The point system of the Dental Council of India for publications by faculty

The revised guidelines of the Medical Council of India (MCI) on publications for academic promotions of medical faculty and the clarifications suggested by the Indian Association of Medical Journal Editors regarding the scientific publications do not relate to the faculty of dental colleges and departments. ^[1] The Dental Council of India (DCI) has formulated guidelines on publications for academic promotions of postgraduate faculty in dental subjects. The DCI has introduced a point system for academic promotions ([Table - 1]). ^[2] The first author of a publication will be awarded full points and the remaining authors each will be awarded half points, i.e.15 points for first author and 7.5 points each for remaining authors in category I publications and 5 points for first author and 2.5 points each for remaining authors in category II publications. Only three publications in category II will be considered in one year. ^[2] Total points required for promotion of dental postgraduate faculty are as follows: professor and head (40 points), professor (30 points) and reader (20 points). It is ironical that the DCI is awarding same points for all articles irrespective of the type of the article, e.g. same points for a letter to the editor as that for a research article.

Table 1. Dental Council of India point system for publications by postgraduate dental faculty²