MDCAT 2026 controversy: Health minister orders PMDC inquiry

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal has directed the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to conduct an inquiry into complaints regarding the transparency and fairness of the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2026 in Sindh.

The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination wrote to PMDC President Dr Rizwan Taj regarding complaints about the transparency and fair conduct of the examination.

The letter said recent media reports had raised questions about the fairness of the MDCAT 2026 examination conducted in Sindh, while numerous grievances had also been raised on social media. Public representatives had also expressed concerns over the results, it added.

The ministry said the competent authority had taken a serious view of the matter and directed that a thorough inquiry be initiated to ensure transparency and fair play.

The health minister directed PMDC to conduct a centre-wise analysis of the results, including the number of candidates, marks and percentages, pass rates, distribution of high scores and any unusual or significant variations.

The letter also ordered PMDC to secure and examine relevant examination records and data, including attendance sheets, seating plans, centre records, result data, invigilation arrangements and, where permissible, electronic and digital records,

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“Examine complaints and allegations of malpractice or unfair advantage, including procedural irregularities, unauthorised assistance, impersonation, leakage, technical failures and administrative lapses, based on verifiable evidence and applicable law”, the letter said. “Obtain relevant reports and records concerning the conduct of the examination and compilation of results”.

The ministry also directed it to fix responsibility if any irregularity, malpractice, technical failure or other factor is found to have materially affected the integrity or outcome of the examination.

The ministry asked the PMDC to take necessary action and submit a report within 15 days.

The MDCAT 2026 results in Sindh have triggered controversy, particularly over the performance of candidates from Karachi.

According to the results, no candidate from Karachi Division featured among the top 20 students who passed the examination.

The development drew comparisons with the MDCAT 2025 results, when students from Karachi secured the top positions in Sindh. According to the official 2025 results, the top three positions were all secured by candidates from Karachi.

The 2026 results subsequently triggered criticism on social media, while opposition parties also raised concerns and called for an inquiry.

In Islamabad, Senate Standing Committee on Health Chairman Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) also directed the PMDC president to constitute a committee and personally visit Sindh to investigate the matter.

Earlier, the PMDC spokesperson said that the universities are legally responsible for ensuring the transparency and integrity of the MDCAT examination.

The spokesperson said the council had no direct role in conducting the examination.