RESUMO
Introduction: Competition for admission to medical collegein India is intense as the number of applicants for nationaleligibility cum entrance test (NEET) always exceeds theavailable seats. The choice of a career in the medical fieldis a complex personal decision influenced by a multitude offactors. Current study was done with the objectives to studysocio-demographic profile of newly selected medical students,to assess reasons of choosing medical stream as a career andto determine the association of socio-demographic and otherfactors with number of attempts taken by the medical studentsfor selection.Material and methods: This was a cross–sectional studycarried out among 96 newly entered medical students ofMaharaja Agrasen Medical College, Agroha (Dist. Hisar),Haryana. Appropriate statistical tests like chi-square (χ2)test and Fisher’s exact test were applied and mean, mode,percentages were also measured.Result: Out of total 39 students (40.6%) belonged to familywhere one or more member was in medical profession.However 86 students (89.6%) choose the medical professionby their own choice. Most of students (72.9%) were attendingregular classes during 11th & 12th in their schools. Maximumnumber of students (46.9%) cleared the NEET in their 2ndattempt. Maximum selection was in students who spent 9-12hours for study for preparation. Out of total 60.4% studentsspent 5-7 hours for sleep during preparation period. Out oftotal 91.7% students were joined coaching for preparationpurpose. Majority of students (67.7%) migrated from theirnative place for study purpose.Conclusion: In our study maximum students have chosenmedical profession because of their personal interest. Inpresent study maximum newly entered medical students werethose who have attended schools regularly in 11th and 12thclasses. Adequate sleep hours for students play constructiverole in favorable outcome.