Abstract
Background: Physical fitness in physiological term is the ability of body to cope the acute exercise stress. As the well-known saying goes that healthy mind lies in a healthy body, a physically fit student will be able to cope academic stress in a better manner. Various studies have shown that both acute and chronic stress can affect physical fitness.

Aims and Objectives: The aim is to study physical fitness in MBBS students before professional examination and to correlate the level of physical fitness with their academic performance.

Materials and Methods: A total of 24 male volunteer, age range 18–23 years, MBBS students were recruited for the study. Their weight, height, body mass index (BMI), basal heart rate, and physical fitness index using Harvard Step test with height adjusted for Indians were taken before university examination. University marks were noted from mark sheet. Physical fitness score (PFS), BMI, and university marks were correlated.

Results: There was a significant correlation between BMI and PFS. Furthermore, we got a statistically significant correlation between PFS and university marks’ result.

Conclusion: Above study will reinforce the concept of healthy body and healthy mind in medical students and will encourage them to maintain their fitness in their busy medical career.

Key words: Physical Fitness; Academic Performance; Harvard Step Test