Rekha Kakkar
Updated on: October 13, 2024 5:39 am GMT
With thousands of hopeful students preparing to take the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) this Sunday, authorities are leaving no stone unturned to ensure the exam’s integrity. Among these measures is the installation of mobile jammers at test centers to prevent cheating, along with the suspension of internet services in key areas.
Comprehensive Security Measures in Place
The Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) has outlined strict protocols in response to concerns about exam security. Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazli Hossain emphasized during a recent press conference that comprehensive security measures have been devised to prevent any potential paper leaks.
- Mobile jammers will be installed at all exam centers.
- No unauthorized individuals, including media, will be allowed into test centers.
- Students will undergo thorough body searches at multiple checkpoints.
- Only essential items, such as admit cards and identity documents, are permitted inside.
Students have been advised to arrive at exam centers early, allowing for the strict security checks. Prof. Hossain warned that any personal item beyond the approved documents—such as mobile phones, calculators, or even jewelry—will be discarded at the entrance, and candidates carrying such items may face expulsion from the exam.
Anticipated Participation
More than 38,000 students are registered to sit for the MDCAT across Sindh, with a notable participation of female candidates. Dr. Fuad Sheikh, the DUHS Controller Examination, revealed that over 23,000 of these candidates are girls, showcasing a significant push toward female enrollment in medical programs.
In Karachi alone, 12,846 candidates will take the exam at two locations: DUHS cricket ground (Ojha campus) and NED University. The exam will also take place in other cities such as Shaheed Benazirabad, Larkana, Hyderabad, and Sukkur.
Provincial Coordination for Exam Access
In a parallel effort to ensure the smooth conduct of the MDCAT, authorities in Punjab and Peshawar are implementing similar security measures. Internet services will be suspended within a 500-meter radius of designated exam centers, based on directives from the Interior Ministry.
- In Punjab, the suspension will affect 26 exam centers spread across 12 districts.
- In Peshawar, six exam centers will enforce strict entry restrictions.
Both regions have mandated a ban on personal items, enforcing strict evidence to maintain exam integrity. Only roll number slips and ID cards will be allowed inside the halls. Additionally, students will undergo biometric verification as part of the enhanced security checks.
Logistical Preparations
The University of Health Sciences (UHS) has completed arrangements for the MDCAT in Punjab, ensuring secure transportation of examination papers. These materials were dispatched in sealed steel trunks, escorted by police and high-ranking university officials.
Prof. Dr. Ahsan Waheed Rathor, Vice-Chancellor of UHS, personally oversaw the operation and expressed hope for a smooth examination process. The UHS has also established a Command and Control Center to monitor operations closely, reinforcing organized communication among the exam centers.
To mitigate concerns about unauthorized access, section 144 of the criminal procedure code may be enforced if necessary, along with increased police presence to maintain order around test centers.
Expectations for the Exam Day
Candidates are encouraged to prioritize their arrival times for the exam, with the reporting window set between 7 AM and 9 AM. DUHS officials have assured that all necessary materials, such as bottled water and writing instruments, will be made available at the exam centers.
Officials remind candidates to follow guidelines strictly, as any violation will lead to immediate cancellation of their test paper. The exam results, including answer keys, are expected to be released on the Dow University website by the evening of September 22.
Conclusion
The MDCAT is a crucial step for aspiring medical students in Sindh and beyond, making the robustness of security measures not only necessary but essential. With coordinated efforts across government bodies and educational institutions, the authorities aim to provide a seamless testing environment. Students are urged to stay calm and prepared as they approach this pivotal moment in their education.
Making sure the exam is fair and honest is very important for everyone. This is because the results matter a lot for both the students taking the test and the schools that want to support the best doctors in the future.
