The new requirement of Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) for candidates to present a valid Juvenile Registration Card (JRC) for MDCAT-2026 has raised concerns among students and parents across Pakistan.
According to a report by Dawn News, the council has made biometric verification compulsory for the test. Under the new policy, candidates under the age of 18 must possess a valid JRC issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) in order to appear in the exam.
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The decision is expected to impact nearly 200,000 candidates who sit for the Medical and Dental Colleges Admission Test each year, making it one of the most significant policy changes for MDCAT applicants.
Parents say the requirement places an additional financial and logistical burden on families already struggling with rising costs.
Parents raise financial and practical concerns
Sohail Jamil, a parent, said his 17-year-old daughter will still be underage at the time of the exam and questioned the need for the card.
He argued that the matriculation mark sheet already includes a photograph and could serve as identification, avoiding extra expenses.
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Another parent, Bilal Ahmed, pointed out that the Juvenile Registration Card has a short validity period.
He said many candidates will have to stand in long queues, spend money, and obtain a card that may expire within a year when they turn 18.
Parents have urged PMDC to reconsider the decision and consult stakeholders before implementing such requirements.
PMDC defends decision, cites digitisation goals
Responding to the criticism, PMDC Registrar Dr Rehan Naqvi said the move is part of efforts to promote documentation and digitisation.
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He noted that a similar directive was issued during the previous MDCAT, but candidates without JRCs or CNICs were still allowed to appear.
Naqvi acknowledged concerns regarding the short validity period of the card but said the policy would encourage families to register their children officially.
The issue has sparked debate over balancing digital reforms with accessibility, particularly for low-income families.
