Sindh MDCAT Passing Marks Reduced for MBBS and BDS Admissions
Sindh MDCAT Marks Cut has brought major relief for medical students across the province. The Sindh government reduced passing marks from 65% to 50% for MBBS. It also lowered the requirement to 40% for BDS admissions.
Officials made this decision after growing concerns about the MDCAT process. As a result, thousands of students may now qualify for admission.
Sindh Government Plans New Admission Policy
Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho chaired an important meeting on Monday. She criticized the Pakistan Medical Commission for creating problems for students and professionals. However, she said Sindh would hold its own entrance exam next year if issues remain unresolved.
The minister also warned about forming a Sindh Medical and Dental Council through new legislation. Therefore, the province may set its own admission standards in the future.
Dr Pechuho instructed SMBBMU Larkana to create an online portal for student data. The university will collect details of candidates scoring at least 50% for MBBS and 40% for BDS. In addition, Sindh will draft an admission policy based on seats, domicile, and district needs. She also stressed that rural students deserve fair opportunities in medical education.
Students Protest Fees and Vacant Seats Issue
The Pakistan Medical Association raised strong objections after the MDCAT results. It said students must pay Rs5,030 for each review request, despite already paying Rs6,000 exam fees. As a result, many families may not afford the review process.
The PMA also criticized the requirement to travel to Islamabad for applications. Moreover, the association said this creates extra hardship, especially for female students from remote areas.
Sindh has 5,490 total medical and dental seats. Out of 68,680 students, only 7,797 passed under the 65% benchmark. Meanwhile, protests erupted nationwide over alleged mismanagement and malpractice.
SMBBMU also urged the PMDC to relax criteria further. The registrar reported around 350 MBBS seats stayed vacant in private colleges. Therefore, the university recommended reducing MBBS passing marks to 45% and BDS to 40%.
Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Nusrat Shah confirmed sending the proposal, but PMDC has not responded yet.
