MCAT’19 Sindh likely to be postponed

KARACHI- September 8^th will most probably fall on 8^th Muharram-ul-Harraam. Realizing the clash of dates, Sindh Government has requested for Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to change the announced date for Medical and Dental College Aptitude Test 2019. Owing to the predicted situation of order in the province, commute will be of major challenge to the aspiring candidates.

“The test date incidentally happens to be 8th day of Muharram; high security has been declared on that day due to peculiar circumstances; certain routes will also be closed turning it difficult for many of the candidates, invigilators and other concerned to ensure their presence at the examination centres,” said the Sindh Minister for Health, Dr Azra Peechuho in a press conference.

The Minister also acknowledged having changed the date earlier, from August 25^th to September 8^th, “This was because at the time of date announcement by PMDC, many of the intermediate examination boards in Sindh were not able to announce the results for 2019.” It was on the basis of average highest percentage that candidates for Medical/Dental program were allowed to appear in the admission test for the same, she added. In this context, she also reminded that 70 percent was the cut-off limit for Sindh-based candidates, whereas it was 90 percent in Punjab; thus, Sindh province is in another quandary.

“Fortunately, it has been amicably decided that seats in Sindh for MBBS would not be reduced and its domicile holders would be allowed to fill the allocated share,” she said.

With regard to reservation of Sindh province about the PMDC’s announced date for MBBS examination, the Minister said that she has approached President of Pakistan, Dr Arif Alvi who has assured to get it adequately resolved.