PGIMER director speaks of reforms in the invigilation system after entrance exam paper leak

Updated on: Thursday, November 15, 2012

Four days after the MD/MS entrance examination paper leak in PGIMER, the institute director, Yogesh Chawla, finally broke his silence on the issue on Wednesday.He declared his intent to bring about reforms in the invigilation system and spoke about introducing an open book examination.

Chawla said, "We will install jammers and have a flying squad team to prevent copying or any fraudulent practice in the future. We are mulling over launching an open book exam as is the case in the US. It is an online exam and it is not possible to copy due to paucity of time."

Initially, the PGI authorities had patted themselves on the back for tipping off the CBI about the hitech cheating plan and even indulged in a blame-game. But once questions were raised about the invigilation during the test, the officials decided to improve the system of conducting the examination, where 60 candidates vie for one seat.

The MD/MS entrance is of three hours' duration and has 250 multiple choice questions. There is negative marking for every wrong answer. This gives candidates less than a minute for each answer. To deter copying, the institute provides candidates with pens during the examination. "But with newer technology it has become tough to monitor these things," said Amod Gupta, dean, PGI.

In 2010, the PGI became the first institute to use biometrics parameters after a case of impersonation was reported for the MD/MS exam. The entrance test for admission to postgraduate courses in the PGI conducted on November 10 at 11 different centres in Chandigarh had 10,000 takers in various specialties.

The result of the examination, which can be declared within 24 hours, has been withheld till the CBI submits its report.

PGIMER director speaks of reforms in the invigilation system after entrance exam paper leak

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