Punjab Approves New Medical Admission Policy for 2025-26 Academic Year

LAHORE, Punjab – In a significant move that will shape the future of medical education in the province, the Punjab government has officially approved a new admission policy for MBBS and BDS programs for the upcoming 2025-26 academic session.

The decision was finalized during a high-level meeting of the health and education departments, chaired by the Chief Minister. The revised policy aims to enhance transparency, standardize the merit process, and ensure a fairer distribution of seats across the province.

Key Changes in the New Medical Admission Policy

The newly approved policy introduces several important changes for prospective medical and dental students:

1. Revised Merit Formula: The weightage of entry test scores has been recalibrated. As per the new policy, the merit will be calculated as:
   • Matric (SSC): 20%
   • Intermediate (HSSC): 30%
   • Medical Entry Test (UHS MDCAT): 50%
     This marks a shift from previous years, placing greater emphasis on the intermediate marks.
2. Standardized Entry Test Requirement: The policy mandates a minimum score of 60% in the University of Health Sciences (UHS) Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) for eligibility to apply for any public or private medical college in Punjab.
3. Review of Quota System: The policy includes a reassessment of existing quotas (e.g., district-based, rural, etc.) to ensure equitable opportunities for students from underdeveloped regions of Punjab. Specific details on quota adjustments are expected to be released by the Punjab Health Department in a separate notification.
4. Centralized Admission Portal: All applications will be processed through a centralized, online admission portal managed by the University of Health Sciences (UHS) to streamline the process and minimize human intervention, thereby reducing the chance of irregularities.

Rationale Behind the Policy Shift

Government officials stated that the changes are designed to select the most capable students for the medical profession. “The increased weightage for FSc marks ensures that students with a strong academic foundation throughout their college career are rewarded,” said a spokesperson for the Health Department. “The goal is to create a more holistic and transparent system.”

The policy also aims to address the disparity in cut-off marks between different districts and to produce healthcare professionals who are more representative of the entire province.

Impact on Prospective Students

Students aspiring to enter medical college in the 2025-26 session must carefully note these changes. The increased focus on Intermediate marks means that performance in HSSC Part-I and Part-II examinations will be more critical than ever.

Coaching centers and educational consultants are expected to update their guidance strategies to align with the new merit calculation formula.

Next Steps and Official Notification

The Punjab Health Department is expected to issue a detailed official notification within the coming days, outlining the complete policy, including the final quota breakdown, application deadlines, and a comprehensive schedule for the admission process.

Aspiring students and parents are advised to regularly check the official websites of the Punjab Department of Health and the University of Health Sciences (UHS) for the latest updates.

Faiz.tv will continue to monitor this story and provide a detailed breakdown of the official notification as soon as it is released. Stay tuned.