Home > Why MDCAT is mandatory for MBBS/BDS in Pakistan

Why MDCAT is mandatory for MBBS/BDS in Pakistan

Why MDCAT is mandatory for MBBS/BDS in Pakistan

Why MDCAT Matters

The MDCAT plays an important role for students who want to study MBBS/BDS in government medical colleges. MDCAT is considered mandatory, but clearing it is not an easy task. Seats are limited and students often have to take a year gap to reattempt the test if don't fully understand the Curriculum and test format. That's why understanding the MDCAT 2025 application process in Pakistan is essential for every student.

Through this guide we will walk you through eligibility criteria, application process, exam pattern, test center rules, and timeline according to 2025–2026 new PMDC guideline for MDCAT. So whether you are a first time applicant or repeater, you can confidently apply and prepare for the test.

Important MDCAT Updates for 2025–26

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has announced important updates related to MDCAT for the 2025–2026 session. Below is a quick overview of the timeline and the latest policy updates you should know:

Timeline

MDCAT 2025 application in Pakistan starts on Sunday, 5 October 2025 as per PMDC guidelines.

Exam Format

  • Total MCQS: 180 questions include subject content
  • Test Duration: 3 hours
  • Mode: Paper-based, follows old style
  • Total Marks: Each MCQ for 1 mark (Total score: 180)
  • Marketing scheme: No-negative marking
  • Answer sheet format: OMR sheet (fill circle with ballpoint)

Syllabus & Subject Weightage

The subject-wise weightage for MDCAT is breakdown below:

  • Biology: 45%
  • Chemistry: 25%
  • Physics: 20%
  • Logical Reasoning: 5%
  • English: 5%

Domicile-Based Test Center

Candidate should appear in their domicile provinces. All provinces have a single MDCAT syllabus.

Merit-Based Selection

There is no specific qualifying score for MDCAT; the final discussion will be merit-based. The merit will be distributed among the quota, category, and FSC marks.

MDCAT Eligibility Criteria Pakistan 2025-2026

To appear in the (Medical & Dental College Admission Test) in Pakistan, make sure you fulfill these MDCAT eligibility criteria to qualify for an MBBS or BDS seat in government institutions.

Nationality Status

  • The students should have the nationality of Pakistan, and all provinces are eligible to appear in the MDCAT test.
  • The Dua nationality students are also eligible for MDCAT, but they have to prove a valid Pakistani passport and National card.
  • The candidates of Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, or EX FATA, are also eligible to appear in MDACT and are considered for a specific quota.

Age Limits

There are no age limits to apply for MDCAT as per the PMDC 2025-2025 rules.

Academic Requirement

  • The academic criteria for the MDCAT are to score at least 65% marks in FSC (Pre-medical) or an equivalent qualification.
  • Students must study core subjects (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics).
  • Students should know that HEC recognizes intermediate degrees.

Gap year or repeater students

  • Students who didn't qualify for MDCAT in previous years are eligible to apply under the current PMDC rules.
  • Students with 3-year gap are generally eligible to appear in the MDCAT test.

Documents required for MDCAT

To register for MDCAT exams, students have to provide documents including:

  • Clear white background photograph
  • CNIC
  • NICOP (For dual nationals)
  • Matric & Intermediate certificate
  • Domicile certificate
  • MDCAT fees payment Proof

How to Apply for MDCAT 2025-2026: Registration Process

The MDCAT application process starts in October 2025. Be sure to meet the eligibility and exact registration opening and closing dates. Follow the steps below for a smooth application.

  1. Visit PMDC Website:
    For registration, go to the official site of PMDC. Click on the MDCAT 2025 Registration section. Create an account by clicking on "Sign UP". Set the passport, add email, name, and CNIC to submit an account.
  2. Fill the Application Form:
    After submitting the Account, the application form appears, asking for personal information such as age, nationality, region, academic score, and selecting exam center.
  3. Upload Document:
    Now upload the mentioned documents and scan photos including: CNIC, Birth Certificate, simple background photo, F.Sc. & Matric Certificates.
  4. Pay the Registration Amount:
    You have to pay registration fees for MDCAT 2025, which cost around 8,000. Payments can be made through a bank Challan, Easy pass, or other digital wallet. Save the payment receipt and transaction ID.
  5. Final Submit:
    After filling in information & submitting application fees, click on "Final Submit".
  6. Download Roll Number Slip:
    Check your email for new PMDC updates, and when registration closes, you will notice through SMS or Email. Download the roll number slip to appear in the test.

Important Dates & Deadlines for MDCAT 2025 Application in Pakistan

If you want to apply for MBBS or BDS in Pakistan, you must take the MDCAT test. Below is a simple timeline showing when to apply, when the test will happen, and when your result will come out.

Step
Expected Date
What You Need to Know
Registration starts
Around 26 July 2025
This is when you can start filling out your online MDCAT form
Registration deadline
7 August 2025
Last date to apply without any late fees
Late registration (with fine)
8–14 August 2025
You can still apply, but you’ll need to pay an extra fee
Admit card available
1 week before the exam
Download your roll number slip from the official website
Exam day
5 October 2025 (Sunday)
The test will begin at 10:00 AM across Pakistan – don’t be late!
Result announcement
About 3 weeks after the exam
Your result stays valid for 3 years – useful for next year if needed

Quick Tips for Students:

  • Look at PMDC and NUMS websites often.
  • Ask someone you trust if you’re confused
  • Make sure you download and print your admit card early.
  • Use the table of dates to manage your time and preparation.

Exam Format & Syllabus MDCAT 2025 Application Pakistan

MDCAT 2025 is a 3-hour entry test for MBBS and BDS in Pakistan. It has 180 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in total. The paper is divided like this:

  • Biology – 81 questions
  • Chemistry – 45 questions
  • Physics – 36 questions
  • English – 9 questions
  • Logical Reasoning – 9 questions

There is no negative marking, so don’t worry about losing marks for wrong answers.

The paper is designed to test all skill levels:

  • 15% questions are easy
  • 70% are moderate
  • 15% are difficult

You have 3 hours to finish the paper. Practice on OMR sheets (bubble sheets) so you can manage time well on test day.

Passing Marks:

  • MBBS – You need at least 55%
  • BDS – You need at least 50%

The syllabus mostly stays the same every year, but always check the latest version on the official PMDC website. Focus more on Biology and Chemistry because they make up the biggest part of the paper.

Tips to Avoid Common Registration Mistakes for MDCAT 2025-2026

The MDCAT application registration is an initial step to secure admission in the Pakistan government medical colleges.
During document submission, avoid adding a selfie or old photo; instead, ensure you include a recent, clear photo and refrain from using filters.
Double-check your personal information on the application form, including CNIC, Email, Mobile number, and academic score, to ensure everything is correct.
Use the recommended bank or online method to pay the exact fee amount.
Provide an email ID or mobile number that you actively use, so you receive all PMDC notifications, including the MDCAT test date.
You can choose two test centers; always select nearby options to avoid travel problems.
Submit your registration early to avoid last-minute mistakes and missing the deadline.

FAQs

1. What is the MDCAT 2025 test date?
Sunday, 5 October 2025 at 10:00 AM across Pakistan.
2. What is the last date to apply for MDCAT 2025?
Normal deadline: 7 August 2025
Late fee deadline: 14 August 2025
3. How to apply for MDCAT 2025?
Go to PMDC or your province’s portal (like UHS, KMU, etc.)
Fill the online form
Upload documents
Pay the fee
4. How much is the MDCAT 2025 fee?
Around Rs. 6,000 to 6,500, depending on the province.
5. How many MCQs are in MDCAT 2025 and how much time?
180 MCQs
3 hours (no negative marking)
6. What are the passing marks for MDCAT 2025?
MBBS: 55% (99 marks)
BDS: 50% (90 marks)

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