THIS is with reference to the report “Ministry asked to ‘accommodate’ late applications for MDCAT” (Sept 19). Thousands of students appear for the Medical and Dental Colleges Admission Test (MDCAT) each year, striving to secure a position in one of the most prestigious professions in the world.

Undoubtedly, each aspirant undergoes rigorous mental pressure leading up to the exam, which ultimately determines their future. With the stakes being high, combined with societal expectations as well as personal aspirations, MDCAT is a nerve-racking challenge.

The pressure on the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to accom-modate late applications by influential individuals was a clear indication that the delay was not owing to any legitimate reason. The insistence by the ‘influential personalities’ to make exceptions for a select few, even at the cost of delaying the examination, highlighted the disconnect between the country’s elite and the common man, underscoring the growing class disparity in Pakistan. This situation intensified the anxiety and psychological strain on the pre-registered candidates, who had diligently followed the timelines.

Such actions undermine the principles of merit and fairness, casting a shadow over the integrity of the whole examination process. Accommodating a few at the expense of many not only damages public trust, but also sends a dangerous message that the rules are flexible for the privileged. It is time to prioritise merit over influence.

Muhammad Usama
Gujranwala

Published in Dawn, September 26th, 2024