As per the guidelines issued by the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India, it is mandatory for medical aspirants pursuing MBBS abroad to acquire a practicing license in the country where they complete their studies. For students in Russia, this involves obtaining a license from the Public Registration Authority of Health Practitioners in Russia. The journey to achieving this milestone includes two critical steps: passing the GOZZ Exam and the Akkredition Licensing Exam.
Understanding the Difference: GOZZ Exam vs. Akkredition Exam
Key Distinction:
GOZZ Exam evaluates academic knowledge and practical skills as part of the MBBS/MD degree requirements.
Akkredition Exam certifies eligibility to practice as a licensed doctor in Russia and fulfills the NMC’s licensing mandate.
Aspect
GOZZ Exam
Akkredition Exam
Purpose
Final examination for obtaining the MBBS/MD degree.
Licensing exam for obtaining a practice license in Russia.
Language
Conducted in English.
Conducted in Russian.
Timing
Taken in the final year of the MBBS/MD course.
Taken after the GOZZ exam and receiving the degree.
Structure
– MCQ Test
– Practical Examination
– Oral Viva
MCQ-based exam only.
Difficulty Level
Comprehensive and rigorous, assessing theoretical and practical knowledge accumulated over 6 years.
Comparatively easier, focused on accreditation.
Significance
Essential for earning the MBBS/MD degree.
Essential for obtaining a license to practice medicine in Russia.
Validity
Not applicable (degree is permanent).
License is valid for 5 years and requires renewal.
Conducting Authority
Conducted by the respective Russian medical university.
Conducted by the Public Registration Authority of Health Practitioners in Russia.
Requirement by NMC
NMC mandates acquiring a practice license, making this exam mandatory for Indian students.
Fulfills the NMC’s requirement of obtaining a license in the country of study.
GOZZ Exam: The Final Year Challenge
The GOZZ Exam is a comprehensive evaluation conducted in the final year of the MBBS course. It ensures that students have the requisite theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and clinical expertise.
Structure of the GOZZ Exam
The GOZZ exam consists of three stages:
Test (MCQ-based):
Multiple-choice questions covering the entire MBBS syllabus.
Students must answer all questions correctly to proceed to the next step.
Practical Examination:
Students are assigned a patient and must:
Take a complete case history.
Conduct a detailed diagnosis and treatment plan.
Interpret radiological findings and recommend appropriate treatment.
This stage evaluates the hands-on clinical knowledge acquired over six years.
Oral Examination (Viva):
Professors ask in-depth questions about diseases, treatments, and diagnostics.
Example topics include conditions like asthma, where students must explain symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment protocols in detail.
Significance of the GOZZ Exam
Clearing the GOZZ Exam is a prerequisite for earning the MD degree (equivalent to MBBS in India).
Without passing this exam, students are not eligible to graduate or appear for the licensing exam in Russia.
Level of Difficulty
The GOZZ Exam is challenging, demanding rigorous preparation and consistent study of clinical and theoretical aspects.
Occasionally, external examiners are invited to conduct viva and practicals, making it more stringent.
Syllabus of the GOZZ Exam
The exam covers all preclinical and paraclinical topics taught from the first to the final year.
Akkredition Licensing Exam: The Path to Practice
After successfully passing the GOZZ Exam, students must take the Akkreditation Licensing Exam, a vital step to practice medicine in Russia.
Key Features of the Akkredition Exam
Format: MCQ-based examination.
Validity: The license obtained is valid for five years.
Ease of Clearing: Students who pass the GOZZ Exam typically find this exam manageable.
Procedure
Students can appear for the Akkredition Exam 1-2 weeks after receiving their MD degree.
The Akkredition Exam is conducted in Russian Language.
Results are generally declared within a month, and the licensing documentation is completed in 30-40 days.
Upon passing, students are entitled to practice as MD doctors in Russia.
Significance of Licensing
A practicing license in Russia is mandatory for MBBS graduates who wish to continue their medical careers in the country.
It is also a valuable credential for Indian students, enhancing their resumes and offering the flexibility to practice in both Russia and India (after clearing NEXT or FMGE).
Importance of Licensing as per NMC Gazette
The NMC mandates acquiring a practicing license from the country of study as a prerequisite for medical graduates returning to India. This ensures the graduates meet international and national standards of medical education.
General Notes for Indian Aspirants
The licensing process involves clearing an accreditation examination conducted in Russian, which tests the student’s competency to practice medicine in Russia.
For Indian students, obtaining this license not only fulfills NMC requirements but also opens doors to practice in Russia and adds global recognition to their qualifications.
Aspirants Should Consider:
Preparing thoroughly for both the GOZZ and Akkreditation exams, as these are pivotal for their medical careers.
Embracing this process as an opportunity to gain dual recognition, enabling practice in both India and Russia.
By adhering to these steps, medical graduates can ensure compliance with NMC regulations and secure a promising future in medicine.