SZABMU MD / MS Part-I Exam Pattern, Syllabus & Topic Weightage
Two papers of 100 single-best-answer MCQs: the official Paper I basic-sciences weightage and the Paper II applied medicine and surgery topic percentages for SZABMU MD and MS Part-I.
The MD / MS Part-I exam at Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU) is the written gate to its residency programmes. It is built from two papers of 100 single-best-answer MCQs each, and the university road map publishes the topic weightage for both. Below is the full breakdown, followed by what the weightage means for how you spend your study hours.
Paper I: Basic Sciences (Common to All Disciplines)
| Topic | Weightage | Approx. MCQs |
|---|---|---|
| Anatomy | 30% | 30 |
| Physiology | 30% | 30 |
| Pathology | 20% | 20 |
| Biochemistry | 10% | 10 |
| Pharmacology | 10% | 10 |
Anatomy and physiology alone carry 60 of the 100 marks, so they are the first place to build depth.
Paper II: Applied Medicine (MD and Allied)
| Topic | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Inflammation, infection and sepsis | 12% |
| Immunology | 5% |
| Fluids, electrolytes and acid-base balance | 10% |
| Haematology | 10% |
| Cardiovascular system | 10% |
| Respiratory system | 10% |
| Gastroenterology | 10% |
| Hepatology and nephrology | 10% |
| Neurology and rheumatology | 8% |
| Endocrinology and diabetes | 10% |
| ICU care | 5% |
Paper II: Applied Surgery (MS and Allied)
| Topic | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Fluids and electrolytes | 20% |
| Inflammation and sepsis | 15% |
| Endocrine | 10% |
| GIT | 10% |
| Neurosurgery | 10% |
| Gynae / Obs | 10% |
| Infections | 5% |
| Urology | 5% |
| Orthopaedic surgery | 5% |
| ENT / Eye | 5% |
| Anaesthesia / ICU care | 5% |
What the Weightage Means for Your Preparation
- Paper I rewards breadth in anatomy and physiology. Thirty questions each means a missed chapter costs several marks.
- MS candidates should treat fluids and electrolytes as a core subject. It carries 20% of Paper II, more than any other single topic.
- MD candidates have a flatter paper. No topic exceeds 12%, so there is little payoff in over-investing in one system.
- Small topics still matter. Immunology and ICU care are 5% each; five easy marks are worth the same as five in any other topic.
Part-I is valid for two years, and a pass makes you eligible to apply for the Part-II residency programme when SZABMU advertises it. For who can apply and how, read the eligibility and admission guide. The same weightage tables are on our Part-I exam pattern and topic weightage page.
Where to Practise Each Topic
Both banks follow this blueprint topic by topic: the SZABMU MD QBank for medicine candidates and the SZABMU MS QBank for surgery candidates. Paper I is common, so the basic-sciences questions are the same in both. For a study schedule built on these percentages, see the Part-I study plan, and for rehearsal at exam proportions, the mock test guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many MCQs are there in SZABMU MD / MS Part-I?
Two papers of 100 single-best-answer MCQs each, with 100 marks per paper.
Is Paper I the same for MD and MS?
Yes. Paper I covers the basic sciences and is common to all disciplines. Paper II differs: applied medicine for MD and allied, applied surgery for MS and allied.
How long is Part-I valid?
Two years, according to the SZABMU road map for postgraduate residents.
Is there a different syllabus for MDS?
Yes. MDS Part-I uses dental subjects such as dental materials, oral biology and oral pathology alongside the basic sciences.
Pattern details come from the SZABMU road map for postgraduate residents; always confirm dates and any changes against the current official notification.
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