Sharp 38% Fall in MDCAT Candidates Raises Future Doctor Shortage Fears

 

Pakistan is witnessing a significant decline in the number of students registering for the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT), prompting concerns about future interest in medical education and the country’s doctor supply.

According to figures reported by the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) ahead of MDCAT 2026, around 138,158 candidates have registered for this year’s examination. The test is scheduled to take place on September 20 across the country. The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) had initially planned the examination for August 16 but later postponed it to September 20.

The number of registered candidates is substantially below the 204,253 applicants recorded in 2022, marking a decline of approximately 38% from the peak. However, the number of MDCAT applicants does not directly represent the number of doctors who will eventually enter the medical profession.

Several factors may be contributing to the decline, including the rising cost of medical education, limited medical college seats and intense competition. At the same time, students are increasingly exploring alternative fields such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology.

MDCAT remains the primary entrance examination for admission to MBBS and BDS programmes, making changes in registration numbers an important indicator of shifting student preferences toward medical education in Pakistan.