Low MDCAT Score? How to Plan Your Retake With Only 3 Attempts

A disappointing MDCAT result is not the end of the road. You get a limited number of attempts, so a retake works only if you change how you prepare. This guide shows how to analyse what went wrong and plan the next year.

Key facts first: the maximum is 3 attempts, the minimum score for eligibility is 55% for MBBS and 50% for BDS, and MDCAT 2026 was held on 20 September 2026. MDCAT 2027 has not been announced yet. See our MDCAT 2027 date and registration guide and the passing marks guide for the details.

Preparing for MDCAT? Practise explanation-backed MCQs in the MDCAT QBank. Your first 20 questions are free.

Step 1: Work Out What Cost You Marks

Before you open a book, answer these honestly:

• Subject split: which of Biology (81 MCQs), Chemistry (45), Physics (36), English (9) and Logical Reasoning (9) lost the most marks?
• Type of error: did you not know the topic, misread the question, or run out of time?
• Timing: 180 MCQs in 3 hours is about one minute per question. Did you finish?

Step 2: Decide Whether a Retake Is Worth an Attempt

Compare your score with the closing aggregates of the colleges you want, and remember that the aggregate also uses FSc and Matric marks. Use the MDCAT aggregate calculator to see how many extra MDCAT marks you would need.

Step 3: Rebuild the Plan Around Weak Areas

1. Months 1–3: relearn weak chapters from the FSc books and the MDCAT 2027 syllabus breakdown.
2. Months 4–8: daily MCQ practice by topic with explanations on. Track accuracy per chapter.
3. Last 3 months: full timed 180-question mocks every week and error-log review.

Step 4: Protect Your Attempts

Treat each of the 3 attempts as precious. Do not sit the exam just to see what it looks like. Sit only when your mock scores are consistently above your target.

What to Change, Not Repeat

• Replace re-reading with active recall and MCQs.
• Move from random chapters to a written topic checklist.
• Review every wrong answer and write the reason in one line.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times can I attempt MDCAT?

A maximum of 3 attempts.

What is the minimum MDCAT score for MBBS?

Under the current rules it is 55% for MBBS and 50% for BDS, but this only makes you eligible. Admission depends on your aggregate.

Does the old score carry over to the next year?

No. Each attempt gives a fresh score for that year's admissions. Check the rules for the year you apply.

Should I take a drop year for the retake?

Only if your gap is realistic to close. Use the aggregate calculator and your mock scores to decide.

Your Next Step

Ready to rebuild? The MDCAT QBank lets you drill weak topics with explanation-backed MCQs. Open the QBank; your first 20 questions are free.