Key Takeaways
- The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has postponed the MDCAT exam from August 16 to September 20.
- This decision was made on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's directives to ensure smooth, secure, and transparent conduct of the examination.
- All other terms and conditions for the exam remain unchanged.
The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has announced that the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT), originally scheduled for August 16, will now be held on September 20. This decision was made following directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
In a press release issued by the PMDC, it stated, 'On the directions of the honourable prime minister of Pakistan, PMDC hereby informs all candidates, parents, educational institutions and other stakeholders that the MDCAT, previously scheduled to be held on Aug 16, has been rescheduled to Sept 20.'
The council explained that this decision was taken to ensure the 'smooth, secure and transparent conduct of the examination while facilitating all candidates'.
According to the PMDC, around 135,000 candidates are expected to sit for the MDCAT. The council advised candidates to regularly visit their official website and communication channels for further updates.
Earlier this week, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) health secretary had met with PMDC officials to highlight difficulties faced by students in completing their MDCAT registration due to a prolonged internet shutdown in the region. The council assured that all possible facilitation would be provided to 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. Senator Anusha Rahman reported receiving around 1,000 complaints from students.
The rescheduling comes as a relief for many candidates who were facing logistical challenges due to various reasons. The council's decision is aimed at ensuring that all candidates have an equal opportunity to participate in the examination without any hindrances.
'On the directions of the honourable prime minister of Pakistan, PMDC hereby informs all candidates, parents, educational institutions and other stakeholders that the MDCAT, previously scheduled to be held on Aug 16, has been rescheduled to Sept 20.'
PMDC, Press Release
