The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council has announced a significant 33% increase in the fees for the Medical and Dental College Admission Test, which is required for admission into MBBS and BDS programs. The test fee has risen from Rs6,000 to Rs8,000, a move expected to impact thousands of aspiring medical and dental students.
This year, more than 200,000 candidates from across Pakistan are anticipated to take the MDCAT. With the new fee structure, the PMDC is projected to collect over Rs1.6 billion from these registrations. For international students, who also need to take the test, the registration fee has been set at Rs40,000.
The registration process for the MDCAT begins today, with the examination scheduled to be held on September 22. The test will be administered not only across Pakistan but also in designated locations in Saudi Arabia and the UAE to accommodate students residing abroad.
The increase in fees has elicited a range of reactions from students and their families. Many have voiced concerns about the additional financial strain this will place on individuals pursuing medical and dental education, which is already known for its high costs. Critics argue that the hike could deter qualified candidates from applying or exacerbate financial hardships for those already struggling with educational expenses.
Despite these concerns, PMDC officials maintain that the fee adjustment is essential. They argue that the increased fees are necessary to cover the rising costs associated with administering the MDCAT. This includes expenses related to the logistics of the test, ensuring its quality, and maintaining its integrity. The PMDC is committed to managing these costs to uphold the standards of the examination and the overall educational process for future healthcare professionals.
Overall, while the fee increase has sparked debate, the PMDC asserts that it is a necessary step to sustain the quality and efficacy of the admission process for medical and dental programs in Pakistan.
