PMDC directs universities to ensure smooth and transparent conduct of MDCAT

PMDC directs universities to ensure smooth and transparent conduct of MDCAT

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) on Thursday directed universities to ensure that the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT), scheduled for September 20, is conducted in a smooth and transparent manner. Passing the MDCAT is mandatory for admission to medical and dental colleges in Pakistan. Every year, up to 200,000 candidates appear for the test, while around 25,000 secure seats in public-sector and private medical and dental colleges. The instructions were given by PMDC President Prof Dr Rizwan Taj during a meeting attended by the vice chancellors of universities conducting the examination, where preparations were reviewed to ensure that all necessary arrangements were in place nationwide, according to a statement. A total of 138,158 candidates have registered for the 2026 MDCAT, which will be conducted in 35 cities and towns across Pakistan, as well as at an international centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Taj informed the meeting that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had also directed that the MDCAT be conducted smoothly, in a highly transparent, fair and orderly manner, with zero tolerance for any compromise on its integrity. The statement added that he had emphasised strict adherence to policies and guidelines. Moreover, the meeting reviewed arrangements for medical support, emergency response and facilitation services at examination centres to ensure a safe and conducive environment for all candidates, including those from Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The participating universities and provincial authorities were advised to ensure that examination centres were adequately prepared, with appropriate seating, essential facilities, security measures and necessary arrangements for candidates and their accompanying parents or guardians. The PMDC said it had provided unified regulatory standards for the MDCAT papers, while responsibility for the on-ground conduct and administrative arrangements of the examination, including ensuring the transparency of the process and the secrecy of the papers at the respective centres, rested with the provincial authorities and universities. The vice chancellors and representatives of the provincial authorities assured the PMDC president that all these requirements would be met and the necessary arrangements completed in time. Earlier this week, the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) called for complete transparency and foolproof security in MDCAT, while demanding an immediate independent forensic audit of private medical and dental colleges across the country. In a statement, PMA Secretary General Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro reiterated the association’s longstanding concerns over the country’s reliance on high-stakes entrance examinations as the primary mechanism for selecting students for medical education. Dr Shoro said repeated controversies surrounding the MDCAT — including allegations of paper leaks, administrative mismanagement and other irregularities involving different testing bodies in previous years — had undermined public confidence in the examination process. Additionally, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) health secretary had met PMDC officials and highlighted the difficulties being faced by students in completing their MDCAT registration due to the prolonged internet shutdown in the region. PMDC officials had vowed to provide all possible facilitation to the candidates. Last month, a subcommittee of the Senate Standing Committee on Health expressed concern over increasing complaints regarding the conduct of the MDCAT and its scheduled date. Govt urged to allow Afghans to complete studies Meanwhile, the Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) expressed serious concern over directives requiring Afghan medical students enrolled in public and private medical universities in Pakistan to leave the country, calling for a review of the decision on humanitarian and educational grounds. In a statement on Thursday, PIMA Acting President Prof Muhammad Tayyab said Afghan students whose medical education and training were currently in progress and whose educational and legal documentation was complete should be allowed to complete their studies. He added that abruptly interrupting their education would leave their academic and professional futures uncertain, while Afghanistan was already facing a severe shortage of doctors and healthcare professionals. “Afghan students who complete their medical education in Pakistan can return to their country in the future and play an important role in meeting the healthcare needs of its people”, the association said. PIMA stressed that political disputes and prevailing circumstances should not be allowed to affect healthcare, treatment, education or the future of students. It added that they should be given the opportunity to complete their professional education and build their futures. The association urged the government to review the decision in light of humanitarian considerations, continuity of education and the healthcare needs of the region, and to allow Afghan medical students currently enrolled in Pakistani institutions to complete their studies.