The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has demanded the withdrawal of the recent increase in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) entry test fee.

In a letter to PMDC President Professor Dr, Riazuddin, KP Minister for Higher Education Meena Khan Afridi has expressed concerns over the recent hike in the entry test fee for medical colleges. He has requested a reduction in the fee.

The PMDC is set to take the MDCAT exam on September 22, 2024. This exam will be held in Pakistan as well as abroad. The registration portal for students was online on August 5.

Last year, approximately 180,534 students appeared for the MDCAT exam. It is estimated that around 200,000 students are likely to sit for the exam this year.

The letter states that the entry test fee for admissions to medical colleges has been increased from Rs6,000 to Rs8,000, while the “actual expenses” per candidate for the entry test are between Rs1,500 to Rs2,000.

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The provincial minister for higher education added that the province has been facing a long-standing conflict and unstable situation.

“The heavy fee is a burden for poor students, and many of them are unable to appear for the test. Therefore, the fee increase should be withdrawn, and the previous fee should be reduced to at least the minimum level, so that poor families can benefit, and education can be promoted,” he said.