PMDC Waives MDCAT for Pakistani Students Seeking Foreign Medical Study

Updated PMDC Policy for Foreign Medical Admissions

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has officially abolished the mandatory requirement of passing the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) for Pakistani students who intend to pursue medical or dental education at institutions outside of Pakistan.

This policy change, approved by the PMDC during a meeting on September 14, 2026, aims to simplify the admission process for students looking to study abroad. PMDC President Dr. Rizwan Taj confirmed that the decision follows recommendations from a parliamentary committee.

What the Exemption Means for Students

Under the revised regulations, students are no longer required to clear the MDCAT to secure admission in foreign medical or dental colleges. However, this exemption is limited to the initial admission process for overseas institutions.

The PMDC has clarified that this change does not grant automatic rights to transfer into Pakistani medical institutions. Students who begin their medical or dental education overseas and later decide to transfer to a college within Pakistan will still be required to pass the National Examination Board (NEB) exam. Furthermore, all students who obtain their medical or dental degrees from foreign institutions must fulfill standard PMDC registration requirements before they can legally practice medicine or dentistry in Pakistan.

The Role of the NEB Exam

The NEB exam remains a critical component for those seeking to integrate back into the Pakistani medical system. The exam is conducted twice a year by the PMDC to evaluate the competency of students who have completed part or all of their medical education abroad.

Last checked: October 19, 2026. Students are advised to verify the latest admission criteria and registration guidelines directly from the official PMDC website before initiating their applications for foreign medical programs.