The government has announced a major change in the schedule of the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT), aiming to make the process quicker and more accessible for students. From next year, the exam will be held just six days after the announcement of intermediate (FSc) results.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal shared the update while speaking to the media at Parliament House on Tuesday. He said the decision has already been approved by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) as part of broader reforms in the medical admissions system.
At present, there is usually a gap of four to six months between FSc results and the MDCAT exam. According to the minister, this long interval has contributed to the growth of a large private coaching industry, where students often feel compelled to spend significant amounts of money to prepare.
He said the revised timeline is intended to reduce this dependence on coaching academies, many of which charge high fees. He added that this will not only save money for families but also simplify the preparation process.
The minister noted that the existing system tends to favour students from more financially stable backgrounds, who can afford extra coaching.
By shortening the gap, the government hopes to create a more balanced environment where performance relies more on academic learning rather than additional paid preparation.
