Sindh High Court Cancels MDCAT 2024 Due to Paper Leak; Retake Announced for Sindh Students in November

The Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2024, originally conducted on September 22, 2024, has been officially canceled by the Sindh High Court following a paper leak incident. This news impacts thousands of aspiring medical students across Sindh, who had been preparing diligently for the test only to face an unexpected hurdle. Dow University had conducted the test, but due to the leak of the question paper at 8:21 PM on September 21, the night before the exam, the integrity of the MDCAT has been compromised.

Sindh Students Retake Scheduled for November

Following the court’s decision, it has been announced that a retake of the MDCAT will be conducted specifically for students from Sindh in the third week of November. Importantly, students from Punjab are not affected by this retake, as no security concerns have emerged regarding their MDCAT exam. IBA Karachi will conduct the test for students in Karachi, while IBA Sukkur will oversee the test for students in the rest of Sindh. This separation is intended to ensure that testing remains secure and manageable for the authorities.

Exam Format, Structure, and Syllabus Remain the Same

One point of relief for Sindh students is that the test format, structure, and syllabus will remain unchanged. As per the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) guidelines, the retake will follow the same exam pattern, ensuring students do not have to adjust their study strategies. The focus will remain on core medical knowledge, allowing students to continue preparing as they have been.

No Additional Fees for Retake

Acknowledging the challenges students face, authorities have confirmed that no additional fees will be required for the MDCAT retake. Students will be able to appear for the exam without incurring extra costs, recognizing the unforeseen inconvenience and stress resulting from the leak. This decision is aimed at minimizing further burden on students, ensuring they can focus entirely on their studies.

Investigation Into the Paper Leak

In response to the leak, investigations are currently underway to identify those responsible. Authorities are treating this issue with urgency, as the credibility of future MDCAT exams depends on upholding strict examination security. The investigation aims to prevent similar incidents from occurring, restoring student confidence in the process and assuring families that necessary measures are being implemented.

PMDC to Release Further Updates

For now, students are advised to stay alert for official updates, as the council is expected to release specific guidelines and additional information regarding the November retake soon. These announcements will provide clarity on exact dates, timings, and any other critical details necessary for students to prepare effectively.

In summary, the cancellation of the MDCAT 2024 for Sindh due to a paper leak has led to a scheduled retake in November. Karachi students will be managed by IBA Karachi, while IBA Sukkur will oversee the test for the remaining Sindh students. The exam will follow the same structure, and no new fees are required. The incident has prompted investigations to identify the individuals behind the leak, with PMDC committed to ensuring secure testing in the future. Students are encouraged to keep a close watch on PMDC’s official announcements for additional information.

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