Anees Takar
MARDAN: Strict measures imposed to ensure fairness and discourage cheat in MDCAT-2023 exam. Ban on pocket guides, mobile phones, digital gadgets and other prohibited materials that loose the fairness of exam.
In response to reported incidents of cheating during the recent MDCAT-2023 exams, the Deputy Commissioner of Mardan has taken decisive action. With a focus on maintaining integrity and preventing unfair practices, the Deputy Commissioner, exercising authority under section 144 Cr.P.C., has imposed a comprehensive ban within the premises of the Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan test center.
The ban will be effective from November 25, 2023, to November 26, 2023. This ban encompasses various items such as books, guides, solved papers, digital diaries, and even mobile phones, extending to all individuals, including staff and police personnel. The objective is clear to create an environment free from any materials that could facilitate dishonest means during the test.
Any violation of this order will be dealt with under section 188 P.P.C., ensuring strict consequences for those who defy the regulations. The move is part of a larger strategy outlined in the administrative preparation plan by the Home & Tribal Affairs Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to guarantee the peaceful and fair conduct of the MDCAT-2023.
The Deputy Commissioner of Mardan emphasized the importance of upholding the sanctity of the examination process and expressed determination to address the challenges posed by cheating and the use of electronic devices. This proactive approach aims to restore confidence among students and parents, assuring them that measures are in place to prevent a recurrence of such incidents in future exams.
As the ban takes effect, candidates, staff, and visitors are urged to comply with the regulations to avoid legal consequences. The Deputy Commissioner, underlining the seriousness of the matter, issued this order to safeguard the credibility of the MDCAT-2023 and maintain the standards of a fair and transparent examination system.
In the aftermath of a scandal involving electronic devices and cheating materials during the previous Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT), the Peshawar High Court has intervened, issuing a verdict to conduct a retest. The widespread public outcry prompted concerned citizens to take the matter to the court, seeking justice and fairness in the examination process.
Reports revealed that in the last MDCAT exam, several candidates were found in possession of electronic devices and materials designed for cheating. This alarming situation raised questions about the integrity of the exam and the admission process for medical and dental colleges.
The issue gained significant traction on social media platforms, with the public expressing their discontent and demanding action to rectify the situation. Faced with mounting pressure, citizens collectively filed a case in the Peshawar High Court, urging a thorough investigation and a fair resolution to restore confidence in the examination system.
After careful deliberation, the Peshawar High Court delivered a verdict, ordering the retesting of the MDCAT exam to ensure fairness and merit in the admission process. The court’s decision reflects a commitment to upholding the standards of transparency and integrity in educational assessments.
The retest is seen as a crucial step towards addressing the concerns raised by the public and reinstating trust in the credibility of the MDCAT. Educational authorities are expected to implement stringent measures to prevent a recurrence of cheating incidents, fostering an environment conducive to honest and merit-based evaluations.
The court’s intervention serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the sanctity of academic examinations and upholding the rights of candidates who strive for a fair chance at securing admission to medical and dental colleges. As preparations for the retest are underway, stakeholders, including educational institutions and students, are keenly observing the developments to ensure that the revised examination process remains untainted by the issues of the past.
