Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU) has announced that the Medical and Dental Colleges Admission Test (MDCAT) will be retaken on December 30, 2024. This decision comes in compliance with a recent directive issued by the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
Fee Details and Registration Process
Candidates who appeared in the earlier MDCAT held in September will need to pay a reduced fee for the retake. Local candidates are required to deposit Rs6,000 for national test centers, while candidates opting for international centers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia will pay Rs40,000.
SZABMU has opened the registration portal on its official website (www.szabmu.edu.pk), allowing candidates to complete their payments and register until midnight on December 24, 2024.
A Call for Fair Testing Standards
Students have urged the university to maintain a uniform difficulty level for the retake exam across all provinces. Some candidates expressed concerns, fearing that the retake might be disproportionately challenging as a form of retribution for legal disputes involving the university.
One student remarked, “We hope SZABMU designs the test at a similar difficulty level to the MDCAT conducted by the University of Health Sciences (UHS) earlier this year.”
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Background of the Retake Decision
The retake was ordered due to numerous complaints regarding the MDCAT conducted on September 22, 2024. The Islamabad High Court intervened after candidates raised issues about test administration and fairness.
In response to the court’s decision, SZABMU initially proposed grace marks as an alternative to retaking the exam. However, after a legal challenge, the university was directed to organize the retake within two weeks.
Multiple Delays in Scheduling
The retake has faced repeated postponements. Initially planned for November 24, 2024, the exam was rescheduled twice, first to December 14 and then to December 22, before the final date of December 30 was announced.
Advice for Candidates
Candidates are encouraged to monitor the SZABMU website regularly for updates. As the retake approaches, students are preparing for another chance to secure their medical and dental college admissions.
The upcoming MDCAT retake represents an opportunity for fairness and transparency, ensuring that all candidates have an equal shot at pursuing their dreams in medicine and dentistry.
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