Did Sindh’s 3-tier vigilance system ensure fair MDCAT 2025?

News Desk 

Karachi: With heightened transparency measures and a multi-layered monitoring system in place, the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2025 was held across Sindh and Islamabad on Sunday, drawing more than 32,000 aspiring medical students.

Organized by the Sukkur IBA Testing Service, the large-scale examination saw 32,531 candidates appear at ten examination centres—nine across Sindh and one in Islamabad, which catered to Sindh-based candidates residing in the federal capital.

From Karachi to Jacobabad, students poured into their respective centres early in the morning, brimming with anxiety and ambition. Centres were set up at prominent institutions, including Dow University of Health Sciences (Ojha campus) and NED University in Karachi; Public School, Latifabad in Hyderabad; Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences in Jamshoro; Quaid-i-Awam University of Engineering, Science and Technology in Shaheed Benazirabad; Mir Sher Muhammad Talpur Public School in Mirpurkhas; PTS Ground in Larkana; Public School, Circuit House Road in Jacobabad; and IBA Public School in Sukkur.

To maintain integrity, authorities enforced strict security protocols. Candidates were barred from carrying mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, notes, bags, or Bluetooth devices inside the premises. Officials said the move aimed to ensure a “cheating-free” environment.

A hallmark of this year’s exam was the three-tier vigilance system introduced to ensure transparency and merit-based evaluation. According to Sindh Chief Secretary, separate monitoring teams comprising representatives from Sukkur IBA, the health department, and local district administrations were deployed at each centre to oversee proceedings.

Expressing satisfaction over the conduct of the test, the Chief Secretary commended the collaborative efforts of Sukkur IBA, the health department, and district administrations. “The teamwork demonstrated today reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to merit and transparency in the medical entrance process,” he said.

For many candidates, the MDCAT marked not just an exam, but a milestone in their journey toward joining Pakistan’s medical fraternity. As one Karachi-based candidate put it, “It’s a tough test, but knowing it’s being held fairly makes the effort worthwhile.”

With results expected to be announced in the coming weeks, thousands of hopefuls now await the next step in their pursuit of medical and dental education — a dream that begins with a single, high-stakes test under watchful eyes.