Comparison of students' performance under composite scheme and split scheme of first professional MBBS examination.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pakistan Medical and Dental Council has recently replaced 'composite scheme' of first Professional MBBS examination with 'split scheme'. In composite scheme First Professional MBBS examination is offered after 2 years in medical college while in split scheme the same examination is split into two parts, Part-I after first year and Part-II after completion of 2nd year in medical college. METHODS: This study analyzed the results of two batches of students successively passing the 1st professional MBBS examination at Nishtar Medical College, Multan under two different evaluation systems. One batch of students (N-49) passed under composite scheme in 2001 while the other batch (N-50) passed under the split scheme of 1st professional MBBS examination in 2002. RESULTS: Results showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in the pass percentage of students under the split scheme (74.65%) as compared with the composite scheme (64.03%). Students secured more total marks (615.36 +/- 35.99) under the split system as compared with the total marks obtained (587.22 +/- 33.85) under the composite system. More students (65.35%) obtained first division (60% or more marks) under the split scheme as compared with the composite scheme (36.29%). CONCLUSION: Students' performance seems to be better under the split scheme as compared with the composite scheme of 1st professional MBBS examination.