West Bengal (10 Nov 2024): On 30th Oct 2024 an online meeting was held with Principals and Directors of various medical colleges to discuss the implementation of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for fair examinations, following directives from Swasthya Bhawan.
Suggestions from the House:
• Require invigilators to submit a checklist, similar to observers.
• Reconsider and enhance the remuneration for invigilators and CIC.
• List of unfair practices should be printed on the admit card, along with SOP for dealing with such cases.
• Continue the current practice of external examiners checking answer scripts during oral-practical exams.
• The IT cell may directly upload examination CCTV footage to the University portal; until implemented, colleges may retain a copy for emergencies.
• Although marks entry is subject-locked, ensure immediate and automatic locking once submission is complete for security.
The SOP mandates that CCTV footage for each day of examinations be sent to the University in separate folders within three days after the exam concludes; otherwise, the results of non-compliant colleges will be withheld. Additionally, all colleges are required to retain CCTV footage for one year. WBUHS is working to arrange centralized live streaming of university exams from its premises to ensure further transparency.
The Principal, Director, or Centre in Charge in West Bengal must download the examination question paper a day before to avoid technical issues, notifying the University promptly if problems arise. The University will send an OTP to the registered mobile number of the authorized person for secure access. Two security keys, required for printing, will be sent via email and mobile on the exam day. The printing process, monitored by CCTV, will occur only in the presence of the Principal, Director, or Centre in Charge and WBUHS-appointed observers, with limited authorized access. CCTV footage must be submitted to the University within three days after each exam day.
The Principal/Director/Dean of the college in West Bengal serves as the default Centre in Charge (CIC) for university exams; if unavailable, a faculty member of at least Professor rank should be appointed as CIC and notified to the University. The CIC downloads the question paper a day prior using an OTP and receives two security keys for printing on the exam day. This process, monitored via CCTV, occurs in the presence of the CIC and WBUHS-appointed observers. After printing, the CIC securely seals and transports the papers to the exam venue, opening the pack under CCTV surveillance in the examination hall. Footage of all stages must be submitted to the University within three days post-exam. The CIC oversees exam conduct, reporting key events daily.
To ensure examination security, the Principal/Director/Dean must arrange for adequate police presence outside exam halls to prevent disturbances. Marks entry, tabulation, and locking in the university portal are restricted to designated faculty within a strict deadline; once closed, the portal cannot reopen. If issues arise, faculty must complete entry directly at the University. The student section has no access to marks entry. For MD/MS/Diploma exams, answer scripts will be sent daily to the University for impartial grading by PG examiners on-site. Only failed candidates may apply for answer script reviews.
Additional guidelines emphasise that no overwriting or whiteout is allowed on final tabulation sheets, and aprons are banned in theory exams. Writing on question papers is strictly prohibited, and the confidential tabulation sheet cannot be displayed or misused. As a precaution against unfair practices, invigilators must monitor washrooms regularly, and examinees must log their exit and entry times in a register. No washroom visits are permitted within the first or last 30 minutes of the exam, reinforcing fair conduct.
The Medical Bulletin
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