Pakistan Medical and Dental Council has introduced major reforms and stricter conditions for students planning to pursue medical and dental education abroad, making PMDC registration compulsory before enrolling in foreign institutions.
During a key meeting chaired by Ishaq Dar, it was decided that students would not be permitted to study medicine overseas without first qualifying the MDCAT examination.
The meeting focused on bringing medical education standards in line with international benchmarks while improving transparency in the education system.
The committee also ruled that only those foreign medical institutions approved by PMDC and recognised by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) would be accepted.
Under the new policy, graduates returning with foreign medical degrees must pass the National Registration Examination before practising. Authorities have also made 6,200 teaching hours and a minimum 80 per cent attendance mandatory for medical programs.
Students planning to study in non English speaking countries will first be required to learn the local language. In addition, they must submit their residential and contact details before departing for overseas education.
The meeting further highlighted the need for transparent and merit based inspections of medical and dental colleges, warning that any negligence or irregularities in the inspection process would face zero tolerance.
PMDC imposes new conditions for MDCAT entry test 2026
Earlier, PMDC announced new conditions regarding the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) entry test.
According to the details, the MDCAT has made biometric verification of students mandatory in the entry test to be held this year.
In addition to this, the M&DC has instructed students below the age of 18 to make a Juvenile Registration Card or Smart Card for Minors issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) prior to the examination.
Candidates without a valid Juvenile Registration Card or a valid CNIC will not be allowed to participate in the entry test.
Also read: PMDC closes admissions for 2025–26 medical, dental session
