PMDC Removes MDCAT Requirement for Studying Medicine Abroad: What Changed and What Students Should Check

In a notable reversal, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has abolished the mandatory requirement of passing MDCAT for Pakistani students seeking admission to foreign medical and dental institutions. The decision applies to students who intend to pursue medical or dental education abroad.

If you read earlier coverage, including our own guide from 7 October, that said MDCAT was compulsory before going abroad, this is the update. Here is what we know and what you should verify yourself.

According to a public notice reported on 5 October 2026:

• The decision was taken at a PMDC council meeting on 14 September 2026.
• PMDC issued a formal notification on 5 October 2026.
• It abolishes the mandatory MDCAT requirement for Pakistani students seeking admission to foreign medical and dental institutions.

The reports we reviewed did not reproduce the full text of the notification, so several details remain unclear (see below).

Earlier in 2026, the position was the opposite:

When	Reported position
May 2026	A high-level committee resolved that students intending to study medicine or dentistry abroad must qualify MDCAT and register with PMDC before departure
August 2026	A PMDC public notice reported a requirement of at least 50% in MDCAT, or an equivalent foreign admission exam
14 Sept / 5 Oct 2026	PMDC council decision and notification abolishing the mandatory MDCAT requirement for foreign admission

The most recent decision should be treated as the current position, but you should read the notification text itself before acting.

Based on the reports reviewed, these points are not clear and should be confirmed with PMDC:

1. Registration: Is PMDC registration before departure still required?
2. Recognition criteria: What eligibility conditions or institutional recognition rules now apply to foreign programmes?
3. Equivalent exams: Do any alternative admission tests or minimum qualifications remain?
4. Students already abroad or already admitted: Does the change apply to them?
5. Licensing on return: How will foreign graduates' registration and licensing in Pakistan work?
6. Effective date: Does the change take effect from 14 September, 5 October or later?

1. Read the official notification. Download it from PMDC's website and keep a copy.
2. Ask the university in writing. Confirm that your target programme accepts you without MDCAT and what their own entry requirements are.
3. Check recognition. Confirm whether the institution and programme are recognised for registration in Pakistan.
4. Be wary of agents. Anyone promising guaranteed admission or recognition should provide official references.
5. Keep records. Save your correspondence, fee receipts and admission letters.
6. Don't rush deposits. Policies on medical education have changed twice this year.

For many students, yes, for practical reasons:

• Pakistani seats remain the main route for most candidates, and MDCAT is mandatory for admission to public and private medical and dental colleges in Pakistan.
• It keeps your options open. If a foreign plan falls through, a good MDCAT score gives you a home option.
• Some foreign universities or scholarships may still value it. Check each institution's own requirements.
• Scores remain usable for several admission cycles under some university rules, such as KMU's 2026-27 notice accepting MDCAT 2024, 2025 and 2026 results.

PMDC's rules around foreign education have been under debate throughout 2026, alongside controversies about MDCAT administration and a proposed change in exam timing for 2027. Expect further clarifications. Check PMDC's website regularly rather than relying on forwarded messages.

Based on published reports as of 9 October 2026. This article is not regulatory advice; confirm all requirements with PMDC.

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Read our updated PMDC study-abroad checklist before choosing an institution or paying a deposit. The exemption report does not replace checks on recognition and registration.

Checked on 9 October 2026. News reports are attributed reporting; allegations and committee proposals are not final findings or notified rules. Confirm deadlines and eligibility with the responsible authority.

• Study-abroad exemption report, 5 October
• PMDC announcements and contact information