Mangaluru: The Department of Biochemistry at Father Muller Medical College successfully organised SCINTILLA-11, the National Level Intercollegiate Quiz in Biochemistry for first-year medical undergraduates, at the Decennial Memorial Hall, Knowledge Centre, on May 29, 2026.

The prestigious academic event witnessed enthusiastic participation from medical colleges across India and brought together young medical students to showcase their scientific knowledge, analytical reasoning, and academic aptitude in biochemistry.

SCINTILLA, which began in 2013 as a zonal-level competition, has gradually evolved into a recognised national-level academic platform promoting scientific learning and healthy academic competition among budding medical professionals.

Dignitaries highlight importance of scientific learning

The inaugural programme was graced by Dr. Rohan Chandra R. Gatty, Professor and Head of the Department of Surgical Oncology at Father Muller Medical College, who attended as the Chief Guest.

Dr. Vivian D’Souza, Professor of Biochemistry and former Head of Kanachur Medical College as well as former Associate Dean of Kasturba Medical College, attended as the Guest of Honour.

The programme was presided over by Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions.

Dr. Antony Sylviyan Dsouza, Dean of Father Muller Medical College, formally welcomed the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour during the inaugural session.

Addressing the gathering, the dignitaries emphasised the importance of nurturing scientific curiosity, analytical thinking, and academic excellence among undergraduate medical students.

They appreciated the Department of Biochemistry for successfully sustaining and expanding the initiative into a national-level academic event over the years.

Competition witnessed participation from across India

The event was organised under the leadership of Dr. Maitreyee D. S., Professor and Head of the Department of Biochemistry and Organising Chairperson, along with Dr. Puneeth A., Associate Professor and Organising Secretary, supported by faculty members of the department.

A total of 36 teams from medical colleges across India participated in the competition.

Following the preliminary round, 12 teams qualified for the semifinals, from which six teams advanced to the final round.

The quiz featured a wide variety of question formats designed to test conceptual understanding, application skills, and problem-solving abilities in biochemistry.

The rounds included multiple-choice questions, fill-in-the-blanks, sequencing challenges, visual identification, clue-based questions, rapid-fire rounds, case-based scenarios, and story-oriented analytical questions.

The competition tested participants not only on theoretical knowledge but also on clinical applications and logical reasoning related to biochemistry.

PESUIMSR dominates competition

After an intense final round, the first place was secured by Manha Pattan and Shounak Das from PES University Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (PESUIMSR).

The second place was also won by students from PESUIMSR, with Samrudha R. and Aditi P. Koundinya emerging runners-up.

Joseph Mathew and Esha Shetty from Father Muller Medical College, Mangaluru, secured the third position in the competition.

PESUIMSR emerged as the dominant institution in SCINTILLA-11 by securing both the top positions in the national-level quiz competition.

Event promotes teamwork and academic excellence

Organisers stated that SCINTILLA-11 once again reaffirmed its role as an important national platform promoting scientific aptitude, teamwork, academic interaction, and healthy competition among future medical professionals.

Faculty members and participants appreciated the event for creating an engaging academic environment that encouraged learning beyond conventional classroom settings.

The successful conduct of SCINTILLA-11 further highlighted Father Muller Medical College’s continued commitment towards academic excellence, research-oriented learning, and the holistic development of medical students.

The event concluded on a high note with participants, faculty members, and organisers expressing appreciation for the smooth organisation and intellectually stimulating format of the competition.