Kerala High Court upholds four-attempt cap for MBBS exams
Kerala High Court rules that the four-attempt limit for MBBS exams includes both regular and supplementary attempts, cautioning against casual judicial interference in academic rules.
The Kerala High Court has ruled that the four-attempt cap for MBBS examinations encompasses both regular and supplementary attempts, settling a question over how the limit is calculated for medical students.
The court's observation came while dismissing a challenge to the regulation, with the bench emphasising that rules framed by academic bodies should not be subjected to judicial interference casually. The court noted that this principle carries particular weight in the case of medical students, whose professional competence directly impacts public health and safety.
The ruling underscores the judiciary's reluctance to intervene in academic policy matters unless there is a clear violation of law or procedure. By clarifying that supplementary exams count toward the four-attempt ceiling, the court has affirmed the regulatory framework governing medical education in the state.
The decision is expected to have implications for MBBS students who have exhausted their permissible attempts, as it confirms that additional attempts beyond the cap will not be permitted under the current rules.