The Punjab Department of Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education has asked the Inter-Board Coordination Commission (IBCC) to review the equivalence criteria for Cambridge qualifications used in medical college admissions.
The department has written to the Executive Director of IBCC, raising concerns that the existing equivalence system may put O/A Level students at a disadvantage compared with candidates who complete their education through the Matriculation and FSc system.
Under the current medical admission criteria, merit is calculated by combining students’ marks in Matriculation, FSc or equivalent qualifications with their MDCAT scores.
However, differences between the grading systems and equivalence formulas can create significant variations between Cambridge students with top grades and students who achieve high marks in FSc.
As a result, students securing the highest possible grades in O and A Levels may still receive a comparatively lower equivalent score, potentially affecting their position in the highly competitive medical college admission process.
The Punjab government has therefore called for a review of the existing equivalence criteria to ensure that Cambridge qualifications are assessed fairly during medical admissions.
The proposed review is aimed at addressing concerns over differences in grading and equivalence and ensuring a more equitable admission process for students from different educational systems.
