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Islamabad, Pakistan
Thousands of students across Pakistan appeared for the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2026 on Sunday, September 20, but for some candidates, the challenging examination was accompanied by intense heat, traffic congestion and concerns about facilities at examination centres.
More than 138,000 candidates were registered for MDCAT 2026 nationwide, making it one of the country’s largest medical entrance examinations.
Heat Creates Difficulties for Candidates
In Karachi, 10,964 candidates appeared at examination centres located at NED University and Dow University’s Ojha Campus. Several students complained about the heat and inadequate ventilation in some examination blocks.
Candidates reported that some fans were either not functioning properly or were unable to provide sufficient air. Some students said the heat made it difficult to concentrate during the three-hour examination.
One reported difficulty was that excessive sweating made it harder for some candidates to hold their pens while attempting the paper. Other students reportedly felt unwell during the examination.
Early Reporting and Traffic Problems
The test officially began at 10am, but candidates in Karachi were required to report as early as 6:30am. Students travelling from distant parts of the city said they had to leave home much earlier than usual.
Traffic congestion and construction work around University Road added to the difficulties, with some candidates having to travel through dusty and congested roads before reaching their examination centres.
Some students questioned whether the reporting time could have been scheduled later, saying this would have reduced travel difficulties and given them additional time to prepare before entering the examination hall.
Medical Assistance Provided
Medical teams were present at examination centres to assist candidates who experienced health problems. Reports said doctors checked blood pressure and provided ORS and juice to students who required assistance.
In Punjab, where 47,501 candidates appeared, Rescue 1122 provided medical cover at examination centres. Forty-four students received first aid and one student was hospitalised after falling ill during the examination.
A High-Pressure Examination
MDCAT is a crucial step for students seeking admission to medical and dental colleges. After months of preparation, candidates faced the additional challenge of dealing with weather conditions and, in some locations, transportation and examination-centre concerns.
The reports have renewed attention on the importance of adequate ventilation, functioning fans, drinking water, medical assistance and comfortable examination facilities, particularly when thousands of students are taking a high-stakes test at the same time.
For many candidates, however, the examination marked the end of months of preparation and the beginning of the wait for their results and medical college admissions.
