How Medical College Admission Works in Pakistan: From MDCAT to Your Seat

Getting into MBBS or BDS in Pakistan is a multi-step process, and many students lose time because they do not see the whole picture. This guide maps the journey from MDCAT to a confirmed seat. Specific dates, fees and seat numbers change every year, so use the official notices for those.

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

The Big Picture

Step	What happens	Where to read more
1	Register for MDCAT with the regulator	MDCAT 2027 date and registration
2	Sit the 180-MCQ computer-based test	What is MDCAT?
3	Check you meet the minimum score (55% MBBS, 50% BDS)	MDCAT passing marks
4	Work out your aggregate (MDCAT, FSc, Matric)	Aggregate calculator
5	Apply to universities and colleges through their admission portals	KMU admission guide
6	Merit lists are published; submit documents and fee for your seat	Official university notices

How the Aggregate Works

The typical formula is MDCAT 50%, FSc 40% and Matric 10%. MDCAT therefore carries half of your weight, more than FSc and Matric combined. A strong MDCAT can make up for slightly lower board marks.

Public vs Private vs Special Institutions

• Public medical colleges admit on merit lists from the aggregate and have lower fees.
• Private medical colleges also use MDCAT but have different fee structures and seat categories.
• Institutions with their own tests, such as the Aga Khan University, and NUMS-affiliated colleges, which also require a NUMS test, follow separate processes. See our NUMS guide.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing a university's application window; they differ by province and institution.
• Incomplete or unattested documents.
• Applying to too few colleges.
• Trusting unofficial social media posts about seats and closing merit.

Start Early

The score you can control is MDCAT. Start with the MDCAT 2027 syllabus breakdown and daily MCQ practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What decides my medical college seat?

Your aggregate (MDCAT, FSc and Matric) against the merit list of the institutions you applied to.

Is MDCAT needed for private medical colleges?

Yes, in general. Some institutions run their own tests in addition or instead, so check each one.

What is the minimum MDCAT score?

Under the current rules, 55% for MBBS and 50% for BDS, which makes you eligible but does not guarantee a seat.

How many attempts do I get?

A maximum of 3 attempts at MDCAT.

Your Next Step

Build your MDCAT score. The MDCAT QBank has subject-wise MCQs with explanations. Open the QBank; your first 20 questions are free.