A medical student at BRD Medical College in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, has spent an extraordinary 11 years enrolled in the first year of the MBBS programme, raising serious questions about medical education oversight, regulatory gaps, and student welfare.
The student joined the college in 2014 after clearing the then Combined Pre-Medical Test. More than a decade later, he remains officially listed as a first-year MBBS student, a situation that has drawn attention from academic authorities and the wider medical community.
College records show that the student appeared for the first-year MBBS examinations only once and failed in all subjects. After that attempt, he did not reappear for subsequent examinations. Despite this, he continued to remain enrolled in the programme and stayed in the college hostel for years.
Former hostel wardens flagged the issue repeatedly and submitted written complaints to earlier administrations. However, no decisive action followed. As a result, the student remained academically stagnant while occupying institutional resources meant for progressing medical trainees.
At the time of the student’s admission, medical education in India was governed by the Medical Council of India. The rules in place then did not specify a maximum time limit for completing the MBBS course or for clearing the first year.
This regulatory gap played a key role in allowing the situation to continue unchecked for years. In 2023, the National Medical Commission replaced the earlier framework and introduced stricter academic timelines. Under current regulations, students are allowed a maximum of four attempts to clear first-year MBBS examinations and must complete the entire course, including internship, within nine years.
The challenge in this case lies in determining whether the older rules applicable at the time of admission should apply or whether the new norms can be enforced retrospectively.
College officials acknowledge that prolonged academic failure often has deeper causes. Personal struggles, mental health concerns, or a loss of direction can trap students in long periods of inaction.
Recognizing this, the institution’s Academic Committee has opted for a supportive approach rather than an immediate punitive one. The student may be offered counselling and academic assistance, provided he demonstrates a genuine commitment to resuming studies and appearing for examinations.
(Rh/ARC)
