By Aditi Mishra
The Telangana Junior Doctors Association (T-JUDA) has urged Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences (KNRUHS) to conduct a thorough and detailed audit of postgraduate medical examination evaluation amid concerns over contradictions in theory and practical marks. In its representation, T-JUDA has asked the university to examine how examiners do the marking, how results are moderated, and why students are failing. The association also sought a clear revaluation process, timely recounting of the marking, and the awarding of grace marks to eligible 2023 PG students who have missed the passing marks.
T-JUDA shared that he had received multiple complaints regarding variations in theory and practical exams. It also pointed out cases where students who performed well in theory exams were given unexpectedly very low or failing grades in practical examinations.
The association has directed KNRUHS to examine why marks vary after moderation, compare grades given by different examiners and in different subjects, and investigate high failure rates and variations in theory and practical examination marks. It also wants the University to take students' complaints into consideration and determine if evaluation procedures were followed.
According to T-JUDA, the concerns extend across examination cycles and require a systemic review rather than being treated as isolated cases. The association has specifically sought scrutiny of marks before and after final correction or moderation, practical marks awarded by different examiners, examiner-wise and subject-wise marking patterns, and significant differences between theory and practical performance.
T-JUDA noted the MD Pediatrics practical examination at Gandhi Medical College in Hyderabad, where seven students out of fifteen reportedly failed the practical examination despite scoring well in theory papers.
KNRUHS has been instructed to conduct an inquiry following a representation by the Gandhi Junior Doctors Association. Vice-Chancellor Dr K. Ramesh Reddy assured the delegation that strict action would be taken if any irregularities or unjust evaluation were found.
A supplementary practical examination was reportedly planned for late November or December 2026 at a different institution, with a fresh team of examiners, for those seven students who did not score the qualifying marks.
The results have raised doubt about the evaluation process, but it is not yet clear whether any marking errors occurred.
The association has asked for measures to improve fairness and consistency in postgraduate examinations. Its key demands include:
A Comprehensive Audit of theory and practical examination grades, moderation, and marking patterns.
Transparent Revaluation and Timely Recounting of grades with clear eligibility criteria.
Independent Second Evaluation when there are major differences in marks that need further review.
Limited Grace Marks of up to four or five marks for eligible students.
Technology-assisted quality checks, including credible AI tools to flag unusual marking patterns, while ensuring that the examiners remain accountable for the final assessment.
A Permanent Grievance Mechanism to review complaints and concerns and communicate enquiry outcomes.
Appropriate Action if the inquiry finds any shortcoming in marking procedures.
A time-bound response to complaints, with appropriate corrective or disciplinary action if an inquiry establishes procedural lapses or serious irregularities. T-JUDA has also called for restrictions on examination duties for evaluators found guilty of serious irregularities.
Dr. Bingi Sai Chandan, T-JUDA Chairperson, said to Deccan Chronicle.
Audit should result in aggregate, anonymized findings while protecting the confidentiality of students and examiners.
Dr. Bingi Sai Chandan, T-JUDA Chairperson
The Telangana High Court has previously upheld KNRUHS's digital double-valuation system for postgraduate medical examinations under the Post-Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023. In March 2026, the court held that discrepancies in marks alone did not establish arbitrariness and noted that the university's system provided for a third evaluation when differences between evaluators reached the prescribed threshold. The ruling also discussed the absence of a provision permitting revaluation after results are declared.
However, that ruling concerned a separate case and does not establish the outcome of T-JUDA's current representation. The association's demands for revaluation and grace marks remain proposals; their applicability would depend on the relevant regulations and university rules.
T-JUDA has asked KNRUHS to review the reported shortcomings, communicate enquiry outcomes, and consider systematic changes required for the evaluation process.
T-JUDA’s suggestion has not been confirmed as accepted by KNRUHS; it is still a proposal.
(Rh/AM)
