Next Steps After MDCAT 2024 My name is Shah Hasan and I am the head counsellor at Maqsad and have lead more than 2000 students into their ...
Next Steps After MDCAT 2024
My name is Shah Hasan and I am the head counsellor at Maqsad and have lead more than 2000 students into their dream universities. I have been associated with the education industry, mostly as a teacher since the past 12 years, teaching and coaching students to the top grades and university programs worldwide.
Upon request of multiple students, I’m writing the blog to make sure that students have proper counselling. This article is written to provide a comprehensive guide for students who participated in the MDCAT 2024, helping them understand their results, navigate the admission process, and explore next steps. Many students face uncertainty after receiving their scores, unsure whether they should retake the exam or pursue alternative medical careers. By offering insights on merit trends, advice on making informed decisions, and an overview of various career options within the healthcare field, this article aims to support students in making well-rounded choices about their future paths.
Next Steps for Students Appearing in MDCAT Exam 2025
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The MDCAT (Medical and Dental College Admission Test) 2024 was conducted across multiple centers in Pakistan to determine admission into medical and dental schools. Over 167,000 students participated in the test for approximately 18,000 seats. The test centers were located in major cities across the country, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta.
The MDCAT 2024 results have been announced across all provinces, with various universities overseeing the examination process and reporting outcomes.
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Punjab: The University of Health Sciences (UHS) managed the exam in 11 cities with 29 centers. A total of 66,725 candidates registered for the test, out of which 65,226 appeared. Strict measures were implemented, including the suspension of mobile networks around the exam centers to prevent cheating.
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Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP): Khyber Medical University (KMU) conducted the MDCAT for over 42,329 registered candidates. Approximately 45,640 students appeared in the exam, with 799 absent and 219 cases of cheating reported. Two students in KP secured the highest score of 194 marks.
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Sindh: DOW organized the test in four cities. Out of 40,528 registered candidates, 39,816 appeared. A few impersonation cases were reported, leading to legal actions.
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Balochistan: Bolan University of Medical and Health Sciences (BUMHS) successfully conducted the MDCAT, with 9,234 students registered. A high attendance rate of 97% was observed. The examination was conducted smoothly with no significant issues.
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Islamabad and other regions: In Islamabad, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, the MDCAT saw around 18,408 students registered, with additional candidates from international backgrounds also taking part some advice on accepting results as many queries are there about reconduct
What to do after MDCAT Results announcement
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Check MDCAT aggregate
The expected closing merits for government medical colleges in Pakistan for MDCAT 2024 vary across provinces due to different seat allocations and competition levels. Here's a general breakdown:
- Punjab: The closing merit is traditionally high due to a large number of applicants. For MBBS, the expected closing merit is likely to be around 90% - 91% for public medical colleges like King Edward Medical University and Allama Iqbal Medical College.
- Sindh: The expected closing merit for MBBS in public medical colleges, such as Dow University of Health Sciences, is likely to be slightly lower than in Punjab, estimated at around 88% - 89%.
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP): In KP, the merit is expected to close at around 88% for public medical colleges like Khyber Medical College.
- Balochistan: The merit for Balochistan's public medical colleges, such as Bolan Medical College, typically closes lower compared to other provinces, likely around 85% - 86%.
These figures are estimates based on previous years' trends and may vary depending on final results and the number of seats available in each province.
Next Steps for students not satisfied with their MDCAT Result
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Deciding whether to repeat the MDCAT is a major decision that requires consideration of various factors. Here are some important factors to consider before repeating MDCAT:
Current Score and Merit Trends
Compare your current MDCAT score with the expected closing merit for public and private medical colleges. If your score is far below the closing merit for your desired institution, retaking the test might be necessary. Reviewing past merit lists helps gauge the competitiveness for the upcoming year.
Preparation and Time Management Reflect on how well-prepared you were for the previous exam. If you feel that you could dedicate more time and improve your performance with better preparation, retaking might be a wise choice. However, repeating also requires you to commit to intensive study, potentially for several more months.
Emotional and Mental Health The stress of preparing for MDCAT is significant. Consider how the preparation process affects your mental well-being. If repeating the exam will cause undue stress or negatively impact your health, it might be worth considering alternative career paths or education options.
**Alternative Career Paths** Explore other academic or career options that align with your interests. Medical fields aren't the only rewarding careers. If you feel passionate about another discipline, it may be more beneficial to pursue that path rather than repeating MDCAT.
Financial Considerations Repeating MDCAT means another year of preparation, tuition fees for coaching centers, and other related costs. Assess whether it is financially feasible for you to spend another year preparing for the exam.
Support System Check whether you have a strong support system, including family, friends, or mentors, who can help guide you through another year of preparation.
Performance Evaluation Conduct a thorough evaluation of your previous performance, identify areas of weakness, and determine whether these are aspects you can significantly improve with additional study. If the challenges were in specific subjects (e.g., biology or chemistry), consider whether you can focus on and overcome them in a reasonable time frame.
**Changes in MDCAT Format or Policy** Sometimes, changes in the MDCAT syllabus, marking scheme, or other policies can influence your decision. Stay updated on any changes to ensure that you're making an informed choice. Balancing these factors can help you make a thoughtful decision about whether repeating MDCAT is the right option for you.
Here are five alternative medical fields in Pakistan besides MBBS and BDS:
1. Pharmacy (Doctor of Pharmacy - Pharm.D)
- Description: Pharmacists are essential in healthcare for ensuring safe and effective use of medications. A Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) degree opens opportunities in clinical practice, hospital pharmacies, pharmaceutical industries, and research.
- Scope: With an increasing focus on patient safety, pharmacists are playing a key role in healthcare systems globally, including in Pakistan.
2. Nursing (Bachelor of Science in Nursing - BSN)
- Description: Nursing is a highly respected profession involving patient care, health education, and advocacy. A BSN degree allows graduates to work in hospitals, clinics, and community health programs.
- Scope: There's a growing demand for qualified nurses in Pakistan due to expanding healthcare facilities and a focus on quality patient care.
3. Medical Laboratory Technology (BS in Medical Laboratory Technology)
- Description: Medical lab technologists perform diagnostic tests to help doctors in disease diagnosis and treatment planning. This field focuses on laboratory-based investigation and analysis.
- Scope: With modern healthcare increasingly relying on diagnostics, lab technologists are essential for hospitals, research centers, and diagnostic labs.
4. Physiotherapy (Doctor of Physical Therapy - DPT)
- Description: Physiotherapists focus on rehabilitation, treating physical impairments through exercises, manual therapy, and other interventions. A DPT degree equips students with clinical knowledge to help patients recover from injuries or surgeries.
- Scope: Physiotherapists are needed in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private clinics, with growing demand as awareness of physical therapy increases in Pakistan.
5. Public Health (BS or MPH in Public Health)
- Description: Public health professionals work to improve community health through education, research, and policy development. They play a critical role in disease prevention and health promotion.
- Scope: With increasing focus on community health, professionals in this field are needed in government health programs, NGOs, and international health organizations.
These fields offer diverse career opportunities within healthcare, with growing demand across various sectors in Pakistan.
Next Steps for students satisfied with their MDCAT Result
For successful students in MDCAT, the next steps typically involve navigating the admissions process to secure a spot in medical or dental colleges. Here’s a general roadmap:
https://www.youtube.com/live/8uLLJ-dhgbI?si=YUldQk-dYzUDViig
1. Check Merit Lists and Results
Once the MDCAT results are out, students should check the merit lists issued by their respective provincial or national medical authorities (such as UHS for Punjab, KMU for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, etc.). These lists are typically released in phases—provisional, first, second, and sometimes third merit lists, depending on seat availability.
Ensure that you meet the closing merit for the medical or dental college you are targeting. Keep track of deadlines for any updates or revisions to merit lists.
2. Apply to Medical or Dental Colleges
After ensuring your name is on the merit list, apply to the medical or dental colleges of your choice. Admission forms are typically available online through the respective universities or centralized admission platforms. Make sure to submit all necessary documents (e.g., MDCAT result, academic transcripts, domicile, CNIC, etc.) within the specified deadlines.
3. Attend Interviews (if applicable)
Some medical institutions may require students to undergo interviews as part of the admission process. Prepare for these interviews by reviewing key medical concepts, practicing communication skills, and demonstrating your passion for a career in healthcare.
4. Wait for Final Admission Offer
Once all rounds of merit lists and any interviews are completed, students will receive final offers of admission. Accept the offer by following the specified instructions, which usually include submitting fees and necessary documentation to confirm your seat.
5. Submit Required Documents and Fees
Upon receiving an offer, you’ll need to submit your final academic certificates (FSc/A-Level results) and other required documentation. Additionally, payment of the admission fee is mandatory to secure your spot in the program.
6. Orientation and Classes
After completing the admission process, newly admitted students will attend orientation programs where they are introduced to the academic environment, course structure, and faculty. Classes typically begin shortly after the admissions are finalized.
Regardless of which path you take, we wish you the best of luck with your future!
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