Proposal to Lower MDCAT Passing Marks Rejected

The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination has unanimously rejected any proposal to lower the MDCAT passing marks and backed the current admission criteria for medical and dental colleges.

The committee, chaired by Dr Mahesh Kumar Mallani, reviewed preparations for MDCAT 2026, medical education reforms, and pharmacy sector issues. Officials said the test will take place on August 16, 2026.

To improve transparency, authorities have expanded the question bank from 6,000 to 8,000 questions. Each province will also receive three separate question papers, and one will be selected for the exam.

The committee was informed that admissions will be based on 10% matric marks, 40% intermediate marks, and 50% MDCAT score. The paper will include 45% Biology, 25% Chemistry, 20% Physics, 5% English, and 5% Logical Reasoning.

Officials said about 135,000 students have registered so far. The exam will feature 180 multiple-choice questions, no negative marking, and a three-hour duration. The minimum qualifying marks will remain 55% for MBBS and 50% for BDS.

The committee also capped annual tuition fees for private medical colleges between Rs1.8 million and Rs2.5 million and asked colleges to justify their fee structures. It further directed the Pharmacy Council to revise its 1967 rules to address current challenges in the profession.