Lahore High Court (LHC) has directed the University of Health Sciences (UHS) to publish all versions of the MDCAT 2026 question papers on its official website. The order aims to help candidates review the papers during the medical and dental admission process.
The court said UHS must keep all question paper versions available online until admissions are completed. It also directed the university to allow candidates to submit objections after the admission process, according to the relevant policy.
In its judgment, the court questioned why UHS had removed the papers from public access. It found no reasonable explanation for the decision following a letter issued by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) on September 10.
Court Points Out Problems With Filing Objections
The court noted that candidates could no longer access the question papers in printed or online form. This made it harder for them to check their answers and identify possible mistakes.
According to the judgment, remembering all 180 questions to file an objection was not practical. Without access to the papers, candidates faced difficulties using the available objection and rechecking procedures.
The court also reviewed the examination rules issued by UHS. The university’s lawyer confirmed that candidates had been allowed to take their question papers home after the test.
However, the court noted that UHS had not issued a new notification or amendment to change this rule. It therefore questioned the decision to remove the papers from public access.
LHC Allows Judicial Review of the Case
The Lahore High Court rejected an initial objection raised against the petition. It clarified that examination-related decisions can also come under judicial review.
The court considered the petition instead of dismissing it on the argument that examination matters could not be reviewed by the judiciary.
The ruling specifically concerns MDCAT 2026 in Punjab. It does not automatically establish the same requirements for future medical and dental admission tests.
Court Expresses Displeasure Over Registrar’s Absence
The court also expressed displeasure because the UHS registrar failed to appear despite a judicial order. However, it decided not to impose a penalty for the absence.
Justice Syed Ahsan Raza Kazmi issued the 11-page judgment while allowing Writ Petition No. 3516/2026. Ryan Shahid Malik had filed the petition against the federation.
Under the ruling, UHS must restore public access to every version of the MDCAT 2026 question papers. The university must keep them available until the admission process is complete.
Candidates will also be able to raise objections after admissions, in line with the applicable policy.
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The decision highlights the importance of transparent examination procedures. It also aims to give candidates a practical way to review questions and raise concerns about possible errors. UHS must now follow the directions issued by the court.
