The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has announced a major relief for medical and dental students by easing examination and attendance requirements. Under the new policy, students will now need 50% marks to pass their exams, while 75% attendance will be required to sit for examinations. These changes restore the previous criteria, reversing the earlier decision that had raised passing marks to 65% and attendance to 85%.
The earlier policy faced strong backlash from students and educational institutions, who argued that the revised standards were excessively strict and added unnecessary pressure on learners. After receiving feedback from universities and student representatives, PMDC decided to restore the previous rules to create a more balanced and student-friendly academic environment.
The updated policy will take effect from the 2024–2025 academic session, and all medical and dental colleges have been instructed to implement the new standards immediately. PMDC officials stated that the decision aims to uphold academic quality while ensuring students can manage their workload effectively.
The Council also indicated that in the future, a gradual 5% increase in both attendance and passing marks may be considered after consultation with universities and other stakeholders. Students across Pakistan have widely welcomed the change, describing it as a fair and timely move that reduces academic stress and restores balance in the medical education system.
