MDCAT in one minute
| Full form | Medical and Dental College Admission Test |
| Purpose | Admission to MBBS and BDS programmes in Pakistan |
| Regulator | Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PM&DC) |
| Conducted by | A university or testing body in each province (see the full list) |
| Format | 180 MCQs on paper, in English, with no negative marking |
| Time | 3 hours |
| Subjects | Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English and Logical Reasoning |
| Pass marks | 55% for MBBS (99/180), 50% for BDS (90/180) |
| Held | Once a year |
MDCAT meaning in Urdu
ایم ڈی کیٹ کا مطلب ہے میڈیکل اینڈ ڈینٹل کالج ایڈمیشن ٹیسٹ۔ یہ پاکستان میں ایم بی بی ایس اور بی ڈی ایس میں داخلے کے لیے لازمی امتحان ہے۔
Who has to take MDCAT?
Anyone who wants to study MBBS or BDS at a public or private college in Pakistan needs a qualifying MDCAT score. You usually take it during or right after FSc Pre-Medical, or an equivalent such as A Levels. See the eligibility guide for the exact requirements.
Why your MDCAT score matters so much
Passing MDCAT only makes you eligible. Your actual seat depends on your aggregate, and MDCAT makes up 50% of it. FSc counts for 40% and Matric for 10%. You can try the numbers in our aggregate calculator.
A short history of the test
Punjab began running a medical entry test, then known as MCAT, in the late 1990s, and UHS Lahore took over the test there in 2008. In 2020 it became a national test, known as the NMDCAT, under the Pakistan Medical Commission. Since 2022 it has again been conducted province by province, on paper, by selected universities. The total has also changed: 200 marks in 2022 and 180 marks since the 2025 pattern.
MDCAT compared with similar tests
| Test | What it is for | How it relates to MDCAT |
|---|---|---|
| MCAT (Pakistan) | The old local name for this test | People still use it, but it means MDCAT |
| MCAT (USA) | US and Canadian medical schools | A separate exam, not used for regular MDCAT merit |
| NMDCAT | The national test from 2020 | An earlier name for MDCAT |
| NUMS test | Admission through the National University of Medical Sciences | NUMS is reported to run its own process, and MDCAT registration does not cover it |
| ECAT | Engineering admissions, mainly UET | Unrelated to medical admission |
Frequently asked questions
What is the full form of MDCAT?
MDCAT stands for Medical and Dental College Admission Test.
Is MDCAT necessary for BDS?
Yes. MDCAT covers both MBBS and BDS. The minimum qualifying score is 55% for MBBS and 50% for BDS.
Is MDCAT necessary for Pharm-D, DPT or nursing?
MDCAT is a PM&DC requirement for MBBS and BDS. Programmes such as Pharm-D, DPT, MLT and nursing are not MBBS or BDS, so their admission rules are set separately. Check the prospectus of the university you are applying to, as some may consider MDCAT scores.
Is MDCAT the same as MCAT?
No. In Pakistan, people often say MCAT when they mean MDCAT, because the local test was once called that. The American MCAT is a completely different exam for US and Canadian medical schools.
Is MDCAT difficult?
It is competitive more than it is impossible. PM&DC set the 2026 paper at 15% easy, 70% moderate and 15% difficult questions. In 2026, 79.43% of those who appeared in Punjab reached the 55% MBBS mark, but public college seats go to candidates with much higher aggregates.
Keep reading
Sources
- ProPakistani: MDCAT 2026 date, registration, fees and centres (19 June 2026)
- Wikipedia: Medical and Dental College Admission Test
- SZABMU admissions FAQ, session 2026-27
- ilmkidunya: MDCAT 2026 overview