The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has rolled back its earlier decision to raise passing marks for MBBS and BDS exams, restoring the minimum requirement to 50% for the 2024–2025 academic session.
In a major relief for medical students, the PMDC — the country’s statutory body that regulates medical education and licensing — has withdrawn its previous decision that had set the passing threshold for MBBS and BDS examinations at 65%.
According to a new notification, the council has reverted the passing marks to 50% for both degrees, bringing them back to the standard followed in previous years.
The PMDC has also reversed the attendance policy, reducing the requirement from 85% back to 75% for the 2024–25 session. All medical and dental universities across the country have been directed to implement the new guidelines immediately.
Earlier this year, on February 3, 2025, the PMDC had raised the passing marks from 50% to 70% and increased attendance from 75% to 90%, citing the need to ensure “adequate curricular exposure and practical experience”.
That decision, however, sparked widespread concern among students and faculty members, who argued that the higher thresholds would unfairly burden medical trainees amid already intense academic pressures.
The recent reversal indicates that the council has reconsidered its earlier stance in light of feedback from educational institutions and stakeholders. Officials say the move aims to maintain fairness and academic stability in the medical education system while ensuring consistent learning standards.
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The same February notification had also outlined criteria for overseas applicants, stating that expatriate students holding HSSC or A-Level qualifications, along with an IBCC equivalence certificate and mandatory subjects in Chemistry and Biology, would remain eligible for MBBS and BDS admissions under reserved seats.
Medical education observers have welcomed the PMDC’s latest decision, saying it will reduce academic stress and align Pakistan’s standards with international norms for undergraduate medical programs.
