The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has addressed widespread speculation about the MDCAT 2025 fee hike, clarifying that the actual increase is a modest 12.5%, not the 80% figure circulating on social media. This clarification comes as the registration process for the Medical and Dental Colleges Admission Test officially opens, with the exam scheduled for Sunday, October 5, 2025.
The Truth Behind the MDCAT 2025 Fee Increase
Rumours had been making the rounds online, alleging that the MDCAT 2025 fee had jumped drastically. PMDC, in its official statement, set the record straight: the fee has risen from Rs8,000 in 2024 to Rs9,000 in 2025 — an increase of just Rs1,000, which translates to a 12.5% adjustment.
According to the council, this gradual and modest rise has been implemented over the years to ensure the exam remains sustainable in the face of increasing operational costs. The PMDC emphasised that the MDCAT is conducted by universities nominated by federal and provincial authorities, not directly by the council. However, PMDC has prepared a standardised syllabus and question bank to ensure fairness and uniformity nationwide.
Why the Fee Was Adjusted
PMDC explained that the increase in the MDCAT 2025 fee was made at the request of universities responsible for conducting the test. Rising expenses — including printing, enhanced security, payments to invigilators and staff, logistics, and improved facilities at both national and international centres — have made the adjustment necessary.
Even with Pakistan experiencing high inflation and greater administrative costs, the council stressed its commitment to keeping the fee affordable. The goal, according to PMDC, is to maintain high standards of transparency, uphold merit-based admissions, and provide equal opportunities for all aspiring medical and dental students.
The Universities Conducting MDCAT 2025
The MDCAT 2025 will be organised by the following institutions:
- University of Health Sciences (UHS), Lahore – for candidates from Punjab.
- Sukkur IBA University – for Sindh.
- Khyber Medical University (KMU), Peshawar – for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- Bolan University of Medical and Health Sciences, Quetta – for Balochistan.
- Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU), Islamabad – for Islamabad Capital Territory, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and PMDC’s overseas centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
By working with these universities, PMDC aims to ensure that the MDCAT 2025 fee goes toward improving the quality, security, and accessibility of the exam across all regions.
A Uniform Syllabus for All Candidates
One of PMDC’s key roles in MDCAT 2025 is providing a uniform syllabus developed in consultation with all relevant stakeholders. This syllabus draws on the consensus curriculum of every province, ensuring that no candidate is disadvantaged based on their location or educational background. The question bank — also prepared by PMDC — is designed to test essential medical knowledge and analytical skills fairly and consistently.
Addressing Candidate Concerns
PMDC’s statement directly addresses the frustration and confusion that arose from misinformation about the MDCAT 2025 fee. For many students and parents, the fear of an 80% hike created unnecessary anxiety at a time when preparations for this crucial exam are already intense. By clarifying the actual figures, the council has sought to reassure candidates that affordability remains a priority.
Furthermore, PMDC reiterated its dedication to merit-based admissions. This means that performance in the MDCAT will remain the key determinant of entry into medical and dental colleges, without influence from external factors.
MDCAT’s Importance in Pakistan’s Medical Education
The MDCAT is a mandatory entrance exam for students seeking admission to medical and dental colleges in Pakistan. Each year, tens of thousands of candidates sit for the test, competing for a limited number of seats. With such high stakes, even minor changes to the MDCAT 2025 fee or exam format can have a significant impact on students’ planning and preparation.
In recent years, Pakistan’s higher education sector has seen an increased focus on transparency, digitalisation, and standardisation. The MDCAT, administered through multiple universities but overseen by PMDC, represents an effort to unify and streamline admissions to ensure fairness for all candidates nationwide.
Facts Over Misinformation
The controversy surrounding the MDCAT 2025 fee is a reminder of how quickly misinformation can spread, especially on social media. PMDC’s prompt clarification shows the importance of verifying information directly from official sources. With just a 12.5% increase — far from the exaggerated claims — the council remains committed to balancing affordability with the need to cover rising operational costs.
As October 5 approaches, candidates are encouraged to focus on preparation rather than speculation. MDCAT remains the gateway to Pakistan’s medical and dental education, and with a uniform syllabus, merit-based admissions, and an affordable fee structure, PMDC aims to ensure the process remains fair, transparent, and accessible to all.
