Practical Survival Kit in MBBS Colleges

Hello future doctors. The MBBS journey is one filled with endless hours of studying, sleepless nights, and the exam anxiety. The anxiety before practical exams is especially scary. 

What to carry? How to prepare? What to expect? The questions are many. Consider this blog your “Practical Survival Kit”—everything you need to know and do before going for the exam.

Dress Properly

We start with the very basics. You might have understood by now, MBBS has a strict dress code. You have to be extra careful about what you wear during practical examsthat .

Wear neat, clean, and ironed formals. Boys should wear shirts, pants, socks and shoes. Girls should wear kurtis, leggings, socks and shoes. Remember, closed and packed shoes. No sandals, no chappals, no crocs. 

Apron (White coat)

Your apron is a symbol of your profession. A pure white apron indicates that you are a serious student. Avoid any stains and don’t forget to button it up. Open aprons are a big no-no.

Roll Number Laminated Plate

A laminated roll number plate pinned to your white coat is a must-have. Make sure that it is visible and pinned properly. This makes it easier for the invigilators to identify you and reduces any confusion during exams. You can get it made at any Xerox shop.

Hair – don’t anger the examiner

For girls, tie your hair in a ponytail or a braid. Pin any loose hair. Tuck the ponytail/braid in your white coat. Boys should have their hair slicked back neatly, preferably with oil. 

You need to keep the hair away from your face, it is important in a professional setting. If you have loose hair falling on your face, your examiner might get put off and refuse to take your viva.

Clean Shave

Boys, it’s compulsory to have a clean shave before your practical Mbbs exams. You forget to do this, forget that you will be allowed for the practical exam. 

Nails Short and Kempt

Both boys and girls should keep their nails short and clean. If you are seen with long dirty nails during any of the practical activities, there are high chances that the examiner will shout at you. Suturing with long nails? Bye. General examination with dirty nails? Bye bye. Just sitting with long nails? Still bye-bye.

Journal – Your Entry Card

Your journal is like your entry ticket to the practical exams. Even if it doesn’t carry marks, you won’t be allowed to sit for the practicals without it. 

Ensure that your journal is complete, and signed (both by the professor and the Head-of-Department). 

Cover it before the exams and also write your roll number on the cover with a permanent marker.

Take Your Stethoscope and Equipment

You might get a stethoscope at the exam hall, but it is always wise to carry your own. Do not forget to carry any other essentials as per the subject too. You might need H & E pencils for anatomy, a test-tube holder for biochemistry and a reflex hammer in physiology. 

You carrying your own equipment gives off the idea that you are prepared and ready for the exam. It shows that you are a responsible student.

Stationery Bundle

Keep all of your stationery items, secured with a rubber band. This should include pens, pencils, erasers, a ruler, and any other necessary items like H & E. You won’t be allowed to carry a pouch/compass with you. 

Do not forget to carry all the necessary items, you will not be allowed to ask for the ones that you’ve forgotten, which brings me to my next point…

Politeness and Respect

Do not talk to other students or try to talk back to the invigilators. Maintain a respectful and polite demeanor at all times. 

If you don’t know the answer to a question, simply say, “Sorry” politely. It’s much better to admit that you don’t know something than to try and guess incorrectly. Examiners appreciate honesty, this humility can earn you respect (and sometimes a bit of leniency).

Sleep and Eat Well Before the Viva

We all have thought of pulling an all-nighter before the exam. But honestly, it’s not worth it. Sleep deprivation can lead to forgetfulness, and higher anxiety levels during the viva. Your brain needs to rest.

Also, don’t skip meals. Eat some fruits, yogurt or whatever is available, just eat. 

Once, we had our microbiology viva go on till 4, it started at 9. You never know how long it will take, be prepared, eat well and do not forget to carry water.

Pro Tip: 

I think you are all prepared for the exam. You will go on with all the necessary items and preparation. One tip I always give juniors is to greet the examiner. Also, always ask before sitting down. 

These small gestures can start you off with a good impression.

Rest be assured, you will do well. Just breathe, calm down and trust in yourself.

Final Thoughts: Be Prepared, Be Calm, Be Confident

Keep your basics strong. Revise as much as you can. Dress well, and walk in knowing that you have prepared as much as you can. At the end of the day, it’s about showing the examiner that you’re a responsible and capable student.

So, good luck future doctors! You’ve got this.