If you want to become a doctor, you must go through an examination process called the MDCAT Entry Test. Only those who pass the MDCAT Entry Test 2025 will be eligible for admission to medical institutes to study MBBS or BDS. This test is a crucial step in your journey to becoming a medical professional.
Now the question is, which MDCAT entry test should a candidate take? There are two main types, the National MDCAT Entry Test (PMC MDCAT) and the Institutional MDCAT Entry Test (such as NUMS MDCAT, AKU MDCAT, etc.). Let’s take a closer look at both of these MDCAT entry tests to find out which one you can apply for.
MDCAT Entry Test 2025
As you know, there are two types of MDCAT tests, the National MDCAT Entry Test (PMC MDCAT) and the Institutional MDCAT Entry Test (like NUMS MDCAT, AKU MDCAT, etc.). Now, let’s discuss both of these in detail.
Here’s a comparison of the two types of MDCAT tests:
Aspect | National MDCAT (PMC MDCAT) | Institutional MDCAT (e.g., NUMS MDCAT, AKU MDCAT) |
---|---|---|
Conducting Body | Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMC) | Individual medical institutions (like NUMS, AKU) |
Purpose | Admission to public and private medical and dental colleges nationwide | Admission to specific medical and dental colleges affiliated with the institution |
Eligibility | FSc (Pre-Medical) or equivalent with at least 60% marks | Varies by institution (usually similar to PMC criteria) |
Syllabus | FSc (Pre-Medical) syllabus from all provincial boards | Institution-specific syllabus (often similar to PMC) |
Test Format | Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English | Varies by institution (but generally covers similar subjects) |
Frequency | Usually conducted once a year | Varies by institution (can differ in frequency) |
Acceptance | Accepted by all public and private medical colleges across Pakistan | Accepted only by affiliated medical and dental colleges |
Difficulty Level | Standardized for the whole country | May vary depending on the institution |
Application Process | Centralized through the PMC website | Apply separately through the respective institution’s website |
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Which MDCAT Entry Test Should You Take?
- Take the National MDCAT (PMC MDCAT) if you want to apply to any public or private medical college in Pakistan.
- Take the Institutional MDCAT if you specifically want to apply to colleges affiliated with that institution (like NUMS MBBS Admission or AKU MBBS Admission 2025).
Note: Some institutions may accept PMC scores even if they conduct their own test, so always check the admission policy.
Below, we provide more details about each MDCAT Entry Test and explain how you can take part in them.
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1. What is PMC MDCAT (National MDCAT)?
The PMC MDCAT (also known as National MDCAT) is an entrance exam conducted by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council. It is required for admission to MBBS & BDS programs in both private and public medical and dental colleges across Pakistan.
Key Features of PMC MDCAT:
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Conducting Body | Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMC) |
Purpose | Admission to public and private medical/dental colleges in Pakistan |
Who Can Apply | FSc (Pre-Medical) students with minimum 60% marks |
Eligibility | Both Pakistani and overseas students can apply |
Related:- NUMS MDCAT Past Papers
National MDCAT Entry Test: Conducting Bodies by Province
The PMC MDCAT is a National Level Entrance Test, but the MDCAT test conducting bodies differ from province to province. Each province has its own organizing university, test format, and sometimes a slightly different syllabus.
Who Conducts the PMC MDCAT in Different Provinces?
Province/Region | Conducting Body |
---|---|
Punjab | University of Health Sciences (UHS) |
Sindh | Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) |
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) | Khyber Medical University (KMU) |
Balochistan | Bolan University of Medical and Health Sciences (BUMHS) |
Federal/ICT, AJK & GB | Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU) |
Related:- Army Medical College Admission 2025
Why Different Conducting Bodies Of MDCAT Test?
- Decentralized Testing: Since each province has unique educational boards and syllabus, the test is managed locally to accommodate differences.
- Standardization: Despite being conducted by different universities, the test pattern and format remain standardized as per PMC guidelines.
- Regional Relevance: The syllabus may include some region-specific content, but it largely follows the FSc (Pre-Medical) curriculum.
Test Format and Syllabus:
Although the conducting bodies different, the basic structure of the PMC MDCAT remains the same:
- Subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English
- Total Questions: 200
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Negative Marking: None
- Syllabus: Based on the provincial conducting body
Why Does This Matter to You?
- Knowing the conducting body of your province helps you understand the specific syllabus and test pattern.
- It is essential to stay updated with announcements from your regional conducting university for accurate information.
How to Apply:
- Online Registration:
- Visit the official PMC website and complete the registration.
- Fee Submission:
- Pay the required fee as instructed during registration.
- Admit Card:
- Download your admit card from the PMC portal.
Why Take PMC MDCAT?
- It is mandatory for admission to all public and private medical colleges.
- Accepted nationwide for MBBS and BDS programs.
- Opens the door to top medical institutes in Pakistan.
2. What Is Institutional MDCAT Entry Test
The Institutional MDCAT is an entrance exam conducted by specific medical universities or institutions in Pakistan. These tests are separate from the National MDCAT and are specifically for admission to the respective universities’ MBBS and BDS programs.
Key Features of Institutional MDCAT:
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Conducting Body | Individual medical universities/institutions |
Purpose | Admission to specific medical and dental colleges affiliated with the institution |
Eligibility | Typically FSc (Pre-Medical) or equivalent with at least 60% marks |
Test Format | Varies by institution but generally includes Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English |
Negative Marking | Depends on the institution (some may have it, others may not) |
Frequency | Usually once a year, but may vary |
Acceptance | Only valid for admission to the institution that conducts the test |
Application Process | Apply separately through the respective institution’s official website |
Major Institutional MDCAT Tests in Pakistan
Institutional MDCAT | Conducting University | Affiliated Colleges |
---|---|---|
NUMS MDCAT | National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) | NUMS Admission 2025 |
AKU MDCAT | Aga Khan University (AKU), Karachi | Aga Khan University Medical College |
Shifa MDCAT | Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad | Shifa College of Medicine |
Also Check: NUMS Syllabus 2025
Medical Colleges under NUMS
Medical College | Location | Program |
---|---|---|
Wah Medical College | Wah Cantt | MBBS |
HITEC Institute of Medical Sciences | Taxila Cantt | MBBS/BDS |
CMH Kharian Medical College | Kharian Cantt | MBBS |
CMH Lahore Medical College and Institute of Dentistry | Lahore Cantt | MBBS/BDS |
CMH Multan Institute of Medical Sciences | Multan Cantt | MBBS |
CMH Institute of Medical Sciences | Bahawalpur Cantt | MBBS |
Karachi Institute of Medical Sciences | Malir Cantt, Karachi | MBBS |
Quetta Institute of Medical Sciences | Quetta Cantt | MBBS |
Foundation University Medical College | Islamabad | MBBS/BDS |
Bahria University Medical and Dental College | Karachi | MBBS/BDS |
Fazaia Ruth Pfau Medical College | Karachi | MBBS |
Fazaia Medical College | Islamabad | MBBS |
CIMS Dental College | Multan | BDS |
Why Take Institutional MDCAT?
- Targeted Admission: Ideal for students aiming for specific private or semi-private medical colleges.
- Separate from PMC MDCAT: Even if you pass the National MDCAT, some institutions still require their own test.
- Higher Chances: Applying to multiple institutional tests increases chances of securing admission.

Final Note:
Maximize Your Admission Chances!
To ensure your place in an MBBS/BDS program, make sure to appear in all MDCAT entrance tests. Preparing for the MDCAT Entry Test 2025 already covers most aspects of both National and Institutional MDCATs
- Why Appear in Multiple Tests?
- Increases chances of admission
- Covers overlapping syllabus
- Acts as a backup plan
- Pro Tip: To increase your chances of becoming a doctor, contact us today! We provide expert guidance on all admission pathways to medical colleges. Learn how to prepare effectively from the best institutes, ensuring you cover the 100% syllabus of each test. Prepare smartly, keep your options open, and get the right guidance to achieve your dream!
How many types of Medical Tests are conducted in Pakistan?
There are two main types of medical entry tests in Pakistan:
1. National MDCAT (PMC MDCAT): Conducted on a national level for admission to public and private medical colleges.
2. Institutional MDCAT: Conducted by specific medical universities for admission to their affiliated colleges.Which universities conduct entry tests in different provinces?
Punjab
University of Health Sciences (UHS), Lahore
National MDCAT (PMC)
Sindh
Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), Karachi
National MDCAT (PMC)
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Khyber Medical University (KMU), Peshawar
National MDCAT (PMC)
Balochistan
Bolan University of Medical and Health Sciences (BUMHS), Quetta
National MDCAT (PMC)
Federal/ICT, AJK & GB
Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU), Islamabad
National MDCAT (PMC)What are the National MDCAT test centers?
The National MDCAT is conducted in major cities across Pakistan, including:
Punjab: Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Rawalpindi
Sindh: Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur
KPK: Peshawar, Abbottabad
Balochistan: Quetta
Federal/ICT: Islamabad
AJK & GB: Muzaffarabad, GilgitWhat are the international test centers of the National MDCAT?
For overseas Pakistani students, the National MDCAT may also be conducted in the following international centers:
Middle East: Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah), UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi)
Europe: UK (London)
North America: USA (New York)
Asia: Qatar, OmanWhat is the NMDCAT Test Syllabus?
The NMDCAT syllabus generally includes:
Biology: 68 MCQs
Chemistry: 56 MCQs
Physics: 56 MCQs
English: 20 MCQs
Logical Reasoning: 10 MCQsAre past papers important for MDCAT Entry Test preparation?
Yes, practicing past papers helps in:
Understanding the paper pattern
Time management
Identifying important topicsWhat is the MDCAT Entry Test?
The MDCAT (Medical and Dental College Admission Test) is a standardized entry test required for admission to MBBS and BDS programs in medical and dental colleges across Pakistan.
What are the major Institutional MDCAT Tests?
NUMS MDCAT: Conducted by NUMS for its affiliated medical colleges
AKU MDCAT: Conducted by Aga Khan University
Shifa MDCAT: Conducted by Shifa Tameer-e-Millat UniversityWhat is the eligibility criterion for the MDCAT?
Students who have completed their FSc (Pre-Medical) or an equivalent qualification (like A-Levels) with at least 60% marks can apply for MDCAT.