Reconduct of MDCAT exam recommended

Inquiry committee tasked with investigating paper leak recommends action against those responsible

KARACHI:

The inquiry committee tasked with investigating the Medical and Dental Colleges Admission Test (MDCAT) paper leak has recommended action against those responsible besides re-conducting the exam. The recommendation was made in a report that the committee submitted to the Sindh Health Department following the completion of its probe.

A spokesperson for the Sindh Health Department has confirmed that the receipt of the inquiry report. The committee has recommended action against those responsible for the criminal act of leaking the paper and proposed re-conduct of the MDCAT exams. A summary outlining these recommendations has also been sent to the provincial cabinet.

On September 10, 2023, under the supervision of Jinnah Sindh Medical University, MDCAT exams were conducted for admission to MBBS and BDS programs in medical colleges and universities across the province. More than 40,000 candidates appeared in the test for 1,700 open merit seats.

Among the examination centres, 10,000 candidates took the test at the University of Karachi, while another centre was established at Dow University Ojha campus, accommodating more than 5,000 candidates.

Subsequently, the Young Doctors' Association alleged that the merit system was compromised in MDCAT exams across Sindh, leading to press conferences and protests.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 5^th, 2023.