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Medical students across Pakistan are raising their voices in kick, demanding easier passing criteria for MBBS( Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) and BDS( Bachelor of Dental Surgery) programs.
What is Changed?
Historically, the minimal end marks during MBBS and BDS professional examinations floated around 50, with MDCAT( Medical and Dental College Admission Test) taking 55 for MBBS and 50 for BDS.
before this time, the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council( PMDC) pushed the pass mark significantly advanced. In February 2025, the PMDC raised the pass threshold from 50 to 70, and also increased the minimum attendance demand from 75 to 90. This major reform sparked wide debate.
Meanwhile, to fight vacuities at private institutions, the PMDC also allowed a one- time relaxation of admission marks, permitting campaigners with just 50 marks for MBBS and 45 for BDS to enroll — rigorously for the 2024 – 25 academic cycle.
These diverging programs strict passing thresholds but relaxed admission criteria have left scholars, preceptors, and experts inclusively asking Are we lowering the bar at the launch and raising it formerly outside?
Medical Students Voices & Concerns:
1. Academic Pressure & Mental Health
students report heightened anxiety and stress due to the 70 pass demand and 90 attendance rule. numerous sweat that indeed minor crimes might ail their entire professional careers. A senior MBBS Students confessed
“ Maintaining 90 attendance while scoring 70 in tough practical examinations feels nearly insolvable. ”
2. Distinction Between Admission & Graduation norms
Critics argue that it’s antithetical to admit students with just 45 – 50 marks and also anticipate them to perform at the 70 standard.
A faculty member advised:
“ Allowing students with just 45 – 50 to enroll but demanding 65 – 70 for end is unrealistic and compromises the quality of healthcare professionals. ”
3. Threat to Educational norms
With the PMDC’s controversial decision to relax entry conditions, preceptors argue there is a genuine threat of lowering the overall standard of medical training.
One faculty member expressed grave concern:
“ Indeed nursing sodalities do not admit students with similar low probabilities but now, people with 45 marks could come croakers . That’s dangerous for cases. ”
Comparative Overview: Key Thresholds
| Criterion | Before 2025 | February 2025 Reform | 2024–25 One-Time Admission Relaxation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passing Marks (MBBS/BDS) | ~50% | Increased to 70% | — |
| Attendance Requirement | ~75% | Increased to 90% | — |
| MDCAT Admission Marks | 55% (MBBS) / 50% (BDS) | — | Relaxed to 50% MBBS / 45% BDS |
| Duration of Relaxation | — | Permanent reform | One-time (2024–25 only) |
This table highlights the tension between stricter passing and attendance requirements and the temporary lowering of admission criteria, creating a disjointed academic environment.
Stakeholder Perspectives:
Student Associations:
Student bodies are now demanding that PMDC review the 70% pass threshold and 90% attendance rule. They argue for a more balanced standard — maybe a 60 – 65% passing marks — which they believe ensures faculty without immolating fairness or students weal.
Medical Teachers
utmost preceptors support the stricter reform, stating that raising norms is vital to maintain the quality of Pakistan’s future doctors. still, they endorse for thickness — arguing that admission and scale criteria should logically align to insure both fairness and academic rigor.
PMDC’s defense
The PMDC maintains that the 70% passing marks and 90% attendance were essential way to hoist educational norms and insure doctors are well- prepared for the demands of real- world healthcare. That said, the admission relaxation was supposed a situational measure aimed at filling remaining vacant seats.
What is Coming?
1. Policy Re-evaluation
numerous anticipate PMDC to readdress the current rigid frame, especially if demurrers and desires gain instigation. A 65% passing mark, aligned with balanced attendance rules, is arising as a possible middle ground.
2. Calls for Pupil Support enterprise
Educational lawyers are prompting institutions to introduce training programs, mentoring, and comforting services to help students meet the high marks being assessed.
3. Dialogue and Fairness
A agreement is forming that reforms should be grounded on thickness, fairness, and academic integrity — not abrupt shifts that may compromise pupil well- being or healthcare quality.
