Security measures in place for re-conduct of MDCAT exam tomorrow

PESHAWAR: In a move aimed at ensuring fairness and security, the Khyber Medical University (KMU) is set to re-conduct the Medical and Dental Centralised Admission Test (MDCAT) tomorrow (November 26), in compliance with the directives of the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Peshawar High Court.

The MDCAT is a critical step for aspiring students seeking admission to medical and dental colleges in the province.

A total of 46,220 registered candidates will participate in the test, which will be held at seven districts of the province; DI Khan, Kohat, Peshawar, Mardan, Dir Lower, Swat, and Abbottabad. It is worth noting that 219 candidates who were involved in cheating during the last test have been blacklisted.

MDCAT Roll number slips have been dispatched to the aspiring students by the KMU. The test will start at 10:00 am and end at1:30pm. Students are not allowed to bring with them clipboards, water, juices, pen and pencils, according to the district administration spokesperson.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Department of Interior has meticulously outlined a comprehensive traffic and security plan to streamline the flow of candidates and avoid any disruptions on MDCAT exam day.

Key measures include the closure of Coffee Shop Road in Peshawar for traffic, and a ban on vehicle parking within a 200-meter radius of the test center.

To uphold the integrity of the examination process, the Home Ministry sources reveal that the Peshawar Police will oversee the printing of exam papers and supervise other critical operations. The Khyber Medical University will announce a dedicated team of exam staff, with police and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) ensuring the secure transport of all exam materials.

Security at testing centers will be paramount, featuring walk-through gates and the presence of female police officers. To maintain an environment free from external influences, cellular service around all test centers will be temporarily disabled during the exam hours.

KP govt to set up committee to implement MDCAT test action plan

In an effort to uphold the credibility of the examination process, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa department secretaries and administrative officers will focus solely on security responsibilities. Closed-circuit television cameras will be strategically placed at each official testing facility for monitoring.

To prevent any external communication that could compromise the examination’s integrity, the Home Office has imposed a total ban on cell phone use for all employees and students on duty. In case of emergencies, the Health Department staff is on standby 24/7 to address any urgent matters.