Students Across Pakistan Can Now Apply Directly for Punjab Medical Seats

Students Across Pakistan Can Now Apply Directly for Punjab Medical Seats

The Punjab government has mandated that all applications for quota seats in the province's public medical and dental colleges will be submitted exclusively through the University of Health Sciences (UHS) online portal, starting December 1st, 2025. This centralized, digital system replaces the previous nomination-based method, promising a more transparent and streamlined admission process for candidates across Pakistan.

The landmark decision, approved by the Punjab provincial cabinet, marks a pivotal shift towards meritocracy and accessibility. For the first time, candidates from other provinces and territories, including Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and students under the Balochistan and ex-FATA categories, can apply directly without intermediary channels.

A New Era of Transparency and Direct Access

The core of the new admission policy is the elimination of the nomination system. Previously, admissions under various quotas were often managed through indirect nominations, which could be opaque. The new policy firmly establishes that "admissions will not be made on the basis of nominations but according to quota seats," ensuring that all eligible candidates have a direct and fair opportunity to apply.

"This is a transformative step for medical education in Punjab," said an official from the Health Department. "By moving the entire process online through UHS, we are ensuring transparency, reducing human intervention, and making it significantly easier for students from remote areas to apply for these prestigious seats."

Breakdown of Reserved Quota Seats for 2025 Admissions

The approved quota for the 2025 admissions cycle provides a clear and detailed allocation of seats ( MBBS & BDS ) for candidates from outside Punjab. The distribution is as follows:

• Islamabad: A total of 30 seats have been reserved, comprising 26 MBBS and 4 BDS seats.

• Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK): Candidates from AJK can apply for 39 seats , which include 36 MBBS and 3 BDS positions.

• Gilgit-Baltistan (GB): The region has been allocated 60 seats , with 55 for MBBS and 5 for BDS programs.

• Balochistan: 20 MBBS seats have been reserved under this special goodwill initiative.

• Ex-FATA Students: Students from the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas have 27 seats reserved, including 21 MBBS and 6 BDS seats.

• Balochistan and Ex-FATA HEC Scholarship: A further 38 seats are allocated under this scholarship scheme, with 28 for MBBS and 10 for BDS .

This structured allocation ensures that students from across the country have a defined number of opportunities to pursue medical and dental education in Punjab's renowned institutions.

Eligibility Criteria and Application Timeline

Prospective candidates must meet two primary criteria to be eligible for these quota seats. First, the applicant must hold a valid domicile certificate from the respective province or territory for which the quota is reserved. Second, they must meet the minimum academic and entry test eligibility criteria as prescribed by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC).

The application window is strict and will not be extended. The UHS online portal will open for submissions on December 1st, 2025 , and will close promptly on December 15th, 2025 . Applicants are strongly advised not to wait until the last day to avoid potential technical issues or server congestion.

UHS Establishes Special Help Desk for Guidance

Recognizing that this new system may be unfamiliar to many applicants, the University of Health Sciences has proactively set up a special facilitation desk at its main campus. This desk is dedicated to guiding and assisting candidates through the online application process.

The help desk will be operational throughout the application period and will be led by Deputy Registrar Public Affairs, Yasir Sultan . Candidates facing any technical difficulties or requiring clarification on the application procedure can contact this desk for prompt support.

A Step Towards National Integration in Education

This policy shift is being widely praised by educational experts as a positive step towards national integration. By allowing students from GB, AJK, Balochistan, and ex-FATA to apply directly, it breaks down geographical barriers and fosters a more inclusive educational environment.

"It empowers students from less-developed regions," commented an education analyst. "They now have direct access to some of the best medical training facilities in the country without bureaucratic hurdles. This not only benefits the students but also enriches the academic diversity within Punjab's colleges."

As the December 1 deadline approaches, thousands of aspiring doctors and dentists across Pakistan are expected to log on to the UHS portal, marking the beginning of a new, more equitable chapter in medical admissions in Punjab.