All set for MDCAT retest

Test will be held in seven cities of the K-P

PESHAWAR:

All arrangements have been finalised to hold the Medical and Dental Colleges Admission Test (MDCAT) to be organised by the Khyber Medical University (KMU) in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Earlier, the test, conducted by Etea on Sept 10, had triggered a major controversy as scores of candidates were arrested for using modern electronic gadgets for cheating and alleged use of unfair means, which tainted the test.

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) had stopped the KMU and Etea on Sept 15 from uploading results of the test on their websites until further orders while the government constituted a seven-member joint investigation team to probe irregularities in the test.

On Oct 9, the PHC issued a judgment, directing the PMDC to notify a date to the provincial government for re-conducting the test within six weeks.

The test will be held in seven cities of the province, including Peshawar, Mardan, Abbottabad, Swat, Chakdara, Kohat and Dera Ismail Khan on Nov 26.

Four centres were established in Peshawar including on the Islamia Collegiate ground; Peshawar University’s Hostel No 2 ground; Pakistan Forest Institute ground and the University Public School opposite Peshawar University.

Abdul Wali Khan University in Mardan, KMU-IMS in Kohat, Gomal Medical College in DI Khan, Ayub Medical College in Abbottabad, University of Malakand in Chakdara and University of Swat in Charbagh would also host the examination.

Every candidate must download their roll number slip/ admit card from the KMU official website (www.cas.kmu.edu.pk) and affix their recent photograph on the roll number slip.

The candidates will be allowed to appear in the examination centre only after taking their admit card and thumb impression. If a candidate fails to bring original documents like Identity Card, Passport, Form B and admit card, he/she will not be allowed to appear in the test and no other document will be acceptable for appearing in the test.

Traffic plans on the official website (www.cas.kmu.edu.pk) were shared for the convenience of the aspirants. All the candidates will be provided ballpoint, clipboard, food packet, juice biscuits and napkins.

The candidates will be allowed to enter the examination centre with empty hands and pockets. Candidates should not carry cell phones, smart digital watches, hidden cameras, headphones, Bluetooth, pens, pencils, clipboards, erasers, sharpeners, calculators, books or notes, bags, purses, pouches, metal pens, credit cards and bank ATM cards.

If anyone is found with a mobile phone or any other electronic device inside the examination centre or any other illegal device used during the examination, they will be handed over to the police team deployed at the examination centre and an FIR will be lodged against him/her.

The competent court may punish him with imprisonment or fine or both, the recovered device will be confiscated, his/her papers will be cancelled and henceforth the candidate will be debarred for two years from appearing in any examination conducted by KMU and will be considered as ineligible.

Published in The Express Tribune, November  21^st, 2023.