ISLAMABAD: The MDCAT Reform Committee set up by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) has formed three sub-committees to streamline reforms for the Medical and Dental College Entrance Test (MDCAT).
These sub-committees, constituted during the inaugural meeting held at the PM&DC office on Wednesday, were tasked with drafting an agreed syllabus, proposing an e-assessment system and a policy guide to improve the examination process and restore public confidence. The task of making the lines has been assigned.
The MDCAT Syllabus Committee, consisting of four members, will develop a unified syllabus that is aligned with local and foreign education boards. It will also prepare a table of specifications for the examination and outline a plan for a sustainable question bank.
The e-Assessment Project Committee, consisting of three members, has been tasked with creating a secure question bank portal and recommending an e-Assessment plan including technical details and cost estimates.
Finally, the two-member MDCAT Policy Document Committee will work out a comprehensive policy for smooth implementation of the national examination.
These sub-committees were directed to submit their drafts by December after which the action plan would be reviewed.
The chairman of the reform committee stressed the importance of coming up with solutions that ensure transparency and credibility in the examination system.
During the meeting, PM&DC President Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj reiterated the council’s commitment to address the challenges facing MDCAT, including concerns over the recent controversies.
“We are deeply concerned about the maladministration that has tainted the system in this national exercise. The reform committee has been tasked with establishing a robust system that restores public confidence,” he said.
Committee Chairman Prof. Dr. Sohail Amin highlighted the legal framework guiding the examination under the PM&DC Act 2022 and emphasized the need for a unified syllabus and hi-tech examination system. He pointed out the need to increase knowledge level assessments and include critical thinking and ethical domains in the exam in line with global standards.
A detailed briefing was given on the performance of MDCAT 2024 with the committee. A total of 167,772 candidates registered for the exam across Pakistan and at international locations in Dubai and Saudi Arabia.
The committee was apprised of the challenges faced in examining universities, including errors in results and the need for re-testing for some institutions under the Sindh and federal governments.
Committee members emphasized the importance of e-assessment systems to ensure accuracy and security, noting that such a system can be effectively implemented without relying on Internet-based solutions.
The IBCC Chairman presented a comprehensive “Examination Bible” for Grades 9-12, outlining the methodology for question bank development and examination protocol, which could serve as a basis for MDCAT reforms.
The committee recognized flaws in the current system, particularly the accuracy of test score predictions and inconsistencies in difficulty levels across provinces.
It was highlighted that many entrance tests are used globally to assess the potential of candidates to become future health professionals. Assesses higher cognitive abilities.
Dr. Taj further noted the importance of affirming the dedication of PM&DC to address public concerns and ensure fairness in MDCAT. We must prevent such incidents and take comprehensive measures to ensure long-term stability and accountability, he said.
In his closing remarks, the Chairman thanked the members of the Committee for their valuable feedback, and reiterated the need for immediate submission of workable drafts to move the reform process forward.