In a significant development for medical aspirants, authorities have confirmed the retake of the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2024 for the Islamabad region, scheduled for November 24, 2024.
This decision comes in response to a ruling by the Islamabad High Court (IHC), which declared the previously held MDCAT as invalid due to alleged irregularities.
Over 17,000 candidates who had registered for the original exam will now be required to appear for the retake. Many of these students had expressed concerns over their performance, with some having already traveled abroad before the announcement of the retake.
The court’s decision followed petitions from students highlighting discrepancies in the test, including questions that were not part of the prescribed syllabus.
The Islamabad High Court issued the ruling on October 29, directing that the MDCAT be retaken not only for Islamabad but also for Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir, in his order, noted the complaints of students and emphasized the need for a fair and transparent examination process.
The original MDCAT 2024 was administered by Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University in September 2024, in both Islamabad and AJK. The test holds immense importance as it is a key factor in the admission process for undergraduate medical and dental programs across the country.
Candidates who had appeared for the initial test will now prepare for the retake, hoping for a more equitable examination experience. The decision underscores the significance of ensuring fairness in medical admissions, which remain highly competitive and pivotal for aspiring medical professionals in Pakistan.