Sindh government endorses revised Medical and Dental College Admission Test framework
The Sindh cabinet has approved in principle a CNIC-based vehicle registration system, linking registration marks directly to the vehicle owner's Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC), as well as a comprehensive admission policy for MBBS and BDS programmes in public and private medical and dental colleges across Sindh.
The CNIC-based registration system, which aligns with international standards and recent reforms in the Islamabad Capital Territory, will replace the current system that links number plates to vehicle chassis numbers. This new system will allow owners to retain, reuse, or surrender their personalised number plates even after selling their vehicle[1][2][3][4].
However, the system is not yet implemented; the Chief Minister has directed the Excise and Taxation Department to develop, test, and finalize the legal framework and submit the draft law before actual implementation begins[1][3]. Key points of the system include:
- The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), based on the chassis number, will remain the vehicle's permanent identifier.
- Number plates will be owner-centric and linked to CNICs, enhancing traceability and easing asset tracking for taxation.
- The system will be fully integrated with NADRA’s national database to ensure standardization and real-time enforcement[1][2][3].
- A pilot project needs to be launched first before the province-wide rollout[3].
No exact timeline has been announced for the launch or full implementation, as the Excise Department is currently working on developing and testing the model pending legal formalities[1][3].
In the educational sector, the provincial cabinet has finalized a comprehensive admission policy for MBBS and BDS programmes. As per the PMDC Act, a uniform, province-wide MDCAT test must be conducted annually. The seat allocation and distribution for all medical colleges and universities will be published in the annual Prospectus for Session 2024-25[5]. Future selections will remain performance-based, with a Sindh domicile being mandatory for applicants, verified through Juvenile Cards and biometric authentication[6]. The MDCAT Policy includes strict adherence to PMDC rules for merit determination, pass percentages, and eligibility.
The Sukkur IBA Testing Agency (SIBA) has been designated as the current testing agency for MDCAT-2024[7]. The cabinet has also approved a province-wide reassessment of 3,371 protected heritage buildings[8].
The Chief Minister has directed the Excise and Taxation Department to develop the CNIC-based system, followed by testing, and then amending the necessary law. Once properly tested, the Chief Minister will hold follow-up meetings to oversee its implementation. This new system, along with the updated MDCAT policy, aims to promote easy tracking of taxpayer assets, improve administrative convenience, and align Sindh's practices with global best practices.
References: [1] Dawn.com, "Sindh cabinet approves CNIC-based vehicle registration system," 2 August 2025. [2] The Express Tribune, "Sindh to link vehicle registration with CNIC," 2 August 2025. [3] Geo.tv, "Sindh cabinet approves CNIC-based vehicle registration system," 2 August 2025. [4] Business Recorder, "Sindh cabinet approves CNIC-based vehicle registration system," 2 August 2025. [5] The News International, "Sindh cabinet finalises comprehensive admission policy for medical, dental colleges," 2 August 2025. [6] Dawn.com, "Sindh cabinet approves strict MDCAT policy changes," 2 August 2025. [7] The Express Tribune, "SIBA designated as MDCAT-2024 testing agency," 2 August 2025. [8] Geo.tv, "Sindh cabinet approves reassessment of 3,371 protected heritage buildings," 2 August 2025.
- The CNIC-based vehicle registration system, approved by the Sindh cabinet, aims to align with global best practices, enhancing asset tracking for taxation purposes.
- By implementing this system, vehicle number plates will be linked to the owner's CNIC, replacing the current system that is based on chassis numbers.
- In the healthcare sector, the provincial cabinet has finalized a comprehensive policy for MBBS and BDS admissions, ensuring a uniform test across the province and prioritizing Sindh domicile holders.
- The Sindh government has also approved a province-wide reassessment of protected heritage buildings and designated the Sukkur IBA Testing Agency for the MDCAT-2024 exam.
