Aim : The aim of this study was to analyze the knowledge of students doing their internship after graduation (MBBS) regarding the scope of anaesthesia as a career choice. It also aimed to evaluate the factors that affected the decision of whether or not they preferred anaesthesia as a postgraduate career choice. It also focused on assessing the perception of these students regarding the practice of anaesthesiology

Methods : A cross–sectional, anonymous questionnaire based study was conducted among 60 interns doing compulsory rotatory internship at a municipal medical college and tertiary care hospital in Maharashtra. The questionnaire consisted of total fifteen questions, of which five assessed the knowledge about the scope of anaesthesia, four assessed the perception of the interns about anaesthesia as a career choice and six evaluated their knowledge regarding the subject in general.

Results : The study highlighted the fact that a considerable number of students lacked a basic knowledge of anaesthesia. Most of the students were totally unaware of preoperative assessment, many were unaware about the scope of anaesthesia and the knowledge regarding anaesthesia in general was limited and biased.

Conclusion :  The awareness of students about anaesthesia as a subject, the knowledge regarding the scope of anaesthesia as a career choice and its future prospects and their attitude towards anaesthesia results from their underexposure and inexperience in anaesthesia. They need to be aware of the various super–specialties in anaesthesia as well as the scope of anaesthetists in fields of pain management and critical care. A basic knowledge of anaesthesia coupled with training during MBBS will certainly go a long way in changing the attitude towards anaesthesia as well as guiding the students regarding making of a career in anaesthesia.