The Planning Commission of Pakistan has called for urgent reforms in the evaluation system for MBBS and BDS students, terming the current method excessively harsh compared to regional standards. A proposal has been forwarded to the federal health ministry for review.
Students complained that even after scoring well in practical exams, missing just one mark in theory leads to failure and loss of an academic year. Under current rules, candidates must secure at least 50% separately in both theory and practical exams. In the July 2025 supplementary exams, over 1,700 students were declared failed, despite many passing practicals.
By contrast, India follows a weighted average model (60:40 or 40:60), allowing students to pass if the combined score is 50%. The Planning Commission found students’ grievances valid, stressing that failing students by a narrow margin is unfair and wastes time and money.
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The Commission has recommended applying a weighted average formula, or allowing students to be promoted while clearing the failed subject later. Officials noted that with private medical colleges charging PKR 2.5–2.8 million annually, repeating a year adds heavy financial strain, especially for families already facing economic hardship and flood losses.
The findings have been shared with Federal Health Minister Syed Kamal Mustafa, urging the PMDC to review its regulations and adopt a fairer assessment system.
