SHC orders retake of MDCAT 2024 exam

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has ordered the retaking of Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2024 within four weeks.

Earlier the SHC had suspended the result of MDCAT 2024 and restrained the authorities from finalising and processing admissions on the basis of the exam result and had adjourned the hearing till today.

A two-judge bench comprising Justice Salahuddin Panhwar and Justice Amjad Ali Sahito announcing its reserved decision on the case the court directed relevant authorities to conduct the exam again within four weeks.

The court stated that a detailed judgment on the MDCAT results case would be issued later. Additionally, the Sindh government was asked to consult with stakeholders to determine feasible actions and devise a comprehensive strategy if the retest proceeds.

In court proceedings, the committee chairperson, Shireen Narejo, presented a report, noting that their inquiry revealed significant flaws in the exam system of Dow University, raising concerns over compromised procedures.

Shireen Narejo highlighted that exam papers and answers had circulated on WhatsApp, suggesting the system was compromised.

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The court expressed frustration with the exam committee, questioning, “Did the committee work, or were they asleep at home?” The court remarked that the responsibility initially lay with PMDC and Dow University, noting the possible involvement of powerful individuals.

PMDC’s counsel informed the court that an ongoing inquiry is examining the alleged paper leak and involvement of external parties.

Justice Salahuddin voiced concerns over potential external influences, questioning PMDC’s control over other institutions.

The bench was hearing a set of petitions filed by various candidates against the MDCAT held on Sept 22 in the province. They asked the court to declare the exam as “null and void” and to issue a directive for respondents to hold the admission test afresh.