PMDC Lowers MDCAT Passing Marks to Fill Vacant Seats

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has announced a reduction in the passing marks for the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) to address the issue of vacant seats in medical and dental institutions across the country. Effective April 8, 2026, the passing percentage for MBBS programs has been lowered from 55% to 52%, and for BDS programs from 50% to 47%, representing a 3% relaxation in criteria. Universities have been directed to complete admissions by April 15, 2026, prioritizing already eligible candidates, with the relaxed criteria only applying if seats remain unfilled. Additionally, PMDC has instructed private medical institutions to reduce fees for deserving students and maintain strict merit and transparency, threatening action against those charging beyond approved limits. This measure aims to ensure full enrollment in medical and dental colleges while maintaining some level of regulatory oversight on private institutions.