KARACHI, Sindh: Sukkur IBA University Vice Chancellor Asif Sheikh fainted shortly before MDCAT 2026 Karachi testing began on Sunday, while students at NED University also required medical assistance.
Sheikh collapsed from his seat before the examination and received immediate medical assistance. After recovering, he said a lack of sleep from prolonged work on MDCAT arrangements contributed to the episode.
At NED University of Engineering and Technology, at least two female candidates received treatment as temperatures rose during the examination, according to the same report. Medical staff provided oral rehydration solution and juice, while doctors were called to monitor blood pressure.
The report also said some fans in sections of the examination venue were not functioning, adding to concerns about ventilation and heat conditions.
NED University was assigned about 6,000 candidates, while another 4,964 candidates were scheduled to sit MDCAT at Dow University of Health Sciences’ Ojha Campus, taking Karachi’s combined total to 10,964.
Read: MDCAT 2026: 138,158 Candidates Set for Sunday Test
The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) said 138,160 candidates registered nationwide for MDCAT 2026, including 34,233 in Sindh. The examination is being held across 34 Pakistani cities and at an international centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
