Pakistan’s Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) plans to introduce an electronic assessment system for the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) starting next year. This center-based exam, similar to previous formats, will leverage existing Higher Education Commission (HEC) internet portals to enhance security, eliminating the need for online assessments.

A newly formed seven-member committee, representing all provinces, is tasked with improving the MDCAT’s transparency and efficiency. The committee’s mandate includes addressing logistical challenges, minimizing errors, and implementing IT-based solutions.

They are also exploring options for a centralized or university-specific test, a standardized syllabus, and aligning the MDCAT with intermediate exams to curb the influence of tuition centers.

The committee’s inaugural meeting revealed 167,772 candidates registered for the 2024 MDCAT, both domestically and internationally. Performance data from various universities, including top scores, were reviewed.

The meeting also addressed court-ordered retakes of the MDCAT in Sindh and Islamabad due to allegations of irregularities. Passing the MDCAT is a prerequisite for admission to medical and dental colleges across Pakistan.

Furthermore, the meeting addressed the ongoing legal ramifications of alleged irregularities in the 2024 MDCAT. Following directives from both the Sindh High Court and the Islamabad High Court, re-examinations are scheduled for certain universities in Sindh province and the federal capital, Islamabad, due to concerns about exam malpractice and the inclusion of out-of-syllabus questions.

These legal challenges underscore the urgency and importance of the PMDC’s reform efforts. The successful completion of the MDCAT remains a critical gateway for aspiring medical and dental students in Pakistan.