ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has directed all universities to conduct a pre-hoc analysis ahead of the Medical and Dental Colleges Admission Test (MDCAT) scheduled for October 26 (Sunday).
According to the PMDC, 140,125 candidates from across the country have registered for this year’s test.
A pre-hoc analysis is an evaluation of exam questions before the test to ensure their accuracy and to identify any possible errors. A similar process, called post-hoc analysis, is conducted after the exam.
The PMDC instructed universities to issue admit cards or roll number slips at least seven days before the test so that candidates have enough time for preparation and verification.
PMDC Calls for Strict Quality Control
The PMDC emphasized that the question papers must fully match the approved syllabus and be free from errors or out-of-syllabus questions. It directed universities to carry out the development, pre-hoc analysis, and printing of MDCAT papers with the highest level of secrecy and accuracy.
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All question papers will remain confidential and will only be opened in the presence of official witnesses to maintain transparency.
Each year, controversies have arisen after the MDCAT regarding out-of-course questions or incorrect multiple-choice options. On several occasions, universities and the PMDC have acknowledged such issues, resulting in grace marks being awarded to affected candidates.
Test to Be Held at 35 Centres Nationwide
This year’s MDCAT will be conducted simultaneously at 35 venues across Pakistan, including one international centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The test will be organized by various universities:
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University of Health Sciences (UHS), Lahore
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Sukkur IBA University
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Khyber Medical University (KMU), Peshawar
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Bolan University of Medical and Health Sciences, Quetta
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Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU), Islamabad
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PMDC to Oversee Standards
A PMDC spokesperson clarified that the MDCAT will be conducted by universities nominated by federal and provincial authorities, not directly by PMDC. However, the council, as the regulator, has provided the exam policy, structure, and a uniform national item bank to ensure consistency.
“All universities conducting the exam must strictly follow PMDC standards in paper setting, development, and printing,” the spokesperson said.
He added that the universities are responsible for making all necessary arrangements for the large number of candidates and for aligning the test content with the PMDC curriculum and learning objectives.
“The universities will also prepare and officially announce the MDCAT results within seven days of the examination to ensure transparency and timely communication with candidates,” the spokesperson added.
