The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ruled in favor of students, upholding the legitimacy of MDCAT 2022 results for the next two years.
The verdict, delivered by Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb, responds to a case initiated by Laiba Raouf, a successful MDCAT examinee in November 2022.
Laiba Raouf, aligning with the applicable law during her exam, asserted the two-year validity for MDCAT results.
The legal challenge targeted a public notice issued by PMDC on July 14, 2023, rendering 2022 exam passers ineligible for MBBS admissions.
The court, supporting the petitioner, emphasized the two-year validity under the 2021 regulations, maintaining that subsequent administrative decisions cannot revoke the petitioner’s rights. Consequently, Raouf’s result remains valid until November 2024, with PMDC covering legal costs.
Despite granting students the chance to use their MDCAT 2022 scores for admissions in the current and following years, complications arise.
Numerous universities have already closed admissions for the ongoing academic session, leaving affected students in a precarious position.
PMDC’s initial assurance that MDCAT 2022 scores would be valid for two years has not translated consistently into admissions for the current session, causing confusion and frustration among students.
The court’s decision raises uncertainties about practical implications and how to effectively capitalize on this opportunity.
The primary challenge lies in finding a fair solution for students who missed admissions this year due to the confusion surrounding MDCAT 2022 results, creating a complex situation for all parties involved.