Students planning to apply for MBBS and BDS admissions in Pakistan may soon face an important change in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) policy. The government is considering reducing the validity of MDCAT results from the current three years to just one year.
The proposal was discussed during a meeting of the National Assembly's Standing Committee on National Health Services. The committee directed the Ministry of National Health Services to take steps to introduce the change from the next academic year.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal informed the committee that the ministry had approved the proposal and forwarded it to the federal cabinet for final approval.
What Will Change for MDCAT Candidates?
Under the proposed policy, students will be able to use their MDCAT results for only one admission cycle instead of three consecutive years.
Currently, MDCAT results remain valid for three years, allowing candidates to apply for medical and dental college admissions using their previous test scores. If the proposed change is approved, students will need to appear in the test again for subsequent admission cycles.
This change could particularly affect candidates who take a gap year or fail to secure admission in their first attempt.
The committee also reviewed the MDCAT 2026 results and complaints received regarding the examination. It endorsed the results and asked universities to continue their admission procedures without unnecessary delays.
Members also discussed improving transparency in future MDCAT examinations. The committee recommended that examination authorities provide question papers to candidates after the tests so students can review the questions and raise concerns where necessary.
The proposed reduction in MDCAT validity is not yet officially final. Although the health ministry has approved the proposal, the federal cabinet must give its final approval before the policy can be implemented.
Students preparing for MBBS and BDS admissions should therefore continue following the existing MDCAT rules until an official notification announces any change.
