Authorities have introduced a new rule for candidates appearing in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT).
Under the new instructions, candidates will not be allowed to take their question papers outside examination centers after completing the test.
Universities conducting the MDCAT across all four provinces have received instructions regarding the new policy. Examination staff will collect question papers from candidates before they leave.
Officials have been directed to ensure that no candidate takes the question paper home. Candidates must hand over their papers to examination staff after the test ends.
The decision changes a practice that had continued for several years. Since 2017, MDCAT candidates were allowed to take their question papers after finishing the examination.
Students previously used these papers to review their answers. They could compare the questions with their answer sheets after leaving the examination center.
This also allowed candidates to estimate their expected scores. Students could check which answers they believed were correct or incorrect.
The new rule will prevent candidates from following this practice immediately after the examination. They will not have the complete question paper available for review at home.
The instructions apply to universities conducting the MDCAT in all four provinces. Examination officials will be responsible for collecting the papers.
The change is expected to affect how candidates assess their performance after the test. Students will need to wait for official results or other permitted information.
Authorities have not announced any change to the examination format itself. The main change concerns the handling of question papers after candidates complete the test.
The decision comes amid increased attention toward examination security. Authorities have been taking additional steps to strengthen monitoring at test centers.
In Punjab, authorities are also planning to monitor MDCAT examination centers through CCTV cameras. The measure is intended to improve oversight during the test.
The question paper rule adds another procedural change for candidates. Students preparing for the MDCAT should be aware of the updated instructions.
Candidates will need to follow directions given by examination staff on test day. Failure to follow examination procedures could create difficulties for students.
The new policy also places greater responsibility on examination staff. Officials must collect all question papers before candidates are allowed to leave.
For many students, the change will be different from previous MDCAT examinations. Candidates who relied on question papers for answer checking will no longer have that option.
The MDCAT is a major admission test for students seeking medical and dental college placements. Its examination procedures are closely followed by participating institutions.
Authorities may issue additional instructions before the examination. Candidates should regularly check official announcements from the relevant universities and authorities.
The new question paper collection policy is therefore an important update for MDCAT candidates. Students should prepare according to the latest examination rules.
In other related news also read PMDC extends MDCAT 2026 registration deadline
For now, candidates will have to leave their question papers at the examination centers. The rule will prevent immediate post-exam answer comparisons using the original paper.
