The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has announced the expansion of Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2025 centers across Pakistan, aiming to provide greater convenience to students and reduce the stress of long-distance travel.
New Test Centers in Jacobabad and Islamabad
In a major relief for students from upper Sindh, Jacobabad has officially been added as a new exam center. Until now, candidates from this region were required to travel to Karachi, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Larkana, Shaheed Benazirabad, or Sukkur, often undertaking journeys lasting several hours just to sit the exam.
A female student from Jacobabad described the challenges of last year’s arrangements:
| “It took me nine hours to reach Karachi for the exam. The fatigue, unfamiliar surroundings, and overcrowded spaces made it extremely hard to concentrate.” |
Alongside this, the Sukkur IBA University and the Bolan University of Medical and Health Sciences, Quetta, have been given approval to conduct MDCAT in Islamabad. This will particularly benefit candidates from Sindh and Balochistan who are currently living in the federal capital, saving them from traveling back to their home provinces for the test.
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Registration Deadlines
PMDC confirmed that registration for MDCAT 2025 began on August 8 and ended on August 25, with late registration available until September 1, 2025. The council has urged students to confirm their registration status and center allocation ahead of the exam date to avoid last-minute issues.
Transparency and Governance
The announcement also comes against the backdrop of last year’s controversy when a paper leak forced a retake of MDCAT in Sindh. Sukkur IBA University, which managed the retake, was praised for handling the process transparently and resolving technical difficulties in record time.
Dr. Asif Ahmed Shaikh, Vice Chancellor of Sukkur IBA, emphasized that lessons learned from last year have helped strengthen exam governance and rebuild confidence among students.
Health and Accessibility Dimensions
Education experts believe the expansion of test centers will have significant health and equity benefits. Long journeys ahead of high-stakes exams like MDCAT can contribute to stress, sleep disruption, and reduced concentration—all of which impact performance.
By offering closer exam venues, PMDC is not only addressing logistical concerns but also supporting the mental well-being and physical comfort of students, particularly those from remote or underserved areas.
Public health researchers also note that improving educational accessibility directly contributes to social equity, as more students are given fair opportunities to compete without the added financial or physical burden of travel.
MDCAT’s National Role
The MDCAT, first introduced in 2008, is the standardized entrance exam for admission to medical and dental colleges across Pakistan. Covering Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English, and Logical Reasoning, it remains a critical gateway for aspiring doctors and dentists.
PMDC has also introduced a new digital question bank this year to ensure uniformity, transparency, and fairness across provinces, marking another reform in the council’s efforts to modernize the examination process.
Outlook
The addition of new centers in Jacobabad and Islamabad is being welcomed by students, parents, and educators as a long-awaited reform. With registration of nearly complete and improved systems in place, MDCAT 2025 is expected to be a smoother, more inclusive, and less stressful experience for candidates nationwide.
As Pakistan works to strengthen its medical education system, these reforms reflect PMDC’s commitment to accessibility, transparency, and student welfare, ensuring future healthcare professionals are selected on merit under fairer conditions.
Sources: ProPakistani, The Express Tribune
FAQS
What is the MDCAT 2025 exam?
The Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2025 is a standardized entrance exam conducted by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) for admission into medical and dental colleges across Pakistan. It tests students on Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English, and Logical Reasoning.
Which new MDCAT 2025 test centers have been added?
PMDC has announced new test centers in Jacobabad and Islamabad. These additions are designed to reduce the travel burden for students from upper Sindh, Balochistan, and those residing in the federal capital.
Why did PMDC expand MDCAT test centers in 2025?
The expansion was introduced to address student concerns about long travel times, physical fatigue, and exam-day stress. By offering closer exam venues, PMDC aims to improve accessibility, equity, and overall student well-being.
When is the MDCAT 2025 registration deadline?
Regular registration closed on August 25, 2025, while late registration remains open until September 1, 2025. Students are advised to confirm their registration status before the deadline.
Who will benefit most from the new MDCAT centers?
Students from Jacobabad and surrounding regions, as well as candidates from Sindh and Balochistan living in Islamabad, will benefit the most, as they no longer need to travel long distances to appear for the exam.
