PMDC directs universities to ensure smooth and transparent conduct of MDCAT

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) instructed universities to ensure the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT), set for September 20, is carried out smoothly and transparently. MDCAT is a prerequisite for gaining entry into medical and dental colleges in Pakistan, with up to 200,000 students taking the test annually, and approximately 25,000 securing spots in public and private institutions.

This directive was conveyed during a meeting led by PMDC President Prof Dr Rizwan Taj, alongside vice chancellors of the universities hosting the exam. Prof Taj highlighted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had also emphasized the importance of conducting the MDCAT in a transparent and orderly manner, with no compromise on its integrity.

He stressed the necessity of adhering strictly to policies and guidelines. During the meeting, preparations for the examination, which will be held in 35 cities, towns, and an international center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were reviewed to ensure all essential arrangements were in place nationwide. Candidates and their accompanying parents or guardians were advised to have access to adequate seating, essential facilities, security measures, and other necessary arrangements.

The PMDC provided unified regulatory standards for MDCAT papers, while the on-ground conduct and administrative aspects of the exam were entrusted to the provincial authorities and universities. Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro, Secretary General of the Pakistan Medical Association, had previously called for complete transparency and security in MDCAT, citing concerns over repeated controversies, including allegations of paper leaks and administrative mismanagement, which had eroded public trust in the examination process.

Additionally, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir health secretary discussed the challenges faced by students due to the ongoing internet shutdown in the region, to which PMDC officials promised to offer all possible assistance. A recent subcommittee of the Senate Standing Committee on Health expressed concerns about mounting complaints regarding the conduct of the MDCAT, urging authorities to allow Afghan medical students enrolled in Pakistani universities to complete their studies on humanitarian and educational grounds.