ISLAMABAD: The Medical and Dental Colleges Admission Test (MDCAT) 2025 has kicked off with over 140,000 students appearing in the exam today across Pakistan.
As per details, a massive number of participants are competing for just 22,000 seats in medical and dental colleges countrywide.
The MDCAT test is underway at 32 centres across Pakistan with one international venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) President Dr Rizwan Taj stated that “Examination venues are equipped with proper seating, weather-appropriate heating or cooling, and drinking water facilities,” he said, adding that signal jammers were installed to block the use of unauthorised electronic devices.
MDCAT Rawalpindi
As the test underway in the government college in Government Graduate College in Satellite Town, Rawalpindi, dozens of participants failed to get inside the exam center.
Participants from several cities including Mianwali, Bhakkar, and others standing in long queues at the gates, unable to enter despite arriving on time.
Students claim that they arrived on time, but the administration didn’t allow them to go inside saying that “We left home early to arrive by 9, but now everything is wasted.”
They said that due to the Pakistan vs. South Africa T20 cricket match, the roads leading to Rawalpindi’s Satellite Town are already closed, but “we arrived well before the time”.
Security for exam
The security arrangements for the exams have also been completed to prevent cheating or chaos of any sort.
According to an official PMDC statement, examination venues have been secured in every province, and all necessary steps have been taken to ensure the test is conducted smoothly and transparently.
This includes the printing of question papers and the distribution of admit cards to registered candidates.
A PMDC statement revealed that some students had repeatedly tried to postpone the MDCAT 2025 through different platforms, including the High Court. However, their petition had been dismissed.
“All arrangements for MDCAT 2025 have been finalised, and examination halls across all provinces have been booked. The provincial authorities have completed all necessary preparations to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination, including printing of papers and issuance of admit cards,” the statement said.
The PMDC also noted that the registration portal was reopened twice to accommodate students.
Earlier, in light of the recent floods, the exam date was extended.
However, authorities have confirmed that no additional changes to the schedule will be made.
MDCAT in Peshawar
The MDCAT 2025 in Peshawar is organised by the Medical University (KMU). It is being held today across seven districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Peshawar, Mardan, Swat, Dir Lower, Kohat, Dera Ismail Khan, and Abbottabad.
A total of 39,981 candidates are expected to appear in the exams this time.
The exam started at 09:00 AM in all centres. It will consist of 180 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to be completed within the time of three hours.
Officials have confirmed that all arrangements have been finalised to ensure a smooth, transparent, and peaceful conduct of the test.
Administrative and security measures are being implemented in coordination with district administrations, police, FIA, IB, the Special Branch, and other relevant agencies.
Additionally, to provide more ease to the stressed students, special traffic arrangements and extended BRT services from 6:00 AM have been made in Peshawar. This will help the candidates reach the centres on time.
In order to maintain full transparency, candidates have been instructed to appear with empty pockets and avoid bringing jewellery, wallets, cash, or any unnecessary items.
Only a CNIC, Form-B (if CNIC is not available), and the admit card/roll number slip are allowed.
Mobile phones, smart watches, earphones, calculators, or any electronic devices are strictly prohibited.
In addition to this, the examination centres are equipped with CCTV cameras, mobile jammers, walk-through gates, scanners, and other monitoring systems to prevent cheating or any form of misconduct.
KMU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr Zia Ul Haq stated that all departments are working in full coordination to ensure the fair and orderly conduct of MDCAT 2025.
He stressed that strict action will be taken against any malpractice and urged both candidates and parents to follow examination rules and maintain discipline to uphold the integrity of the test.
MDCAT 2025 in Punjab
The MDCAT examination for admission to medical and dental colleges in Punjab is being held today.
As per the letter from the Specialised Healthcare Department, deputy commissioners in 12 districts have been instructed to finalise all necessary arrangements.
The exam will be conducted under the supervision of the University of Health Sciences (UHS). The exam is taking place across twelve cities in the province.
Over 50,000 candidates are registered to appear this year. Rescue 1122, traffic police, and other security agencies will remain on high alert at examination centres.
An application has also been submitted to the Home Department for the enforcement of Section 144 during the exam period.
To maintain transparency, senior faculty members have been assigned duties, and security clearance is being completed for all examination staff.
MDCAT 2025 in Sindh
Provincial authorities and universities in Sindh have been instructed by the Federal Minister for National Health Services to ensure a transparent examination process.
- Security measures: Security arrangements at all centres will include walk-through gates, scanners, and jammers.
- Number of candidates: Sindh has a total of 33,160 registered candidates for MDCAT 2025.
- University administration: The exam in Sindh will be conducted under the supervision of the Sukkur IBA Testing Service.
