Senate Panel Proposes Major Changes to MDCAT

A subcommittee of the Senate Standing Committee on Health has proposed significant changes to the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) and the medical college admission process in Pakistan. The panel suggested conducting the MDCAT twice a year and reducing its impact on admissions to prevent students from solely relying on a single exam for their future. They also proposed offering a second opportunity within the same year for those who fail their initial attempt.

The subcommittee recommended reviewing the repercussions of negative marking, extending the validity of MDCAT scores to three years, and announcing the exam dates well ahead of time. They also urged for a systematic process to handle complaints and review disputed questions. The panel emphasized the need to make the MDCAT fair for students from FSc, Cambridge O/A Levels, and International Baccalaureate systems, suggesting the involvement of experts from these systems in syllabus development.

The committee expressed concern over the disparity between available seats and the number of qualifying candidates, urging the government to create a five-year plan to expand medical college seats, particularly in public institutions and underserved areas like Balochistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. They highlighted that thousands of qualified Pakistani doctors have emigrated recently and advocated for a comprehensive policy to boost the medical workforce.

Additionally, they suggested reviewing private medical college fees, offering improved financial assistance for deserving students, and maximizing the use of vacant seats.

The report also proposed a permanent aid mechanism for MDCAT candidates impacted by natural disasters, floods, or security issues.