LAHORE: A total of 29,177 candidates scored 60 per cent and above marks in the 2016 entrance test for admission to medical and dental colleges of Punjab, according to official result announced by the University of Health Sciences (UHS) on Tuesday.

A total of 56,272 candidates (36,542 female and 19,730 male) had appeared in the test held on Aug 28 at 27 centres set up in 13 cities of the province.

As many as 7,517 candidates scored 50 to 59pc marks, some 6,621 40pc to 49pc while 11,593 scored less than 40pc marks.

Umar Maqbool of Faisalabad got first position with 1,082/1100 marks while Rabbia Irfan of Gujranwala got second position with 1,076 marks. The third position was shared by three candidates -- Arsalan Shaukat of Lahore, Alleza Ashraf and Saba Fatima, both of Sahiwal district by scoring 1,070 marks each.

“There are 3,405 MBBS seats in the 17 public sector medical colleges and 216 BDS seats in the three public dental colleges of Punjab. There are around 3,500 MBBS and 800 BDS seats in 27 private medical and 12 dental colleges of the province, respectively,” said UHS media director Muhammad Atif.

The candidates scoring 82pc or above aggregate marks in accordance with the formula devised by Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) will be eligible to apply on `open merit basis.’ Such candidates can opt for the colleges of their choice by submitting admission forms from Oct 3 to Oct 15. The form, along with the prospectus, will be available free of cost at UHS (Lahore), Nishtar Medical College (Multan) and Rawalpindi Medical College, between Oct 3 and Oct 15.

The first selection list for public sector medical and dental colleges will be displayed on Oct 28. Classes in all public sector medical and dental colleges of Punjab will commence on Nov 14.

Published in Dawn, September 7th, 2016