PMDC Increased MDCAT Fees: A Steep 80% Hike That’s Shaking Up MBBS Aspirations
Why is PMDC Hiking MDCAT Fees?
MDCAT fee in 2023 was Rs 5,000. In 2024, it jumped to Rs 7,000, and now, in 2025, it’s a whopping Rs 9,000. This is an 80% increase over two years, which is really causing hardship for students and families. On the basis of last year’s attendance of 32,977 candidates, the PMDC is expected to make almost Rs 2.96 billion in revenue in 2025.
Note: The author holds no opinion on the issue but provides necessary information about it.
Why the Hike Matters
Students’ financial hardship An 80% hike in fee translates to many a family having to rework budgets or even put plans on hold.
Income for PMDC With registering thousands of students, the council is likely to earn considerable revenue, manifesting in estimates for Rs 2 billion.
Concerns about equity Increased fees could be prejudicial to students from weaker economic backgrounds, narrowing their access to medical professions.
MDCAT 2025: Important Information Every Candidate Must Know
Test Date: Sunday, October 5, 2025—to be conducted simultaneously in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Conducting Universities:
- UHS, Lahore (Punjab)
- Sukkur IBA University (Sindh)
- KMU, Peshawar (KPK)
- Bolan Medical University, Quetta (Balochistan)
- SZABMU, Islamabad (for Islamabad, AJK, GB & overseas in Riyadh)
Registration Timeline:
- Opens August 8, closes August 25
- Late registration until September 1 with penalty fee
How to Handle This Fee Increase
Here are some student suggestions for dealing with this hike:
- Early Registration: Avoid late registration fee increases by applying between 8–25 August.
- Apply for Financial Assistance: Research scholarships or fee waivers provided by some colleges or philanthropists.
- Budget Wisely: Factor in study material, mock test charges, and the increased MDCAT fee into your budget.
- Study in Groups: Most prep centers have cheaper group resources or scholarship positions available.
Final Thoughts
The PMDC hike in MDCAT fees isn’t a figure—it’s a hurdle for students pursuing their medical aspirations. But with intelligent planning, punctual action, and sharing resources, you can still succeed in overcoming them. Create buzz, seek help, and keep moving forward—your medical future does not have to be sidetracked.
FAQs
Q1: Why did PMDC increase the MDCAT fee?
A: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has not publicly shared a detailed explanation. However, the increase may be linked to rising administrative costs or an effort to increase revenue. The fee has increased by 80% in two years.
Q2: How much is the MDCAT 2025 registration fee?
A: The MDCAT 2025 fee is Rs 9,000, up from Rs 7,000 in 2024 and Rs 5,000 in 2023.
Q3: When is the MDCAT 2025 test scheduled?
A: The MDCAT 2025 will be conducted on Sunday, October 5, 2025, in Pakistan and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia simultaneously.
Q4: Which universities will conduct the MDCAT in 2025?
A:
- UHS, Lahore – Punjab
- IBA University, Sukkur – Sindh
- KMU, Peshawar – KPK
- Bolan Medical University, Quetta – Balochistan
- SZABMU, Islamabad – Federal, AJK, GB, and Riyadh
Q5: What are the MDCAT 2025 registration dates?
A:
- Start Date: August 8, 2025
- End Date: August 25, 2025
- Late Registration Deadline: September 1, 2025 (with penalty)
Q6: Are there any fee waivers or scholarships available for MDCAT?
A: PMDC itself does not offer fee waivers, but some non-profit organizations, medical academies, and provincial governments may provide scholarships or financial assistance.
Q7: Can overseas Pakistanis apply for MDCAT 2025?
A: Yes, overseas Pakistanis in Riyadh can appear for MDCAT 2025, which will be conducted by SZABMU, Islamabad.
