PMDC reviews final arrangements to ensure transparent MDCAT 2025 across Pakistan

ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has finalized comprehensive arrangements for the transparent and fair conduct of the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2025, which will be held nationwide on Sunday, October 26, 2025.

A high-level meeting chaired by senior PMDC officials reviewed preparations for the exam, attended by the Registrar PMDC, heads of the examination department, and vice chancellors of medical universities. The Council emphasized that all MDCAT processes will be conducted with transparency, integrity, and confidentiality, ensuring a fair opportunity for all candidates.

PMDC issues special directives for MDCAT 2025

The PMDC directed universities to finalize all logistical and administrative arrangements to facilitate over 140,000 candidates expected nationwide. The Council instructed that:

• Electronic jammers will be installed at all centers to block unauthorized electronic communication.
• Separate waiting areas will be provided for parents accompanying candidates.
• Question papers will only be unsealed in the presence of witnesses.
• Bubble sheets with carbon copies will be provided to all candidates for record transparency.
• All exam papers will be preserved for 12 months following result declaration.

The official answer key will be uploaded immediately after the exam, while candidates will be allowed to request rechecking within three days of result publication. Final results are expected to be announced within one week of the test.

The PMDC clarified that admissions will remain under the jurisdiction of provincial authorities and universities, which must complete their processes by February 28, 2026. The Council reaffirmed that it has no direct role in admissions, focusing solely on ensuring the integrity and fairness of MDCAT 2025.

UHS leads Punjab preparations under tight security

In Punjab, the University of Health Sciences (UHS) has finalized all arrangements for the MDCAT, to be held simultaneously across 12 cities at 27 examination centers under strict security measures.

A high-level meeting chaired by Secretary Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education, Azmat Mehmood Khan, directed commissioners and deputy commissioners to ensure smooth and secure conduct of the test.

Over 50,000 candidates are expected to appear in Punjab alone. Major centers in Lahore include:

• University of the Punjab
• Lahore College for Women University (Jail Road)
• Government Graduate College for Women (Gulberg)
• University of Education (Township)
• Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (Lawrence Road)
• Divisional Public School (Township) — exclusively for female candidates

Security and monitoring mechanisms in place

To ensure real-time coordination, a Command and Control Center has been established at UHS, and a dedicated helpline is operational to maintain communication with all centers. Professor Ahsan Waheed Rathore will personally supervise the entire examination process.

The Punjab Health Secretary directed that Section 144 will remain enforced around all centers to prevent unauthorized gatherings. A heavy police presence will secure entry points, and candidates will undergo two stages of security screening before entering halls.

Other key arrangements include:

• Ban on mobile phones and electronic devices for all staff and candidates.
• Medical and emergency facilities at every center.
• Ambulances and doctors on standby from 7 AM.
• Lahore Waste Management Company tasked with ensuring cleanliness.
• Nearby hospitals on high alert for any emergency.

To prevent impersonation, NADRA e-facilitation counters will verify each candidate’s identity. Senior officials from the Health Department, vice chancellors, pro-vice chancellors, and principals will be present to monitor proceedings across Punjab.

Focus on transparency and candidate welfare

Both PMDC and UHS reiterated that transparency, security, and student welfare remain top priorities. The extensive security arrangements, immediate publication of the answer key, and strict rechecking policy underscore the authorities’ commitment to maintaining public trust in the national medical entrance examination.