Selection procedure as predictor of performance in university examination.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the correlation of SSC, HSC, ZMU achievement test and interview scores with the scores achieved in MBBS 1st, 2nd and 3rd Professional Examinations.

METHOD AND PROCEDURE: The SSC, HSC, ZMU admission test and interview scores of 159 MBBS students admitted in 1995, 1996 and 1997 were correlated with the scores of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd professional examinations. Data analysis was done on SPSS Software.

RESULTS: No significant relationship was found between the SSC, HSC, ZMU admission test and interview scores and the scores obtained in the professional examinations. SSC scores did not correlate with any variables/matrices, whereas for batches 1 and 2 the HSC school leaving examination scores correlated significantly with ZMU interview score (p < 0.05). No correlation was found between ZMU test and ZMU interviews. Results showed significant relationship (p < 0.01) between all 1st, 2nd and 3rd professionals of all three batches.

CONCLUSION: None of the admission criteria (SSC, HSC, ZMU admission test and interview scores) predict the performance of medical students in the professional examinations.