now given exposure of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) from the first year of study. Dr Bharat Shah,the Dean of B J Medical College,and a team of 19 teachers had planned this project a year ago. Dr Shah said: Medical students from the state did not perform well in the national and international qualifying exams for post-graduate programs in the last many years. He said a survey was done covering 80 students of the B J Medical College and it was found that the state students did not perform well because of the theoretical curriculum and subjective testing. Now,it has been decided to give 30 per cent weightage to MCQs in every exam at the B J Medical College,he said. An adjoining building has been converted into a computer room with 50 systems where students can take tests containing MCQs. Teachers help is taken to guide the students,he added. The software is developed by our own Health IT system. The result of the tests is displayed immediately and the students feedback is sought to improve the system further, he added. He said the question bank containing 15,000 MCQs on 19 subjects is prepared by the college team.
