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The Senate subcommittee has expressed serious concerns over the increasing number of MDCAT-related complaints, urging the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to improve transparency and address issues affecting thousands of medical aspirants across the country.
The meeting, chaired by Senator Anusha Rahman, focused on complaints regarding the conduct of the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT), its schedule, and the challenges faced by students. The committee also criticized the repeated absence of the Federal Health Minister, although Mustafa Kamal later joined the session.
During the briefing, PMDC officials informed the committee that MDCAT 2026 will be conducted in 36 examination centres, including 35 cities across Pakistan and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for overseas Pakistani students. Around 135,000 candidates are expected to appear in this year’s entrance test.
Senator Anusha Rahman revealed that the committee had received nearly 1,000 complaints from students and parents. She raised concerns about the growing influence of private MDCAT academies, which charge high fees, and questioned whether the current system places an unnecessary financial burden on families.
The committee also discussed concerns over the MDCAT syllabus, with lawmakers questioning claims that FSc students are expected to study A-Level concepts, while A-Level candidates also need to prepare from the FSc curriculum. Members stressed the need for a fair and balanced examination framework for all candidates.
Read More: PMDC Gives Big Relaxation to AJK Students for MDCAT 2026
Responding to the concerns, PMDC maintained that the MDCAT is conducted once a year under a standardized system. Officials stated that efforts have been made to improve the examination process and ensure equal opportunities for all applicants.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal defended the existing admission system, saying it is functioning effectively but can always be improved. He encouraged students to submit genuine complaints directly to the PMDC so they can be investigated and resolved.
On the issue of expensive coaching centres, the minister alleged that some private academies create unnecessary fear among students to attract admissions. He emphasized that candidates should focus on the official PMDC MDCAT syllabus instead of relying on misleading information.
The committee also reviewed the examination schedule. According to PMDC officials, the final FSc and A-Level examinations conclude before the MDCAT, allowing students a preparation gap of around three weeks before the national medical entrance test.
The Senate committee directed the relevant authorities to continue improving the MDCAT examination process, ensuring greater transparency, fairness, and equal opportunities for all aspiring medical and dental students in Pakistan.