The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has approved 475 additional seats for public medical colleges across Punjab on Friday. This has provided more opportunities for students trying to get into medical colleges and reduced their dependence on expensive private institutions.
With the increase, the total number of admissions in public medical colleges is expected to reach around 4,000.
According to the University of Health Sciences (UHS), the 475 new seats are roughly equal to the combined capacity of five private medical colleges.
This means that students seeking admission to public medical colleges in Punjab can now benefit significantly after the approval of 475 new seats.
The additional seats are expected to improve access to medical education in the public sector. This will allow more students to get admission on merit.
Read more: PMDC extends MDCAT 2026 registration deadline
The increase in the number of seats being offered will also ease the financial burden of high tuition fees charged by private medical colleges.
PMDC sets new passing marks for students applying abroad
The PMDC has introduced new guidelines for students planning to study medicine or dentistry abroad.
Under the new rules, students must score at least 50 per cent marks in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT). Or they need to qualify through an equivalent foreign admission test.
Applicants also need to have completed FSc Pre-Medical, or an equivalent qualification, with at least 60 per cent marks.
The PMDC has further advised students to meet these eligibility requirements to avoid problems with the registration and recognition of their medical or dental degrees in Pakistan.
The council also said students must complete online registration with the PMDC before they can apply for provisional registration and appear in the National Registration Examination (NRE).
Earlier, PMDC announced new conditions regarding the 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.
