PMDC chief orders probe into out-of-syllabus questions in MDCAT

ISLAMABAD (APP): TPakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) President Dr Rizwan Taj chaired a post-examination analysis meeting for the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2023 on Friday.

The purpose of the meeting was to evaluate the examination process, address result compilation challenges, and assess the difficulty index.

The meeting commenced with a thorough review of individual exam questions, the difficulty index, and any questions that candidates found ambiguous or confusing. Feedback and concerns raised by candidates during the examination were also taken into consideration.

During the meeting, it came to light that the MDCAT exam had included a few out-of-syllabus questions in certain provinces.

Dr Rizwan Taj instructed the vice-chancellors of all public universities to reevaluate their question papers and identify any discrepancies that could be rectified promptly. He emphasized that the universities responsible for conducting the exam should take decisive actions and conduct inquiries against those involved in any unfair examination practices, provided there is substantial evidence. Dr Taj stressed the need for transparency and the swift resolution of all examination-related issues.

He underscored the significance of the meeting in assessing the effectiveness of the exam and making necessary improvements. During the meeting, Dr. Taj expressed his concerns and sought clarification regarding media reports regarding the MDCAT paper and its authenticity.

The Vice-Chancellor of Khyber Medical University reported that a total of 46,439 students were registered for the exam, with 45,640 candidates actually appearing for it.

Additionally, 799 candidates were absent from the exam. He disclosed that 219 students were caught red-handed using unfair means during the exam, and legal actions have been initiated against them.

Furthermore, he explained that they had received prior intelligence reports about the possibility of cheating devices being used.

Consequently, thorough security measures, including four-layered security checks and body searches, were implemented at all examination centers. The university clarified that some videos circulating on social media are four to five years old, as no outdoor exams were conducted by Khyber Medical University.

The Vice-Chancellor of Jinnah Sindh Medical University informed the meeting that a total of 40,528 candidates were registered from Sindh province, with 98% of candidates appearing in the exam at four cities. To maintain secrecy, they had engaged TCS to transport the confidential examination materials to the venues.

He revealed that three cases of impersonation had been identified, and FIRs had been filed against the individuals involved. He also mentioned that, after four hours of releasing the answer key, they received pictures and complaints about paper leakage.

Consequently, a five-member inquiry committee, including officials from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and cybercrime units, has been established to investigate the complaints. The committee is expected to submit its report within 48 hours, and the announcement of results will be delayed until the inquiry concludes.

A representative of the Vice-Chancellor of Bolan University of Medical and Health Sciences reported that 9,234 students were registered, with 97% of candidates appearing for the exam. No issues or complaints were observed or received during the exam. The provincial minister, serving judges, lawyers, and other officials were invited to monitor the exam.

He noted that students expressed satisfaction with the exam and the related arrangements.

PHC halts MDCAT results till further order

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Health Sciences stated that the MDCAT exam was conducted successfully without any issues in 11 different cities and 29 centres in the province. A total of 66,725 candidates were registered, of which 65,226 appeared for the exam.

After the exam, experts were invited to analyze the paper to ensure it adhered to PMDC guidelines. Following the review, it was discovered that five questions needed to be deleted, and full credit would be given to all students. Dr Taj commended all the Vice-Chancellors of provincial universities for their extraordinary efforts in conducting a smooth and transparent exam. He thanked the participants for their contributions and reaffirmed the commitment to maintaining the integrity and quality of the exam.

It was decided that all universities would release their results through their official websites as soon as possible, with links also available on the PMDC website. Jinnah Sindh University would announce its results after the inquiry’s conclusion.

Several arrested for leaking MDCAT paper

Subsequently, Caretaker Federal Minister for National Health Services Regulations and Coordination, Dr. Nadeem Jan, convened a meeting with provincial health ministers and the President of PMDC. Dr Jan expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the MDCAT examination and urged that all complaints be taken seriously.

He recommended implementing a transparent and fair mechanism for future MDCAT exams using technology while upholding merit. Approximately 187,000 students participated in the MDCAT exam, held in both national and foreign venues.

The meeting was attended by Vice-Chancellors of all provincial universities responsible for conducting the exam, including the University of Health Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, Balochistan University of Medical and Health Sciences, and the PMDC Examination Department.