The Punjab Specialized Healthcare & Medical Education Department has announced updates regarding JCAT passing criteria and the induction process for MS/MD/MDS programs in public sector medical and dental teaching institutions. The following are the complete guidelines for applicants.
- The passing percentage for the Joint Centralized Admission Test (JCAT) has been reduced from 75% to 60% as per the department’s notification dated 1st February 2025.
- The revised JCAT result reflecting this new criterion was published on 2nd February 2025 and can be accessed at https://kemu.edu.pk/jcat-r-october2024-revised/.
- Fresh applications are now invited for MS/MD/MDS programs under Level-III (Year-I) Postgraduate Residency Programs in public sector medical and dental institutions across Punjab.
- Retention of already inducted candidates: Candidates who have already joined their MD/MS seats will retain their induction, and their joining remains intact.
- Application submission details:
- Submission mode is online through the official portal at https://prp.phf.gop.pk. The application deadline is 10th February 2025 until 4:59 PM PST. If 10th February 2025 is a public holiday, the deadline will be extended to 5:00 PM PST on the next working day.
- Application fee and resubmission requirements: New applicants must pay a processing fee of Rs. 2000.
- The remaining vacant seats for MS/MD/MDS will be advertised on the official portal, and fresh applications are required.
Instructions for FCPS-II inductees seeking MS/MD/MDS: Candidates who have already secured or joined FCPS-II induction slots but now wish to switch to MS/MD/MDS must submit a fresh application. Their previous FCPS-II selection will be nullified, and they must provide an undertaking confirming their decision to forgo the FCPS-II seat. After submission of the undertaking, no claims for the FCPS-II seat will be entertained.
FCPS consent requirement and merit list validity:
The portal will open for fresh consent from Level-III FCPS candidates based on the final selection list published on 29th January 2025. Candidates who wish to continue with their already consented or joined FCPS seats must submit fresh consent by 4:00 PM PST on 4th February 2025. Failure to provide consent within the stipulated timeframe will result in the seat being considered vacant, and no retrospective claims will be entertained. The merit list for FCPS will remain valid until 10th February 2025.
Key points:
JCAT passing criteria have been lowered to 60 percent. Previous MS/MD/MDS selections are not affected for those who have already joined; however, fresh applications are required for vacant seats. The deadline for new MS/MD/MDS applications is 10th February 2025. Candidates switching from FCPS-II to MS/MD/MDS must submit an undertaking. FCPS candidates must reconfirm consent by 4th February 2025. The FCPS merit list is valid until 10th February 2025.
Notices: