The Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2026 could be conducted again in Sindh if an official inquiry confirms negligence or irregularities in the examination process.
Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services Chairman Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti said the committee is investigating complaints about the Sindh MDCAT results. He said that if negligence is established, the test would be held again in the province.
The MDCAT was held across Sindh on September 20 by SIBA Testing Services. Final results of the exam were announced on September 28. Nine examination centres were established across the province, including two in Karachi.
Complaints from students and parents led to demands for an investigation into the examination process and results, after the results showed that no candidate from Karachi Division was among the top 20 successful candidates.
Four member team to investigate MDCAT results
Chishti said a professional inquiry team had been sent from Islamabad to investigate the matter. The team will visit Sukkur and coordinate with the testing authorities.
They will examine results from different testing centres and look at how many students appeared and what percentage passed at each centre. It will also review the facilities provided to candidates and investigate whether any irregularities occurred.
Chishti said complaints about paper leaks had also surfaced in Sindh in previous years. He maintained that students from Karachi and interior Sindh should receive equal treatment and that merit be protected.
He also said students from less developed areas who achieve top positions should be appreciated rather than questioned.
The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has clarified that it did not directly conduct MDCAT 2026. According to PMDC, provincial and regional governments nominated universities to conduct the examination.
However, the controversy has also reached the Sindh High Court. Candidates have challenged aspects of the examination process, including the decision not to allow them to keep question papers after the test. The court issued notices to PMDC, the Sindh health department and other respondents.
Separately, political parties have called for greater transparency. Jamaat-e-Islami has demanded a forensic review of the examination arrangements, results and merit lists.
Chishti said the next course of action will be decided after the inquiry team submits its final report.
