Pathology syllabus for MBBS in India (Competency based Education/CBME 2019)
Topics & competencies in Pathology for MBBS as per the CBME
| Topic | Competencies | Practicals | Procedures for certification | Integrations |
| 1. Introduction to Pathology | 3 | NIL | Nil | NIL |
| 2. Cell Injury and Adaptation | 8 | 1 | Nil | NIL |
| 3. Amyloidosis | 2 | 1 | Nil | NIL |
| 4. Inflammation | 4 | 1 | Nil | V-2 / H-0 |
| 5. Healing and repair | 1 | NIL | Nil | V-1 / H-0 |
| 6. Hemodynamic disorders | 7 | 1 | Nil | V-2 / H-0 |
| 7. Neoplastic disorders | 5 | NIL | Nil | V-0 / H-1 |
| 8. Diagnostic cytology | 3 | 1 | Nil | V-2 / H-0 |
| 9. Immunopathology and AIDS | 7 | NIL | Nil | V-5 / H-4 |
| 10. Infections and Infestations | 4 | NIL | Nil | V-4 / H-4 |
| 11. Genetic and paediatric diseases | 3 | NIL | Nil | V-3 / H-0 |
| 12. Environmental and nutritional diseases | 3 | NIL | Nil | V-2 / H-1 |
| 13. Introduction to haematology | 5 | 1 | Nil | V-5 / H-0 |
| 14. Microcytic anemia | 3 | 1 | Nil | V-3 / H-0 |
| 15. Macrocytic anemia | 4 | 1 | Nil | V-3 / H-0 |
| 16. Hemolytic anemia | 7 | 1 | 01 | V-5 / H-0 |
| 17. Aplastic anemia | 2 | NIL | Nil | V-2 / H-0 |
| 18. Leukocyte disorders | 2 | NIL | Nil | NIL |
| 19. Lymph node and spleen | 7 | 3 | Nil | V-5 / H-0 |
| 20. Plasma cell disorders | 1 | 1 | Nil | NIL |
| 21. Hemorrhagic disorders | 5 | NIL | Nil | V-4 / H-0 |
| 22. Blood banking and transfusion | 6 | NIL | Nil | V-3 / H-1 |
| 23. Clinical Pathology | 3 | 2 | Nil | NIL |
| 24. Gastrointestinal tract           | 7 | NIL | Nil | V-7 / H-0 |
| 25. Hepatobiliary system | 6 | 1 | 01 | V-6 / H-0 |
| 26. Respiratory system | 7 | NIL | Nil | V-7 / H-4 |
| 27. Cardiovascular system | 10 | 1 | Nil | V-10 / H-3 |
| 28. Urinary Tract | 16 | NIL | Nil | V-14 / H-0 |
| 29. Male Genital Tract | 5 | NIL | Nil | V-5 / H-0 |
| 30. Female Genital Tract | 9 | NIL | Nil | V-9 / H-0 |
| 31. Breast | 4 | 1 | Nil | V-4 / H-0 |
| 32. Endocrine system | 9 | NIL | Nil | V-9 / H-0 |
| 33. Bone and soft tissue | 5 | NIL | Nil | V-5 / H-1 |
| 34. Skin | 4 | 1 | Nil | V-4 / H-0 |
| 35. Central Nervous System | 3 | 1 | 01 | V-3 / H-2 |
| 36. Eye | 1 | NIL | Nil | V-1 / H-0 |
| Total: 36 | 186 | 20 | 03 | V-135 / H-21 |
Sample of the detailed description of the competencies:
| No | Competency | DLC | Teaching | Assessment | V/H |
| PA6.1 | Define and describe edema, its types, pathogenesis and clinical correlations | K-KH-Y | Lecture, Small group discussion | Written/ Viva voce | V: General Medicine |
| PA6.2 | Define and describe hyperemia, congestion, hemorrhage | K-KH-Y | Lecture, Small group discussion | Written/ Viva voce | |
| PA6.3 | Define and describe shock, its pathogenesis and its stages | K-KH-Y | Lecture, Small group discussion | Written/ Viva voce | V: General Surgery |
- Abbreviations & details:
- No & Competencies: No – serial number of the competency with subject/topic coding, & Competencies – description of competencies
- Domain/level-Core (DLC):
- Domain (Identifies the domain): K- Knowledge, S – Skill, A – Attitude/professionalism, C- Communication.
- Level (Identifies the level of competency): K – Knows, KH – Knows How, SH – Shows how, P- performs independently.
- Â Core: Y – must achieve/compulsory, N – non-core/desirable/optional
- Skills required to certify:Â P – many procedures must be done independently for certification/ graduation.
- Integration: V – Vertical Integration, H – horizontal integration.
General Objectives of Pathology for MBBS
- Objectives: Knowledge – At the end of training in Pathology will be able to:
-
- Understand the concepts of cell injury and changes produced thereby in different tissues and organs and the body’s capacity for healing.
- Understand the normal homeostatic mechanisms, the derangements of these mechanism and the effects on human systems.
- Understand the etiopathogenesis, the pathological effects and the clinico-pathological correlation of common infectious and non-infectious diseases.
- Understand the concept of neoplasia with reference to the etiology, gross and microscopic features, diagnosis and prognosis in different tissues and organs of the body.
- Correlate normal and altered morphology (gross and microscopic) of different organ systems in different diseases to the extent needed for understanding of disease processes and their clinical significance.
- Have a knowledge of common immunological disorders and their resultant effects on the human body.
- Have an understanding of the common haematological disorders and the investigations necessary to diagnose them and determine their prognosis.
- Perform and interpret in a proper manner the basic clinico-pathological procedures.
- Know the principles of collection, handling and dispatch of clinical samples from patients in a proper manner
Teaching and learning methodology in Pathology for MBBS
- Details of the competencies, lectures, practicals & skills to be acquired are mentioned in the table given above.
- Teaching Learning Method:
- Learner-centric didactic lectures  with Vertical/horizontal integrations (CBME).
- The lecture is followed by Case studies in small groups discussion →
demonstration of the gross and microscopic features of the disease in that case by the pathologist → clinico-pathologic correlation.
- The lecture is followed by Case studies in small groups discussion →
- Tutorial & Seminars.
- Problem-based Learning (PBL) & Small group discussions (especially focus on practical & clinical implications of the knowledge through cases).
- Conventional Practical classes deal with a demonstration of gross, and/or microscopic features of the disease entities.& DOAP session (Demonstrate, Observe, Assess, Perform)
- Self-directed learning +/- multimedia aids (Audiovisual presentations).
- Seminars, symposia & quizzes.
- Learner-centric didactic lectures  with Vertical/horizontal integrations (CBME).
Distribution of approximate teaching hours in Pathology for MBBS
- NBE provided the particulars of competencies, teaching methodology, Vertica/.horizontal integrations, AETCOM & Exam methodology however the distribution of hours per class/tutorial & practicals are left for the individual universities to be handled therefore subjected to inter-university variability.
- Total number of teaching hours: approximately 250 hrs (teaching hours & distribution might differ slightly per university).
- Theory:
| Topic | Hrs | |
| A) General Pathology | ||
| 1 | Definitions and causes of diseases | 1 |
| 2 | Modes of cell injury | 1 |
| 3 | Necrosis & gangrene | 1 |
| 4 | Intracellular accumulations and alterations | 1 |
| 5 | Cellular Adaptations/ Growth disturbances | 1 |
| 6 | Acute inflammation | 1 |
| 7 | Chemical mediators of Inflammation | 1 |
| 8 | Chronic inflammation (including granulomatous) | |
| 9 | Regeneration and repair (general) | 1 |
| 10 | Repair in specialized tissues | 1 |
| 11 | Oedema | 1 |
| 12 | Shock | 1 |
| 13 | Thrombosis | 1 |
| 14 | Embolism and Infarction | |
| 15 | Hyperaemia and Haemorrhage | 1 |
| 16 | Disturbances of pigment metabolism | |
| 17 | Disturbances of Mineral metabolism | 1 |
| 18 | Genetic disorders | 2 |
| 19 | Hypersensitivity reactions | 1 |
| 20 | Autoimmune diseases | 1 |
| 21 | Amyloidosis | 1 |
| 22 | AIDS | 2 |
| 23 | Typhoid fever | 1 |
| 24 | Syphilis | |
| 25 | Tuberculosis | 1 |
| 26 | Leprosy | 2 |
| 27 | Fungal diseases | |
| 28 | Malaria | 1 |
| 29 | Neoplasia – Nomenclature and classification | 3 |
| 30 | Neoplasia – Carcinogenesis | 2 |
| 31 | Neoplasia – Biology and Lab diagnosis | 2 |
| 32 | Neoplasia – Spread, grading and staging | 2 |
| B) Haematology | ||
| 1 | Introduction to haematology and hemopoiesis | 1 |
| 2 | Anaemias (general) | 1 |
| 3 | Iron deficiency anaemia | |
| 4 | Megaloblastic anaemia | 1 |
| 5 | Haemolytic anaemia | 2 |
| 6 | Haemoglobinopathies | 2 |
| 7 | Haemorrhagic disorders | 2 |
| 8 | Leukocytic disorders | 1 |
| 9 | Acute Leukaemias | 1 |
| 10 | Chronic Leukaemias | 1 |
| 11 | Paraproteinemia | 1 |
| 12 | Aplastic Anaemias | 1 |
| 13 | Blood groups | 1 |
| 14 | Blood Transfusion | |
| C) Systemic pathology | ||
| 1 | Atherosclerosis | 1 |
| 2 | Hypertension | 1 |
| 3 | Other diseases of blood vessels | |
| 4 | Ischaemic heart disease | 1 |
| 5 | Congenital heart disease | 1 |
| 6 | Rheumatic heart disease | 1 |
| 7 | Endocardial and pericardial diseases | 1 |
| 8 | Cardiomyopathies | |
| 9 | Pneumonias | 1 |
| 10 | Lung Abscess and Bronchiectasis | 1 |
| 11 | Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema | 1 |
| 12 | Occupational lung diseases | 1 |
| 13 | Tumours of lung and pleura | 1 |
| 14 | Lesions of oral cavity and salivary glands | 1 |
| 15 | Gastritis and Peptic Ulcer | 1 |
| 16 | Ulcers of Intestines | 1 |
| 17 | Idiopathic Inflammatory Bowel disease | 1 |
| 18 | Tumours of upper GIT | 2 |
| 19 | Tumours of lower GIT | 2 |
| 20 | Viral Hepatitis | 2 |
| 21 | Alcoholic liver disease | 1 |
| 22 | Cirrhosis | |
| 23 | Tumours of liver | 1 |
| 24 | Pancreas and gall bladder | 1 |
| 25 | Diabetes mellitus | 2 |
| 26 | Acute nephritis and rapidly progressive GN | 1 |
| 27 | Nephrotic syndrome | 1 |
| 28 | Renal failure | |
| 29 | Pyelonephritis and interstitial Nephritis | 1 |
| 30 | Tumours of kidney and Pelvis | 1 |
| 31 | Tumours of testis and Prostate | 2 |
| 32 | Tumours of Cervix and Uterus | 1 |
| 33 | Tumours of Ovary and trophoblastic tissue | 1 |
| 34 | Non-neoplastic and Neoplastic lesions of  breast | 2 |
| 35 | Non-neoplastic lesions of lymph nodes and Spleen | 1 |
| 36 | Hodgkin’s Lymphoma | 1 |
| 37 | Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma | 1 |
| 38 | Tumours of skin – Non-pigmented | 1 |
| 39 | Tumours of skin – Pigmented | 1 |
| 40 | Soft tissue tumours | 1 |
| 41 | Non-neoplastic lesions of bone and joints | 1 |
| 42 | Tumours of bone, cartilage and joints | 1 |
| 43 | Inflammatory and neoplastic conditions of CNS | 1 |
| 44 | Lesions of Thyroid | |
| 45 | Myopathies | 1 |
| D) Clinical pathology | ||
| 1 | Differential diagnosis of Jaundice | 1 |
| 2 | Renal function tests | 1 |
| 3 | Diabetes mellitus | 1 |
| E)Â Autopsy | 1 | |
- Practicals:
| Topics | Hrs | |
| General pathology | 12 | |
| 1 | Microscopy and tissue processing | |
| 2 | Identify the common types of cells by light microscopy | |
| 3 | Intracellular accumulation | |
| 4 | Acute inflammation | |
| 5 | Chronic inflammation and Repair | |
| 6 | Thrombosis, embolism, infarction and gangrene | |
| 7 | Oedema and congestion | |
| 8 | Disturbances of pigment metabolism | |
| 10 | Leprosy | |
| 11 | Amyloidosis | |
| 12 | Disturbances of growth (Atrophy, hypertrophy, hyperplasia, metaplasia, Dysplasia, hypoplasia) | |
| Haematology | ||
| 1 | Collection of specimen, anticoagulants &common haematological tests (Hb) | |
| 2 | Common Haematological Counts (TLC, DLC) & Interpretation of ESR | |
| 3 | Haemopoiesis | 7 |
| 4 | Investigations in Anaemia | |
| 5 | Investigations in Leukaemia | |
| 6 | Investigations in haemorrhagic disorders | |
| 7 | Blood Banking | |
| Systemic pathology | 18 | |
| 1 | Diseases of blood vessels (Atherosclerosis, syphilitic aortitis) | |
| 2 | Diseases of Heart (IHD & RHD) | |
| 3 | Pneumonias | |
| 4 | Tumours of lung | |
| 5 | Diseases of kidney | |
| 6 | Gross and Microscopic features of peptic ulcer and duodenal ulcer | |
| 7 | Gross & Microscopic features of other intestinal  ulcers | |
| 8 | Tumours of GIT | |
| 9 | Diseases of Liver | |
| 10 | Lymphomas | |
| 11 | Diseases of male and female genital system | |
| 12 | Tumours of breast | |
| 13 | Tumours of skin (Pigmented) | |
| 14 | Tumours of skin (non-pigmented) | |
| 15 | Soft tissue tumours | |
| 16 | Tumours of bone | |
| 17 | Diseases of thyroid | |
| Clinical pathology | 5 | |
| 1 | Urine RE – Carryout a bedside routine urine examination and interpret the results. | |
| 2 | Pregnancy test and Semen Analysis – (Practical demonstration). | |
| 3 | Common cytological preparations (lecture demonstration). | |
| 4 | CSFÂ examination. | |
| 5 | Serous effusion examination. | |
| Autopsy | 2 | |
Examination pattern & marks distribution in Pathology for MBBS
- Exam pattern:Â
- The formative or internal assessment will not be added to the university examination marks.
- Should score 50Â % & in theory and practical combined to be eligible to sit for university exams.
- University exam: Each subject will have two papers.
- 200 marks will be reserved for the theory of two papers.
- Another 100 will be reserved for either practical, oral, or clinical exam.
- Should secure 50 % in theory and practical to pass in university examinations
- The formative or internal assessment will not be added to the university examination marks.
- Formative Assessment:
- Theoretical assessment:Â clickers, one-minute papers and muddiest point
- Practical/clinical assessment: one-minute preceptor (OMP) and/or viva voce.
- Scheduling: during teaching-learning activities & planned by the teachers on a day to day basis and modified depending on the tasks at hand.
- Internal assessment
- Theory: Written tests, should have essay questions, short notes, and creative writing.
- Practical / Clinical: practical/clinical tests, Objective Structured Clinica/Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE) and/or viva voce.
- Scheduling:
- Minimum Number of tests during the year: 3
- Clinical subjects should also be assessed at end of each posting (EOP) – Theory and Practical
- There should be at least one short question from AETCOM in each subject
- One of the 3 tests in Para-clinical subjects should be prelim or pre-university examination
- Summative assessment (For Universities)
- Theory Papers: 2 papers for 200 marks
- Suggested combination of various types of question:
- Structured essays (Long Answer Questions – LAQ)
- Short Answers Questions (SAQ)
- Objective type questions (Various type of MCQs: < 20% weightage)
- Distribution of the competencies: The examiner must sample the contents appropriately from competencies.
- Suggested combination of various types of question:
- Practicals for 100 marks:Â
- Application-oriented exercises (Should not be simple tests of knowledge).
- Â Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE), One- Minute Preceptor (OMP), Directly Observed Procedural Skills (DOPS) etc. can be suitably modified for this purpose and/or viva voce.
- Scheduling:
- Theory Papers: 2 papers for 200 marks
List of recommended books in Pathology for MBBS
- Robbin’s Pathologic Basis of Diseases
- Text-Book of Pathology by Harsh Mohan
- Textbook of General Pathology, Bhende and Deodhare
- clinical pathology by Talib
- Roitt’s Essential Immunology
- Walter and Israel’s General Pathology
- Textbook of Pathology by Muir
Also watch:
- Lecturer in MBBS 2nd year Pathology:
- Practical exam in Pathology MBBS 2nd year:
