PMDC Expands MDCAT 2025 Test Centers for Students’ Convenience

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has announced the establishment of new examination centres for the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2025, with the aim of making the process more accessible for students from far-flung and underserved areas.

New Test Centres for Sindh and Balochistan

Under the updated plan, students belonging to Sindh and Balochistan will now have the option to appear for the MDCAT in Islamabad, removing the necessity of long-distance travel. In addition, Jacobabad has been introduced as a new centre to accommodate candidates from upper Sindh, who previously had to travel to larger cities such as Karachi, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Larkana, Shaheed Benazirabad, or Sukkur.

The decision follows repeated appeals from both students and parents, who raised concerns about the financial costs and mental stress associated with extensive travel for the exam.

Students Welcome the Move

A female candidate from Jacobabad expressed her relief at the development, noting that this will be her first opportunity to take the test in her hometown. Recalling her previous experience, she said traveling nearly nine hours to Karachi last year was exhausting, stressful, and negatively affected her performance, especially with the overcrowded and unfamiliar arrangements.

New Islamabad Centre for Sindh and Balochistan Candidates

In addition, Sukkur IBA University and Bolan University of Medical and Health Sciences, Quetta, will jointly set up a new test centre in Islamabad. This will particularly benefit candidates from Sindh and Balochistan who are currently living in the federal capital for studies and preparation, as they will no longer need to travel back to their native provinces to appear in the test.

Past Experience and Exam Integrity

Sukkur IBA University Vice Chancellor Dr. Asif Ahmed Shaikh recalled that his institution had efficiently conducted a retake of the MDCAT last year after reports of a paper leak in Sindh. Despite having limited preparation time, the test was organized transparently, and any minor technical issues were swiftly resolved.

Registration Details

Meanwhile, a PMDC spokesperson confirmed that registrations for MDCAT 2025 officially opened on August 8 and will remain active until August 25, 2025. Candidates who miss the deadline will still have the opportunity to apply during the late registration window, which closes on September 1, 2025.