Nadeem Tanoli
Islamabad: Students from Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit Baltistan and other parts of Pakistan who are studying in Azad Jammu and Kashmir have appealed for relief in the MDCAT schedule, saying they are badly affected by postponed FSc examinations, internet shutdowns, and uncertainty over their academic future.
The affected students include candidates studying in Cadet Colleges and schools in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Many of these students have domiciles from provinces outside AJK, but their education and board examinations are linked with AJK institutions.
Students said they are facing a double problem. Their FSc examinations have not been completed, while MDCAT registration and preparation are continuing across the country. They said students from other boards are in a better position because many of them have already completed or are close to completing their intermediate examinations.
According to the students, those studying in AJK institutions have lost important preparation days because of uncertainty over board exams and lack of internet access. They said online lectures, study material, registration portals and communication with teachers have been badly affected.
Medical college aspirants from Azad Jammu and Kashmir have appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal and the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council President to take urgent notice of the situation.
They said the issue is not limited only to local AJK students. Students from Punjab, Sindh, KP, Balochistan and Gilgit Baltistan who went to AJK for studies are also suffering because their FSc exams are connected with AJK institutions.
According to a circular issued by the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Mirpur, the Intermediate First Annual Examination 2026 has been postponed until further orders. Students said there is still no clear date for the remaining papers.
The students said this delay has created serious mental pressure. They said it is difficult to prepare for MDCAT when they do not even know when their FSc exams will resume.
They said MDCAT is already a tough exam, and students need full focus for preparation. However, AJK students are stuck between postponed board papers, internet problems and online registration difficulties.
Students said internet services in several parts of AJK have remained suspended or badly affected. Because of this, many students are unable to attend online MDCAT classes, download notes, watch lectures or submit registration forms properly.
They said MDCAT registration is an online process, but many affected candidates cannot complete it smoothly due to poor or unavailable internet. They asked the authorities to consider this as a special academic difficulty.
According to the shared details, MDCAT registration is scheduled to start on June 22, 2026. The regular last date is July 8, 2026, while late registration is allowed until July 13, 2026. The current MDCAT date is August 16, 2026.
The affected students have requested that the MDCAT schedule should be extended. They said this would give them time to complete their FSc examinations, recover lost preparation days and submit registration forms without panic.
They said candidates from Punjab, Sindh, KP, Balochistan, Gilgit Baltistan and Federal Board are able to focus on MDCAT preparation, while students linked with AJK institutions are still waiting for their board exams to restart.
Students also said road closures, public transport issues and movement restrictions have affected their ability to attend academies, reach study centres and continue normal preparation.
They appealed to the AJK Board, PMDC and federal health authorities to coordinate and announce a clear plan. They said students need a proper timeline so they can prepare without fear and confusion.
Parents and students said the future of thousands of medical aspirants should not be affected because of delayed exams, internet problems and registration difficulties.
When contacted, PMDC President Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj said there was “nothing to worry” about. He said PMDC had not yet been formally informed about the matter, but the council was keeping a close eye on the situation and students would be facilitated accordingly. He added that the university conducting MDCAT in AJK is Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University.
Copied From: Students From Outside AJK Studying in AJK Seek MDCAT Delay – Peak Point
