PMDC Increases MDCAT Fee by 80%: What Aspiring Doctors Must Know for 2025
Introduction
In a controversial move, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC increased the MDCAT fee by 80% over two years, igniting concerns among aspiring medical students and their families. The registration fee has surged from Rs 5,000 in 2023 to Rs 9,000 in 2025. This significant rise raises pressing questions about accessibility to medical education in Pakistan. (ProPakistani)
Background: How the Fee Has Changed
2023: Rs 5,000
2024: Rs 7,000
2025: Rs 9,000
With 32,977 candidates participating last year, PMDC is projected to generate nearly Rs 2.96 billion in revenue from the 2025 MDCAT. (ProPakistani, Human Rights News Worldwide)
Crucial Details About MDCAT 2025
1. Test Date & Time
Date: Sunday, October 5, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
The exam will be conducted simultaneously across Pakistan and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (ProPakistani, The Express Tribune, Dunya News)
2. Universities Administering the Exam
Region / Province
University
1. Punjab
2. University of Health Sciences (UHS), Lahore
3. Sindh
4. Sukkur IBA University
5. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
6. Khyber Medical University (KMU), Peshawar
Balochistan
7. Bolan Medical University, Quetta
8. Islamabad, AJK, GB, Riyadh
9. Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Medical University, Islamabad
(ProPakistani, Dunya News)
Registration Schedule & Fees
Regular Registration: August 8 – August 25, 2025
Late Registration Deadline: September 1, 2025
Domestic Fees: Rs 9,000 (regular), Rs 13,000 (late)
Riyadh Fees: Rs 45,000 (regular), Rs 55,000 (late)
Note: All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
(ProPakistani, The Express Tribune, Dunya News)
Test Centres
The exam will be held in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi,
Peshawar, Quetta, Multan, Faisalabad, Hyderabad, Sukkur,
Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Rawalakot, Swat, Abbottabad,
Gilgit and Riyadh. Candidates must choose a centre based on their domicile; no changes are allowed later.
(ProPakistani)
Exam Pattern
Format: 180 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in English
Subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English, Logical Reasoning
Difficulty Levels:
15% easy,
70% moderate,
15% difficult
Negative Marking: None
(ProPakistani, The Express Tribune)
Impact on Students & Families
The drastic 80% fee increase has exacerbated financial stress for thousands of families, particularly in the face of rising costs in education and living.
Critics argue that this hike threatens equitable access to medical education, making it harder for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue their ambitions. (SAMAA TV, Health Matters)
Calls for Reform
-
Fee waivers or subsidies for deserving students from low-income households.
-
Installment payment options to spread out the financial load.
-
Transparent public reporting on how fee revenue is allocated and used.
Student bodies and education advocates are urging reforms such as:
Fee waivers or subsidies for low-income students
Installment payment options to ease the one-time burden
Transparent justification from PMDC regarding the hike (Health Matters, SAMAA TV)
Key Takeaways
PMDC Increases MDCAT Fee by 80% from 2023 to 2025.
New Fee Structure: Rs 9,000 (Pakistan), Rs 45,000 (Riyadh).
Exam Date:
October 5, 2025.
Registration:
August 8–25; late fee until September 1.
Exam Format:
180 MCQs; English; no negative marking.
Concerns:
Financial burden and educational inequality.
Suggested Authoritative Sources
ProPakistani – Detailed coverage of the fee hike and exam logistics (ProPakistani)
Daily Times – Exam schedule, university responsibilities, and fee breakdown (Daily Times)
SAMAA TV – Focus on financial implications, projected
PMDC revenue and student concerns (SAMAA TV)
conclusion
In conclusion, the sharp 80% increase in the MDCAT fee by PMDC from 2023 to 2025 has sparked widespread concern among students, parents, and education advocates.
While the council cites operational needs, many fear this move will further limit access to medical education for talented but underprivileged students. With Pakistan already facing a shortage of skilled doctors, policies that restrict opportunities could harm the nation’s healthcare future.
To ensure fairness, transparency, and inclusivity, PMDC must consider fee relief measures, clear justification for the hike, and reforms that prioritize equal access for all aspiring medical professionals, regardless of their financial background.