Medical Colleges Forcing Students to Pay Above PMDC Fee Limit 2026. Are private medical colleges in Pakistan legally allowed to charge fees above the PMDC limit in 2026?
The short answer is no, but the ground reality tells a different story.
Despite clear regulations, many colleges are demanding millions more, leaving parents confused, stressed, and helpless.
What Is the Official PMDC Fee Limit for 2026?
The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) officially notified a fee cap for private medical and dental colleges for the 2025–26 academic session.
PMDC Approved Annual Fee Structure
| Category | Official PMDC Limit |
|---|---|
| Annual Tuition Fee | Rs 1.89 million |
| Included Charges | Tuition + mandatory academic costs |
| Extra Charges | Not allowed |
According to PMDC, no college is permitted to charge any additional amount under hidden or indirect heads.
How Much Are Medical Colleges Actually Charging?
Despite the notification, private medical and dental colleges are issuing admission letters and bank challans demanding significantly higher amounts.
Reported Fee Demands by Colleges
- Rs 2.5 million upfront payment
- Rs 3.0–3.5 million in some institutions
- Separate “remaining college fee” after university charges
- Additional five-year charges worth Rs 800,000 to Rs 1 million
This practice directly violates PMDC regulations.
Cities Where Parents Are Reporting Violations
Complaints are pouring in from major education hubs including:
- Islamabad
- Lahore
- Karachi
- Peshawar
Parents say the issue is systematic, not limited to one or two colleges.
Less Than 24 Hours to Pay or Lose the Seat
One of the most alarming tactics reported by parents is extreme payment pressure.
What Parents Are Being Told
- Deposit the full amount within 24 hours
- Failure will lead to seat cancellation
- No written justification for extra charges
- No official receipt breakdown
This creates panic, forcing families to pay illegally high fees to secure their child’s future.
Hidden Charges Over Five Years: The Silent Burden
Even after paying the inflated upfront fee, parents are later hit with additional costs spread over five years.
Common Unregulated Charges
- Examination fees
- Laboratory charges
- Clinical training costs
- IT and LMS services
- Graduation and convocation fees
These charges are not clearly regulated, allowing colleges to extract lakhs more.
Why Is PMDC Not Enforcing Its Own Fee Cap?
This is the question every parent is asking.
According to a PMDC official, private medical colleges’ associations reportedly obtained a stay order against the fee cap.
Current Status of the Issue
- Matter under review by a high-powered committee
- Committee reportedly headed by the Deputy Prime Minister
- No timeline shared publicly
- No temporary relief announced for students
This regulatory delay is worsening the crisis.
Why This Is a Serious Problem for Medical Education
Unchecked fee hikes don’t just affect parents financially. They damage the entire medical education ecosystem.
Long-Term Consequences
- Talented students excluded due to cost
- Rise in student debt
- Commercialization of healthcare education
- Loss of trust in regulators
- Increased inequality in medical admissions
Medical education becomes a privilege instead of a merit-based opportunity.
What Can Parents and Students Do Right Now?
While enforcement remains weak, there are still some steps families can take.
Practical Actions to Consider
- Demand a written fee breakdown
- Keep copies of challans and admission letters
- File complaints via the PMDC complaint portal
- Approach consumer courts if evidence exists
- Raise collective voices through parent groups
Although relief is slow, documentation matters.
Legal Perspective: Are These Charges Lawful?
From a legal standpoint, charging above a notified regulatory cap is unlawful, unless overturned by a final court judgment.
A temporary stay does not automatically legalize overcharging, especially without transparency.
This grey area is being exploited by colleges.
Public Reaction and Growing Pressure
The issue has reignited a national debate on:
- Private medical college profiteering
- Weak regulatory enforcement
- Accountability of education regulators
Social media, parent forums, and education activists are increasingly demanding action.
FAQs
What is the PMDC fee limit for private medical colleges in 2026?
The PMDC has fixed the annual tuition fee at Rs 1.89 million, inclusive of all charges.
Can medical colleges legally charge above the PMDC limit?
No. Charging above the notified cap is unlawful unless a final court order allows it.
Why are colleges demanding higher fees?
Colleges cite operational costs and a reported stay order, but transparency is lacking.
What should parents do if a college overcharges?
Parents should document everything and file complaints through official PMDC channels.
Is the PMDC taking action against violators?
The issue is under review, but no strong enforcement action has been announced yet.
Conclusion
The issue of medical colleges charging above the PMDC fee limit in 2026 is no longer hidden.
It is a systemic failure hurting students, parents, and the future of healthcare in Pakistan.
