Will MDCAT 2026 results remain valid? NA body makes bold decision
A parliamentary committee has ruled out further uncertainty for students after reviewing complaints about the examination.
Committee reviews MDCAT 2026 complaints
The Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination held a meeting at Parliament House in Islamabad under the chairmanship of Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani, MNA. The meeting reviewed MDCAT 2026 results, medical college fees and other important health sector matters.
Vice chancellors of the universities that conducted MDCAT 2026 briefed the committee about complaints received from students. They said most complaints were related to question papers and answer keys, and the concerned universities had examined and resolved them.
The universities also informed the committee that no major irregularity or serious problem affecting the overall examination process had been reported. A six-member team of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) also visited the Sukkur IBA examination centre and found no serious irregularity.
MDCAT 2026 results cleared, admissions to continue
After reviewing the reports and explanations, the committee decided that MDCAT 2026 results should remain valid. It said students should not face further difficulties when no major irregularity had been established.
The committee also asked universities to continue their admission processes without unnecessary delays. This decision is expected to provide relief to thousands of students seeking admission to medical and dental colleges.
MDCAT result validity to be reduced to one year
The committee directed the Ministry to reduce the validity of MDCAT results from three years to one year. The new rule will take effect from the next academic year.
The move aims to help address the problem of vacant seats in medical and dental colleges. The minister agreed with the committee’s direction, which also asked the ministry to formally inform all vice chancellors of the universities conducting the examination.
Committee Chairman Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani also stressed that students should be allowed to access question papers after future examinations. This would help improve transparency and make it easier to review genuine complaints.
PM&DC directed to monitor private medical college fees
The committee also expressed concern over reports that some private medical colleges were collecting fees above approved limits. It directed PM&DC to improve its monitoring system and take action against institutions violating the fee rules.
The committee was informed that the approved minimum fee cap was Rs1.8 million. However, 35 institutions had received permission for higher fees based on audit reports, with the maximum approved amount reaching Rs2.1 million at a few universities after council approval.
The decision to keep MDCAT 2026 results valid will help students move forward with their admission plans. Reducing the result validity period and monitoring private college fees could also bring changes to the medical admission system in the coming academic year.
Also read: PMDC seeks probe into alleged MDCAT paper leak, gives Sindh two weeks
