ISLAMABAD: The MDCAT Retake Exam was successfully conducted across Sindh, marking a significant achievement in ensuring transparency and standardization in medical education. Following the directives of the Sindh High Court, Karachi, IBA University Sukkur was entrusted with organizing the retake examination across the province.
In a statement issued by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC), its president, Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj, said that the exam was held simultaneously in seven centers across five divisions, including Karachi, Hyderabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sukkur, and Larkana. A total of 38,684 candidates participated in the examination, demonstrating the commitment of aspiring medical professionals to excellence.
The provincial, divisional, and district authorities, alongside security agencies such as the FIA and IB, played an instrumental role in providing a secure environment for the test. The IBA Sukkur authorities implemented foolproof arrangements, ensuring the smooth conduct of the exam.
A high-powered vigilance committee, chaired by Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj, convened a day prior to the examination. Key stakeholders, including the Secretary Health Sindh, the Secretary Universities and Boards, the Special Secretary Home Department, the Vice Chancellor of IBA University Sukkur, and the PMDC Director of Examination, participated in the meeting. Their discussions emphasized coordination, optimized logistics, and candidate support, reflecting a united effort to uphold the integrity of the examination process.
Highlighting PMDC's dedication to fairness, Prof. Taj remarked, "This successful retake exam reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring uniformity and transparency in medical education across Pakistan. The collaborative efforts among provincial authorities, educational institutions, and examination bodies have set a benchmark for future endeavors."
The retake of the MDCAT (Medical and Dental Colleges Admission Test) in Sindh became necessary due to significant irregularities and allegations of malpractice during the initial exams conducted in September 2024. Complaints included exam mismanagement, paper leaks, and widespread cheating. These issues prompted protests from students and their families, raising serious concerns about the fairness and credibility of the examination process.
The Sindh High Court intervened after a thorough review of these complaints. On October 26, 2024, the court ordered a retake of the MDCAT across Sindh to uphold the exam's integrity and ensure a level playing field for all candidates. Following this directive, the Sukkur Institute of Business Administration (IBA) was tasked with conducting the retake under strict security and monitoring protocols to prevent any recurrence of the earlier issues. This included collaboration with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), the Sindh Health Department, and other provincial authorities.