The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has rescheduled the MDCAT 2026 examination to September 20.
The decision was discussed during a meeting of the Standing Committee on National Health Services. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani.
The committee reviewed preparations for the medical admission test. Officials said the revised date would support a secure and transparent examination process.
The new schedule is also intended to provide relief to candidates. Universities conducting the examination shared their views during the committee meeting.
The committee also discussed the issue of vacant seats in medical colleges. Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said vacant seats were a broader concern.
He said the issue could not be linked only to fee levels or MDCAT eligibility criteria. The ministry has also compared the situation with other professional fields.
The minister noted that declining interest in medical education also required attention. The committee directed the relevant authorities to investigate the reasons behind vacant seats.
The PMDC was asked to inspect private medical colleges with vacant seats. It must identify the factors contributing to the unfilled positions.
The committee also discussed the possibility of increasing seats in public medical colleges. PMDC said additional seats had already been approved after inspections.
These additional seats include institutions in Punjab, former FATA areas and Balochistan. The situation in Sindh was also reviewed during the meeting.
University vice chancellors said increasing public-sector seats would require additional resources. These include infrastructure, registration capacity and sufficient physical space.
The committee chairman decided to hold a separate meeting with the Sindh government. Relevant officials will discuss the issue in greater detail.
Fee structures at medical colleges were another major issue. The minister said several colleges had requested permission to increase their fees.
He clarified that universities could not increase fees independently. Of 61 medical colleges reviewed, 35 met the prescribed requirements.
The committee requested detailed justifications for the fees charged by these institutions. It also sought audited financial statements from the 35 qualifying colleges.
PMDC was also asked about institutions that failed to qualify but charged higher fees. Some of these institutions were reportedly displaying higher fees on their websites.
PMDC said notices had been issued to non-compliant institutions. The council also said monitoring activities were continuing.
The committee stressed that any fee increase must meet clear and evidence-based criteria. Factors should include educational standards, faculty strength and infrastructure.
The existing 60 percent MDCAT eligibility threshold was also discussed. Members considered whether gradually lowering the requirement could improve access.
However, the committee warned about possible academic challenges for students below the current threshold. Members emphasized the need to balance access with education standards.
The committee also discussed extending the BDS program from four years to five years. PMDC said arrangements would be considered for students already enrolled.
The meeting also covered nursing education and regulatory reforms. Officials said nursing institutions were being inspected regularly.
A digital application now allows inspectors to record inspection information in real time. A separate complaints portal has also been introduced.
The committee stressed the need for timely action and stronger monitoring. It also called for evidence-based decisions concerning medical education across the country.
In other related news also read New Update Released for MDCAT 2026 Test Registration
The MDCAT 2026 examination will now take place on September 20. Candidates are advised to follow official updates regarding the examination arrangements.
