THERE are growing concerns over the examination system at Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS) in Jamshoro where nursing semester examinations and MBBS papers are being conducted only through computer-based multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

MCQs are useful for assessing students’ basic knowledge and understanding of medical concepts. However, medical and nursing students should also be evaluated through descriptive and written questions. Written examinations can provide a better assessment of students’ ability to explain concepts, analyse problems, demonstrate clinical reasoning, think critically, and apply their knowledge to real-life situations.

Doctors and nurses will ultimately be responsible for human lives. Their exa-minations, therefore, should not focus solely on selecting the correct answer from a list of options. Their education must also assess their core ability to understand complex problems, communicate their reasoning clearly, exercise sound clinical judgement, and make responsible decisions.

This does not mean that MCQs should be abolished altogether. Rather, a balanced examination system that combines MCQs with descriptive and written questions would be more appropriate for medical and nursing programmes. Such an approach could well provide a more comprehensive assessment of students’ knowledge, understanding and practical reasoning. The authorities concerned should review the entire existing examination system.

Ali Nawaz Rustamani

Wahi Pandhi

Published in Dawn, November 11th, 2026