DT News - Pakistan - UHS opts for cost-effective, efficient exam mode

UHS opts for cost-effective, efficient exam mode

Dental Tribune Pakistan

Mon. 4 December 2023

save

LAHORE: In a move aimed at enhancing examination efficiency and cutting costs, the University of Health Sciences (UHS) has reduced the number of pages in answer books by half for the upcoming 2023 professional examinations, saving Rs20 million.

As part of a comprehensive examination reform initiative, this decision aims to prompt candidates to provide succinct and focused responses to short essay questions (SEQs), aligning with the university's commitment to operational efficiency.

Previously, the answer books for SEQ papers consisted of 16 pages, with candidates mandated to respond to only three questions. However, a thorough analysis revealed that candidates typically utilised a mere 5 to 6 pages, resulting in unnecessary paper wastage.

Consequently, the UHS Committee for Conduct of Examinations (CCE) decided to reduce the number of pages in the answer books by half.

Addressing head examiners and examiners of MBBS and BDS professional examinations, UHS Vice-Chancellor Prof Ahsan Waheed Rathore said that this initiative is anticipated to yield annual savings of approximately Rs20 million for the university.

While cost-effectiveness is a primary focus, the main objective behind this decision is to motivate students to incorporate essential key points, words, ideas, and phrases sought by examiners. This approach is aimed at fostering a more targeted and efficient examination process, Prof Rathore added.

This prudent measure not only aligns with the university's commitment to fiscal responsibility but also exemplifies a proactive stance in enhancing the quality and relevance of student responses in professional examinations, Prof Rathore added.