PMC New Policy 2026 (Formerly PMDC): MDCAT Changes, Rules & What Students Must Know

Many students searching for "PMDC new policy 2025" or "PMDC new policy 2026" are actually looking for updates from PMC (Pakistan Medical Commission) — the body that replaced PMDC in 2020. PMC has been continuously updating its policies around MDCAT, medical college admissions, and licensing since it was established. This guide covers all the key PMC policies that affect pre-medical students in 2026.

Background: From PMDC to PMC

The Pakistan Medical Commission Act 2020 dissolved the old Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) and replaced it with PMC. The key policy changes that came with this transition — and have continued to evolve — include:

• A new standardised MDCAT replacing the old province-level entry tests
• A centralised registration and licensing system
• Mandatory internship registration with PMC
• New minimum passing marks for MDCAT
• A limit on MDCAT attempts

PMC MDCAT 2026 — Key Policies

1. Attempt Limit — Maximum 3 Attempts

One of the most significant PMC policies is the 3-attempt limit for MDCAT. A candidate who has already sat MDCAT twice may sit it one final time in 2026. There are no exceptions to this rule. Candidates who exceed the limit cannot be admitted to any PMC-recognised medical or dental college in Pakistan, regardless of their academic marks.

Action required: If 2026 is your second or third attempt, treat this with maximum seriousness. Begin comprehensive preparation at least 6 months in advance.

2. Minimum Passing Score

PMC has set a minimum MDCAT score that candidates must achieve to be eligible for MBBS/BDS admission:

• Minimum score: 65% (130 out of 200 marks)
• Candidates who score below 65% cannot be admitted regardless of their FSc marks or aggregate
• This cutoff may be adjusted by PMC for 2026 — check the official PMC notification

3. Standardised National Test

MDCAT is a single national test — the same paper is administered on the same day across all four provinces, AJK, and Gilgit-Baltistan. There is no longer a separate UHS or NUMS test that replaces the national MDCAT (though NUMS conducts its own additional test for NUMS-affiliated colleges).

4. Provincial Seat Allocation

While the MDCAT is national, seat allocation in medical colleges remains provincial. Your MDCAT score is used to calculate your aggregate, and seats are allocated by each province according to provincial merit lists and domicile requirements.

5. Gap Year Policy

Students who pass FSc but do not immediately appear in MDCAT can still appear in later years, subject to the 3-attempt limit. There is no penalty for a gap year between FSc and MDCAT.

6. A-Level and Equivalent Qualifications

Candidates with A-Level, IB, or other foreign qualifications can appear in MDCAT after obtaining an equivalence certificate from IBCC (Inter-Board Committee of Chairmen). The equivalence process must be completed before MDCAT registration.

PMC Licensing Examination — For MBBS Graduates

PMC also introduced a mandatory licensing examination for all MBBS graduates (both from Pakistan and abroad) before they can practise medicine. Key points:

• Called the "National Licensing Examination" or PMC LE
• Must be passed to obtain a PMC registration number (formerly called PMDC registration)
• Without PMC registration, a doctor cannot legally practise in Pakistan or apply for postgraduate training (FCPS, MRCP, etc.)
• The exam tests clinical knowledge across all major medical disciplines
• Foreign medical graduates must pass an additional English proficiency test

PMC Registration for Doctors — New Process

The old "PMDC registration" is now called PMC registration. The process:

1. Complete MBBS degree from a PMC-recognised college
2. Complete 1 year of House Job (mandatory internship)
3. Pass the PMC Licensing Examination
4. Apply for PMC registration online at www.pmc.gov.pk
5. Pay the registration fee
6. Receive your PMC registration number — valid for practice in Pakistan

Controversial Policies and Court Challenges

PMC's policies have faced several legal challenges and public controversies since 2020:

• The 3-attempt limit was challenged in court by students who exceeded it — courts have generally upheld the limit
• The mandatory licensing exam was strongly opposed by MBBS graduates who argued it was an additional barrier — PMC maintained it as a quality control measure
• The uniform MDCAT has been challenged by provinces seeking autonomy over medical admissions — the centralised system remains in place

Stay updated on any 2026-specific policy changes by regularly checking www.pmc.gov.pk and following credible news sources like Dawn.

What This Means for Your 2026 Preparation

• Know your attempt count — if this is attempt 2 or 3, prepare accordingly
• Target 65%+ as your minimum score (130/200) — aiming for 150+ puts you in a strong merit position
• Use the official PMC syllabus from www.pmc.gov.pk — not outdated PMDC documents
• Start MCQ practice early — HighYield's MDCAT QBank covers the full PMC syllabus with detailed explanations