Induction

We want to attract highly motivated, competent doctors to our programmes. The induction processes ensure that merit remains the sole criterion for entry. While it is impossible to totally eliminate all subjectivity, the process tries to be as objective as possible through the use of quantifiable and uniform criteria and collective decision-making.

Entry test

The first step is the entry test which is written by all applicants to the internship and residency programmes. The questions are designed by our faculty and every question is vetted for clarity, correctness and appropriateness by the Induction Committee which has representatives from medicine, surgery, paediatrics and obstetrics and gynaecology. The questions are regularly reviewed, deleted, revised and added to as needed. The test is an objective structured kind (single best response from multiple choices) and marked by a computer. Those achieving the requisite grade are called for interviews.

This test is compulsory to all without exception. Those residents who are already training in one of AKU programmes and decide to apply for a programme different from the one they had chosen initially, have to take the test.

There is a generic test taken by all. Some specialties, in particular medicine, add an additional test of their own. Similarly the dental programmes have their separate test. An English test is also done to identify those candidates who may need attention to their language skills after selection.

Interview

Each short-listed candidate is interviewed by a minimum of four interviewers (two panels of two interviewers each.) Each candidate is asked questions that bring out the requisite qualities for being a post graduate medical student and each interviewer scores the answers independently.

The final decision is taken on the basis of the scores in the entry test and the interview.

Orientation

The PGME Induction Committee has designed a comprehensive programme of talks, presentations and activities spread over a number of days that the selected candidates go through to familiarise themselves with the ethos, systems and processes of the University and hospital before they formally start their education here.

The programme is constantly reviewed and revised to meet the needs of changing circumstances.