In a significant development, Caretaker Sindh Health Minister Saad Khalid Niaz has officially declared the rescheduling of the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2023. The decision comes after the previous results in the province were invalidated due to alleged paper leaks, which raised concerns about the fairness of the examination process.
MDCAT Retake Announcement
Addressing a press conference, Caretaker Minister Saad Khalid Niaz confirmed that the MDCAT 2023 would be conducted afresh on November 19 in Sindh. This retake will be organized by the Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS).
Paper Leak Confirmation
The caretaker minister, Saad Khalid, made it clear that the decision to conduct a fresh MDCAT exam was based on the conclusive findings of an investigation committee, which verified the leakage of the MDCAT 2023 paper. He stated, "We have decided to reconduct the examination after seeing the report."
Inquiry Oversight by FIA
Furthermore, Minister Saad Khalid revealed that he had recommended entrusting the responsibility for overseeing the inquiry into the alleged paper leak to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
Impact on Candidates
During the press conference, it was disclosed that the leaked MDCAT paper had a direct impact on the candidates' scores, preventing them from achieving higher or full marks. Consequently, the decision was made to ensure a fair and untainted examination process by conducting the reexamination on November 19.
Judicial Verdict in KP
In related news, the Peshawar High Court (PHC) issued a verdict concerning the medical college admission test (MDCAT) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The PHC upheld the KP government's decision to conduct the MDCAT again within six weeks.
Transparency and Accountability
The written verdict by the high court acknowledged the Joint Investigation Team's (JIT) revelations regarding cheating during the MDCAT tests in KP. To maintain transparency and accountability, the high court ordered the MDCAT tests to be conducted in accordance with the cabinet's directives and ensured the process's integrity.
Background on Paper Leak Inquiry
Last month, the caretaker government of Sindh initiated an inquiry into reports of question paper leakage for the Medical & Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) held on September 10. The caretaker health minister pledged swift and strict action against those responsible for the act and promised that the investigation would be concluded promptly.
Committee and Reporting
A dedicated committee was formed to investigate the matter and deliver its findings to the health department's secretary within one week. The committee's members included representatives from various educational and government bodies to ensure a comprehensive and unbiased inquiry.
The decision to retake the MDCAT 2023 in Sindh is a significant step toward upholding the integrity of the examination process and ensuring a fair opportunity for all aspiring medical and dental students in the province. The move also underscores the commitment to addressing concerns related to paper leaks and irregularities in high-stakes examinations.
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