OBJECTIVE To assess students' perceptions regarding merits and demerits of selecting medicine as a profession. METHODS A cross sectional survey based on convenience sampling was done, where 300 students of both sexes were included, 150 from a medical profession and 150 from a non-medical profession. They were asked to fill a structured, pretested questionnaire, and the results were analyzed by SPSS 16.0. RESULTS All medical students mentioned that they selected the medical profession because of personal interest. In addition to this 95% students believed this profession offers services to humanity. However, 87% students felt that their family had an influence in their career selection. Interestingly gender consideration, financial reward and overseas consideration ranked low in order. There was a statistically significant difference between the preclinical and clinical groups in their decision of reselecting medicine, if they were given a second chance (p = 0.001). Of those who did not opt for a medical career, 78% students mentioned that medical training is difficult and prolonged, 75% students felt that there is too much competition while 62% students expressed that doctors have excessive working hours. CONCLUSIONS Our study concluded that reasons for joining medical profession are primarily based on personal interest, respect and honor, family influence and service to humanity. Financial gain is not a major consideration of many students in choosing medicine as a profession, however, long working hours and prolonged training discourages many students.