The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC), on the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has postponed the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2026.
The PM&DC has changed the date of the MDCAT and announced that instead of August 16, the examination will now be held on September 20, 2026.
According to a statement issued by the PM&DC, the decision to change the MDCAT date was taken with the aim of making the conduct of the examination more organized, secure, transparent, and convenient for candidates.
The statement said that, apart from the examination date, all other terms, regulations, and examination arrangements will remain unchanged. However, if any further changes become necessary in the future, a separate official notification will be issued.
The PM&DC has directed all candidates, parents, educational institutions, and other relevant stakeholders to stay in contact with the council’s official website and official communication channels for the latest information, instructions, and announcements.
The council expressed regret over the possible inconvenience caused by the change in the examination date and appreciated the cooperation and understanding of all stakeholders.
Lahore High Court Rejects Plea Seeking Postponement of MDCAT Examination
The Lahore High Court rejected and dismissed a petition seeking postponement of the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT).
Justice Mirza Waqas Rauf heard the petition. During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel argued that hundreds of students are currently appearing in their FSc practical examinations, due to which they have not been given sufficient time to prepare for the MDCAT.
The counsel for the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) told the court that the students are eligible to take the MDCAT examination.
The court asked the petitioner’s counsel, “Then what is your issue?”
The petitioner’s counsel maintained that due to the FSc practical examinations, students had not been given adequate opportunity to prepare, which could affect the future of hundreds of students. He further said that a large number of students were present outside the court demanding that the examination be postponed.
The court remarked, “There is only one petitioner before us; why are you taking responsibility for everyone?”
After hearing the arguments, the Lahore High Court rejected the petition seeking postponement of the MDCAT examination.
Also Read: PMDC announces test schedule and centres for MDCAT 2026
