PM&DC president reviews arrangements for transparent MDCAT 2026

Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) President Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj chaired a high-level meeting on Wednesday to review preparations

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) President Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj chaired a high-level meeting on Wednesday to review preparations for the Medical and Dental Colleges Admission Test (MDCAT) 2026, scheduled to be held across the country on September 20.

The meeting brought together Vice Chancellors of universities responsible for conducting the examination, relevant provincial health authorities and secretaries, along with senior officials of the PM&DC. Detailed discussions were held on the arrangements required to ensure that the entrance test is conducted smoothly, fairly and transparently at all designated examination centres.

According to the PM&DC, a total of 138,158 candidates have registered to appear in MDCAT 2026. The examination will be conducted in 35 cities and towns across Pakistan, while an additional international examination centre has been established in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to facilitate candidates residing abroad.

During the meeting, the participants reviewed preparations at the examination centres and discussed measures aimed at maintaining the integrity and credibility of the admission test. The President PM&DC stressed that all participating institutions must strictly follow the council’s policies, procedures and prescribed guidelines throughout the examination process.

The meeting also examined arrangements for medical assistance, emergency response and other facilitation services at the examination venues. Officials were directed to ensure that adequate support is available for candidates during the test and that examination centres provide a safe and suitable environment for all students, including candidates from Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

The Prime Minister has also directed the relevant authorities to ensure that MDCAT 2026 is conducted in a smooth, orderly and transparent manner. The government has maintained that there should be zero tolerance for any activity that could compromise the fairness or integrity of the examination.

The participating universities and provincial authorities were advised to complete preparations well before the examination date. This includes ensuring adequate seating arrangements, basic facilities, security measures and other necessary services for candidates. Authorities were also asked to make suitable arrangements for parents and guardians accompanying students to the examination centres.

The PM&DC further clarified its role in establishing uniform regulatory standards for the MDCAT papers. While the council has provided unified standards and guidelines for the examination, the responsibility for the practical and administrative conduct of the test rests with the respective provincial authorities and universities.

This responsibility also includes ensuring the secrecy and security of examination papers at the designated centres and taking appropriate measures to prevent any compromise during the examination process.

Vice Chancellors and representatives of the provincial authorities assured the PM&DC President that all prescribed requirements would be fulfilled and that preparations would be completed within the stipulated timeframe.

Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj directed all stakeholders to maintain close coordination in the days leading up to the examination. He emphasised the need for professionalism, efficiency and strict examination security to ensure that MDCAT 2026 is conducted successfully and that candidates are provided with a fair and transparent testing environment.