en آموزش پزشکی Medical Education پژوهشي اصیل Orginal Research <span style="line-height:2;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><b>Background & Objective:</b> Assessment is a critical part of medical education which directly impacts student learning and outcomes. Traditional Viva Examination (TVE) is practiced widely but lacks standardization and may be subject to examiner bias. The Objectively Structured Viva Examination (OSVE) provides a structured, uniform, and competency-based approach aimed at improving objectivity and fairness. This study aimed to compare OSVE and TVE among third-year Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) part I students in community medicine with respect to assessment outcomes and the perceptions of students and faculty.<br> <b>Materials & Methods:</b> A convergent mixed-method educational interventional study was carried out among 205 third MBBS Part I students. All students were assessed through both OSVE and TVE during their formative assessments using a pre-defined marking pattern. Quantitative data were analyzed using mean and Standard Deviation (SD). A paired t-test was applied, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Student and faculty perceptions were obtained using pre-validated 5-point Likert scale questionnaires. Qualitative data were obtained from Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and analyzed by thematic analysis.<br> <b>Results:</b> The mean OSVE scores (9.54 &plusmn; 2.43) were significantly higher than TVE scores (8.28 &plusmn; 3.67) (p < 0.001). A higher proportion of students scored above the mean in OSVE compared to TVE. Students perceived OSVE to be more structured, systematic, fair, comprehensive, and less stressful with minimized examiner bias. However, concerns regarding rigidity, limited interaction, and difficulty in scoring for non-readable topics were reported. Faculty members expressed positive support for OSVE, particularly regarding transparency, standardization, and feasibility for formative assessments.<br> <b>Conclusion:</b> OSVE provides a more objective and consistent assessment method compared to TVE. It is associated with improved student performance, reduces bias, and is preferred by both students and faculty for formative assessment. However, modifications regarding flexibility and preparatory training sessions are needed for potential implementation in summative assessments.</span></span></span><br> &nbsp; educational measurement, clinical competence, community medicine, students, medical, formative assessment 120 130 http://edujournal.zums.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-12-3449-1&slc_lang=en&sid=1 Yamini J Gurjar yjgurjar@gmail.com 5300319475328460037198 5300319475328460037198 Yes Department of Community Medicine, Shantabaa Medical College and General Hospital, Amreli, Gujarat, India Pooja Ranpariya poojaranpariya3@gmail.com 5300319475328460037199 0009-0005-3680-6246 No Department of Community Medicine, Matushri Prabhaben Khodabhai Boghara Medical College and Research Centre, Atkot, Gujarat, India Meet Chauhan drmeetchauhan88@gmail.com 5300319475328460037200 5300319475328460037200 No Department of Community Medicine, Shantabaa Medical College and General Hospital, Amreli, Gujarat, India Trusha Kansagara trushakansagara@gmail.com 5300319475328460037201 5300319475328460037201 No Department of Community Medicine, Shantabaa Medical College and General Hospital, Amreli, Gujarat, India Yogesh Mori yogeshmori47@gmail.com 5300319475328460037202 0009-0006-0981-4731 No Department of Community Medicine, Shantabaa Medical College and General Hospital, Amreli, Gujarat, India