Major Changes Proposed in MDCAT Model by PMDC

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) is exploring the introduction of an e-assessment system for the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) starting next year.

This initiative aims to enhance efficiency and transparency while avoiding internet-based assessments. Instead, a center-based examination will be conducted, leveraging Higher Education Commission (HEC) internet portals to ensure robust security.

A recently formed seven-member MDCAT Reform Committee held its inaugural meeting to outline plans for a more transparent and error-free test process. Comprising members from all provinces, the committee is tasked with addressing existing challenges, introducing IT-based solutions, ensuring a uniform syllabus, and considering a centralized or university-specific test format.

Key Highlights from the Meeting:

• E-Assessment System: The committee emphasized the feasibility of adopting an e-assessment mechanism, noting that it would modernize the examination process while testing candidates’ higher-order cognitive abilities, critical thinking, and ethical understanding.
• Unified Syllabus: A consistent syllabus will be proposed to streamline the examination process and reduce disparities.
• MDCAT Timing: The test will be scheduled immediately after intermediate exams to counter the influence of tuition mafias.
• Performance Review: Statistics from the 2024 MDCAT were presented, including performance details of various universities and data on the 167,772 registered candidates, including those in Dubai and Saudi Arabia.

Addressing Malpractices:

The Sindh High Court and Islamabad High Court have ordered retakes for MDCAT in Sindh and Islamabad due to allegations of malpractice and out-of-syllabus questions. PMDC President Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj emphasized the council’s commitment to fair and transparent examinations, acknowledging the damage caused by misconduct in the recent test.

Formation of Sub-Committees:

To streamline the reform process, three sub-committees have been established:

• MDCAT Syllabus Committee: Tasked with drafting a unified syllabus, creating a Table of Specifications, and developing a sustainable question bank.
• E-Assessment Project Committee: Responsible for proposing a secure e-assessment system, including technical specifications and cost estimates.
• MDCAT Policy Document Committee: Charged with developing a comprehensive policy framework for the national examination.

Additional Developments:

The Inter-Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC) announced the completion of the “Examination Bible,” a nationwide guide for grades 9-12 exam procedures. It also endorsed e-assessments for MDCAT, highlighting the success of MCQ-based digital exams and the adoption of grading systems in board exams.

Action Plan:

The PMDC has committed to presenting an action plan for MDCAT reforms by December 2024. Sub-committees are required to submit their drafts by the end of December, with the next review meeting scheduled soon after.

Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj reiterated the council’s dedication to addressing systemic issues and restoring trust in the examination process, ensuring fairness and transparency for all candidates.

News Courtesy:Pro Pakistani