Serious flaws have been identified in the newly introduced “one-week” MDCAT policy, with education experts warning it could push underprivileged students out of the merit race in Pakistan.
The policy, announced by Mustafa Kamal, has drawn widespread criticism due to disparities in examination schedules across different educational boards.
Large gap in exam schedules
According to reports, there is an 84-day gap between board examinations across the country.
For example, the Balochistan Board will conclude exams on May 29, while the Sahiwal Board will continue exams until August 21, raising serious concerns about fairness in preparation time.
Students in Sindh and Punjab are also expected to remain busy with practical exams during July and August, which could further limit their preparation time.
In contrast, students from the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education are reportedly getting up to 90 extra days to prepare compared with students from other boards.
Concerns over student stress and performance
Educationists have warned that conducting the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) immediately after board exams could negatively affect student performance.
Experts estimate that the policy could lead to a 5.8 percent drop in results, mainly due to mental exhaustion and burnout. They noted that nearly 80 percent of medical aspirants already face intense academic pressure.
Calls for a fair testing schedule
Education experts have suggested that the MDCAT should be conducted four to six weeks after the completion of board practical exams.
They also proposed linking the test date with the uniform announcement of board results across the country to ensure equal preparation time for all candidates.
Critics also warned that the policy may fail to curb the so-called academy mafia, as coaching centers could simply shift their activities during the academic session instead of being eliminated.
The debate has intensified concerns over transparency, fairness and equal opportunity in Pakistan’s medical college admission system.
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How poor or middle family student will effect as written in above statement
Another attempt by elitist imbeciles to eliminate any chance of effective participation for people from backwards areas while giving federal board people every chance to prepare better. May rot and disease fall on the persons who are hatching these conspiracies on the poor
UET lahore had already conducted ECAT 2026 session one from 30 march to 3 april 2026.Registrarion for ECAT seesion 2 will begin from 12 april.
Admission will be started in june 2026 on basis of first year marks plus best of marks in ECAT one or TWO.
How much chances do we have that this policy will be implemented from this year or not or whether it will be implemented or not
It should be addressed. How can such a decision be made without taking input from every stakeholder representative.
It should be reviewed immediately.
They should reduce our syllabus or gave max time atleast one and half month for mdcat
It’s not going to improve the education system infact in my opinion it’s just a way to build more pressure on a student who is already suffering because of his inter board exams and practicals