What is mcat exam?
The NMDCAT is a highly competitive exam that thousands of students in Pakistan take every year in hopes of securing a seat in a medical college. It is one of the most important exams for students pursuing a career in medicine, as the scores on this test are a key factor in the admissions process for medical and dental colleges.
The test is designed to evaluate a student’s knowledge and understanding of various scientific concepts, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. It consists of multiple-choice questions that cover a wide range of topics, including biology, chemistry, physics, and English. The exam is computer-based, which means that students must have a good understanding of how to navigate a computer and use the test-taking software.
Preparing for the NMDCAT requires hard work, dedication, and a thorough understanding of the exam format and content. Students need to have a clear understanding of the exam syllabus and be able to prioritize their study efforts effectively. They also need to develop strong time management skills to ensure that they can complete the exam on time.
Sections of MDCAT
The NMDCAT is a computer-based exam that consists of a total of 200 multiple-choice questions. The exam is divided into four main sections, each of which covers a specific subject:
The MDCAT exam consists of a total of 200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), with 68 questions from biology, 56 questions from chemistry, 56 questions from physics, 20 questions from English, and 10 questions from logical reasoning. The total time duration for the test is 3.5 hours (210 minutes).
Section Breakdown
- Biology (68 MCQs)
- The biology section of the MDCAT test covers topics such as cell biology, genetics, evolution, physiology, and ecology. Questions may include passages, graphs, or diagrams, and candidates are expected to have a good understanding of both biological concepts and scientific inquiry.
- Chemistry (56 MCQs)
- The chemistry section of the MDCAT test covers topics such as atomic structure, chemical bonding, thermodynamics, and organic chemistry. Candidates are expected to have a strong foundation in chemistry concepts and to be able to apply these concepts to solve problems.
- Physics (56 MCQs)
- The physics section of the MDCAT test covers topics such as mechanics, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics. Candidates are expected to have a good understanding of physics concepts and to be able to apply these concepts to solve problems.
- English (20 MCQs)
- The English section of the MDCAT test covers reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar. Candidates are expected to have a good command of the English language and to be able to comprehend and analyze written material.
- Logical Reasoning (10 MCQs)
- The logical reasoning section of the MDCAT test assesses a candidate’s ability to analyze and evaluate information, draw conclusions, and solve problems.
MDCAT Pattern
The test is designed to evaluate a student’s knowledge and understanding of various scientific concepts and their ability to apply them in real-life situations. It is important for students to have a strong foundation in the subjects covered by the MDCAT, including biology, chemistry, and physics.
To perform well on the MDCAT, students should have a thorough understanding of the test pattern and structure.
In 2023, the MDCAT will consist of 210 MCQs, divided into five sections. The sections and number of MCQs are as follows:
Sr. no | Subject | Percentage | No of MCQ’s |
1 | Biology | 32 | 60 |
2 | Chemistry | 26.5 | 56 |
3 | Physics | 26.5 | 56 |
4 | English | 10 | 20 |
5 | Logical Reasoning | 5 | 10 |
Total | 100% | 210 |
Eligibility criteria
- To be eligible to appear in the test, students must meet certain criteria. To be eligible for the MCAT, students must have completed FSc with science subjects (pre-medical) or A-levels. The applicant must have passed their intermediate exam with a minimum of 60% of the marks, but higher marks can help to raise aggregate which enhances the chances of admission in any medical college. It is important to note that these 60% marks do not include any additional marks given on the basis of HIFZ. Result awaiting students can also apply for the test.
- Students of A-levels are also supposed to follow the same criteria of a minimum of 60% marks in their major subjects. In addition, it is necessary to submit an equivalence certificate which is issued by IBCC (Inter-Board Committee).
- Any person, whether Pakistani, Overseas Pakistani, or Foreign National, is eligible to register for and attempt the MCAT examination. FSC/HSSC/A-level result/degree is not required for MCAT registration. A candidate is permitted to take the MCAT exam only once in each calendar year.
Passing Criteria for MCAT
It is important for students to keep in mind that the MCAT is a highly competitive exam, and their performance in the test will play a crucial role in determining their chances of getting admission to a medical or dental college.
| Passing %age | Passing Marks | |
|---|---|---|
| For MBBS | 65% | 130/200 |
| For Dental Colleges | 55% | 110/200 |
Syllabus For MDCAT
Syllabus of Biology
- Bio-Diversity (A Cellular 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 And Plants (Nutrition/Gaseous Exchange/ Transport)
- Prokaryotes
- Reproduction
- Support And Movement
- Variation And 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
- Electrochemistry
- Chemical Bonding
- S And P Block Elements
- Transition Elements
- Fundamental Principles Of Organic Chemistry
- Chemistry Of Hydrocarbons
- Alkyl Halides
- Alcohols And Phenols
- Aldehydes And Ketones
- Carboxylic Acids
- 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.
1. Critical thinking
2. Letter and symbol series
3. Logical deduction
4. Logical problems
5. Course of action
6. Cause & effect
What to expect on test day?
On the day of the MDCAT test, candidates should arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. Candidates should bring their admit card, original CNIC or B-form, and a black or blue ballpoint pen.
During the exam, candidates are not allowed to bring any electronic devices, including cell phones, calculators, or smartwatches, into the test center. Candidates are also not allowed to bring any food or drinks into the test center, although they may take a break during the exam if necessary.
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
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% |
