MDCAT Test 2024( Entry Test)
In Pakistan, MCAT and MDCAT actually refer to the same exam: Medical and Dental College Admission Test. MDCAT is the current official name.
It is a standardized entrance exam for students in Pakistan who aspire to pursue medical or dental education at undergraduate level in any reputable institution. . It is conducted by the Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC) and is mandatory for students who wish to apply for medical and dental programs in government and private colleges and universities across the country.
The test score, combined with the candidateโs FSC or equivalent marks, is used to determine their merit for admission to medical and dental programs. The MDCAT test is highly competitive, with thousands of students across the country vying for a limited number of seats in these programs. Therefore, it is crucial for students to prepare well in advance for the test and to be thoroughly familiar with the syllabus, test format, and scoring systems. Candidates who pass the MDCAT exam in Pakistan can apply for admission to several medical and dental colleges and universities across the country.
MDCAT Sections
The total mark of MDCAT is 200 because it contains 200 multiple-choice questions. The entire length of time given to complete the paper is 3.5 hours. Thus, this indicates that you will have one minute to answer each multiple-choice question throughout the exam.
Section Breakdown
Section 1: Biology syllabus (68 MCQs)
Main Topics | Sub-topics |
1. Biodiversity (acellular life/ variety of life) | โข Classification of viruses โข Discovery of viruses โข Structure of viruses โข Viral disease (for example AIDS) |
2. Bio-energetic | Anaerobic respiration (respiration without oxygen) โข Electron transport chain โข Glycolysis/glycolytic pathway/aerobic respiration โข Light dependent and light independent phases/reactions, โข Oxidative phosphorylation /cyclic and non- cyclic phosphorylation, โข Photosynthesis, โข Production of ATP โข Role of light, water, CO2, /factors effecting photosynthesis |
3. Biological Molecules | โข Introduction to biological molecules โข Water โข Carbohydrates โข Proteins โข Lipids โข Conjugated molecules (glycolipids, glycoproteins) |
4. Cell Structure and function | โข Cell wall โข Cytoplasm and cell organelles โ Nucleus โ Endoplasmic reticulum โ Mitochondria โ Golgi apparatus/ Golgi complex / Golgi bodies โ Lysosomes โ Plastids/chloroplasts โ Vacuoles โข Prokaryote and eukaryote โข Fluid mosaic model |
5. Coordination and control/ nervous & chemical Coordination | โข Nervous system โ Nerve impulse โ Steps involved in nervous coordination โ Neurons (Structure and Types) โข Transmission of action potential between cellsโsynapse โ Electrical synapses โ Chemical synapses โ Transmission of nerve impulse across synapse โข Hormones โข Endocrine glands โข Feedback mechanism โ Positive feedback mechanism โ Negative feedback mechanism โข Reflexes and reflex arc โข Levels of the spinal cord and its main functions โข Parts of the brain with their main functions |
6. Diversity among Animals | โข Characteristics and diversity among the animals (animal phyla, characteristics) |
7. Enzymes | โข Introduction/characteristics of enzymes โข Mechanism of action of enzymes โข Factors effecting rate of enzyme action โข Enzyme inhibition |
8. Evolution | โข Concepts of evolution โข Inheritance of acquired characteristics โข Darwinism โ โข Darwinโs theory evolution โข Neo-Darwinismโs โข Evidence of evolution |
9. Life process in Animals & Plants (nutrition/ gaseous exchange/ transport) | โข Carnivorous plants/parasitic nutrition (pitcher plant, venus fly trap, sundew) โข Water and mineral uptake by roots, xylem and phloem โข Osmotic pressure/potential โข Cardiovascular system (including human heart structure, blood vessels) โข Respiratory system โข Digestive system โข Immune & system โข Lymphatic system |
10. Prokaryotes | โข Cellular Structure of bacteria โข Shape and size of bacteria โข Importance and control of bacteria |
11. Reproduction | โข Male reproductive system โข Female reproductive system (including menstrual cycle) โข Sexually transmitted diseases |
12. Support & movement | โข Cartilage โข Types of muscles โ Skeletal muscles โ Cardiac muscles โ Smooth muscles โข Structure of skeletal muscles โข Mechanism of skeletal muscle contraction โข Types of joints โข Arthritis |
13. Variation & genetics/ inheritance | โข Mendelโs law of inheritance โข Gregor John Mendel and his work โข Mendelโs experiment โข Inheritance of single trait โข Mendelโs principles of inheritance โข Inheritance of two traits โข Law of independent assortment โข Scope of independent assortment in variation โข Statistics and probability relevant to genetics โข Multiple alleles โข Gene linkages and crossing over โข Sex linkages in drosophila โข Sex linkage in human โข Genetics of hemophilia |
SECTION 2: CHEMISTRY Syllabus (54 MCQs)
1. Introduction to fundamental concepts of chemistry | โข Atomic mass โข Empirical formula โข Molecular formula โข Concept of mole โข Construction of mole ratios as conversion factors in stoichiometry calculations โข Avogadroโs number โข Important assumptions of stoichiometric calculations โข Stoichiometry โข Limiting reactant โข Percentage yield |
2. Atomic Structure | โข Concept of orbitalโs โข Electronic configuration โข Discovery and properties of proton (positive rays) โข Quantum numbers โข Shapes of orbitalโs |
3. Gases | โข Properties of gases โข Gas laws โข Boyleโs law โข Charlesโs law โข General gas equation โข Kinetic molecular theory of gases โข Ideal gas equation |
4. Liquids | โข Properties of liquids โข Intermolecular forces โข Hydrogen bonding โข Vapor pressure โข Boiling point and external pressure |
5. Solids | โข Introduction โข Types of solids โข Ionic solids โข Molecular solids โข Crystal lattice |
6. Chemical Equilibrium | โข Reversible and irreversible reactions โข State of chemical equilibrium โข Equilibrium constant expression for important reaction โข Applications of equilibrium constant โข Solubility product โข The Le Chatelierโs principle โข Synthesis of ammonia by Haberโs Process โข Common ion effect โข Buffer solutions โข Equilibrium of slightly soluble ionic compounds (solubility product) |
7. Reaction Kinetics | โข Rate of reaction โข Determination of the rate of a chemical reaction โข Factors affecting rate of reaction โข Specific rate constant or velocity constant โข Units of rate constant โข Order of reaction and its determination |
8. Thermo-chemistry and Energetics of chemical reactions | โข System, surrounding and state function โข Definitions of terms used in thermodynamics โข Standard states and standard enthalpy changes โข Energy in chemical reactions โข First Law of thermodynamics โข Sign of ฮH โข Enthalpy of a reaction โข Hessโs law of constant heat summation |
9. Electrochemistry | โข Oxidation number or state โข Explanation of electrolysis โข Electrode potential โข Balancing of redox equations by ion-electron method โข Balancing redox equations by oxidation number change method |
10. Chemical bonding | โข Energetic of bond formation โข Atomic sizes โข Atomic radii โข Ionic radii โข Covalent radii โข Ionization energy โข Electron affinity โข Electro negativity โข Bond energy โข Bond length โข Types of bonds โข Electrovalent or Ionic Bond โข Covalent bond โข Co-ordinate or dative covalent bond โข Ionic character of covalent bond โข Sigma and Pi bond โข Hybridization โข sp3 -Hybridization โข sp2 โHybridization โข sp-hybridization โข The Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion theory โข Postulates of VSEPR theory โข Applications of VSEPR theory |
11. S and p block elements | โข Electronic configuration โข Chemical properties of s-block elements โข Group1 Elements (Alkali Metals) โข Atomic and Physical properties โข Trends in reactivity โข Group2 Elements (Alkaline earth metals) โข Trends in reactivity โข Physical and chemical properties โข Group trends: atomic radii, ionic radii, electro negativity, ionization potential, electro positivity or metallic character, melting and boiling points |
12. Transition Elements | โข General characteristics |
13. Fundamental principles of organic chemistry | โข Classification of organic compound โข Isomerism |
14. Chemistry of Hydrocarbons | โข Open chain and closed chain hydrocarbons โข Nomenclature of alkanes, alkenes and alkynes โข Benzene: Properties, structure, modern representation, reactions, resonance method, electrophilic substitution, โข The molecular orbital treatment of benzene. |
15. Alkyl halides | โข Classification of alkyl halides โข Nomenclature โข Reactions โข Mechanism of nucleophilic substitution reaction SN1, SN2, E1 and E2 reaction |
16. Alcohols & phenols | โข Alcohols: โ Classification: Primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols โ Nomenclature โ Reactivity โข Phenols: โ Physical properties โ Nomenclature โ Acidity โ Reactivity |
17. Aldehydes and Ketones | โข Nomenclature โข Preparation โข Reactions |
18.Carboxylic acid | โข Nomenclature โข Classification โข Physical properties โข Preparations of carboxylic acids โข Reactivity |
19.Macromolecules | โข Proteins โข Enzymes |
SECTION 3: PHYSICS Syllabus (54 MCQs)
1.Force and motion | โข Displacement โข Velocity โข Displacement-time graph โข Acceleration โข Uniform acceleration โข Variable acceleration โข Graphical representation of acceleration with velocity time graph โข Newtonโs laws of motion โข Newtonโs first law of motion โข Newtonโs second law of motion โข Newtonโs third law of motion โข Linear Momentum โข Law of conservation of momentum โข Collision โข Elastic collision โข Elastic collision in one dimension โข Elastic collision in one dimension under different cases โข Projectile motion โข Characteristics of projectile motion โข Time off light โข Maximum height โข Horizontal range |
2.Work and energy | โข Work โข Energy โข Kinetic energy โข Potential energy โข Gravitational potential energy โข Power |
3.Rotational and circular motion | โข Angular displacement โข Revolution โข Degree โข Radian โข Angular velocity โข Relation between linear and angular variables โข Relation between linear and angular displacements โข Relation between linear and angular velocities โข Relation between linear and angular accelerations โข Centripetal force โข Forces causing centripetal acceleration |
4.Waves | โข Progressive waves โข Crest โข Trough โข Amplitude โข Wavelength โข Time period and frequency โข Types of progressive waves โข Transverse waves โข Longitudinal waves โข Periodic waves โข Transverse periodic waves โข Longitudinal periodic waves โข Speed of sound in air โข Principle of superposition/superposition of sound waves โข Stationary waves/standing waves โข Stationary waves in a stretched string/fundamental frequency and harmonics โข Doppler effect โข Observer is moving towards a stationary source โข Observer is moving away from a stationary source โข When the source is moving towards the stationary observer โข When the source is moving away from the stationary observer โข Simple harmonic motion (SHM) โข Characteristics of simple harmonic motion โข Instantaneous displacement โข Amplitude โข Vibration โข Time period โข Frequency |
5.Thermodynamics | โข First law of thermodynamics โข Specific heat and Molar specific heat/specific heat capacity |
6.Electrostatics | โข Coulombโs law โข Coulombโs law in material media โข Electric field and its intensity โข Electric field intensity due to an infinite sheet of charge โข Electric field intensity between two oppositely charged parallel plates โข Electric potential โข Capacitor โข Capacitance of a capacitor and its unit โข Capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor โข Energy Stored in a Capacitor โข Charging and Discharging a Capacitor |
7.Current Electricity | โข Ohmโs Law โข Electrical resistance โข Specific resistance or resistivity โข Effect of temperature on resistance โข Temperature coefficient of resistance โข Variation of resistivity with temperature โข Internal resistance of a supply โข Electric power โข Unit of electric power โข Kilowatt-hours |
8.Electromagnetism | โข Magnetic field โข Magnetic Flux โข Magnetic Flux Density |
9.Electromagnetic Induction | โข Electromagnetic induction โข Faradayโs Law โข Lenzโs Law โข Transformers โข Lenzโs Law and conservation of energy โข Generating electricity-Alternating Current Generator |
10.Electronics | โข Rectification |
11.Dawn of modern Physics | โข The particle model of light |
12.Atomic spectra | โข Atomic spectra/ line spectrum |
13.Nuclear Physics | โข Spontaneous and random nuclear decay/the law of radioactive decay โข Half Life and rate of decay โข Biological effects of radiation โข Biological and medical uses of radiation |
Section 4: English Syllabus (18 MCQs)
โ Vocabulary Building
โ Sentence Completion
โ Synonyms and Antonyms
โ Reading Comprehension
Section 5:Logical Reasoning Syllabus (6 MCQs):
Some years have included a section on logical reasoning, testing your ability to:
- Analyze information
- Identify patterns
- Solve problems
- Critical Thinking
- Letter and symbol series
- Logical deduction
- Logical problems
- Course of action
- Cause & effect
Schedule
Schedule of MDCAT 2024 โ PMC
A time period of 2-3 months is provided to each student for their test preparation. You can join any reputed institute for your test preparation.
Events | Schedule |
Online registration date for MDCAT Entry Test Starts | 17 July 2024 |
Online registration date for MDCAT Entry Test End | 31 July 2024 |
Online registration Late fee for MDCAT Entry Test | 7 August 2024 |
MDCAT Entry Test Exam date | 27 August 2024 |
MDCAT Pattern
The weightage for each subject
The weightage for each subject can vary slightly, but generally:
There will be no negative marking in the National MDCAT. The total marks will be 200โa total of 200 multiple-choice questions. The total time for the paper is 3.5 hours. This means that for a single MCQ, you will get one minute. This is more than enough if you have prepared well for the examination.
Sr. no | Subject | Percentage | No of MCQโs |
1 | Biology | 34% | 68 |
2 | Chemistry | 27% | 54 |
3 | Physics | 27% | 54 |
4 | English | 9% | 8 |
5 | Logical Reasoning | 3% | 6 |
Total | 100% | 200 |
Eligibility criteria
Itโs important to note that the application process and fee structure for the MDCAT test in Pakistan may change from time to time, so itโs recommended to check with the PMC or the National Testing Service (NTS) for the latest updates and guidelines related to MDCAT registration.
A) Required Qualifications
- The candidates applying for admission against any category of seats must have passed the HSSC/FSc (Pre-Medical) examination from a Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education in Pakistan with not less than 60% unadjusted marks (660/1100). OR Passed an examination of a Foreign University/Board subject to the following:
- The examination is recognized as equivalent to Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) (Intermediate levels) by the Inter-Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC). It shall be the responsibility of the candidates to settle their cases with IBCC and should get equivalence certificate from IBCC only for recognition of their qualification.
- The score of the candidate in HSSC equivalent examination should not be less than 660/1100 (60%) marks according to the formula laid down by the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC).
- A candidate shall not be eligible for admission if he/she has not studied and passed the subjects of Chemistry, Biology and Physics/Mathematics in his/her 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th Grade/ O & A level or other equivalent examination recognized by the IBCC. He/she must have passed English as a subject at O or A level.
B) Entrance Test
For admission against Open Merit, Under-Developed Districts, Disabled, Cholistan, and GilgitBaltistan (Northern Areas) Seats, appearance in the Entrance Test of Punjab, for the current session, is mandatory and compulsory, and no exception, whatsoever, shall be taken under any circumstances.
C) Age Limit
The Pakistan Medical & Dental Council has abolished the age limit for admission in MBBS/BDS course. There is no minimum or maximum age limit for admission to medical/dental institutions.
How to apply and fee structure
Requirements:
1. Age: Candidates must be at least 17 years old on or before 31st December of the year of admission.
2. Education: Candidates must have completed intermediate (or its equivalent) with at least 60% marks.
3. Domicile: Candidates must hold a domicile or PRC (Permanent Resident Certificate) of the province they are applying from.
4. Medical Fitness: Candidates must be medically fit and provide a health certificate from a registered medical practitioner.
Fee Structure:
The fee structure for MDCAT test in Pakistan varies depending on the province and the registration period. The latest fee structure announced by the PMC (Pakistan Medical Commission) is as follows:
โ Punjab: PKR 1,300/- for early registration and PKR 3,000/- for late registration
โ Sindh: PKR 2,520/- for early registration and PKR 3,520/- for late registration
โ Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK): PKR 1,550/- for early registration and PKR 3,550/- for late registration
โ Balochistan: PKR 1,000/- for early registration and PKR 3,000/- for late registration
โ Gilgit-Baltistan: PKR 1,100/- for early registration and PKR 3,100/- for late registration
โ Islamabad Capital Territory: PKR 1,330/- for early registration and PKR 3,330/- for late registration
How to Apply:
1. Visit the official website of the Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC) and create an account.
2. Fill the online application form for MDCAT and upload the required documents, including:
โ Three recent passport-size photographs
โ CNIC or B form
โ Domicile certificate or PRC Form
โ Intermediate (or equivalent) marks sheet
โ Matriculation (or equivalent) marks sheet
โ Undertaking signed by the candidate and their parent/guardian
3. Submit the form and pay the required fee via bank challan or e-payment.
4. Download and print the application form and attested challan form.
5. Admit card will be issued by NTS for the MDCAT test.
Passing Criteria for MCAT
It is important for students to keep in mind that the MCAT is a highly competitive exam, and their performance on the test will play a crucial role in determining their chances of getting admission to a medical or dental college. Thatโs why many students work with experts like Inspira Advantage. Inspira matches students with 520+ scorers to help them increase their MCAT scores and get them into their dream program.
Passing %age | Passing Marks | |
---|---|---|
For MBBS | 65% | 130/200 |
For Dental Colleges | 55% | 110/200 |
Syllabus For MDCAT
Syllabus of Biology
- Biodiversity (acellular life/ variety of life)
- Bio-energetic
- Biological Molecules
- Cell Structure and function
- Coordination and control/ nervous & chemical Coordination
- Diversity among Animals
- Enzymes
- Evolution
- Life process in Animals & Plants (nutrition/ gaseous exchange/ transport)
- Prokaryotes
- Reproduction
- Support & movement
- Variation & genetics/ inheritance
Syllabus of chemistry
- Introduction to fundamental concepts of chemistry
- Atomic Structure
- Gases
- Liquids
- Solids
- Chemical Equilibrium
- Reaction Kinetics
- Thermo-chemistry and Energetics of chemical reactions
- 9 Electrochemistry
- Chemical bonding
- S and p block elements
- Transition Elements
- Fundamental principles of organic chemistry
- Chemistry of Hydrocarbons
- Alkyl halides
- Alcohols & phenols
- Aldehydes and Ketones
- Carboxylic acid
- Macromolecules
Syllabus of English
- High and low frequency words from the course book or to be selected from similar contexts or the contexts the HSSC and CIE students may be familiar with.
- All present, past tenses Four types of sentences, Conditionals Types of clauses Fragments.
- Use the texts prescribed/ used in HSSC or CIE for differentiation between correctly and incorrectly written sentences The test items to be selected from the type of texts written by HSSC and CIE students and from the contexts common to both the streams.
- Use selecting test items as well as determining the degree of their complexity. The test items to be selected from the contexts common to the texts at HSSC and CIE level.
- Use the texts and sentences prescribed/ used in HSSC or CIE for differentiate between correctly and incorrectly written sentences by using given sentences.
- Use the texts prescribed/ used in HSSC or CIE as samples for reading comprehension.
Syllabus of physics
- Force and motion
- Work and energy
- Rotational and circular motion
- Waves
- Thermodynamics
- Electrostatics
- Current electricity
- Electromagnetism
- Electromagnetic induction
- Electronics
- Dawn of modern physics
- Atomic spectra
- Nuclear physics
Logical Reasoning
- Analyze information
- Identify patterns
- Solve problems
- Critical Thinking
- Letter and symbol series
- Logical deduction
- Logical problems
- Course of action
- Cause & effect
Merit Calculation Percentage for Admission to Medical and Dental Universities in Pakistan
To be eligible to apply for admission to medical and dental universities, students must have scored at least 70% marks in their exams. Those who have scored less than 65% marks are not eligible to apply for admission.
The merit calculation percentage for admission to medical and dental universities in Pakistan is based on a combination of the matriculation examination, FSC examination, and National MDCAT examination.
The merit calculation percentage for admission to medical and dental universities in Pakistan is as follows:
Percentage | |
---|---|
Matriculation | 10% |
FSC | 40% |
National MDCAT | 50% |
Venues
Several examination centers will be set up across Pakistan, including Gilgit Baltistan and AJ&K. Nationally, there will be 21 locations for the exam, and internationally, there will be 9 locations. Below is a list of these locations:
NATIONAL VENUES:
- Lahore
- Sialkot
- Khairpur
- Abbottabad
- Multan
- Sahiwal
- Karachi
- DI Khan
- Faisalabad
- Islamabad
- Hyderabad
- Peshawar
- Gujranwala
- Quetta
- Nawab Shah
- Swat /Malakand
- DG Khan
- Muzaffarabad
- Mirpur (AJK)
- Bahawalpur
- Gilgit
INTERNATIONAL VENUES:
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
- Qatar
- Canada
- USA
- UK
- Oman
- Bahrain
- Australia
FAQs
What is the MDCAT test?
The MDCAT (Medical and Dental College Admission Test) is an entrance exam designed for students who wish to pursue a career in medicine or dentistry in Pakistan.
Who conducts the MDCAT test?
The MDCAT test in Pakistan is conducted by the Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC) in collaboration with the National Testing Service (NTS).
What are the career prospects after completing a medical/dental degree?
Diverse opportunities in medicine, dentistry, research, teaching etc.
What is the eligibility criterion for MDCAT?
The eligibility criteria for MDCAT include age, education, domicile/residency, medical fitness, and restrictions.
When is the MDCAT test conducted?
The MDCAT test is usually held in August or September every year.
What is the exam pattern for MDCAT?
The MDCAT test consists of 200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) that cover Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English. There is no negative marking in the MDCAT test.
What is the passing criteria for the MDCAT test?
The passing criteria for MDCAT vary depending on the admission criteria set by medical colleges. Generally, students are required to score above the average marks to give them an edge over others.
How many times can a candidate appear in the MDCAT test?
Candidates are allowed to appear in the MDCAT test a maximum of three times.
How can I register for MDCAT test?
Candidates can register for the MDCAT test online through the official website of the PMC.
Which documents are required during MDCAT registration?
The documents required for MDCAT registration include a recent photograph, a valid ID card, a domicile/residency certificate, and an education certificate
Can I apply for MDCAT with a foreign qualification?
Yes, candidates who have completed their higher secondary education from outside Pakistan are also eligible to apply for the MDCAT test.
Is MDCAT compulsory?
Yes, for admission to all public and private medical/dental colleges in Pakistan.
When is MDCAT held?
Usually once a year, around August/September.
Who can appear in MDCAT?
Pre-medical/dental students after FSc.
What is the eligibility criteria for MDCAT?
FSc (Pre-Medical/Dental) with minimum marks (varies each year).
What is the passing marks for MDCAT?
Minimum 60% marks in the entry test (MDCAT). Passing score is set by PMDC each year.
Is there any negative marking in MDCAT?
Yes, usually there is negative marking for incorrect answers.
How can I apply for MDCAT?
Online application process through PMDC website (announced before exam).
Is MDCAT compulsory?
Yes, for admission to all public and private medical/dental colleges in Pakistan.
When is MDCAT held?
Usually once a year, around August/September.
Who can appear in MDCAT?
Pre-medical/dental students after FSc.
What is the eligibility criteria for MDCAT?
FSc (Pre-Medical/Dental) with minimum marks (varies each year).
What is the format of MDCAT?
MCQ based paper with sections on Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English, and Logical Reasoning
Are there any scholarships available for medical/dental studies?
Yes, scholarships are offered by government and private organizations.
What is the fee structure for medical/dental colleges in Pakistan?
Varies depending on college (public/private).
Does MDCAT score guarantee admission to medical/dental college?
No, score is used for eligibility, college admission depends on merit list.
What is the validity of MDCAT score?
Usually valid for one year (check PMDC website for confirmation).
Is there any limit on the number of attempts for MDCAT?
No limit on attempts, but gap years may apply.
Can I retake MDCAT if I donโt pass?
Yes, you can retake the test in the following year.
Is there any official MDCAT preparation guide?
No, but PMDC provides syllabus and sample papers
What are some resources for MDCAT preparation?
Textbooks, guide books, online resources, academies etc.
How will I know my test center?
Download your admit card a few days before the exam (contains test center details).
What are the test centers for MDCAT?
National and international centers (announced a few weeks before exam).
Can I choose my test center for MDCAT?
No, test centers are assigned by PMDC based on your application
How can I get MDCAT syllabus and sample papers?
Available on PMDC website