The story of corruption and mismanagement in the MDCAT continues, unchanged, even after 24 years. Decades ago, my wife attempted her medical entry test. Though selected, she was offered admission to a university far from her hometown. The only doctor in our family advised her father to forgo that seat, hoping for a better opportunity. That moment sealed her fate — she became a housewife, now dedicating herself to our home.
Years later in 2024, our daughter, a bright student who excelled in every academic challenge, chose her path in medicine early. She started preparing for MDCAT the moment she entered 9th grade, opting for biology as her major. Over the next four years, she studied relentlessly, never taking a break. She covered every syllabus available in Pakistan, watched every YouTube lecture, and created and revised notes multiple times. What was once considered a sacred responsibility education has now become a lucrative business. Coaching centres demanded exorbitant fees, which we paid for her MDCAT preparation.
Yesterday, September 22, was judgment day. After years of preparation, she faced the test that would decide her future. We were new to this system, and we also knew we couldn’t afford to buy the MDCAT exam papers in advance, as some wealthier families did. Some of our relatives managed to acquire the test in secret, allowing their children to prepare overnight. I’m certain those children will be selected, while students like my daughter, who sacrificed sleep, time, emotions and energy for four years, may see their dreams shattered.
As I lay in a park, under the shade of a single tree hosting more than 40 people from multiple backgrounds, I am left with questions for which I have found no answers. Why is merit sold out? Why is nobody ready to improve the exam system? Why is there so much hype around MDCAT? Why can’t these exams be conducted by relevant educational boards? Why is a university, notorious for leaking exam papers, entrusted with this responsibility year after year?
It’s all about corruption. Everyone is trying to take as much as they can, while no one cares about the well-being of the students or the parents who support them.
Zaheer Udin Babar Junejo
Hyderabad
