ISLAMABAD: Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU) on Monday re-conducted the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) across Islamabad, Muzaffarabad Gilgit-Baltistan, and international centres — UAE, Saudi Arabia.

Moreover question papers were also handed over to the students to avoid chances of any controversy. Majority of the students seemed satisfied with the test.

“As per instructions of Islamabad High Court the retake MDCAT commenced simultaneously at 11am across all centres. Over 12,568 students appeared across all centres including Riyadh and UAE,” Vice Chancellor SZABMU Prof Tariq Iqbal said.

He said in Islamabad almost 10,000 students appeared for exams whereas Riyadh (64) and UAE (60) 64 and 60 students appeared Riyadh and UAE.

“The key of the exam has been uploaded besides each centre was vigilantly marked by invigilators who had overseen and observed exams ensuring transparency and adherence to standards,” he said adding that the security measures were robust, with the support from provincial and district authorities, including agencies and police of AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan.

“I am especially thankful to Islamabad police and other law enforcement agencies for their support and help extended for ensuring safety of students at all centres in Islamabad and adjoining areas,” remarked Prof Tariq Iqbal.

The vice chancellor said that as per instructions of the court the MDCAT result will also be valid for all those who had appeared in the earlier MDCAT held in Sept 2024.

According to Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), as many as 10,428 candidates appeared from Islamabad, 211 from Rawalpindi, 329 from Gilgit Baltistan, 400 from Rawalakot, 447 from Muzaffarabad, 629 from Mirpur appeared in the exam. Others appeared at foreign centres.

“Under the technical support by the PMDC, SZABMU implemented advanced measures to ensure a smooth and secure process. These included biometric verification, real-time monitoring and stringent invigilation protocols to uphold the credibility and integrity of the examination.

The PMDC also monitored and observed the MDCAT was retaken with strict oversight throughout the examination process,” council claimed.

PMDC President Prof Dr Rizwan Taj personally visited centres in Islamabad. Officers from PMDC were also deputed to keep a keen check on the exam procedure.

“PMDC assures all stakeholders, including students, parents, and academic institutions, that the results will be processed and announced soon. Detailed information regarding the result declaration process will be communicated through the website of SZABMU in due course,” he said.

“PMDC without any further ado will try to start the admission process so that further precious time of the students should not go waste,” he said.

Earlier, MDCAT was conducted on September 22 but IHC directed to reconduct the test as candidates were not satisfied with the conduct of the exam.

Published in Dawn, December 31st, 2024