Thousands of medical students in Pakistan are facing setbacks due to strict evaluation rules, raising concerns about fairness and financial burden. Calls for reform in the MBBS and BDS passing criteria are gaining momentum, with experts and parents urging immediate action.
Planning Commission urges reforms in the MBBS and BDS passing criteria, citing excessively strict evaluation compared to regional standards.
Recommendations sent to Federal Health Ministry for review and action.
Students’ complaints: Missing even a single mark in theory causes failure despite high practical scores.
Current rule: Minimum 50% required separately in theory and practicals; failing one block in theory results in disqualification.
July 2025 results: Over 500 of 1,195 first-year MBBS students failed; total failures across classes nearly 1,700.
Comparison with India: Weighted average system (theory + practical) allows passing if combined score is ≥50%.
Planning Commission finding: Current single-supplementary rule is unfair; students failing narrowly should be reassessed with weighted average.
PMDC urged to amend regulations and instruct universities to revise affected results.
Experts’ suggestion: Conditional promotion while clearing failed subjects to prevent wasting an academic year.
Financial concerns: Private medical colleges charge PKR 2.5–2.8 million per year; repeating a year imposes heavy financial burden.
Read More: KP Govt Announces End of BS Programs in Colleges Across Province
Recommended solution: Apply weighted average or allow conditional promotion to protect students and align Pakistan with global standards.
