Serious flaws have been identified in the newly introduced “one-week” MDCAT policy, with education experts warning that it could push underprivileged students out of the merit race, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel on Monday.
The MDCAT policy, announced by Mustafa Kamal, has drawn widespread criticism due to disparities in examination schedules across educational boards.
According to the TV channel report, there is an 84-day gap between different boards, with Balochistan Board concluding exams on May 29, while Sahiwal Board exams extend until August 21, raising serious questions about fairness.
Additionally, students in Sindh and Punjab are expected to remain engaged in practical exams through July and August, further compressing their preparation time.
In contrast, federal board students are reportedly getting up to 90 extra days for preparation compared to others, the educationists said.
Experts have also cautioned that conducting MDCAT immediately after board exams could lead to a 5.8 percent decline in student performance, citing mental exhaustion and burnout.
They noted that nearly 80 percent of medical aspirants are already under severe pressure, and the new policy could worsen their condition.
Educationists also warned that instead of eliminating the so-called academy mafia, the policy might simply shift its activities into the academic session, failing to address the core issue.
They suggested that MDCAT be conducted 4 to 6 weeks after the last board practical exams and the test date be linked to the uniform declaration of results across the country to provide equal opportunities to all students.
The controversy highlights growing concerns over transparency and equal opportunity in Pakistan’s medical admission system.
Reporter: Babar Shehzad Turk