Students in Pakistan are again doubting the validity and transparency of MDCAT result policies, as misunderstanding of the validity of the test period is steadily increasing. Over two lac students take the Medical and Dental College Admission Test every year, and still, they do not have a clear national policy about the duration of their results in terms of admissions.
In the recent weeks, anxious students have resorted to social media and launched online campaigns and provided appeals that required the authorities to clarify the rules adequately. Others also feel that the current one year validity period is not long enough particularly when a student fails to secure admission during his or her first attempt. They claim that the validity of at least two years would mean less financial stress, time savings, and would bring Pakistan nearer to world standards where test scores are tolerated longer.
This has proven to be more confusing as there are some private medical colleges that are accepting the MDCAT results of the past sessions yet the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) made it clear that the results will only last one year.
This difference in policy has created merit issues and added pressure on thousands of applicants.
Repeat test-takers say they face growing psychological pressure, family expectations, and extra preparation costs. They believe a longer validity period would give them more breathing room and reduce uncertainty.
Although PMDC officials have given verbal assurances, no official written policy has been issued so far. Students continue to wait for a clear notification that can settle the matter.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on National Health Services recently reviewed the issue. Chaired by MNA Mahesh Kumar Malani, the committee discussed inconsistent result acceptance, vacant medical seats, and problems faced by Cambridge-system students in getting equivalency.
The Health Minister admitted that current admissions cannot be changed but promised that PMDC, the Law Division, and university vice chancellors will prepare a solid, legally reviewed plan to fix these issues.
For now, the debate over MDCAT result validity remains unresolved, leaving thousands of students uncertain about their academic future.
