PMDC rolls back increase in passing marks

Attendance criteria back to 75% from 85% after backlash from candidates

KARACHI:

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has withdrawn its earlier decision to increase passing marks and mandatory attendance requirements for MBBS and BDS students.

The rollback follows widespread complaints from universities as well as appeals by students and their parents across the country.

The regulatory body had approved raising the passing percentage from 50% to 65% for medical and dental degree programmes. However, a fresh notification issued by PMDC has restored the previous passing criteria of 50%, which will apply to the ongoing academic session 2024-25.

PMDC has also reversed its earlier directive that required 85% mandatory attendance for students of MBBS and BDS. The threshold has now been reverted to 75%, in line with the former regulations. Medical and dental colleges nationwide have been instructed to implement the updated standards immediately.

The decision was formalised in the council's meeting held on October 21, 2025, during which concerns raised by universities, medical faculty, students, and parents were reviewed in detail.

According to the council, the revised rules will not be imposed retrospectively. Students currently enrolled for the 2024-25 academic session will continue under the criteria that were applicable at the time of admission — minimum 50% passing marks and 75% attendance.

Meanwhile, PMDC has stated that proposals are under consideration to gradually raise both passing marks and attendance requirements by 5% each for future admissions, subject to consultation with universities, medical education experts and other stakeholders. The reversal comes after intense pressure from medical students who had warned of nationwide protests if their demands were not accepted.