PMDC and Sindh Health Dept Issue Notices on Petition Against MDCAT Merit List
The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) and the Sindh Health Department have been issued notices by the Sindh High Court (SHC) following a petition challenging the Medical and Dental Colleges Admission Test (MDCAT) final merit list. Approximately 25 students have approached the SHC, seeking a stay order against the admission process.
The petitioners argue that the PMDC’s consideration of MDCAT 2024-25 results for 2025-26 admissions, without a recognized score normalization formula, could lead to discrimination. Their counsel, Nawaz Dahri, highlighted discrepancies in the number of questions between the two test years.
Reconsideration of MDCAT Results Sparks Controversy
Concerns have been raised regarding the fairness of reconsidering previous MDCAT results for the current admission cycle. According to information circulating, the number of students achieving top scores saw a significant decline in the 2025 examination compared to 2024.
This suggests a substantial difference in difficulty, potentially impacting the established merit. Petitioners fear losing their rightful college placements if last year’s results are used without appropriate adjustments. SindhNews.com has been closely following these developments.
The students implore the respondents, including the PMDC and the provincial health secretary, to base admissions on the MDCAT 2025 merit. They also seek clarity on the “three-year validity” principle for test results.
The SHC bench, led by Justice Adnan Iqbal Chaudhary, has scheduled further hearings. Notices were issued to all parties, with a notable date of December 22 for the next proceedings.