The University of Health Sciences (UHS) has made a significant decision to transition all of its theoretical examinations to Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) starting in 2026. This change was approved during the 40th meeting of the UHS Academic Council, which took place on a recent Monday under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Ahsan Waheed Rathore.
As part of this new assessment policy, Short Essay Questions (SEQs) will be eliminated from all examinations, including those for the MBBS program, beginning next year. From 2026 onward, both undergraduate and postgraduate students will be evaluated exclusively through structured and standardized formats that emphasize objectivity.
To successfully pass, candidates must achieve a minimum score of 65 percent separately in both the theoretical and practical components of their assessments. Prof Rathore emphasized that these reforms are designed to enhance fairness and transparency in evaluations, aligning them with international educational standards. He stated, “Traditional essay-based exams often lacked objectivity and consistency. The new system will ensure uniform evaluation and timely result declaration for thousands of students.”
The goal is to cultivate competent, ethical healthcare professionals who are globally competitive, achieved through reliable and evidence-based assessments. Additionally, the UHS Academic Council has approved a Quality Assurance Framework that includes examiner training, question blueprinting, post-exam moderation, and analysis based on data.
Practical exams will now utilize Objective Structured Practical Examinations (OSPE) and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE), while internal assessments will continue to carry 20 percent of the overall weight. The university plans to pilot the new MCQ format in nursing examinations in 2025 before full implementation the following year.
This reform is the result of months of discussions with faculty from medical and dental colleges across Punjab. “This policy reflects a collective academic consensus and brings UHS in line with the best practices recommended by the World Federation for Medical Education and the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council,” Prof Rathore added. The meeting included participation from principals and senior faculty members from affiliated institutions, who supported this initiative as a progressive step toward modernization and academic excellence.
