NUMS MDCAT Syllabus & Structure
NUMS (National University of Medical Sciences) runs its own entry test, separate from the PMDC National MDCAT. The biggest difference: NUMS splits the exam into two papers and includes a psychological test that the National MDCAT does not have. Everything below comes from the official NUMS 2026 Table of Specifications, downloadable in full.
How NUMS differs from the National MDCAT
- NUMS is a separate test — sitting the National MDCAT does not cover you for NUMS.
- It runs as two papers: Paper-I (150 MCQs) and Paper-II, a 50-MCQ psychological test.
- There is no Logical Reasoning section in Paper-I; the psychological test takes its place.
- Biology carries less weight here (37%) than in the National MDCAT (45%), and Physics carries more.
Structure
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Paper-I MCQs | 150 |
| Paper-I duration | 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Paper-II MCQs (Psychological Test) | 50 |
| Paper-II duration | 15 minutes |
| Format | Paper-based MCQs (one best answer) |
| Total MCQs | 200 |
Subject weightage
Paper-I is the academic paper; Paper-II is the psychological test.
| Paper | Section | Weightage | No. of MCQs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | Biology | 37.0% | 55 |
| Paper-I | Chemistry | 26.5% | 40 |
| Paper-I | Physics | 26.5% | 40 |
| Paper-I | English | 10.0% | 15 |
| Paper-I | Total | 100% | 150 |
| Paper-II | Psychological Test | 5% | 50 |
| Overall total | 100% | 200 |
Difficulty split
In Biology, Chemistry and Physics, 70% of questions are recall level and 30% application level.
| Level | Share of paper |
|---|---|
| Easy | 20% |
| Moderate | 60% |
| Hard | 20% |
Download the official syllabus
The complete NUMS MDCAT 2026 Table of Specifications, section by section.
Frequently asked questions
Is NUMS MDCAT the same as the National (PMDC) MDCAT?+
No — it is a separate test with its own syllabus, structure and application. NUMS has 150 academic MCQs plus a 50-MCQ psychological test; the National MDCAT has 180 MCQs including Logical Reasoning.
What is the Paper-II psychological test?+
A 50-MCQ paper sat in 15 minutes, carrying 5% weightage. It is unique to NUMS — the National MDCAT has no equivalent.
How long is the NUMS MDCAT?+
Paper-I runs 2 hours 45 minutes, and Paper-II a further 15 minutes.
Which subject carries the most weight?+
Biology at 37% (55 MCQs), followed by Chemistry and Physics at 26.5% each (40 MCQs each) and English at 10% (15 MCQs).
How much of the paper is recall vs application?+
In Biology, Chemistry and Physics, roughly 70% of questions are recall level and 30% application level.
More MDCAT guidance
Know the rules. Now practise.
Understanding the exam is step one. Drill past-paper style MCQs with detailed explanations and track your accuracy by subject.
Practise MDCAT MCQsGuidance is provided for candidates' convenience and is not an official CPSP publication. Always confirm current rules and criteria at cpsp.edu.pk.