ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has postponed the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2026, announcing that the nationwide examination will now be held on September 20 instead of the previously scheduled date of August 16.
The decision was taken following directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who instructed the relevant authorities to ensure the examination is conducted in a more transparent, fair and well-organised manner.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the PMDC clarified that only the examination date has been revised, while all existing arrangements, eligibility criteria and examination procedures will remain unchanged.
The council advised students to regularly visit the PMDC website for the latest updates and official announcements regarding the examination.
Mandatory MDCAT for students studying abroad
Earlier this year, the PMDC introduced a new requirement making it compulsory for Pakistani students planning to pursue medical or dental education abroad to qualify for the MDCAT and obtain PMDC registration before leaving the country.
The decision was made during a high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, which reviewed reforms aimed at strengthening the regulatory framework for medical and dental education in Pakistan.
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According to the PMDC, the Sub-Committee on Accreditation of Medical and Dental Colleges and Postgraduate (PG) Qualifications unanimously resolved that all students seeking admission to foreign medical and dental institutions must first pass the MDCAT examination and secure PMDC registration.
The council said the move is intended to prevent future issues related to the recognition of foreign qualifications, licensing and professional registration in Pakistan.
Previous rescheduling
The PMDC had also rescheduled the MDCAT examination last year due to widespread flooding across the country, which affected examination arrangements.
