NASHIK: Now, students who appear for private and government medical institute examinations will not be allowed to wear shoes. They must take the exams wearing slippers.In a bid to prevent cheating, the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences ( MUHS ) has, for the first time, framed an examination “dress code” for students. The university is based in Nashik Other than the ban on shoes, those taking the exams will not be allowed to wear full-sleeved shirts and T-shirts, dark-coloured trousers and they cannot carry wallets to the examination centres. Women students will not be allowed to wear aprons, bangles, rings, pins, chains and necklaces. Officials said the clothes should be simple and designer-wear would be prohibited.The dress code will be implemented during the winter semester exams, starting November27. Around 55,000 students from various public and private health science colleges are expected to appear for the examination.Some medical students TOI contacted said the new directive of MUHS on writing exam wearing slippers or chappals would not have much of a bearing on them.Mrunal Tillu, a student at BJ Medical College, said, “There is no dress code at present and even if it is introduced, that won’t make any difference to us. It will help the administration in preventing any malpractices during exams.”The circular, issued by controller of examination Ajit Pathak, reads: “The dress code is a must for all students, including those from religious minority institutions under MUHS’ jurisdiction.”Nilesh Bastewad, former secretary of Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors, felt students would not have a problem with the dress code. “But it is better to create awareness among students about the same and take their reactions so that there are no problems during the time of the examination,” he said.Ajay Chandanwale, the dean of B J Medical College and Sassoon General Hospital , said, “The notification regarding the dress code has been declared by the MUHS and it will be honoured by the college administration. It will help in reducing conflicts between students and the examiners. Further, if there are any suggestions from students regarding the dress code, those too will be sent to the MUHS for consideration.”MUHS registrar K D Chavan told TOI that the decision was taken after a series of brainstorming sessions at various levels for the past three years.According to Chavan, the MUHS senate has decided to impose the dress code from the upcoming winter exams. “We have followed a certain set of rules applicable for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), through which students qualify for medical courses. These rules are widely accepted in academic institutions,” said Chavan.Sana, a PG student from Mumbai, said NEET should have a flexibility in the administration when checking students taking the exam. “It is better to conduct awareness drives among students,” Sana said.

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