What is MDCAT? Format, subjects and passing marks
By the Hunarzai team. Facts checked 3 October 2026.
The short answer
MDCAT (Medical and Dental College Admission Test) is the entry test for MBBS and BDS admission in Pakistan. The 2026 test had 180 MCQs in 3 hours, with no negative marking. To qualify you needed at least 55% for MBBS and 50% for BDS. The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) sets the rules and the syllabus, and universities chosen by each province run the test.MDCAT at a glance (2026)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Medical and Dental College Admission Test |
| Questions | 180 MCQs, one mark each |
| Time | 3 hours |
| Negative marking | None |
| To qualify | 55% for MBBS (99 out of 180), 50% for BDS (90 out of 180) |
| Rules and syllabus | Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) |
| Who ran the 2026 test | Universities nominated by the provincial and regional governments |
| 2026 test date | Sunday 20 September 2026 (moved from 16 August) |
| Candidates registered in 2026 | More than 138,000 |
Subjects and number of questions
Under the PMDC syllabus used for the 2025 and 2026 tests, the 180 questions were split like this:
| Subject | MCQs | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | 81 | 45% |
| Chemistry | 45 | 25% |
| Physics | 36 | 20% |
| English | 9 | 5% |
| Logical reasoning | 9 | 5% |
Biology alone carries 81 of the 180 marks, so it deserves the most study time. PMDC publishes the full syllabus on its website, pmdc.pk. Always check it for your year: the syllabus and the split can change.
Who conducts MDCAT?
PMDC sets the national rules, the syllabus and the qualifying marks. The test itself is not run by PMDC. In a statement on 1 October 2026, PMDC said the 20 September 2026 test was conducted by universities nominated by the provincial and regional governments. Those universities handled paper setting, printing, answer keys and results.
For 2026, the conducting universities reported for the four provinces were:
- Punjab: University of Health Sciences (UHS), Lahore
- Sindh: Sukkur IBA University
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Khyber Medical University (KMU)
- Balochistan: Bolan University of Medical and Health Sciences
When is MDCAT held?
The 2026 test was first set for 16 August 2026 and then moved to 20 September 2026, according to a PMDC press release. Online registration took place in July. The date for MDCAT 2027 had not been announced when this guide was checked. PMDC posts dates and registration notices on pmdc.pk.
Passing marks and merit
Passing MDCAT makes you eligible to apply. It does not mean you get a seat: admission is decided by the merit lists that the admitting authorities publish.
How to prepare
- Download the official PMDC syllabus and tick off each topic as you finish it.
- Study by weight. Biology (81 MCQs) and Chemistry (45) together make up 70% of the paper.
- Practise timed MCQs. 180 questions in 180 minutes is one minute per question.
- Answer every question. With no negative marking, a blank answer can only cost you.
- Don't skip English and logical reasoning. They are 18 questions, and each one is worth the same mark as a Biology question.
- Review mistakes weekly. Keep a list of topics where you lose marks and revise them first.
How Hunarzai helps
Hunarzai is a course marketplace for Pakistan, with teachers who teach in Urdu, English and regional languages. MDCAT courses are listed on the MDCAT page as teachers publish them.
Questions people ask
How many MCQs are in MDCAT?
The 2026 MDCAT had 180 MCQs, one mark each, to be done in 3 hours.
Is there negative marking in MDCAT?
No. There was no negative marking in 2026, so you should answer every question.
What are the passing marks for MDCAT?
55% for MBBS (99 out of 180) and 50% for BDS (90 out of 180). Passing makes you eligible; admission depends on merit.
Who conducts MDCAT?
PMDC sets the rules and syllabus. In 2026 the test was conducted by universities nominated by the provincial and regional governments, such as UHS in Punjab and KMU in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
When is MDCAT 2027?
It had not been announced on 3 October 2026. Check pmdc.pk for the official date and registration notice.
Sources (checked 3 October 2026)
- PMDC: Press release, MDCAT 2026 rescheduled
- PMDC: Public notice on extension of MDCAT online registration
- APP: PM&DC clarifies its role in MDCAT 2026 (1 Oct 2026)
- 24 News HD: PMDC finalises MDCAT 2026 arrangements (31 Jul 2026)
- Geo News: MDCAT 2026 to be held across Pakistan and Riyadh on Sept 20 (19 Sep 2026)
- Wikipedia: Medical and Dental College Admission Test (format and history)