KARACHI: In a decision impacting thousands of aspiring medical and dental students, the Sindh Government has announced that the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2024 will be re-conducted on December 8, following a Sindh High Court (SHC) order. The test, initially nullified by the SHC on October 26 due to procedural irregularities, will now be administered by the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Sukkur.
IBA Sukkur has reportedly completed preparations for the retake, with examination centers being set up across major cities, including Karachi, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Sukkur, Larkana, and Nawabshah. In Karachi alone, three centers will be established to facilitate the smooth conduct of the test.
The decision to reconduct the exam comes as a relief for many students who were left in limbo after the SHC's verdict. However, the delay has also disrupted academic timelines, causing stress and uncertainty among candidates and their families.
Aspirants who had been preparing rigorously for the initial test now face the challenge of maintaining their focus for the new exam date. Many have voiced concerns about the psychological and financial burden of undergoing the process again.
The SHC’s ruling to reconduct the MDCAT within a month highlights the significance of transparency and fairness in competitive exams, particularly when they determine the futures of so many young individuals. Authorities have been urged to ensure that this time, the test is conducted without any procedural lapses to restore trust in the examination system.
This episode has also sparked discussions about the need for systemic reforms in the examination process to prevent such situations in the future, ensuring students are not subjected to unnecessary hardships.