Breaking News: UHS Replaces Theory Exams With New Assessment Method

The University of Health Sciences UHS Replaces Theory Exams With New Assessment Method. declaring that all theory exams will now be based entirely on Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) from the academic year 2026 onward. The landmark decision was taken during the 40th Academic Council meeting, presided over by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Ahsan Waheed Rathore.

This major reform marks a turning point in Pakistan’s medical education, bringing it closer to international testing standards. The council’s move is expected to create a more transparent, objective, and efficient assessment process for thousands of medical students across Punjab.

Why UHS Introduced the New Assessment System

The University of Health Sciences has long been at the forefront of improving examination quality. According to Prof. Rathore, essay-based questions such as SEQs (Short Essay Questions) often lacked fairness due to subjective marking and inconsistent evaluation across examiners. This inconsistency led to stress, delays in result compilation, and dissatisfaction among students.

The new MCQ-only structure ensures that each student is evaluated on the same objective criteria, eliminating examiner bias and improving result turnaround times. The Vice Chancellor stated:

“Our goal is to make medical education more reliable, evidence-based, and aligned with global standards. We want every student to be assessed fairly, without any ambiguity or bias.”

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Key Features of the New Policy

The UHS Academic Council approved several important measures that will reshape exam structures at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Here are the key highlights of the policy:

This structured approach is expected to bring uniformity, fairness, and transparency to the entire examination process.

Implementation Timeline

The university has planned a two-phase implementation strategy:

1. Pilot Phase (2025): The MCQ-based system will first be tested in nursing exams to identify gaps, train examiners, and refine the blueprint.
2. Full Rollout (2026): All programs, including MBBS, BDS, and allied health sciences, will officially adopt the new format.

During this transition period, UHS will conduct training workshops for faculty and examiners, ensuring smooth adaptation to the modernized evaluation process.

Quality Assurance and Examiner Training

Recognizing the challenges of shifting to an entirely objective system, the university has developed a comprehensive Quality Assurance Framework. This framework focuses on maintaining exam credibility and reliability through:

• Examiner training sessions across all affiliated medical colleges
• Blueprinting and question mapping for curriculum balance
• Post-exam moderation and analysis to identify errors or biases
• Data-driven review mechanisms for continuous improvement

Prof. Rathore emphasized that question papers will be generated using secure, computerized systems to ensure confidentiality and accuracy.

New Practical Exam Structure

The reform also affects practical and clinical examinations. Instead of conventional viva voce or manual practicals, UHS will now conduct OSPE (Objective Structured Practical Examination) and OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) formats.

These internationally recognized methods test students’ hands-on abilities, diagnostic skills, and real-world decision-making. Candidates will rotate through different stations to perform specific clinical tasks under supervision.

This shift ensures that graduates are not just knowledgeable but also competent, ethical, and ready for clinical challenges.

Passing Criteria and Internal Assessment

Students must now score at least 65% separately in both theory and practical exams to qualify. The overall marks will be distributed as follows:

Internal marks will continue to be awarded based on attendance, class tests, professionalism, and assignments, ensuring continuous student engagement throughout the session.

Consultation and Consensus Building

Before finalizing the new policy, the University of Health Sciences held months of consultations with principals, deans, and senior faculty members from medical and dental colleges across Punjab.

These discussions focused on question quality, fairness, and global best practices. The Academic Council unanimously approved the shift, terming it a collective academic consensus that aligns with recommendations from the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) and the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME).

Expected Benefits of the Reform

According to UHS, this model will not only help students perform better but also improve Pakistan’s global recognition in the field of medical education.

How Students Should Prepare for the New Format

With the end of SEQs, students will need to adopt new study habits and techniques. Here are some tips:

1. Practice MCQs Daily: Use standard medical question banks and online resources.
2. Focus on Core Concepts: Understand “why” behind answers, not just memorization.
3. Time Management: Simulate timed mock exams for real-test conditions.
4. Follow Updated Curriculum: Stay aligned with new question blueprints.
5. Regular Self-Assessment: Evaluate performance and improve weak areas.

By following these steps, students can easily adjust to the objective and analytical approach that UHS is promoting.

Expert Opinions on the Change

Education analysts have largely praised this decision. According to Dr. M. Iqbal, an education reform expert, the UHS initiative will standardize medical evaluation across Pakistan:

“This is a bold and necessary step. Essay-based tests are outdated and prone to bias. MCQs test factual knowledge and critical application more efficiently.”

However, some educators have cautioned that question quality must be maintained to prevent the exams from becoming purely memorization-based. Regular faculty workshops and external audits will therefore be vital.

Reactions from Students

The announcement has received a mixed reaction among medical students. Many welcome the change, calling it “a fairer way to test everyone equally.” Others have expressed concerns over the increased difficulty level and the need for new study resources.

A third-year MBBS student at UHS Lahore said:

“It’s good that marking will be fair, but we’ll need better question practice and time management skills.”

UHS Vision for the Future

Prof. Dr. Ahsan Waheed Rathore reaffirmed that UHS aims to become a model of excellence in medical assessment by ensuring integrity, fairness, and evidence-based evaluation.
He added:

“This policy is a part of our vision to produce graduates who meet the ethical and professional standards demanded by today’s healthcare systems.”

The university also plans to digitize examination systems, introduce online result tracking, and expand its data analytics unit for assessment monitoring.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) UHS Exams With New Assessment Method

Conclusion – UHS Replaces Theory Exams With New Assessment Method

The University of Health Sciences’ decision to replace traditional essay-based exams with an MCQ-only assessment system represents a bold and forward-looking move in Pakistan’s medical education. With its focus on objectivity, transparency, and international alignment, UHS is setting new academic benchmarks for fairness and quality.

As the new system begins its rollout, both students and educators must adapt to this modernized and globally competitive approach—one designed to prepare the next generation of Pakistani doctors for success in an evolving healthcare world.