Academic dishonesty among undergraduates from private medical schools in India. Are we on the right track?

Background: Though doctors are considered to be respectful role models of professionalism and ethics, medical students are no strangers to academic dishonesty. Aim: To assess the academic dishonesty practices among undergraduate students from private medical schools in India. Methods: A pre-tested and validated questionnaire containing 10 commonly done academic misconducts were administered and responses were collected. Results: Out of 166 medical students enrolled in the study, 75% have given proxy for attendance and 49% have copied from others record book. During a theory exam, 74% of students have copied from their friends, 2% have tried to get the question paper before exam and 5% have influenced their teachers by unfair means to get more marks. During clinical/practical exam, 81% have got technical help, 45% had prior knowledge about the exam case, and 54% of them have falsely documented clinical findings. Conclusions: The prevalence of academic dishonesty is high. Academic integrity and ethics should be emphasized to the students which might help them in becoming professional and honest doctors.