ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) is considering an e-assessment system for the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) starting next year.
The plan aims to make the exam more efficient and transparent while avoiding fully internet-based tests.
The new system will use center-based exams, with Higher Education Commission (HEC) internet portals ensuring security.
PMDC committee focuses on fairness
A seven-member MDCAT Reform Committee has begun work on improving the examination process. The team, with representatives from all provinces, is tackling issues like test errors, malpractice, and syllabus inconsistencies.
The committee is also exploring IT-based solutions, a uniform syllabus, and whether the test should be centralised or managed by universities.
Read More: Dyson Airwrap, other products latest price in Pakistan
Key proposals
- E-Assessment: The committee supports moving to an electronic system to modernize the exam. This would focus on critical thinking and ethics.
- Unified Syllabus: A single syllabus is under discussion to address regional disparities.
- Scheduling: MDCAT will be held right after intermediate exams to reduce tuition mafia influence.
Statistics from the 2024 MDCAT revealed that 167,772 candidates, including those from Dubai and Saudi Arabia, registered for the test.
Courts in Sindh and Islamabad have ordered test retakes due to malpractice and out-of-syllabus questions. PMDC President Prof Dr Rizwan Taj said the council is committed to restoring trust in the examination process.
Sub-committees in action
Three sub-committees have been formed:
- Syllabus Committee: Drafting a unified syllabus and building a question bank.
- E-Assessment Project: Developing technical plans and budgets for the e-assessment system.
- Policy Committee: Creating a national examination policy.
The PMDC plans to finalise reforms by December 2024, with sub-committees submitting their drafts by year-end.
