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In a move that has sparked concern across Pakistan’s education sector, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has significantly increased the registration fee for the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) over the past two years. From Rs5,000 in 2023 to Rs7,000 in 2024, the fee has now jumped to Rs9,000 for the 2025 session, marking an overall 80% increase.
For thousands of students and their families, already burdened by the rising cost of education, the latest fee hike has added financial pressure at a time when affordability is becoming an increasingly urgent issue.
Projected Revenue Reaches Rs2.96 Billion
According to official data from 2024, 32,977 candidates appeared in the MDCAT across Pakistan. If a similar number registers for the 2025 session, PMDC stands to generate nearly Rs2.96 billion in revenue from registration fees alone. The scale of this revenue has raised questions about transparency, justification, and reinvestment in medical education infrastructure.
Despite growing criticism, PMDC has defended the fee structure by citing administrative costs and efforts to standardize testing across provinces and abroad.
MDCAT 2025: Date, Test Conducting Bodies, and Structure
The MDCAT 2025 is scheduled to take place on Sunday, October 5, 2025, and will be conducted simultaneously in Pakistan and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The responsibility for conducting the test is shared among five universities, each covering different regions:
Universities Conducting the Exam:
- Punjab: University of Health Sciences (UHS), Lahore
- Sindh: Sukkur IBA University
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Khyber Medical University (KMU), Peshawar
- Balochistan: Bolan Medical University, Quetta
- Federal Areas, AJK, GB & Overseas Candidates (Riyadh): Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU), Islamabad
This decentralized approach aims to ensure transparency and manage logistical challenges more efficiently across regions.
Registration Schedule and Revised Fee Structure
PMDC has officially announced the registration timeline for MDCAT 2025:
Registration Period:
- Opening Date: August 8, 2025
- Closing Date: August 25, 2025
- Late Registration Deadline: September 1, 2025
Registration Fees:
- Within Pakistan:
- Regular Fee: Rs9,000
- Late Fee: Rs13,000
- International Centres (Riyadh):
- Regular Fee: Rs45,000
- Late Fee: Rs55,000
Note: All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, making it imperative for students to ensure they meet the application deadlines.
Pakistan Nears Completion of Its First Space Regulatory Framework
Test Centres and Candidate Guidelines
The test will be held in major cities across Pakistan and one international centre:
Domestic Test Centres:
- Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta
- Multan, Faisalabad, Sukkur, Hyderabad
- Swat, Abbottabad, Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Rawalakot, Gilgit
International Centre:
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Candidates must select their test centre based on domicile, and changes will not be permitted after submission. This policy aims to reduce fraudulent registrations and overcrowding at specific locations.
Exam Format and Syllabus Details
The MDCAT 2025 will be conducted in English and will consist of 180 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The test will span five subject areas:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- English
- Logical Reasoning
There will be no negative marking, and questions will be distributed based on difficulty level:
- 15% Easy
- 70% Moderate
- 15% Difficult
This format aligns with international testing standards and aims to fairly assess the candidate’s knowledge and critical thinking ability.
Public and Student Reactions to Fee Hike
The fee hike has drawn criticism from students, parents, and education activists, who argue that the increase is unjustified given the lack of substantial upgrades to testing infrastructure or services. Many families, especially from remote and underprivileged regions, have expressed concerns over affordability.
Some social media users and student unions have called for PMDC to reconsider the pricing, especially in a country where inflation and unemployment remain high.
“Becoming a doctor in Pakistan is already tough, mentally and financially. This kind of fee hike discourages middle-class families from even trying,” said a pre-medical student from Swat.
