Factors Leading to Failure in Final Professional MBBS Examination

Abstract

Background: The final professional MBBS examination is a high-stakes assessment in undergraduate medical education. Despite rigorous preparation, a notable proportion of students fail this examination. Various student-related, teacher-related, parental, and logistical factors have been implicated in academic failure. However, there is limited data on these factors in the Bangladeshi context.

Methods: We conducted a case-control study at Sher-E-Bangla Medical College (Barisal, Bangladesh) to identify factors associated with failure in the final professional MBBS examination. A total 175 subjects were finally  selected and divided into two groups, case group: who failed in final professional examination (87) and control group: who passed in final professional examination (88) after having informed written consent .Data were collected via a semi-structured questionnaire covering potential risk factors (e.g. study habits, psychological and environmental factors, teacher and parent influences). Responses were recorded on a five-point Likert scale (strongly disagree to strongly agree) and later dichotomized (agree vs. disagree).Univariate logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) (with 95% confidence intervals [CI]) for each factor.

Result

Among the listed potential perceived factors for failure respondents identified fear of failure (79.4%), unable to review entire syllabus because of consecutive paper (78.9%), poor time management (75.9%), lack of small group teaching (71.4%) and lack of preparedness (70.3%) as most important factors; while extracurricular activities (12.0%), less parent involvement (21.7%) and lack of knowledge of teacher (28.6%) were identified as the least important factors.

Conclusion

This study indicates multiple factors related to failure in final professional MBBS examination. More precise and elaborate studies can be conducted on this issue so that appropriate strategies could be implemented in the institutes to rectify the problem.

Bangladesh J Medicine 2026; Vol. 37, No. 2(1) Supplementation: 219-220