THIS is with reference to the report `MDCAT to be held afresh in KP after cheating scandal` (Sept 29). Much has been said about the mismanagement of Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) in the country, but the suffering and mental trauma to the students and their parents are far more than what have been said.

That being so, it is good to know that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is holding the test all over again. The big question, however, is related to the test fee; will the candidates have to pay the fee again? If so, it will be like `rewarding` the authorities for their act of negligence and incompetence. If other provinces follow suit, the question will remain just as applicable as is the case with KP.

Ifthereisnoproofofpaperleakagein Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan, there is no need for a re-take in these provinces.

It is a cumbersome process to re-conduct the test. The test conducted in Karachi was a total mess due to serious maladministration by the University of Karachi compared to the NED University, which managed things relatively better last year.

Besides, if it is a matter of paying the fee again, some deserving students might have to miss the test simply because noteveryone can afford to pay the fee twice.

I have a suggestion in this regard. If the courts order re-tests in other provinces, too, then the better of the two results should be considered final. We have seen this happening at the NED University`s entry test for a couple of years.

Syed Noorul Ahmad Karachi