MDCAT 2024 paper not leaked, NA panel informed

ISLAMABAD: Vice-chancellors of all five federal and provincial licensing universities have confirmed in writing that there was no paper leakage in the MDCAT (Medical and Dental Colleges Admission Test) 2024, senior officials of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) told the National Assembly Standing Committee on national health services, regulations and coordination on Friday.

The information was conveyed during the NA Standing Committee meeting aimed at addressing widespread concerns about the integrity of this year's medical entrance exam.

PMDC President Prof. Rizwan Taj and Director Dr. Imdad Ali told the NA Standing Committee on Health that in order to address the increasing complaints from candidates about the difficulty of the exam, extra-curricular questions and other irregularities, PMDC would conduct a post-hoc analysis of the MDCAT 2024.

The review will be carried out by the relevant independent experts to ensure an unbiased assessment of the fairness of the examination and to identify any discrepancies that may have had an impact on students.

Regarding the eligibility criteria for the MDCAT exam, the PMDC officials also clarified to the committee that students who had cleared their first-year intermediate exams and were awaiting their second-year results would be eligible to appear in the exam.

However, only students who manage to secure 60 percent marks in the F.Sc examination and 55 percent of the MDCAT marks for the MBBS program are eligible for admission, while they manage to score 60 percent of the F in the BDS program. Sc exam and get 50 percent of MDCAT score. they added.

Despite these assurances, the NA Committee expressed displeasure at the reported irregularities. Chaired by Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, MNA, members at the meeting expressed concern over the emotional damage and confusion caused by the apparent mismanagement.

The committee was disturbed by the revelation that no minimum eligibility percentage had been clearly defined even though there was a widespread perception among students that they needed at least 60 per cent marks in their intermediate exams to qualify for the MDCAT. This lack of clarity, members argued, undermines the credibility of the exam and causes unnecessary stress for candidates.

The MDCAT has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years due to recurring reports of paper leaks, errors in exam papers and logistical problems at testing centers. In 2023, social media was flooded with claims of a leaked pre-exam paper, leading to widespread protests and an investigation.

Similar allegations have resurfaced this year, increasing calls for transparency and reform. There are numerous claims in online forums and social media platforms that the 2024 exam paper was leaked before the exam, leading to a lack of confidence among students in the fairness of the process.

To address these concerns, the standing committee recommended comprehensive reforms to the MDCAT process. One of the key suggestions was to introduce smart technology and introduce a standardized paper pattern for all testing centers. This, the committee argued, would ensure consistency and make it more difficult for misconduct to occur.

The committee also stressed the importance of providing students with a clear and consistent schedule for the MDCAT exams so that they can prepare adequately without the uncertainty that has characterized the last few years.

Another point of contention during the meeting was the issue of high fees charged by private medical colleges. Several members of the committee expressed concerns about the financial hurdles faced by students from middle- and low-income families, making medical education an increasingly unattainable dream for many.

The committee called for a comprehensive review of fee structures at both public and private medical institutions to ensure that medical education remains accessible to worthy students regardless of their financial background.

Beyond the MDCAT controversy, the committee also addressed the delays in the online registration process for doctors. PMDC President Prof Rizwan Taj explained that the backlog was due to the need for multiple reviews but assured the committee that steps had been taken to streamline the process.

Each department has now been assigned a central person to resolve pending cases more quickly, with the aim of eliminating the delays that have plagued the system in recent months.

The meeting was attended by several key figures, including senior health officials and members of the PMDC. Among those present were Prime Minister's Coordinator for National Health Services Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Federal Minister for Health Nadeem Mahbub and MNAs Dr. Shaista Khan, Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Dr. Darshan and Mrs. Zahra Wadood Fatemi.

Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, Chairman of the meeting, reiterated the standing committee's commitment to continue monitoring the MDCAT process. He stressed that the credibility of the examination is crucial and that the future of thousands of aspiring doctors depends on a transparent and fair examination process.

“The credibility of the MDCAT examination process is of utmost importance and we will not allow irregularities to remain at the expense of the future of our students,” he said.