PMDC plans e-assessment for MDCAT starting next year

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) is considering developing an e-assessment system from next year for the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT).

A seven-member Reform Committee, comprising representatives from all provinces, recently held its first meeting in Islamabad to discuss transparency, syllabus uniformity, and the use of technology in the examination process.

PMDC President, Prof Dr Rizwan Taj, emphasised the need for fair practices, addressing misconduct concerns from the recent MDCAT exam. 

He announced plans to finalise an Action Plan for reforms by December 2024. The council aims to combat tuition mafias by scheduling exams immediately after intermediate tests.

Three sub-committees have been formed to focus on syllabus development, secure e-assessment systems, and comprehensive policy creation. 

The committees are tasked with enhancing the quality of the exam by including questions that assess critical thinking and ethical understanding.

With the Sindh and Islamabad courts ordering MDCAT retakes due to malpractice allegations, the PMDC is committed to ensuring transparency and fairness in future exams. Sub-committee reports are expected by December.