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Karachi (Education Desk) – Women continued their dominance in medical education this year as female candidates overwhelmingly outnumbered males in the Medical and Dental Colleges Admission Test (MDCAT 2025). Statistics revealed that three times more girls than boys appeared from Karachi, reaffirming a trend that has shaped Pakistan’s medical profession for over a decade.
According to official data, 10,296 candidates appeared from Karachi, including 7,767 females and 2,529 males. Education experts said this surge reflects both the growing academic excellence of young women and their stronger interest in healthcare careers, noting that girls consistently outperform boys in intermediate science results.
Countrywide Numbers and Sindh Breakdown
Nationwide, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) reported that 140,125 candidates sat for the MDCAT 2025, competing for just 22,000 seats in public and private medical and dental colleges.
In Sindh, 32,917 candidates registered — with 22,098 females and 10,819 males. Karachi alone contributed a large portion of that number. At NED University, 4,003 girls and 1,197 boys appeared, while Dow University’s Ojha Campus hosted 3,764 girls and 1,332 boys.
Chaos at Karachi Exam Centres
Despite tight security and modern surveillance, the examination day in Karachi was marred by chaos and mismanagement. Only two centres — Dow University’s Ojha Campus and NED University — were allocated for the entire metropolitan city, a decision widely criticised by parents and students.
Candidates were instructed to report at 6:30am, but the paper did not begin until 10am. Thousands stood for hours under the open sky, facing exhaustion, dehydration, and growing frustration. “We left home before dawn but waited for hours just to enter,” said a student from Gulshan-e-Hadeed.
Parents described the arrangements as disorganised and distressing, particularly due to traffic congestion caused by the ongoing BRT project near NED University. Many called for temporary traffic closures or alternate routes during such large-scale national exams.
Health Concerns and Emergency Assistance
Health authorities set up medical camps at both venues to assist students facing stress, fatigue, or low blood pressure. According to District Health Officer Dr Abeera, 147 students — mostly girls — received treatment for headaches, nausea, and weakness.
Health Secretary Rehan Baloch visited both centres to inspect arrangements, but the overall execution drew heavy criticism. Only one entry gate was opened at Dow’s Ojha Campus, leading to severe crowding and confusion, especially among families unfamiliar with the site.
Students from distant areas — including Lyari, Keamari, Landhi, and Korangi — also complained of high transport costs and excessive travel times. “We paid Rs9,000 for the exam but were made to wait for hours,” said Fizza, a repeat candidate from Korangi.
At NED University, ongoing construction and the lack of pedestrian bridges made access difficult and dangerous. “Students were seen walking through construction sheds just to reach the centre,” said another parent.
Security, Question Paper, and Testing Details
Despite logistical failures, exam security remained strict. The Sukkur IBA Testing Service supervised the process with biometric verification, metal detectors, and CCTV surveillance.
Question papers were distributed under a five-step security protocol, with transport vehicles equipped with cameras to prevent leaks. The paper contained 15% easy, 70% moderate, and 15% difficult questions. There was no negative marking, and candidates were permitted to take question papers home after completion.
Authorities also banned mobile phones, smartwatches, and electronic devices, while police, traffic wardens, and rescue teams were deployed outside both centres. Yet, despite these measures, crowd management and communication remained poor.
Mixed Reactions from Students
Students described the exam as fair but physically draining. Many said the paper was well-balanced, though some found chemistry questions challenging. The intense heat inside packed halls added to their difficulty.
“The paper was fine overall, but the delay and waiting outside drained our energy before it even started,” said a student from Malir.
Results and Transparency Measures
The PMDC announced that MDCAT 2025 results will be released within a week, with a rechecking facility available for three days after result publication. A detailed analytical report will follow within ten days.
The council also clarified that it will not oversee admissions, which will instead be managed by provincial universities and authorities, ensuring that the entire process remains transparent and merit-based.
A Test of Patience and Performance
While MDCAT 2025 reaffirmed the academic strength and determination of Pakistan’s young women, it also exposed serious administrative flaws in Karachi’s exam planning. As candidates await results, parents and experts alike are calling for better logistical planning, more centres, and improved crowd control in future examinations — so that the journey to becoming a doctor tests intellect, not endurance.
