Sindh: MDCAT retake to restore confidence in medical admission process

ISLAMABAD: The Medical and Dental Colleges Admission Test (MDCAT) retake was successfully conducted across Sindh, signaling a major victory for fairness and accountability in medical education. Organized by IBA Sukkur under the directives of the Sindh High Court, the examination catered to 38,684 aspiring medical professionals across seven centers in five divisions: Karachi, Hyderabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sukkur, and Larkana.
This retake became necessary following significant allegations of malpractice during the initial MDCAT held in September 2024, which included exam mismanagement and paper leaks. These controversies led to widespread protests, ultimately prompting the Sindh High Court to intervene and order a retake on October 26, 2024. IBA Sukkur was selected for its reputed organizational capabilities, ensuring that the retake addressed past shortcomings and maintained high standards of integrity.
IBA Sukkur worked in close collaboration with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), the Sindh Health Department, and local authorities to ensure seamless operations. Security agencies, including the FIA and IB, supported the process, ensuring a safe environment for candidates. Foolproof arrangements were made to prevent any recurrence of earlier issues, a testament to the rigorous planning and execution.
A high-powered meeting chaired by PMDC President Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj took place a day before the exam to finalize logistical and security measures. The meeting, attended by key stakeholders such as the Secretary Health Sindh and the PMDC Director of Examination, focused on streamlining operations and resolving potential challenges for candidates.
Commenting on the successful retake, Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj emphasized the PMDC’s dedication to transparency. “This retake is a landmark achievement that sets a precedent for future examinations. Our commitment to ensuring fairness and uniformity in medical education remains steadfast,” he stated.
The MDCAT retake also highlighted the importance of collaboration between provincial authorities, educational institutions, and regulatory bodies. Through these united efforts, Pakistan has taken a significant step toward restoring confidence in its medical admission processes.