Punjab Private Medical Colleges Seek Deadline Extension for Vacant MBBS Seats Until Feb 28

Punjab Private Medical Colleges Seek Deadline Extension for Vacant MBBS Seats Until Feb 28

In a significant development for aspiring medical students in Punjab, principals of private medical colleges have formally requested a final extension of the deadline to fill all vacant MBBS seats for the current academic session. The appeal, which proposes moving the cutoff date to February 28 , was made during a crucial consultative session held at the University of Health Sciences (UHS) on Friday.

The meeting, chaired by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ahsan Waheed Rathore , was convened to address the pressing issue of unfilled seats and streamline the admission process amidst concerns raised by applicants. According to official sources, several private institutions reported that seats remained vacant even after the previously extended deadline of February 13 had passed .

The Push for a Final Extension

The primary outcome of the high-level meeting was a consensus among the college principals to approach the regulatory body for more time. The participants unanimously decided to forward a formal proposal to the Provincial Admission Committee, requesting that the deadline for completing admissions be shifted to February 28 .

This request comes on the heels of a recent revision in the national admissions schedule by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) , which has had a cascading effect on provincial timelines. The proposed one-time extension is intended to give colleges a final window to process applications and ensure that no seat in the province goes to waste.

College administrators present at the meeting argued that the initial deadlines, compounded by the nationwide schedule adjustments, did not provide sufficient lead time to complete the complex admission process. They have assured regulators that if the extension to February 28 is granted, it will be the final call. Sources indicated that the institutions have no intention of seeking any further leeway beyond this proposed date.

Fee Refund Policy and Student Transfers

In a move aimed at protecting student rights and providing clarity to applicants, the meeting also addressed critical issues regarding fee refunds and inter-college transfers.

Full Refund Guarantee by March 31

In a major relief for students, the committee decided that any candidate who wishes to withdraw their admission will be entitled to a full refund of their fee without any deductions . To avail this facility, students must formally withdraw their admission by March 31 . This decision is expected to alleviate the financial burden on students who may have secured a seat elsewhere or changed their mind about their chosen institution.

NOC Guidelines for Transfers

For students seeking to transfer from one private medical college to another, a clear procedure has been established. Candidates must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their current institution to facilitate the transfer process. In a directive aimed at preventing bureaucratic delays, colleges have been instructed not to withhold these NOCs. The deadline for issuing and processing these certificates has been set for February 24 , ensuring a smooth transition window before the final admission drive begins.

The Road Ahead: Filling the Remaining Seats

If the Provincial Admission Committee grants the approval for the extension, private medical colleges will initiate a focused admission drive to fill the remaining vacancies. The plan, as discussed in the UHS meeting, is to utilize the period between February 24 and February 28 to complete all pending admissions.

This timeline aligns with the need to balance administrative thoroughness with academic urgency. By consolidating the NOC process before the final admission week, the authorities aim to ensure that all transfers are settled, allowing for a clear picture of exactly how many seats are available for new applicants during the last five days of February.

Implications for Medical and Dental Aspirants

This development is particularly critical for students who may have narrowly missed earlier cutoff lists or are currently on waiting lists at various private institutions. The proposed extension offers a renewed opportunity to secure admission for the current academic year.

However, the authorities have urged students to stay in close contact with their respective college admission offices and monitor official UHS and PMDC announcements. Given that this is intended to be the final extension, candidates are advised to complete all formalities promptly once the new schedule is formally ratified.

The consultative session at UHS reflects a collaborative effort between private sector educators and public regulatory bodies to resolve administrative bottlenecks. By addressing both the institutional need for more time and the students' concerns regarding fees and transfers, the committee hopes to conclude the admission cycle efficiently and transparently.

The final decision now rests with the Provincial Admission Committee, and all stakeholders in the medical education sector are awaiting its verdict, hoping for a resolution that benefits students and maintains the integrity of the academic calendar.