Undergraduate curricula in medicine are by and large vast and may lead to early burnout. Meaningful engagement in skills training would go a long way towards not only making learning enjoyable, but also allowing the retention of basic knowledge of surgery. This study aimed to explore the sentiments among medical students regarding the learning of ENT as a subject. A principal element of this study explored the use of practical skills sessions in clinical skills labs to attain a mastery of an otherwise complex subject. A 21-point questionnaire created using Google Forms was circulated among medical students in years 3 through 5 of the MBBS course in both India and Malaysia. Demographic data as well as specific and closed questions regarding students� perception of the subject and skills training, were collated. There were also several open-ended questions about what students expect from skills training. 203 responses were recorded from India, and 103 from Malaysia, and the mean age of the participants was 23. An overwhelming majority (n = 293) felt skills training is useful, with only 2 students stating otherwise, and 10 divided on an opinion. 255 people felt that skills training should be made mandatory, while 13 stated otherwise, and 35 were not sure about this. Otoscopy emerged as the main skill to be learned in ENT. This study aimed to explore the sentiments among medical students regarding the learning of ENT as a subject. A principal element of this study explored the use of practical skills sessions in clinical skills labs to attain a mastery of an otherwise complex subject. Skills training is essential for the overall development of students. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.