PMDC Reduces MDCAT Passing Marks for 2025–26 Admissions

MDCAT Passing Marks Lowered to Address Vacant Seats

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has introduced a one-time relaxation in MDCAT passing marks for the 2025–26 academic session. This decision aims to address the persistent issue of vacant seats in MBBS and BDS programs across both public and private medical institutions.

According to the official notification, the minimum passing marks for MBBS have been reduced from 52% to 49%, while the threshold for BDS programs has been lowered from 47% to 44%. The council clarified that this measure is temporary and will only apply to the current academic session.

Admissions already completed under the previous Admission Regulations 2025 will remain valid. Universities and colleges have been directed to prioritize candidates who applied under the earlier criteria before considering the reduced passing marks. This ensures that merit remains the cornerstone of the admission process.

The PMDC emphasized that the relaxation can only be applied to genuinely unfilled seats. Strict monitoring has been mandated to prevent irregularities and maintain transparency. Institutions must document the entire admission process carefully to uphold fairness.

In addition, the council encouraged private medical and dental colleges to consider reducing tuition fees within the existing capped structure. This move is intended to improve affordability and provide opportunities for deserving students who may otherwise struggle with financial constraints.

Health committees and stakeholders across Pakistan supported the decision after extensive deliberations, recognizing the need to balance merit with practical solutions to fill critical vacancies.

By lowering the MDCAT passing marks, PMDC hopes to ensure that medical and dental colleges can operate at full capacity, strengthening Pakistan’s healthcare education system while maintaining integrity and fairness in admissions.