KP announces to conduct MDCAT 2027 under ETEA
MDCAT to move under ETEA
The decision was taken during a provincial cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.
Under the approved plan, the Medical and Dental Colleges Admission Test, commonly known as MDCAT, will be conducted through the Educational Testing and Evaluation Agency from 2027.
A special committee has now been formed to examine the legal and technical requirements needed to transfer the test to ETEA.
The committee will review the process and determine what changes are required before the new system begins.
Why ETEA was selected
ETEA already has experience in conducting large-scale examinations and computer-based tests.
Since introducing its computer-based testing system in September 2024, the agency has conducted more than 1,300 tests involving around 500,000 candidates.
This experience could help the province manage a large examination such as MDCAT, where thousands of students compete for medical and dental college seats every year.
The move could also introduce a more technology-based testing system for students applying to professional colleges in the province.
Legal framework already allows admission tests
The ETEA Ordinance, 2001 also gives the agency the authority to conduct admission tests for professional colleges.
This legal provision could make the planned transfer easier, although the newly formed committee will still review the detailed requirements.
Authorities will need to determine how the new system will operate and how arrangements will be made for students across the province.
What students can expect
Students preparing for medical and dental college admissions in KP will need to pay attention to further announcements about the new testing system.
The move to ETEA could mean changes in registration, test centres, computer-based testing arrangements and other examination procedures.
Read Also:Punjab school sports set to return with major prize money
However, the government has not yet provided full details about how the 2027 MDCAT will be conducted.
More information is expected after the committee completes its review and the government finalises the implementation plan.
A major shift for medical admissions
The decision represents a significant change in how medical and dental admission testing could be managed in KP.
ETEA’s previous experience with computer-based examinations may help the government introduce a more organised and technology-focused process.
At the same time, ensuring equal access to test facilities will be important, particularly for students from areas with limited access to technology.
