138,000 students ready for MDCAT 2026 exam across Pakistan today

Summary ISLAMABAD: More than 138,000 aspiring medical and dental students are appearing in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2026 today, September 20, as the nationwide examination is being conducted across 34 cities in Pakistan, along with an overseas centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The MDCAT is a key requirement for admission to medical and dental colleges across Pakistan, making the examination a crucial step for thousands of students seeking admission to MBBS and BDS programmes. With more than 138,000 candidates taking the test simultaneously across the country and abroad, authorities are closely monitoring the examination process to ensure its smooth and transparent completion. AI Generated Summary ISLAMABAD: More than 138,000 aspiring medical and dental students are appearing in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2026 today, September 20, as the nationwide examination is being conducted across 34 cities in Pakistan, along with an overseas centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The examination, conducted under the regulatory framework of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC), is being held after its earlier scheduled date of August 16 was postponed to facilitate improved security and examination arrangements. Punjab has recorded the highest number of registrations, with 49,199 candidates expected to sit the test. Candidates from other provinces are also appearing through designated examination centres managed by the relevant provincial universities. The University of Health Sciences (UHS) is conducting the examination in Punjab, while Khyber Medical University (KMU) and other designated institutions are overseeing the test in their respective jurisdictions under PM&DC's prescribed standards. Authorities have placed special emphasis on security and transparency during the examination. Candidates have been advised to reach their designated centres well before the reporting time and carry their original admit cards and CNICs as required. Officials said monitoring arrangements, CCTV surveillance and anti-cheating measures have been deployed at examination centres to maintain the integrity of the test and ensure a fair examination environment. The MDCAT is a key requirement for admission to medical and dental colleges across Pakistan, making the examination a crucial step for thousands of students seeking admission to MBBS and BDS programmes. With more than 138,000 candidates taking the test simultaneously across the country and abroad, authorities are closely monitoring the examination process to ensure its smooth and transparent completion.