PMDC, provincial universities ensure transparent and secure conduct of MDCAT 2025 nationwide
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) and nominated universities successfully conducted the Medical and Dental Colleges Admission Test (MDCAT) 2025 across the country on Sunday, Oct. 26, under stringent security protocols, biometric verification, and strict transparency measures to ensure a level playing field for aspiring doctors and dentists.
A PMDC-led review prior to the test had stressed airtight logistical controls, sealed paper delivery, and long-term preservation of answer sheets. The council also directed that the official answer key be published immediately after the test, allowing candidates three days to request rechecking. Results are expected to be announced within one week of the examination.
Nationwide turnout, provincial breakdown
Authorities reported that more than 140,000 candidates registered nationwide to compete for roughly 22,000 medical and dental seats this year, with large numbers taking the test at provincial and federal centers on October 26.
In Punjab, the University of Health Sciences (UHS) administered the MDCAT at 27 centers across 12 cities. Officials said 50,461 candidates appeared — including 36,702 females and 13,759 males — with Lahore hosting 11,906 candidates. A Command and Control Center at UHS coordinated logistics while Section 144 and two-step security checks were enforced around venues; mobile phones and other electronic devices were strictly banned. Senior provincial officials and university vice chancellors personally supervised examination centers.
In Sindh, the Sukkur IBA Testing Service conducted the exam at nine centers across the province and one center in Islamabad for Sindh-based candidates. A total of 32,531 candidates took the MDCAT. A three-tier vigilance system — involving Sukkur IBA, the provincial health department, and district administrations — ensured transparency and smooth conduct.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Khyber Medical University (KMU) organized the test in eight districts at 43 examination centers, where 39,986 candidates appeared. The test proceeded peacefully under close coordination with police, FIA, IB, Special Branch, and other agencies. KMU Vice Chancellor Prof. Zia-ul-Haq announced plans to computerize the MDCAT from next year.
n Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, and Riyadh, the Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU) conducted the test, with 6,229 candidates appearing — including 194 at the international center in Riyadh. NADRA biometric verification was used at all centers to prevent impersonation.
In Balochistan, the test was held in Quetta, where over 6,000 medical aspirants appeared under the supervision of the nominated provincial university.
Security, transparency and candidate facilitation
PMDC and the universities emphasized several anti-malpractice and facilitation measures: sealed papers delivered early under police escort, installation of electronic jammers and metal detectors, body searches, strict closing times for entry, designated waiting areas for parents, and issuance of bubble sheets with carbon copies to ensure transparent marking.
NADRA e-facilitation counters were deployed for biometric identity checks. Answer sheets will be preserved for at least 12 months after the results, while a centralized helpline and command centers ensured real-time monitoring and coordination.
Provincial chief secretaries, health secretaries, vice chancellors, and senior officials visited examination centers and expressed satisfaction with the arrangements. Parents and candidates across provinces appreciated the orderly conduct and transparency of the process.
What happens next
According to PMDC and university sources, the official answer key will be uploaded shortly, with a limited rechecking window for candidates. Final results are expected within a week, after which provincial authorities will manage the admission process. PMDC clarified that it has no direct role in admissions, which must be completed by February 28, 2026.
The successful nationwide conduct of MDCAT 2025 marks a significant step in upholding merit, fairness, and transparency in Pakistan’s medical and dental education system.
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