In a sweeping reform aimed at standardizing medical education, the University of Health Sciences (UHS) has announced that all theory exams will now be conducted in a Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) format, effectively ending traditional essay-based assessments starting in 2026.
The decision, approved during the 40th meeting of the UHS Academic Council chaired by Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Ahsan Waheed Rathore, applies to both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including MBBS. Under the new policy, students must secure at least 65 percent marks separately in both theory and practical components to pass.
Prof Rathore explained that the change is meant to promote transparency, consistency, and fairness across examinations. “Traditional essay-based exams often lacked objectivity and consistency,” he said. “This new system will ensure uniform evaluation and timely declaration of results, aligning with global academic standards.”
To implement the reform, UHS has approved a quality assurance framework involving examiner training, structured question blueprinting, and post-exam moderation. Practical assessments will transition to Objective Structured Practical/Clinical Examinations (OSPE/OSCE), while internal evaluations will maintain a 20 percent weightage.
A pilot phase of the MCQ-only system will be introduced in nursing programs in 2025 before a complete rollout in 2026. Prof Rathore emphasized that the decision follows extensive consultations with faculty across Punjab and adheres to standards set by the World Federation for Medical Education and the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC).
Related: UHS to Standardize Medical Journals Across Punjab
Principals and senior faculty from affiliated colleges have welcomed the move, describing it as a milestone in modernizing medical education and enhancing academic excellence across Pakistan.