National Medical Commission Issues Guidelines For Competency-Based Medical Education Curriculum

HYDERABAD: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has released the Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) Curriculum Guidelines 2024, marking a significant amendment to the Graduate Medical Education Regulations (GMER), initially introduced in 1997 and revised in 2023.

The new guidelines aim to improve medical education by incorporating feedback gathered during the implementation of the CBME in five years. They focus on making education more learner-centric, patient-oriented, and aligned with global standards. The curriculum emphasises integrating subjects both horizontally and vertically, shifting from broad competencies to specific end-of-phase subject competencies.

Major takeaways of the updated guidelines

Ethical and Communication Skills: The introduction of a dedicated longitudinal programme, ‘AETCOM’ (Attitude, Ethics, and Communication), aims to enhance ethical values, responsiveness to patient needs, and communication skills.

Holistic Education: The curriculum seeks to produce graduates proficient in preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative care, addressing healthcare issues and adapting to the current advancements in science and technology.

National and Institutional Goals: The guidelines list out national goals for Indian Medical Graduates (IMGs), including fulfilling social obligations, understanding health policies, and developing a scientific temper. Institutional goals focus on creating competent professionals capable of managing various health problems and working effectively in teams.

Competency-Based Training: Graduates are sought to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of human health, ethical principles, and national health policies. They must be skilled in documenting history of patients, physical examination, and clinical problem-solving.

Leadership and Teamwork: Emphasis is on working effectively within healthcare teams and leading efforts to improve healthcare delivery and patient safety.

Communication: The curriculum underscores the importance of clear, compassionate communication with patients, families, and colleagues.

Eligibility Criteria for Professional Examinations

To qualify professional examinations, students must meet the following requirements:

Attendance

A minimum of 75% attendance is required in theory classes and at least 80% attendance is necessary in practical and clinical sessions. For subjects taught across multiple phases, students must achieve 75% attendance in theory and 80% in practicals for each phase.

AETCOM

Students must maintain 75% attendance in AETCOM and 80% attendance in family visits as part of the Family Adoption Programme, with each student required to adopt at least three, preferably five, families.

In cases where an exam covers multiple subjects (e.g., General Surgery and its allied branches), a minimum of 75% attendance is needed for each subject and its related branches, with 80% attendance needed for each clinical posting.

Students lacking at least 75% attendance in electives will not be eligible for the Third Professional – Part II examination or NExT.

Internal Assessment (IA)

Internal assessment is based on daily performance including assignments, preparation for seminars, presentations of clinical case, problem-solving exercises, and community health projects. Both subjective and objective evaluations are included. IA scores are reported separately from summative assessments and are listed in a distinct column on the marks card.

Pass criteria

Candidates must achieve a cumulative score of 50% in university-conducted exams, including both theory and practicals.A minimum of 40% must be obtained in both theory and practical sections individually. For subjects with two papers, students must secure at least 40% in aggregate across both papers.

For the complete and detailed guidelines, click here.