Background: Conventional Viva, so far is the commonest assessment tool used in practical examinations in Anatomy in India since long times. However, elaborate studies looking for how the students and faculty perceive it are lacking. The present study was undertaken to determine the perception of first year undergraduate medical students and Anatomy faculty about various aspects of the Conventional Viva. Methods: The feedback was collected from 586 Ist MBBS students, immediately after they finished their preliminary practical examination, during the academic years 2013-14, 2015-16, 2016-17, using pre-validated, pre-tested structured questionnaire. Responses were sought on 5-point Likert scale. Views of 40 Anatomy faculty were also invited and data was analysed statistically. Results: We observed that students were satisfied with regards to the coverage of syllabus. Both, the students and faculty, were satisfied with regards to time given to answer the questions. Students reported cognizable fear for the examiners, stress, anxiety and reduced comfort during viva. Mood of examiners and personal bias by them were important drawbacks perceived by students. Significant proportion of students and faculty felt that lack of equal opportunity to all the students, ‘carry over effect’ and the extraneous help to students in the form of

hints prevailed in the viva. Less satisfaction was reported by faculty while assessing with conventional viva.

Conclusion: Our findings indicate that there is an urgent need to appraise the current pattern of Viva-Voce. Best feasible option in a set up like ours can be ‘Monitored Viva By Sensitized And Trained Examiners’.