PMDC says revised attendance and pass rules will not apply to MBBS and BDS students up to 2024-2025 academic session
The Medical Students’ Association of Pakistan has welcomed the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council’s decision to restore the compulsory attendance of 75% to appear in the final examinations and 50% passing marks for all medical and dental students across the country in the current academic year.
In a statement, the association said the move was an important step towards strengthening academic standards and ensuring consistency in medical education nationwide. It added that the restoration of these regulations has brought Pakistan ‘back in line with globally aligned academic norms’ which would help produce competent and responsible health professionals.
The MSA emphasized that medical students were the primary stakeholders in matters relating to their education. “We urge the Government of Pakistan, the Ministry of Health and the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC) to include the voices of medical students in the formulation, review and implementation of future academic and regulatory policies,” the statement said.
It further reaffirmed its commitment to representing the concerns and aspirations of medical students across the country. It said it was prepared to work with regulators, institutions and policy makers “to promote a more progressive, equitable and student-friendly medical education system in Pakistan”.
MBBS, BDS students exempted from new pass rules
Last week, the PMDC had clarified that there will be no enforcement of revised attendance and pass requirements for MBBS and BDS students enrolled up to the 2024-25 academic session.
The decision, made during the council’s meeting on October 21, follows feedback from universities, medical and dental schools and petitions from students and parents regarding the impact of changes to the requirements during the current academic year. Earlier in February, PMDC raised the pass marks for MBBS and BDS exams from 50% to 70% and increased the attendance requirement from 75% to 90%.
“Council decided that revised attendance or pass requirements shall not be enforced,” the PMDC announced. “Students already enrolled up to the academic session 2024-2025 shall continue under the previously applicable criteria of 50% minimum pass marks and 75% minimum attendance as stipulated at the time of their admission or enrollment in MBBS or BDS programmes.”
For future cohorts, the council proposed a gradual increase of 5% in the requirement for both attendance and passing grade. The amendment will be subject to further review in consultation with universities, medical educators and other relevant stakeholders. “The final criteria will be announced in due course,” it said.
