PMDC says revised attendance and passing rules will not apply to MBBS and BDS students till 2024-25 academic session
The Pakistan Medical Students’ Association has welcomed the decision of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council to reinstate mandatory 75% attendance for final exams and 50% passing marks for all medical and dental students across the country for 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. He adds that the reinstatement of these regulations has brought Pakistan “in line with globally aligned academic standards,” which would help produce competent and responsible healthcare professionals.
The MSA emphasizes that medical students are the main stakeholders in issues related to their training. “We urge the Government of Pakistan, the Ministry of Health and the Pakistan Medical and 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.
He further reaffirmed his commitment to representing the concerns and aspirations of medical students across the country. He said he was ready to work with regulators, institutions and policymakers “to foster a more progressive, equitable and student-friendly medical education system in Pakistan.”
MBBS and BDS students exempted from re-pass and attendance rules
Last week, the PMDC had clarified that there would be no implementation of the revised attendance and pass mark requirements for MBBS and BDS students enrolled till the 2024-25 academic session.
The decision, made at the Oct. 21 board meeting, follows feedback from universities, medical and dental schools, as well as petitions from students and parents regarding the impact of changes to requirements during the current academic year. Earlier in February, the PMDC increased the passing marks of MBBS and BDS exams from 50% to 70% and raised the attendance requirement from 75% to 90%.
“The Board has decided that there will be no enforcement of the revised attendance or passing grade requirements,” PMDC announced. “Students already enrolled up to the 2024-2025 academic session will continue under the previously applicable criteria of 50% minimum passing grades and 75% minimum attendance, as stipulated at the time of their admission or registration for MBBS or BDS programmes.”
For future cohorts, the board proposed a gradual 5% increase in attendance and passing grade requirements. The change will be subject to further review in consultation with universities, medical professors and other relevant stakeholders. “The finalized criteria will be communicated in due course,” the statement said.
