Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU) has launched a range of new PhD programs in medical and dental sciences, marking a significant advancement in strengthening specialised healthcare research in Pakistan.
According to university sources, the newly introduced doctoral programs include PhDs in Surgery, Medicine, Prosthodontics, Operative Dentistry, Dental Public Health, Dental Materials, Cardiology and Pharmacology.
The university described the development as a milestone achievement, noting that several of these disciplines are being offered as independent PhD programs for the first time in the country.
Previously, doctoral-level education in these fields was largely confined to broader areas such as basic medical sciences or general dentistry, while clinical specialities were mainly pursued through professional postgraduate qualifications.
SZABMU stated that the initiative reflects its commitment to academic innovation and alignment with international standards in specialised research. The programs are designed to enhance academic scholarship, promote evidence-based clinical practice, support policy development and encourage technological advancement in the healthcare sector.
In a separate development, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has 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.
PMDC announces new passing criteria for MDCAT
Previously, the PMDC announced a new passing criterion for the MDCAT examinations.
According to the notification issued by the department on April 8, the medical universities are allowed for a one-time reduction of passing marks up to 3 per cent for both the MBBS and BDS admissions.
The new passing percentage for the MDCAT will be as follows:
- For the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), it is 52 per cent
- For the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), it is 47 per cent
Additionally, the PMDC has allowed all the universities to reduce the passing criteria under these three conditions:
- Filling only the vacant seats for the academic session 2025–26
- Making sure of strict merit-based transparency and institutional accountability by the admitting universities
- Monitoring the admission process by the admitting universities for the vacant seats
The criteria will be applicable only to the admissions for the 2025-26 academic year.
