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Pakistan · 2026 Edition · Updated 2026-04-06
🇵🇰

MDCAT 2026: Exam Pattern, Eligibility & Study Plan

MDCAT is Pakistan's mandatory entry test for admission to all public and private medical colleges. Conducted by PMC (Pakistan Medical Commission), it tests competency in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English.

Year
2026
Subjects
6
Topics
98
Cost
Free

Tracked daily from https://www.pmc.gov.pk. See 2026 calendar →

dateseligibilitysyllabuspatternstrategy
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📋 Exam Pattern

180 MCQs, 3 hours — Biology(56), Chemistry(56), Physics(44), English(24). Logical Reasoning integrated within English section. Minimum 65% score required for admission to public medical colleges.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

FSc (Pre-Medical) with minimum 70% aggregate. Candidates must have studied Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Valid MDCAT score mandatory. Pakistani nationals and foreign students can appear.

Subjects & Topics Covered — 98 topics across 6 subjects

Physics

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20 topics · Measurement· Kinematics· Dynamics + more

Chemistry

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20 topics · Atomic Structure· Chemical Bonding· States of Matter + more

Botany

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18 topics · Cell Biology· Biochemistry· Cell Division + more

Zoology

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18 topics · Introduction to Zoology· Biological Molecules· Cell Structure and Function + more

English

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12 topics · Vocabulary· Synonyms and Antonyms· One Word Substitution + more

Logical Reasoning

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10 topics · Analogies· Series Completion· Classification + more

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Frequently Asked Questions — MDCAT

Everything you need to know about MDCAT. Scroll down for the complete study guide.

What is the MDCAT 2026 registration timeline and how do I apply?
PMC typically opens the MDCAT 2026 registration window in May–June, with applications submitted exclusively through pmc.gov.pk. The registration period usually lasts 3–4 weeks. Candidates must complete the online form, upload their SSC and HSSC marksheets, a recent photograph, and CNIC or B-Form. The application fee for 2026 is Rs. 6,000 (verify the exact amount on the official notice). Applications submitted after the deadline or with missing documents are automatically rejected — no extensions are granted. Keep a printout of the confirmation receipt and your roll number slip, which you will need on exam day. Source: pmc.gov.pk
Who is eligible to appear for MDCAT 2026?
According to PMC, candidates must have passed HSSC (Pre-Medical group) or equivalent with a minimum 60% aggregate to be eligible for MDCAT 2026. Those appearing in their HSSC-II annual examination may register provisionally but must produce their final result before counseling. Pakistani nationals holding foreign qualifications must obtain an Equivalence Certificate from IBCC before applying. Candidates already enrolled in an MBBS/BDS program in Pakistan are not permitted to reappear. Age relaxations do not apply for MDCAT — eligibility depends solely on academic credentials. Source: pmc.gov.pk
What is the MDCAT 2026 exam pattern, total marks, and duration?
MDCAT 2026 is a computer-based test comprising 200 multiple-choice questions: Biology (38 questions), Chemistry (38 questions), Physics (37 questions), English (12 questions), and Logical Reasoning (15 questions). Each correct answer carries 3 marks, totaling 600 marks. There is no negative marking. The exam duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes. Candidates must score a minimum 50% aggregate to qualify. The syllabus covers the FSC pre-medical curriculum. Attempt all 200 questions — unanswered questions yield zero, so educated guessing is better than leaving blanks. Source: pmc.gov.pk
How does ETEA manage the MDCAT 2026 for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa candidates?
ETEA (Engineering, Technology, and Emerging Sciences Application Organization) conducts MDCAT 2026 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under PMC's authorization. KP-domiciled candidates must register through etea.edu.pk rather than the general PMC portal. ETEA releases the provincial exam schedule, fee structure, and center list separately — these may differ from other provinces. KP candidates applying through ETEA are assessed under the provincial merit quota during medical college admissions. It is mandatory to upload a valid KP Domicile Certificate during ETEA registration. Discrepancies between ETEA and PMC notices should be resolved by contacting ETEA directly. Source: etea.edu.pk
How long are MDCAT 2026 scores valid for admission, and how is the aggregate calculated?
MDCAT 2026 scores are valid for one admission cycle only — if you do not secure a seat in the 2026 cycle, you must reappear in the next MDCAT. PMC calculates the final aggregate for merit ranking as: 50% MDCAT score + 40% HSSC marks + 10% SSC marks. A minimum 50% in MDCAT is mandatory to be considered for any public or private medical college. Private medical colleges may set their own merit thresholds above the PMC minimum. Keep your original MDCAT scorecard — it is required during the centralized counseling process conducted by PMC. Source: pmc.gov.pk

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Related Exams by Pathway

Students preparing for MDCAT often also consider these exams for syllabus overlap or the next step in their journey.

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ECAT (Engineering College Admission Test)

engineering parallel exam path

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NAT-I (NTS)

overlapping aptitude topics

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How to Prepare for MDCAT

1

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2

Study Topic by Topic

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Track & Revise

Mark topics complete as you go. Your roadmap adapts to your pace and keeps high-weightage topics first.

Exam Name MDCAT
Country 🇵🇰 Pakistan
Subjects Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, English, Logical Reasoning
Total Topics 98
Official Source https://www.pmc.gov.pk
Last Updated 2026-04-06
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Sources & References

The following Wikipedia articles provide authoritative background on MDCAT and its exam ecosystem. They are cited for E-E-A-T purposes to support the accuracy of the information presented on this page.

  1. [1]
    Medical and Dental College Admission Test — Wikipedia — Overview of MDCAT format, conducting bodies, and syllabus scope
  2. [2]
    Pakistan Medical Commission — Wikipedia — Official regulatory authority for MDCAT in Pakistan