What is MDCAT?
The Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT), also known as the National MDCAT (NMDCAT), is a standardized, paper-based entrance examination essential for anyone aspiring to pursue undergraduate medical (MBBS) or dental (BDS) education in Pakistan. It is a mandatory prerequisite for admission to all public and private medical and dental colleges across the country.
Importance of MDCAT
- Gateway to Medical and Dental Professions: Without a valid MDCAT score, admission to medical and dental programs in Pakistan is not possible, regardless of academic performance in FSc or A-Levels.
- Highly Competitive: Thousands of students appear each year for a limited number of seats. A high score is crucial.
- Standardized Evaluation: MDCAT ensures fair and uniform evaluation for all applicants.
- Assessing Preparedness: The test checks fundamental knowledge and analytical skills in core subjects.
Paper Pattern, Structure & Weightage
- Total number of MCQs: 180
- Duration of MDCAT: 3 hours
- Format: Paper-based MCQs
- Minimum pass marks for Medical College Admission: 55%
- Minimum pass marks for Dental College Admission: 50%
- No negative marking
- 15% MCQs — Easy
- 70% MCQs — Moderate
- 15% MCQs — Hard
| Subject | Percentage | No of MCQs |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | 45% | 81 |
| Chemistry | 25% | 45 |
| Physics | 20% | 36 |
| English | 5% | 09 |
| Logical Reasoning | 5% | 09 |
| Total | 100% | 180 |
Difficulty Levels
MDCAT is highly competitive and considered difficult. Success requires deep conceptual understanding, strong problem-solving skills, and effective time management. Questions often require critical thinking and application of knowledge.
Eligibility Criteria
- Academic Qualification: Passed FSc (Pre-Medical) or equivalent (A-Levels) with minimum 60% aggregate. Mandatory subjects: Biology, Chemistry, and either Physics or Mathematics.
- MDCAT Passing Marks: 65% for MBBS, 55% for BDS.
- Domicile: Provisional or permanent domicile of Pakistan.
- Age Restriction: Generally, no age restriction as per PMDC guidelines.
How to Apply for MDCAT
- Apply online through the official PMDC website.
- Apply early to avoid last-minute issues.
- Double-check all information before submitting.
- Prepare all scanned documents in advance.
- Ensure a stable internet connection during application.
- Provide active contact details for updates.
- Regularly check PMDC website and your email for announcements.
- Choose your exam center wisely.
Exam Centers
MDCAT is conducted in many cities across Pakistan and internationally. The list is announced by PMDC and admitting universities for each cycle. You can select your preferred city during application.
- Islamabad (ICT)
- Lahore
- Gujranwala
- Sialkot
- Faisalabad
- Multan
- Bahawalpur
- D.G. Khan
- Sahiwal
- Rawalpindi
- Sargodha
- Gujrat
- Rahim Yar Khan
- Karachi
- Jamshoro
- Shaheed Benazirabad
- Larkana
- Sukkur
- Peshawar
- Mardan
- Swat
- Kohat
- D.I. Khan
- Abbottabad
- Lower Dir
- Quetta
- Muzaffarabad
- Mirpur
- Rawalakot
- Gilgit
- Riyadh (Saudi Arabia)
- Dubai (UAE)
The Final Thought
Now you have enough knowledge about MDCAT. Get registered, download the syllabus, and practice through our MCQ bank to ace this exam with top grades. Good luck!