Doubt About Fairness in MDCAT Test as Over 160000 Appear in Test
On Sunday, over 160,000 students across Pakistan appeared for the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) amidst serious concerns about mismanagement, cheating, and malpractice.
The test, essential for entry into medical and dental programs, faced allegations of leaked exam papers and the use of cheating devices, raising doubts about the test’s fairness.
Cheating Incidents in Islamabad and Quetta
In Islamabad, the administration took action by conducting visits to multiple test centers. Despite efforts to enforce strict rules, including Section 144, which prohibits gatherings, several people were found standing near the centers, possibly involved in malpractice. Devices were recovered from 11 candidates, leading to arrests for cheating.
Also Read: HEC Offers Fully-Funded Scholarships for Gilgit-Baltistan Students
Similarly, in Quetta, police arrested over 50 candidates involved in using mobile devices and other tools to cheat in the exam. Students were even found facilitating others, which further complicated the situation. These incidents have sparked concerns about the credibility of the test results.
Outsourcing of MDCAT Exam Raises Concerns
Another issue that came to light was the outsourcing of the MDCAT exam by universities. Sources from the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) stated that outsourcing responsibilities to other educational institutions could be part of the reason for the mismanagement. The fee charged by PMDC was Rs. 8,000, but additional charges were levied by universities, which added confusion.
Some students expressed frustration over the difference in test quality between different universities. For example, students who appeared for the MDCAT under NUMS (National University of Medical Sciences) reported a higher quality experience compared to those who took the test under PMDC, adding to the sense of unfairness.
With arrests and cheating reports surfacing across Pakistan, the credibility of the MDCAT exam remains in question. Stakeholders, including students and parents, are calling for a thorough investigation to ensure a fair system is in place.
