MDCAT subject weightage
| Subject | MCQs | Weightage | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | 81 | 45% | 16 |
| Chemistry | 45 | 25% | 20 |
| Physics | 36 | 20% | 16 |
| English | 9 | 5% | 3 |
| Logical Reasoning | 9 | 5% | 6 |
| Total | 180 | 100% | 61 |
Dividing MCQs by units shows how much each unit is worth on average. A Biology unit carries about 5 MCQs, a Chemistry unit about 2.3, and a Physics unit about 2.3. This is why an hour on Biology usually returns more marks. See the complete syllabus for what each unit covers.
Exam format
| Questions | 180 MCQs, one mark each |
| Duration | 3 hours (2026 start time: 10:00 AM) |
| Mode | Paper-based, with a bubble sheet |
| Language | English |
| Negative marking | None |
| Difficulty | 15% easy, 70% moderate, 15% difficult |
MDCAT passing marks
| Programme | Minimum | Marks out of 180 |
|---|---|---|
| MBBS | 55% | 99 |
| BDS | 50% | 90 |
Passing only makes you eligible. In Punjab's 2026 test, 37,708 of the 47,475 candidates who appeared reached 99 marks, far more than there are public college seats. Admission depends on your aggregate and the merit list.
How to use the bubble sheet
- Fill in your details exactly as the instructions say, before you start on the questions.
- Fill each bubble completely. Follow the slip's instructions on which pen to use.
- Check your question number against your bubble number every 10 questions or so. One skipped row can shift many answers.
- Keep the last 5 minutes to make sure every bubble is filled. A guess costs nothing.
Practise in the real format
Our full mock tests use the same 180-MCQ split and a 3-hour timer, so you can build your speed before test day.
Frequently asked questions
What are the total marks in MDCAT?
The current paper has 180 marks: 180 MCQs at one mark each. Older tests had different totals, including 210 in 2021 and 200 in 2022.
Does MDCAT have negative marking?
No. A wrong answer costs you nothing, so never leave a bubble blank.
What are the passing marks for MDCAT?
The passing marks are 55% (99/180) for MBBS and 50% (90/180) for BDS.
Is a calculator allowed in MDCAT?
You should assume not. Testing bodies generally ban calculators, phones and other electronic devices in the hall. Check the instructions on your roll number slip, and practise your arithmetic by hand.
How much time do you get per question?
You get 3 hours for 180 MCQs, which works out at exactly one minute per question.
Is MDCAT online or on paper?
It is on paper. You mark your answers on a bubble sheet. A computer-based test was tried in 2021, and the paper format returned in 2022.
Keep reading
Sources
- ProPakistani: MDCAT 2026 date, registration, fees and centres (19 June 2026)
- PM&DC Uniform Curriculum MDCAT 2025 (PDF)
- ProPakistani: UHS MDCAT 2026 result announced (25 September 2026)
- Wikipedia: Medical and Dental College Admission Test