QUETTA: The Balochistan Students Alliance on Thursday staged a protest against the increase in Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) fee.

A large number of students gathered in front of the Quetta Press Club carrying placards and banners inscribed with their demands.

The protesters stated that the MDCAT fee has been fixed at Rs8,000, making it difficult for poor students from Balochistan to register for the test.

As a result, they lamented, many have been unable to take the test.

They criticised the government’s claim of prioritising education and called for measures to make it more accessible.

They rejected PDMC’s “unjust” policies and demanded that the registration fee be reduced.

They also said test questions should be based on the syllabus taught in Balochistan and the quota of medical seat should be increased.

They called for the entry test to be managed by the educational institutions in Balochistan.

Published in Dawn, August 16th, 2024