The Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2024 retake in Sindh is scheduled for December 8, a Sunday. The Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Sukkur will oversee the process to ensure transparency and efficiency.
According to Pak Observer’s sources, preparations for the retake are complete, with designated centers established across the province. Karachi will host three test centers, while other locations include Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Sukkur, Larkana, and Nawabshah.
The decision for the retake was prompted by the Sindh High Court’s (SHC) directive on October 26, which annulled the original test due to irregularities. The SHC’s written order highlighted the findings of an investigative committee, which acknowledged flaws in the testing system, rendering it compromised. This revelation necessitated a retest to uphold fairness and meritocracy in the admissions process.
In its judgment, the Sindh High Court emphasized that a retake was the only viable solution. It noted that the Sindh government, Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), and Dow University representatives agreed to the retest during the proceedings. The SHC instructed the provincial government, along with the secretary of health and the secretary of universities, to organize the test within a month under PMDC guidelines.
The previous MDCAT, conducted by Dow University, faced criticism for its compromised administration. On September 30, the university released statistics revealing that 22,366 candidates across Sindh had passed the test, achieving a pass rate of 58.79%. Despite this, concerns regarding fairness and integrity cast doubt on the legitimacy of the results, leading to legal challenges and subsequent court intervention.
The upcoming MDCAT retake aims to restore trust in the admission process and ensure that merit prevails. With IBA Sukkur handling the logistics and oversight, candidates and stakeholders alike hope for a smooth and impartial examination. The government and judiciary’s proactive approach reflects their commitment to maintaining high standards in medical and dental education.
