MDCAT Juvenile ID Rule Sparks Outrage Among Pakistani Parents
The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has mandated that all candidates under 18 years old must possess a valid Juvenile Registration Card issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to sit for the MDCAT-2026. This new requirement, which includes mandatory biometric verification at exam centers, affects approximately 200,000 annual aspirants seeking admission to medical and dental colleges. The decision has triggered significant backlash from parents, who cite added financial burdens, long queues at registration centers, and the short validity period of the cards as major concerns. Critics argue that the cards expire within a year for many 17-year-old candidates, rendering the effort and cost inefficient. In response, PMDC Registrar Dr. Rehan Naqvi defended the policy as part of a broader digitization initiative aimed at sensitizing the public to national identification systems. He acknowledged the expiration issue but emphasized the long-term benefits of having juvenile records. Despite similar directives in previous years being loosely enforced, the council insists on strict implementation this time, leaving families frustrated with the logistical and economic implications of the new rule.
Wire timeline
MDCAT Juvenile ID Rule Sparks Outrage Among Pakistani Parents
The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has mandated that all candidates under 18 years old must possess a valid Juvenile Registration Card issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to sit for the MDCAT-2026. This new requirement, which includes mandatory biometric verification at exam centers, affects approximately 200,000 annual aspirants seeking admission to medical and dental colleges. The decision has triggered significant backlash from parents, who cite added financial burdens, long queues at registration centers, and the short validity period of the cards as major concerns. Critics argue that the cards expire within a year for many 17-year-old candidates, rendering the effort and cost inefficient. In response, PMDC Registrar Dr. Rehan Naqvi defended the policy as part of a broader digitization initiative aimed at sensitizing the public to national identification systems. He acknowledged the expiration issue but emphasized the long-term benefits of having juvenile records. Despite similar directives in previous years being loosely enforced, the council insists on strict implementation this time, leaving families frustrated with the logistical and economic implications of the new rule.
Dawn - Home