Synopsis should be submitted within:

SIX months commencement of training in main specialty.

OR

Six months commencement of sub-specialty training.

In all cases it should be submitted during 1st year of training in specialty or six months of starting the subspecialty training.

Time period between approval of synopsis and submission of dissertation must be at least six months or duration of study.

Dissertation must be submitted as soon as possible during the training period. It should be submitted early in order to facilitate due processing.

Research work (data collection) should be started after the approval of synopsis on selected topic. Data collection must be after the approval of synopsis during the training period of the candidate. Dissertation based on retrospective studies (data collection) is not acceptable.

Dissertation must be submitted as soon as possible during the training period. It should be submitted early in order to facilitate due processing.

A trainee may submit two papers published in indexed journals (Index Medicus), as first or second author, in lieu of the dissertation. The trainee must submit a separate synopsis for each paper. The format of these synopses will be similar to those submitted for dissertation. The copies of published papers, if published in national journal or letter of acceptance if submitted to international journals must be submitted to REU & Examinations at least three months before the date of examination.

Supervisor is a qualified postgraduate medical teacher under whose guidance the trainee conducts the research work & Training.

The first important step a trainee is expected to take immediately after passing the FCPS part I examination is to select a competent supervisor who is approved as a supervisor in the specialty by CPSP. It is mandatory for a trainee to submit a photocopy of the supervisors certificate from CPSP also mention the present status of trainees under his supervisor.

The supervisor should be carefully selected by the trainee, since he/she will need constant guidance, supervision and support at all stages of training and writing the Dissertation.

The topic must be selected, in consultation with the supervisor and the topics of dissertation synopsis posted on the web site making sure that the topic has not been over studied or research on the same aspect repeatedly done or being duplicated by some other trainee in the institute.

It is mandatory that the trainee attented the 'Research Methodology, Biostatistics & Dissertation Writing (RMBDW)' workshop before writing a synopsis.

Retrospective data collection (data collected prior to the approval of synopsis) is not allowed. Data collection must be after the approval of synopsis, during the training period of the candidate. Dissertation based on retrospective studies (data collection) will be rejected.

Study on the same topic with the same objectives cannot be conducted by any other trainee in the same institute similarly frequently used topics are to avoided unless a completely difficult aspect is being observed.

A trainee may submit two papers published in indexed journal (Index Medicus), as first or second author, in lieu of the dissertation. The trainee must submit a separate synopsis for each paper. The format of these synopses will be similar to those submitted for dissertation. As soon as possible during the training period. In case of unavoidable delay it should be submitted at least 6 months prior to the call of applications for FCPS-II examination the trainee desires to take.

The trainee should proceed with the research work only after the approval of these synopses.

CPSP realizes that the publication in international journal may take longer than in national journals. Therefore if the articles(s) has (have) been submitted to an international journal, a letter of acceptance will suffice.

• The research work or study must be started after receiving the approval of synopsis/research protocol from the REU, CPSP.
• The research work or study must be planned in such a way that the entire study, including dissertation writing, is completed during the training period.
• Time period between approval of synopsis and submission of dissertation must be at least six months or duration of study.
• Dissertation must be submitted at least six months before the end of training period which is duly registered with the REU. Strict compliance to this rule is essential.
• Retrospective data collection is not allowed. The entire study should be conducted during the training period of the candidate.
• The topic and research methodology must be the same as laid down in the synopsis/research protocol approved by the RMTC, CPSP.

• The writing of dissertation must be planned in such a way that continuity of the theme is maintained.
• It must be written in trainee’s own words and style. The language must be simple, direct and precise. Verbosity must be avoided.
• Direct quotations must be minimally used. If quoted, these must be given within inverted commas with full acknowledgment.
• The statements, other than trainee’s own, must be supported with reference citation.
• The trainee, who plagiarizes or copies someone else’s Dissertation, will be liable for a punitive action by CPSP, which may include debarring him/her from appearing in FCPS examination for lifetime.
• Each table must be typed or computer-printed with double space, on a separate page. It must be numbered consecutively, in order of citation and inserted at the appropriate place in the text. Symbols and abbreviations, if used, must be explained in the footnote of each table.

A copy of synopsis/ topic for article writing in PDF format has to be uploaded on e-portal along with covering letter duly signed and stamped by supervisor, non-duplicate of topic certificate and a copy of REU certificate. However to be submitted as usual.

Please note that date of submission of synopsis/topics for article along with uploading of complete documents on e-portal will be considered as the date of submission of synopsis/ topics for article

Submission of dissertation as a partial fulfilment of FCPS II examination, a soft copy of dissertation in the form of CD is no more required rather it has to be uploaded on e-portal in PDF format along with an application form for dissertation submission, dissertation check list, A copy of approved synopsis, supervisor certificate/covering letter for dissertation, experience certificates, experience proforma and data sheet. However on hard copy of dissertation along with original bank draft/fee challan has to be submitted as usual.

Please note that date of submission of hard copy along with uploading of complete documents on e-portal will be considered as the date of submission of dissertation