ISLAMABAD, June 3: Though the syndicate of Quaid-i-Azam Postgraduate Medical College changed the pattern of its exams last year, it has so far failed to hold the exams scheduled for March.

On the other hand, 30 students, who have completed their research papers and also deposited their fees in February, are still not sure when the master of surgery (MS) and doctor of medicine (MD) exams would begin.

“If the management cannot hold the exams under the new pattern it should follow the old pattern,” the students said while talking to Dawn.

One of the students of the college at Pakistan Institute of Medical Science (Pims) and affiliated with Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) said according to past practice after completion of thesis or research papers, the course supervisors used to arrange the exams. Viva was also the responsibility of the supervisors and the practice continued for years.

“The college is being run by a syndicate with the vice chancellor of QAU as its chairman. One year back, the syndicate decided that the university and college management would hold the exams on March 26, 27 and 28 and on September 15, 16 and 17 (each course has three subjects) each year. The students can take part in the exams either in March or September,” he said.

“In February, we deposited the exam fee - Rs11,000 - and started preparation but later we came to know that the management did not have the capacity to arrange the exams.”

Another student said after so many requests, the exams of orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery and dental surgery were held but that of general surgery and cardiology are yet to be taken.

“So far, the exam date could not be announced and after about a month Ramazan will start and due to the extreme weather conditions and electricity loadshedding it will be difficult for the students to prepare for the exams and viva,” he said.

A course supervisor requesting not to be quoted added: “In the past we used to arrange the exams but later the university management raised objections as it wanted to give the job to persons of its own choice.”

The students requested the high-ups of the departments concerned to take notice of the matter and arrange the exams as early as possible.

When contacted, Chairman Syndicate Dr Masoom Yasinzai, who is also the vice chancellor of QAU, said he would ask the relevant department why the exams of some disciplines had been delayed. He said he would also make sure that the exams were conducted as soon as possible.