The BHMS Exit Exam Debate: Weighing the Pros and Cons

The BHMS Exit Exam Debate: Weighing the Pros and Cons

Dr Mansoor Ali KR

Recently, the National Commission for Homoeopathy released the regulation for the Exit exam after BHMS. This exam is mandatory in other streams like MBBS BDS BAMS BUMS etc as a part of central government policy. The exit exam debate has sparked lively discourse in homeopathic circles.

National-level tests like NEET and All India Postgraduate examinations like AIAPGET streamlined and standardized the examination process and reduced the burden of students writing multiple examinations in various states for UG and PG admissions.

In the proposed Exit exam, students need to score 50% for private practice/State or Central medical council registration, – ensures that graduates have met a minimum competency level before treating patients, enhancing patient safety, and to apply for PG admissions in Homoeopathy, but not needed for admission or jobs in other streams or sectors.

The students need an overall idea about all 12 subjects of BHMS with special emphasis on clinical subjects. This preparation is an added advantage for PG, PSC and UPSC examinations.

These types of exams help ensure they have met a certain competency bar before treating patients.

The prospect of an exit exam can motivate students to thoroughly learn the BHMS curriculum, as passing is essential for private practice, council registration, and PG admissions in Homeopathy.

Faculty may need to shift focus from theoretical teaching to clinical skills, especially IPD and OPD training, to align with the exam’s requirements.. Homeopathic colleges may feel pressure to “teach to the test” if their academic quality is judged largely by exit exam pass rates.

It’s important to implement the exit exam in a way that is fair, transparent, and aligned with the evolving needs of the healthcare system, ensuring that the benefits translate into an overall improvement in the quality of homoeopathic medical education.

Students and teachers are urged to avoid undue anxiety, recognizing that such exams aim to enhance the quality of homoeopathic medical education and healthcare delivery in the country.

If a candidate does not clear the National Exit Test. In that case, his graduation degree shall be considered for all other job opportunities and other educational programs or courses where medical registration is not mandatory.

The National Exit Test examination shall be conducted ordinarily in February and August every year.

There shall be no limit on attempts or duration to appear for the National Exit Test.