n a significant move for Pakistan’s medical education sector, the government has revised the MBBS admission policy for private medical colleges in 2026. Following pressure from college managements due to over 500 vacant MBBS seats, the authorities have now allowed private institutions to manage their admissions independently and accept applications directly from students.
The 2025-26 academic session has already seen multiple amendments in admission rules. Private college administrators had been lobbying for more control over empty seats, arguing that the existing centralized system was delaying enrollment and leaving many seats unfilled. With the latest revision, these colleges gain full autonomy in managing vacant seats, potentially easing admission processes and improving enrollment efficiency.
While this change provides flexibility to private colleges, students and parents have expressed concerns about merit-based admissions. Education experts warn that repeated policy revisions could lead to inconsistencies in enrollment standards, making it crucial for colleges to maintain transparency in their admission process.
A source from a leading private medical college stated, “This policy allows us to manage vacant seats more effectively and ensures that deserving students get a chance without unnecessary delays.”
The government’s decision comes alongside the PMDC fee limits for MBBS and BDS programs, aiming to balance accessibility and regulatory oversight. Education authorities are expected to monitor the implementation closely to ensure fairness in admissions.

