PMDC to become fully digital with minimal human interaction, says Mustafa Kamal

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Mustafa Kamal inaugurated the newly developed MDCAT Question Bank at the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC) headquarters, affirming that the council is moving toward full digitalization with minimal human interaction to enhance transparency, security, and public trust.

PMDC president Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj and the registrar received the minister and briefed him—alongside the examination team—on preparations for the MDCAT examination 2025. The presentation detailed measures to tighten process integrity from candidate registration through results issuance, focusing on standardized content, modern digital safeguards, and centralized monitoring.

What the new MDCAT framework clarifies

PMDC reiterated its statutory role is limited to registering candidates and providing overarching supervision of the MDCAT process. The paper setting, administration, and evaluation of the examination remain the exclusive responsibility of designated public admitting universities. By separating oversight from operations, PMDC aims to ensure impartiality and merit-based admissions nationwide.

Key measures highlighted

• New standardized question bank: Built on a common syllabus agreed by all provinces to reduce regional disparities and create a level playing field.
• Digitalization and security: Online registration and monitoring portal with modern safeguards to protect test integrity and minimize errors.
• Nationwide accessibility: More than 30 examination venues designated across the country to facilitate candidates and improve reach.
• Transparent governance: Clear delegation of responsibilities to provincial admitting universities with PMDC acting as registrar and supervisor.

Progress and expectations

The minister reviewed the portal and was informed that 97,028 candidates have already registered, with total registrations expected to surpass 150,000 before closure. He emphasized that no lapses should occur in the upcoming examination and commended PMDC for developing a comprehensive, syllabus-based question bank. He also encouraged expanding the item pool shared with admitting universities to allow greater flexibility in assembling papers while preserving standardization and fairness.

PMDC perspective on merit and public trust

Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj reiterated that PMDC has spared no effort to uphold merit and excellence, introducing reforms that enhance credibility, reduce human intervention, and restore public confidence. By implementing a standardized syllabus-based question bank and technology-driven solutions, the council aims to ensure transparent, secure, and equitable admissions for candidates across Pakistan.