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…