Data-Driven Academic Audit Highlights SMC’s Commitment
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Agartala
- Nov 05, 2025
- 1464
In a rare and commendable move, Shantiniketan Medical College (SMC), Tripura, has turned criticism into an opportunity for self-assessment and growth. Following the declaration of the first-year MBBS results, the institution released a comprehensive academic audit report—not to defend itself with rhetoric, but to respond with facts, data, and a vision for the future.
This unprecedented step reflects not only academic transparency but also a culture of introspection and accountability rarely seen in the medical education sector. By voluntarily publishing its internal performance review, SMC has established a new paradigm of educational integrity in the region.
Commitment to Competency-Based Medical Education
The report reaffirms that the college has strictly followed the National Medical Commission’s (NMC) Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) framework. This curriculum emphasizes skill development, ethics, and practical understanding over rote learning.
To ensure that every student attains the required competencies, extra teaching hours and remedial support sessions were organized throughout the academic year. The college has also held stress management and exam preparedness workshops, showing a holistic concern for student well-being.
Acknowledging Challenges with Honesty
In a striking display of honesty, SMC acknowledged certain systemic challenges that affected the first batch. Due to the delay in NEET-UG counseling, many students joined late—missing up to a month of classes. Although the college provided recorded lectures and digital learning materials, it admitted that these could not fully substitute the experience of live classroom instruction.
Principal Professor Dr. Sanjay Nath pointed out that the late entrants also missed the NMC-mandated Foundation Course, which plays a vital role in developing professional values, communication skills, and confidence in students.
Structural Constraints and Academic Innovation
The audit further highlighted that the course duration reduction from 18 to 12 months effectively left only about 10 months of active teaching time, making syllabus completion a logistical challenge. Additionally, the absence of a state health university has led to difficulties in maintaining uniform evaluation standards across institutions.
Nevertheless, SMC went beyond NMC requirements—conducting 620 hours of Anatomy, 445 hours of Physiology, and 249 hours of Biochemistry, far exceeding the minimum mandated hours.
Upholding Discipline and Merit
In adherence to NMC norms, 25 students who failed to meet attendance and internal assessment standards were not allowed to sit for the final examination—a decision that underscores the college’s uncompromising commitment to quality. For them, special bridging and remedial programs have been launched to help them regain academic standing.
The report proudly notes that from its very first batch, several students have excelled academically—including one who secured fourth rank in the university merit list.
A Vision for the Future
“The implementation of CBME is a gradual but transformative process,” the college stated. “Shantiniketan Medical College remains steadfast in its mission to nurture competent, ethical, and compassionate doctors. The lessons from the first batch will only strengthen our academic foundation for the future.”
A Model for Transparency in Indian Medical Education
Education experts have lauded the college’s initiative, calling it a milestone in professional accountability. In a sector often clouded by opacity, Shantiniketan Medical College has proven that courage, clarity, and commitment to truth are the true hallmarks of an institution destined for greatness.
By turning criticism into constructive reform and placing transparency over defensiveness, Shantiniketan Medical College has done more than publish an audit—it has set an example for every medical institution in India to follow.