Competency-based Medical Education: Perspectives from Students’ Lens: A Cross-sectional Study among Undergraduate Medical Students

The distribution of students across batches showed that 2019 and 2020 batches were the largest cohorts, comprising 39% and 37% respectively, followed by 2022 (14%) and 2021 (10%). The majority recognized the importance and achievement of the foundation course (73.4% and 75.5%, respectively). Attitude, Ethics, and Communication (AETCOM) was deemed necessary (79.8%) and contributed to doctor-patient relationships (43%). Early clinical exposure (ECE) was valued for interest and learning (87.3%), and practical technique like Objective Structured Clinical Examination was favored (83.9%). Challenges included time constraints for theory papers, finishing logbooks, limited self-study time, mental burnout, and coping with numerous competencies. ECE and integrated teaching were seen as pivotal for academic success, whereas AETCOM was acknowledged for its academic contribution.