ISLAMABAD:
The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination said on Tuesday that it was important to hold a transparent and fair examination on December 30 to address complaints from students expecting a fair evaluation.
A body meeting of NA was held under the chairmanship of Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani.
The committee deliberated extensively on concerns regarding 30 non-syllabus questions, which undermined the diligent efforts and preparation of the students.
The President highlighted public concerns regarding the MDCAT exam, which has caused widespread disappointment among students across the country.
The committee highlighted the importance of conducting a transparent and fair examination on December 30 to address the grievances of students who expect a fair evaluation.
The issue of examination fees remains sub judice, and the Islamabad High Court (IHC) is yet to decide whether the cost should be borne by the students or PM&DC.
The committee further recommended that sufficient preparation time be provided to intermediate level students, and that MDCAT be scheduled immediately after the announcement of intermediate results.
Additionally, committee members urged equitable allocation of places, saying there was a need to address the limited number of places available for ICT-domiciled students.
The committee resolved to reach out to the Punjab government to review and ensure balanced distribution of seats based on domicile. Furthermore, it was suggested that examination opportunities be granted solely on the basis of merit and competence, regardless of regional affiliations, to promote equity and equal opportunities.
The committee was briefed on the recent developments and future course of action related to the MDCAT.
Meanwhile, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU), Islamabad, is planning to re-conduct the MDCAT on December 30 for candidates from AJK, GB, ICT and international locations including Dubai and Riyadh.
Of the 22,556 candidates registered for the test on September 22, 2024, more than 8,600 have registered for the retake. The matter remains subjudice at the IHC, and the university authorities have ensured foolproof agreements for a smooth and transparent process.
Teams from PM&DC and the university will supervise the test.
IBA Sukkur conducted a repeat on December 8, 2024 at seven centers in five divisions of Sindh, with 32,208 candidates (83.26%) of the total 38,684 registered. Of them, 13,718 (35.46%) were declared eligible for MBBS and 16,072 (41.54%) for the BDS programme.
