Breaking Update: PMDC MBBS BDS Passing Marks 2025 Set at 50% – Relief for Students
The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has once again revised its academic policies for medical and dental students across the country. According to the latest notification, the PMDC MBBS BDS Passing Marks 2025 have been officially restored to 50%, reversing the previous decision that had set the minimum passing marks at 65%.
This new development comes as a major relief for thousands of MBBS and BDS students enrolled in public and private medical colleges. The PMDC stated that the new rule applies to the 2024–25 academic session, ensuring uniformity across all recognized institutions. Alongside this, the attendance requirement has also been reduced from 85% to 75%, aligning once again with the previous standard implemented before the 2023 revision.
The council’s decision has been welcomed by both students and medical faculty members, who argued that the 65% rule was unrealistic and placed unnecessary academic pressure on learners amid evolving examination systems.
Background – Why the PMDC Changed the Rules
The decision to restore the PMDC MBBS BDS Passing Marks 2025 to 50% came after several weeks of consultations between the council, vice-chancellors of medical universities, and student associations. The previous 65% policy, introduced in mid-2024, had drawn criticism for being inconsistent with international medical education standards.
According to the PMDC, the move aims to:
- Reduce academic stress on medical students
- Align Pakistani medical education standards with global norms
- Ensure uniform evaluation policies across all provinces
- Maintain educational continuity for ongoing batches
A PMDC spokesperson said that the council “prioritizes student welfare without compromising on academic quality,” and that the revised policy ensures fair grading practices across all medical and dental institutions.
New Policy Overview
The PMDC MBBS BDS Passing Marks 2025 notification clearly states:
| Category | Previous Requirement | Revised Requirement (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Passing Marks | 65% | 50% |
| Attendance | 85% | 75% |
| Session Applicable | 2024–25 | 2024–25 onward |
| Program Type | MBBS & BDS | MBBS & BDS |
This means all medical and dental colleges in Pakistan must immediately implement the updated policy. The PMDC has instructed universities to amend their internal evaluation policies, exam guidelines, and attendance rules accordingly.
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Why This Change Matters for Students
Medical students across Pakistan had voiced concerns about the higher threshold and strict attendance policies introduced last year. Under the 65% passing rule, many students risked failing despite demonstrating adequate clinical and theoretical competence.
By returning to 50% passing marks, the PMDC has acknowledged the ground realities of medical education in Pakistan — including curriculum load, hospital rotations, and research requirements.
Students can now:
- Focus more on conceptual learning rather than rote memorization
- Maintain a healthier balance between theory and clinical practice
- Avoid the stress of borderline exam failures
This reform not only enhances fairness but also boosts the morale of thousands of aspiring doctors and dentists.
PMDC’s Statement on Attendance Requirements
The second major change under the PMDC MBBS BDS Passing Marks 2025 notification concerns student attendance.
Previously, the attendance threshold was increased to 85%, a move that many students found impractical, especially those involved in clinical duties or electives. The new revision has restored the attendance requirement to 75%, which is consistent with earlier PMDC and HEC policies.
The PMDC emphasized that 75% attendance ensures regular participation while allowing flexibility for illness, research activities, and unavoidable absences.
Reactions from Medical Universities and Students
Universities and student bodies across Pakistan have largely welcomed the PMDC’s decision. Academic councils from institutions like King Edward Medical University (KEMU), Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), and Liaquat University have praised the move for “restoring academic balance.”
Student associations expressed relief on social media platforms, calling the announcement “a fair and student-friendly reform.” Many argued that the previous 65% passing rule unfairly targeted students with strong clinical performance but weaker theoretical scores.
Implementation Timeline
According to the official PMDC circular, the updated rules will take immediate effect and apply to all ongoing and upcoming examinations within the 2024–25 session.
Key points:
- Medical and dental colleges must update internal regulations instantly.
- Ongoing batches will be evaluated under the 50% pass rule.
- Attendance tracking will now follow the 75% criterion.
- Compliance reports are to be submitted by institutions to PMDC by the end of the academic term.
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How to Verify the New PMDC Notification
Students can confirm the authenticity of the PMDC MBBS BDS Passing Marks 2025 update by visiting the official PMDC website at https://pmdc.pk.
On the homepage, navigate to the “Latest Notifications” section and download the official circular (dated November 2025).
Alternatively, medical colleges will also display copies of the revised rules on their notice boards and digital portals.
Official Source Links
- Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) Official Website
- Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan
FAQs – PMDC MBBS BDS Passing Marks 2025
1. What are the new passing marks for MBBS and BDS 2025?
The PMDC has restored the minimum passing marks to 50% for all MBBS and BDS examinations under the 2024–25 session.
2. What is the new attendance requirement?
The attendance requirement is now 75%, instead of the previously announced 85%.
3. From when will the new rules apply?
The new rules apply immediately to the 2024–25 academic session across all recognized medical and dental colleges.
4. Why did PMDC reduce the passing marks back to 50%?
The council revised the rule after widespread feedback from students and institutions, ensuring alignment with global medical education standards.
5. Does this change affect final-year students?
Yes, it applies to all enrolled MBBS and BDS students for the current session, including final-year candidates.
6. Will attendance below 75% be accepted in any case?
No, 75% is the minimum requirement, though universities may allow exceptions for medical or official reasons.
7. How can I confirm if my college has implemented the new rule?
You can check your institution’s official notice board or visit pmdc.pk for verification.
8. Will future sessions follow the same rules?
Unless PMDC issues a new notification, the 50% passing marks and 75% attendance rule will continue for future sessions as well.
Conclusion
The PMDC MBBS BDS Passing Marks 2025 decision marks a significant turning point in Pakistan’s medical education policy. By reverting to 50% passing marks and reinstating a 75% attendance requirement, the PMDC has taken a student-centric approach that balances quality with fairness.
This change not only reduces academic pressure but also strengthens trust between students, universities, and the council. As Pakistan continues to reform its healthcare education standards, such policies reflect the PMDC’s commitment to creating a fair and globally aligned academic environment for future doctors and dentists.
