MDCAT 2026: New Directives Issued for the September 20 Test

More than 48,000 candidates are expected to appear in MDCAT 2026 across Punjab on September 20. The Punjab Home Department has ordered security, traffic and emergency arrangements at 33 examination centers in 15 cities.

The Medical and Dental College Admission Test will be conducted by the University of Health Sciences (UHS) for admission to medical and dental colleges. The Punjab Home Department has issued security directives to police and district administrations for the examination.

The centers will be established in Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Gujrat, Sahiwal, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Multan, Bahawalpur, Rawalpindi, Dera Ghazi Khan, Mianwali, Layyah, Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan.

Security and Emergency Arrangements

The Home Department has ordered Grade-3 security arrangements at all examination centers.

Civil Defense and Special Branch teams will inspect and scan the venues before the test. Special Branch security clearance will also be mandatory for invigilators and examination superintendents.

Walk-through gates, metal detectors and CCTV cameras will be installed at entrances. Female police personnel will be deployed for the safety and convenience of female candidates.

Authorities have also ordered biometric verification to help prevent impersonation. Section 144 will remain in force around examination centers on test day.

Rescue 1122, bomb disposal squads, fire brigades and medical teams will remain available at the centers. Nearby government hospitals will stay on standby. Generators must also be arranged to maintain uninterrupted power supply.

Police teams will provide security to UHS staff during the transportation of examination papers. Police will remain deployed around UHS premises around the clock. Police will also patrol areas around examination centers across the 15 cities.

Traffic and Candidate Arrangements

District administrations have been directed to arrange parking at a safe distance from examination centers. Vehicles will not be allowed near the examination venues. Authorities will implement special traffic plans to maintain smooth movement around the centers.

Officials will also arrange the orderly and safe dispersal of candidates after the test. In Rawalpindi, authorities have separately arranged shuttle transport for candidates and facilities for parents, including seating, drinking water and parking.