What MDCAT Stands For in Pakistan | Complete Guide

What does MDCAT stand for? 

The MDCAT stands for National Medical and Dental College Admission Test, or otherwise known as the MDCAT or National MDCAT. This is the official test medical student aspirants have to take to qualify for a medical school and to help the admissions offices assess if you are a good fit for them. The initial testing body was the University of Health Science (UHS), but in 2020, the testing body changed and the test was conducted by the Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC). The PMC conducts tests for the whole of Pakistan whereas UHS used to conduct tests only for the Punjab region in Pakistan.

PMC MDCAT Examination Age Limit: 

The PMC has stated no official age limit for sitting for the MDCAT examination. This may be good news for a young, potential aspirant for the MDCAT. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to be 16 years of age to sit for the PMC MDCAT. If you are younger than that, that is also fine. But do make sure you do not sit for the exam so early that you are not able to prepare for MDCAT appropriately. Age is not as much of a factor as good quality MDCAT preparation is. 

PMC MDCAT Eligibility: 

Those awaiting their results for the FSc and A-levels are eligible to appear for the MDCAT. Those who have passed their intermediate (FSC pre-medical) examination are required to have scored at least 70% of marks for the examination. This means they need to have scored 770 out of 1000 or more to be eligible to apply for MDCAT. For those who have given their A-Level Examinations and (FSC pre-medical) Examination, as per the outbreak of Covid-19, students could sit for the MDCAT even if they had not given their 12 grade or A-2 (A-Level second year) examinations. 

PMC MDCAT Examination Accepted Nationality: 

You do not need to be a Pakistani National to give the MDCAT. Foreign nationalities can also give the MDCAT. This means it does not matter if you do not have a Pakistani passport or dual nationality, you will be allowed to sit for the exam, as per your personal circumstances. For this reason, there are test centers not only in Pakistan but also in various other cities around the globe. The international test centers include but are not limited to Dubai, Riyadh, Chicago and London.

PMC MDCAT Examination Educational Qualifications:

Those awaiting their results for the Fsc and A-levels are eligible to appear for the MDCAT. For Fs, you are required to have taken pre-medical subjects, while for A-levels, you need to have taken Biology as a subject. 

PMC MDCAT Examination Structure in Pakistan:

There are five subjects for the MDCAT examination. This is the revised criteria for 2021. There used to be negative marking before the 2020 revision but that is not the case anymore, along with the total marks, before 1050 marks and now 210 marks. Below is the PMC MDCAT examination structure with the subject and marks breakdown:

PMC MDCAT Syllabus 2022:

The PMC has made a clear range of subjects for the MDCAT Syllabus 2021. There are five subjects to study for the MDCAT i.e Biology, Physics, Chemistry, English, and the newly introduced section on Logical Reasoning. The full range of topics for these subjects vary. The topics may range from 5-16 different topics per subject. These are comprehensive and updated according to the PMC 2021 Syllabus guideline. For a complete breakdown of the subject matter and specific topics associated with those, you may continue reading the table below: 

PMC MDCAT Examination Preparation:

1. The Best Book for MDCAT Preparation in Pakistan recommended by Toppers is Punjab Text Board books. These books are the key ways for MDCAT preparation for the Fsc. For A levels, Federal books are ideal. 
2. PMC MDCAT Past Papers

A great way to revise for the MDCAT exam is past papers. After conceptually understanding the subject at hand with revision and an educational platform like Nearpeer’s MDCAT test preparation, you can figure out your strengths and weaknesses, solve past papers and practice through (where applied):

1. Single chapter approach
2. Derivatives of formulas and equations
3. Acing the MCQs scheme
4. Mental calculations

For past paper access, you can sign up for an MDCAT course with Nearpeer and receive access to quizzes, pop-up questions, and past paper question-solving. 

PMC MDCAT Paper Pattern 2022:

 The Paper pattern for the MDCAT is simple. The PMC officiated MDCAT paper pattern entails 210 total marks in the form of 210 total MCQs. There is an MCQ for each mark. For Biology, there are 68 MCQs. For Physics and Chemistry, there are 56 MCQs each. For English, there are 20 MCQs. Finally, for the newly introduced PMC section for the MDCAT 2021 onwards, Logical Reasoning, there are 10 MCQs. The duration of the PMC MDCAT is 3.5 hours, and the format is computer-based MCQs. For the PMC MDCAT 2021 onwards, there is no negative marking. 

PMC MDCAT Date:

The PMC announced 30th August to 30th September as the official dates for testing the MDCAT across centers across Pakistan. Last year (2020), the official date for the MDCAT exam was 15th November. 

PMC MDCAT Registration Fee: 

For 2021, the registration fee was 6,000 PKR. It is a big jump from last year's registration fee of around 1500 PKR. Nothing has been announced for the PMC MDCAT registration fee for 2022. We are awaiting news from the PMC official sources. 

PMC MDCAT Result (Passing Ratio): 

The result for the PMC MDCAT for 2021 was out of 194,133 students, 68,680 students passed. This resulted in a pass percentage of 35.4%. Since the MDCAT 2022 exam has not yet been conducted, we do not have any sources for the passing ratio or the result of the MDCAT. 

PMC MDCAT Passing Percentage 2021:

The PMC MDCAT passing percentage is 65%. 

PMC MDCAT Merit Calculation Formula 2022:

The Breakdown is as follows: 

1. 10% of Matriculation/Equivalent Marks Merit
2. 40% of Intermediate/Equivalent Marks
3. 50% of National MDCAT Marks

How Do I Apply for the PMC MDCAT 2022 Examination? MDCAT Registration Guide 2022

Below you will find a step by step of applying for the PMC MDCAT 2022 Examination. There may be some changes since updates about the PMC MDCAT 2022 exam have not yet been shared by official PMC sources, but it is likely to follow the below format. Please keep reading below: 

1. Visit the PMC official website (Click here) for your registration for the MDCAT Exam. 
2. Create an account for the website, using an appropriate username and password. The email you use will be the one on which you will receive your PMC MDCAT 2022 result.
3. After you create your account on the website, you will receive an email to confirm your account. Make sure to verify your account 
4. You will then be required to fill out a form with the details required, including your CNIC and Passport information. Ensure that this information is accurate to prevent any future hassle. 
5. After you have completed the form, you will find a screen requiring you to pay the fees through online payment (credit card or debit card) or using a bank service. After you submit the registration fee, the PMC will automatically receive the payment. 
6. Finally, you will receive your PMC official roll number with access to the date of the exam and your respective test center. 

PMC MDCAT Medical Colleges Admission Policy:

You need to have a 65% equivalent to qualify for medical schools in Pakistan with the MDCAT, while school-specific admission procedures may differ. 

PMC MDCAT Test Centers:

For the 2021 PMC MDCAT examination, there were 25 centers in Pakistan and six international centers. 

Total Seats in MDCAT:

Around 85,000 students register for the MDCAT test. 

Seats in Public Punjab Medical Colleges Under MDCAT:

There are currently 18 PMC recognized institutions for Public Punjab Medical Colleges Under MDCAT. In these 18 institutions, there are a total of over 1000 seat allocations in Punjab.

Medical & Dental Colleges of Pakistan Under MDCAT:

There are over 167 separate public and private Medical & Dental Colleges in Pakistan Under MDCAT. These have in total over thousands of seats. To select the one that is the best option for you in terms of the institution, location, and other factors, visit PMC’s website. Click here to check it out. They have there under the recognized institutions and qualifications Tab the comprehensive list of all undergraduate Medical & Dental Colleges of Pakistan. 

Punjab Public Sector Medical Colleges Under MDCAT:

Private Sector Medical Colleges Under MDCAT:

Punjab Public Sector Dental Colleges Under MDCAT:

Private Sector Dental Colleges Under MDCAT:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is it necessary to pass MDCAT for NUMS?

Yes. You are supposed to clear it or else are not eligible for NUMS for 65%. 

Who got the highest marks in MDCAT 2021?

Since the merit list for students is not out yet, we are not aware of this development. 

How to do NMDCAT preparation? Any tips? What kind of strategy should I adopt?

Studying for the MDCAT is not an easy process, but as long as you have the right mindset and are willing to put in the effort, it can be done and you can graduate with a high score. Nearpeer has all required MDCAT subjects, MDCAT test preparation, and more. This is very helpful in having quality resources, which is half of what you need to get a good score in your 2022 MDCAT. 

How to avoid procrastination? I want to know how to enjoy yourself while studying? 

There are many ways you can avoid procrastination. Firstly, make sure your phone or other distractions are away and out of sight. You can also ask your friends and family to not disturb you for any reason. Secondly, make sure you identify your weakness. Then, set goals and priorities for the topics that need to be worked on more so. Also, set deadlines. At the end of the day, don't overwork yourself too much, and make sure to give yourself rewards for following through with the deadlines and goals. 

How to keep yourself motivated?

It is important to stay motivated by remembering your dream at the end of the day. Maybe you want to be a doctor to save lives or go into research work. Also, you can reward yourself with breaks or candy (or whatever you like) as a reward for following through with the deadlines. 

How to do quick revision for MDCAT?

Make notes for your MDCAT subjects and keep narrowing them down until weeks before the exam. Aim to make one-page notes until a week or two before the exam. This one-pager can be your quick revision guide. This can help you remember topics on the tip of your tongue, and can be a fast way to test your memory, understanding, and knowledge.  

Is MDCAT necessary for DPT?

No. The MDCAT is not necessary for DPT (Doctor of Physiotherapist). Each institute may have its own testing body though so that is something that needs to be looked into further by you. 

What is the PMC contact number?

There are multiple ways you can contact the PMC. ​The contact number for the PMC for MDCAT 2021 or other queries is 033-11-00-6191​. You can also email them: [email protected]​. The PMC supposedly also has a live chat option. You may try to access it on the website. 

Is MDCAT necessary for D pharmacy?

No. The MDCAT is not necessary for DPT (Doctor of Pharmacy). Each institute may have its own testing body though so that is something that needs to be looked into further by you. 

What is the passing percentage of MDCAT?

The passing percentage for the MDCAT is 65% as per the formula for the equivalency. 

Is there a negative marking in the MDCAT 2021?

There is no negative marking in the 2021 MDCAT. 

What is the time allowed for the MDCAT 2021?

You have three hours and a half for the exam (3.5 hours).

What is the MDCAT 2021 difficulty level?

This depends on the student or the MDCAT 2021 aspirant. If you have a good mindset, are disciplined, dedicated, and have access to good study resources (as Nearpeer can offer for MDCAT) then it should not be very difficult.

Conclusion: 

The MDCAT is an exam that has been subject to a lot of changes recently, but we hope you benefited from this complete guide to the PMC MDCAT exam for 2022.  Since some of the information has not been released by the PMC but expect updates whenever announcements are made from official PMC sources. Still, Nearpeer is here to help you with all your MDCAT troubles with our high-quality, online MDCAT classes, along with other courses. Competitors can not match. Check out our courses for our reasonable prices and exciting discounts. Stay informed with future MDCAT updates through Nearpeer Blogs and our social media handles, including our official Facebook and Instagram. If you need any guidance regarding the MDCAT, MBBS, or BDS in general, please feel free to reach out to our dedicated team of Nearpeer counselors over WhatsApp at 0311-1444734. We know how to prepare for the MDCAT the RIGHT way. Good luck and happy learning!