The Sindh High Court has ordered that the MDCAT (Medical and Dental College Admission Test) be conducted again within four weeks for admissions to public medical and dental colleges and universities.

The hearing was held in the Sindh High Court regarding petitions filed against alleged irregularities in the MDCAT. During the session, the court questioned the committee’s actions, stating it had ordered the formation of the committee in the previous hearing and inquiring if any progress had been made.

Committee Chairperson Shireen Narejo presented the report, and the court pointed out that the primary responsibility rested with the PMDC and Dow University. The court remarked that, if no irregularities were found, the petitioners’ concerns would be considered, noting that testing agencies often place undue burden on universities.

Shireen Narejo stated that the committee had reviewed Dow University’s examination system and examined statements and evidence from the petitioners. Some students had expressed that the exam should not be retaken, and their statements were also considered. The committee found flaws in the examination system, with multiple instances where the system was compromised, involving around 40-42 individuals responsible for the exam process.

The court inquired if the mechanism had been compromised, questioning if there had been a leak, to which Shireen Narejo confirmed that answers and various questions had appeared on WhatsApp.

The court then asked about the role of the FIA, to which FIA officials responded that they were conducting forensic analysis of the phones of those involved, recovering deleted messages, and gathering physical evidence. The court also questioned the ongoing investigation at Jinnah Sindh Medical University, which the FIA said would conclude soon.

Justice Salahuddin Panhwar stressed the importance of fair opportunity for all students, stating that while the FIA and government are responsible for the investigation, it is crucial to ensure that no one is deprived of their rightful chance.

A committee member suggested that due to inefficiencies within the university, there was a high chance of system compromise. The court questioned whether Dow University was capable of conducting exams, and it was revealed that exam questions were altered slightly from previous exams before being released.

Upon learning that college professors had prepared the question paper, the court expressed surprise, noting that a group of college professors was responsible for setting exam questions.

Justice Salahuddin Panhwar questioned the PMDC’s counsel on their role, pointing out that influential areas saw limited PMDC involvement and that certain boards, such as in Hyderabad, had not announced results, suggesting financial incentives might be at play. The court ordered that the MDCAT results be announced immediately.

The court also questioned the PMDC about the high exam fees, asking why the test appeared to cater more to elite students when it should be accessible to all. The PMDC counsel responded that the exam administration is a provincial responsibility.

The court concluded the hearing by ordering the MDCAT to be retaken within a month due to the alleged irregularities.

News Courtesy:Pro Pakistani