The withholding of the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) question paper in Sindh has raised concerns among candidates, particularly after the release of the official answer key and examination results.
More than 33,000 candidates appeared in the MDCAT across Sindh on September 20, including more than 9,000 candidates from Karachi. However, unlike the previous year, candidates were not provided with access to the question paper after the examination.
Instead, students received carbon copies of their Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) answer sheets, allowing them to retain a record of the answers they had marked.
It has now emerged that the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) had instructed universities not to release the MDCAT question paper. A notification issued on September 10 directed universities conducting the examination to collect question papers from candidates immediately after the test.
The universities were also instructed to ensure that candidates did not retain copies of the question paper. According to the PMDC, the measure was intended to ensure a better examination process.
Sukkur IBA University conducted the MDCAT in Sindh. The university’s Vice Chancellor, Dr Asif Sheikh, said the institution had released the question paper following last year’s examination but could not do so this year because of the PMDC directive.
He said the university remained bound by the council’s instructions and could release the paper if permission was granted by the PMDC.
PMDC President Dr Rizwan Taj said the decision had been taken following recommendations from vice chancellors of universities conducting the test. According to him, the vice chancellors had advised against releasing the question paper.
The MDCAT consisted of 180 multiple-choice questions, while the official answer key was uploaded on the night of September 20.
However, the absence of the question paper has prompted some candidates to question the transparency of the examination process. Students have argued that the answer key alone does not provide enough information to properly assess their responses.
Several candidates have also raised concerns about questions and answers in the English and Logical Reasoning sections. They claimed that some answers included in the official key appeared to be incorrect.
Candidates say that access to the original question paper would allow them to compare the questions with the official answer key and identify any possible discrepancies.
The Sukkur IBA University vice chancellor said the university had reviewed the answer keys several times and was satisfied with their accuracy.
The university, however, has maintained that it cannot release the question paper unless the PMDC gives approval.
The issue has therefore placed the focus on examination transparency, the authority of the PMDC and candidates’ ability to independently review the MDCAT answer key. Further clarification from the council could determine whether the question paper will eventually be made available to candidates.
