The Sindh government has implemented a series of measures aimed at ensuring transparency and security for the retake of the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT), set to take place tomorrow - December 8 - across eight locations in the province.

In a move to maintain strict control around the examination centers, the Sindh Home Department has imposed Section 144, which includes a ban on the use of digital devices, mobile phones, and ladies' purses inside the exam venues.

The restriction also extends to the movement of unrelated individuals and vehicles around the test centers. Police forces will be deployed to oversee security arrangements, ensuring that no unauthorized personnel enter the premises.

The test will be conducted in eight different locations across Sindh, including the University of Karachi, NED University, Public School Hyderabad, Police Training Center Larkana, Mehran University Jamshoro, Public Health School Hyderabad, IBA Public School Sukkur, and Quaid-e-Awam University in Shaheed Benazirabad (Nawabshah).

This decision follows the orders of the Sindh High Court, which, in October, mandated the retaking of the MDCAT after serious concerns were raised regarding irregularities in the previous test conducted earlier this year.

The initial exam, held on September 22, saw more than 160,000 candidates participating. However, the examination was marred by allegations of cheating and paper leaks.

Over 50 students were accused of cheating, and two were arrested. In response, a group of 15 candidates filed a petition in the Sindh High Court, alleging that papers were leaked a day before the exam, casting doubt on the integrity of the process.

On October 4, the Sindh High Court ordered the retake of the MDCAT within four weeks, a decision which was later endorsed by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah during a provincial cabinet meeting held on November 6. The Chief Minister emphasized the need for transparency in all entrance exams and directed the authorities to conduct the MDCAT within six weeks.