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 candidate’s 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)   | • Classification of viruses • Discovery of viruses • Structure of viruses • Viral disease (for example AIDS) |
| 2. Bio-energetic | Anaerobic respiration (respiration without oxygen) • Electron transport chain • Glycolysis/glycolytic pathway/aerobic respiration • Light dependent and light independent phases/reactions, • Oxidative phosphorylation /cyclic and non- cyclic phosphorylation, • Photosynthesis, • Production of ATP • Role of light, water, CO2, /factors effecting photosynthesis |
| 3. Biological Molecules | • Introduction to biological molecules • Water • Carbohydrates • Proteins • Lipids • Conjugated molecules (glycolipids, glycoproteins) |
| 4. Cell Structure and function  | • Cell wall • Cytoplasm and cell organelles – Nucleus – Endoplasmic reticulum – Mitochondria – Golgi apparatus/ Golgi complex / Golgi bodies – Lysosomes – Plastids/chloroplasts – Vacuoles • Prokaryote and eukaryote • Fluid mosaic model |
| 5. Coordination and control/ nervous & chemical Coordination  | • Nervous system – Nerve impulse – Steps involved in nervous coordination – Neurons (Structure and Types) • Transmission of action potential between cells–synapse – Electrical synapses – Chemical synapses – Transmission of nerve impulse across synapse • Hormones • Endocrine glands • Feedback mechanism – Positive feedback mechanism – Negative feedback mechanism • Reflexes and reflex arc • Levels of the spinal cord and its main functions • Parts of the brain with their main functions |
| 6. Diversity among Animals  | • Characteristics and diversity among the animals (animal phyla, characteristics) |
| 7. Enzymes  | • Introduction/characteristics of enzymes • Mechanism of action of enzymes • Factors effecting rate of enzyme action • Enzyme inhibition |
| 8. Evolution | • Concepts of evolution • Inheritance of acquired characteristics • Darwinism ’ • Darwin’s theory evolution • Neo-Darwinism’s • Evidence of evolution |
| 9. Life process in Animals & Plants (nutrition/ gaseous exchange/ transport)  | • Carnivorous plants/parasitic nutrition (pitcher plant, venus fly trap, sundew) • Water and mineral uptake by roots, xylem and phloem • Osmotic pressure/potential • Cardiovascular system (including human heart structure, blood vessels) • Respiratory system • Digestive system • Immune & system • Lymphatic system |
| 10. Prokaryotes  | • Cellular Structure of bacteria • Shape and size of bacteria • Importance and control of bacteria |
| 11. Reproduction  | • Male reproductive system • Female reproductive system (including menstrual cycle) • Sexually transmitted diseases |
| 12. Support & movement  | • Cartilage • Types of muscles – Skeletal muscles – Cardiac muscles – Smooth muscles • Structure of skeletal muscles • Mechanism of skeletal muscle contraction • Types of joints • Arthritis |
| 13. Variation & genetics/ inheritance | • Mendel’s law of inheritance • Gregor John Mendel and his work • Mendel’s experiment • Inheritance of single trait • Mendel’s principles of inheritance • Inheritance of two traits • Law of independent assortment • Scope of independent assortment in variation • Statistics and probability relevant to genetics • Multiple alleles • Gene linkages and crossing over • Sex linkages in drosophila • Sex linkage in human • Genetics of hemophilia |
SECTION 2: CHEMISTRY Syllabus (54 MCQs)
| 1. Introduction to fundamental concepts of chemistry  | • Atomic mass • Empirical formula • Molecular formula • Concept of mole • Construction of mole ratios as conversion factors in stoichiometry calculations • Avogadro’s number • Important assumptions of stoichiometric calculations • Stoichiometry • Limiting reactant • Percentage yield |
| 2. Atomic Structure | • Concept of orbital’s • Electronic configuration • Discovery and properties of proton (positive rays) • Quantum numbers • Shapes of orbital’s |
| 3. Gases | • Properties of gases • Gas laws • Boyle’s law • Charles’s law • General gas equation • Kinetic molecular theory of gases • Ideal gas equation |
| 4. Liquids | • Properties of liquids • Intermolecular forces • Hydrogen bonding • Vapor pressure • Boiling point and external pressure |
| 5. Solids  | • Introduction • Types of solids • Ionic solids • Molecular solids • Crystal lattice |
| 6. Chemical Equilibrium | • Reversible and irreversible reactions • State of chemical equilibrium • Equilibrium constant expression for important reaction • Applications of equilibrium constant • Solubility product • The Le Chatelier’s principle • Synthesis of ammonia by Haber’s Process • Common ion effect • Buffer solutions • Equilibrium of slightly soluble ionic compounds (solubility product) |
| 7. Reaction Kinetics  | • Rate of reaction • Determination of the rate of a chemical reaction • Factors affecting rate of reaction • Specific rate constant or velocity constant • Units of rate constant • Order of reaction and its determination |
| 8. Thermo-chemistry and Energetics of chemical reactions | • System, surrounding and state function • Definitions of terms used in thermodynamics • Standard states and standard enthalpy changes • Energy in chemical reactions • First Law of thermodynamics • Sign of ΔH • Enthalpy of a reaction • Hess’s law of constant heat summation |
| 9. Electrochemistry | • Oxidation number or state • Explanation of electrolysis • Electrode potential • Balancing of redox equations by ion-electron method • Balancing redox equations by oxidation number change method |
| 10. Chemical bonding | • Energetic of bond formation • Atomic sizes • Atomic radii • Ionic radii • Covalent radii • Ionization energy • Electron affinity • Electro negativity • Bond energy • Bond length • Types of bonds • Electrovalent or Ionic Bond • Covalent bond • Co-ordinate or dative covalent bond • Ionic character of covalent bond • Sigma and Pi bond • Hybridization • sp3 -Hybridization • sp2 –Hybridization • sp-hybridization • The Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion theory • Postulates of VSEPR theory • Applications of VSEPR theory |
| 11. S and p block elements | • Electronic configuration • Chemical properties of s-block elements • Group1 Elements (Alkali Metals) • Atomic and Physical properties • Trends in reactivity • Group2 Elements (Alkaline earth metals) • Trends in reactivity • Physical and chemical properties • Group trends: atomic radii, ionic radii, electro negativity, ionization potential, electro positivity or metallic character, melting and boiling points |
|  12. Transition Elements | • General characteristics |
| 13. Fundamental principles of organic chemistry | • Classification of organic compound • Isomerism |
| 14. Chemistry of Hydrocarbons  | • Open chain and closed chain hydrocarbons • Nomenclature of alkanes, alkenes and alkynes • Benzene: Properties, structure, modern representation, reactions, resonance method, electrophilic substitution, • The molecular orbital treatment of benzene. |
| 15. Alkyl halides  | • Classification of alkyl halides • Nomenclature • Reactions • Mechanism of nucleophilic substitution reaction SN1, SN2, E1 and E2 reaction |
| 16. Alcohols & phenols  | • Alcohols: – Classification: Primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols – Nomenclature – Reactivity • Phenols: – Physical properties – Nomenclature – Acidity – Reactivity |
| 17. Aldehydes and Ketones  | • Nomenclature • Preparation • Reactions |
| 18.Carboxylic acid | • Nomenclature • Classification • Physical properties • Preparations of carboxylic acids • Reactivity |
| 19.Macromolecules | • Proteins • Enzymes |
SECTION 3: PHYSICS Syllabus (54 MCQs)
| 1.Force and motion | • Displacement • Velocity • Displacement-time graph • Acceleration • Uniform acceleration • Variable acceleration • Graphical representation of acceleration with velocity time graph • Newton’s laws of motion • Newton’s first law of motion • Newton’s second law of motion • Newton’s third law of motion • Linear Momentum • Law of conservation of momentum • Collision • Elastic collision • Elastic collision in one dimension • Elastic collision in one dimension under different cases • Projectile motion • Characteristics of projectile motion • Time off light • Maximum height • Horizontal range |
| 2.Work and energy | • Work • Energy • Kinetic energy • Potential energy • Gravitational potential energy • Power |
| 3.Rotational and circular motion | • Angular displacement • Revolution • Degree • Radian • Angular velocity • Relation between linear and angular variables • Relation between linear and angular displacements • Relation between linear and angular velocities • Relation between linear and angular accelerations • Centripetal force • Forces causing centripetal acceleration |
| 4.Waves | • Progressive waves • Crest • Trough • Amplitude • Wavelength • Time period and frequency • Types of progressive waves • Transverse waves • Longitudinal waves • Periodic waves • Transverse periodic waves • Longitudinal periodic waves • Speed of sound in air • Principle of superposition/superposition of sound waves • Stationary waves/standing waves • Stationary waves in a stretched string/fundamental frequency and harmonics • Doppler effect • Observer is moving towards a stationary source • Observer is moving away from a stationary source • When the source is moving towards the stationary observer • When the source is moving away from the stationary observer • Simple harmonic motion (SHM) • Characteristics of simple harmonic motion • Instantaneous displacement • Amplitude • Vibration • Time period • Frequency |
| 5.Thermodynamics | • First law of thermodynamics • Specific heat and Molar specific heat/specific heat capacity |
| 6.Electrostatics | • Coulomb’s law • Coulomb’s law in material media • Electric field and its intensity • Electric field intensity due to an infinite sheet of charge • Electric field intensity between two oppositely charged parallel plates • Electric potential • Capacitor • Capacitance of a capacitor and its unit • Capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor • Energy Stored in a Capacitor • Charging and Discharging a Capacitor |
| 7.Current Electricity | • Ohm’s Law • Electrical resistance • Specific resistance or resistivity • Effect of temperature on resistance • Temperature coefficient of resistance • Variation of resistivity with temperature • Internal resistance of a supply • Electric power • Unit of electric power • Kilowatt-hours |
| 8.Electromagnetism | • Magnetic field • Magnetic Flux • Magnetic Flux Density |
| 9.Electromagnetic Induction | • Electromagnetic induction • Faraday’s Law • Lenz’s Law • Transformers • Lenz’s Law and conservation of energy • Generating electricity-Alternating Current Generator |
| 10.Electronics | • Rectification |
| 11.Dawn of modern Physics | • The particle model of light |
| 12.Atomic spectra | • Atomic spectra/ line spectrum |
| 13.Nuclear Physics | • Spontaneous and random nuclear decay/the law of radioactive decay • Half Life and rate of decay • Biological effects of radiation • Biological and medical uses of radiation |
Section 4: English Syllabus (18 MCQs)
– Vocabulary Building
– Sentence Completion
– Synonyms and Antonyms
– 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 – 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 200—a 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 MCQ’s |
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
It’s important to note that the application process and fee structure for the MDCAT test in Pakistan may change from time to time, so it’s 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:
– Punjab: PKR 1,300/- for early registration and PKR 3,000/- for late registration
– Sindh: PKR 2,520/- for early registration and PKR 3,520/- for late registration
– Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK): PKR 1,550/- for early registration and PKR 3,550/- for late registration
– Balochistan: PKR 1,000/- for early registration and PKR 3,000/- for late registration
– Gilgit-Baltistan: PKR 1,100/- for early registration and PKR 3,100/- for late registration
– 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:
– Three recent passport-size photographs
– CNIC or B form
– Domicile certificate or PRC Form
– Intermediate (or equivalent) marks sheet
– Matriculation (or equivalent) marks sheet
– 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. That’s 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?
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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.
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What is the eligibility criteria for MDCAT?
FSc (Pre-Medical/Dental) with minimum marks (varies each year).
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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 don’t 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
