Impact of Conducting Part Completion Tests (Written) on Outcome of Terminal Examination in Biochemistry Subject

Introduction:According to Medical Council of India guidelines, regular periodical examinations shall be conducted throughout the course. The question of number of examinations is left to the institution. However it is seen that maximum medical institutes in India conduct at least two internal assessment (terminal) examinations but doesn't conduct part completion test. Objectives: To observe the effectiveness of conducting part completion tests for improvement of academic performance in terminal examination and also to take feedback from faculties and students.Methods: Permission was taken from Institutional Ethical Committee. Five part completion test and one terminal examination were conducted. 122 First MBBS students were enrolled. Groups were divided according to number of students appeared in part completion tests and terminal examination. Feedback was taken using Likert's Scale.Results: There were zero students in group I, 6 in group II, 28 in Group III, 69 in group IV and 19 in group V. There was increase in percentage of marks from group II to III (8%), group III to IV (15%) and group IV to V (24%). There was significant difference in marks among differentgroup (F= 3.76; p < 0.01). Comparison of average marks shows highly significant value (Coefficient of Correlation, r = 0.965916). Conclusion:Those students who have given more number of part completion tests scored well in terminal examination.Faculties and students have agreed that these part completion tests are necessary, will give better outcomeon performance of terminal examination, and part completion test should be incorporated in curriculum.