COMPUTER-BASED MEDICAL AND DENTAL COLLEGE ADMISSION TEST (MDCAT) IN PAKISTAN: A REFORM OR COMMOTION?

In Pakistan, there used to be a separate system of examinations in each province get admission Bachelor Medicine, Surgery (MBBS) and Dental (BDS).It was very efficient, transparent, reliable authentic unless it decided hand-over the task conducting exam private company called TEPS. 2019, upon dissolution Pakistan medical dental council (PMDC) replacing with commission (PMC), unanimously conduct centralized examination across country provide level-playing field by hiring “TEPS”. Well, made sense that this decision best interest students according PMC way forward standardization. However, assigning such major not only put reliability at risk but also raised queries against its integrity. TEPS an body given crucial task. Later on, 2021, taken on tablets computers so many faulty techniques errors, which concerns amongst students. This action student’s future stake turned out disaster causing more harm than good. Initially, unacceptable pre-medical because they weren’t aware new pattern prepared for it. Also, COVID-19 hit hard 2020 since then resulted loss precious time studies The were satisfied whole process, somehow conducted. According president PMC, total 194,133 appeared Medical College Admission Test (MDCAT) from 30th August 2nd October 2021. Out all, 68,680 succeeded exam, making outcome 35.4 per cent pass percentage.1 reiterated kept vouching authenticity transparency exam. On other hand, assailed after students, conducted multiple days, few being most challenging others respect difficulty level. Ironically, during provided good internet facility; thus, cases, unable answer skipped questions even some them able finish time.2 Questions regarding critical technical issues construction choice (MCQs) without any item analysis or difficulty/discriminatory index experts. credibility MDCAT results further jeopardize declaration full errors blunders.3,4 Apart this, launched question bank preparation prior readily available everyone costly Students complained about hacking website as getting access practice test days. contract examinations, later declared violation rules Public Procurement Regulatory Authority.5 Moreover, evaluation through third party revision eyebrows. It gave impression firm assigned quality MCQS their questionable. PMC’s officials denied all grievances reassuring local network, irrespective need connectivity. Similarly, reported course faced lot answering them. Furthermore, added syllabus already shared reviewed subjects’ specialists.6 have own excuses responds arguments, is obvious gap lack communication between It’s call urgent attention concerned take notice newly imposed revisit better improvements. completely unfair oblivious issue. Nevertheless, has caused damage are terrible dilemma reluctant pursue career future.