Study for MDCAT Exam: Tips and Resources

MDCAT test is the scariest hurdle for pre-medical students who are dreaming of becoming a doctor. So many questions invade your mind and the actual preparation of the test hasn’t even started for most of the students. MDCAT stands for Medical and Dental College Admission Test. You have chosen to save lives as a profession and this is the beginning, so do not worry if things seem difficult- you need to focus and work hard starting now for your medical career. We have gathered some basic information for you to go through to help answer some of those questions in your head. 

What is MDCAT?

The MDCAT is a Multiple Choice based exam that is meant to test the knowledge of students who are applying for MBBS and BDS in almost all public and private sector medical universities of Pakistan. It is a 2.5 hour physical test taken at different government centres in all the regions and the curriculum is set by the Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC) (you can find out the detailed syllabus here). The test is held on the same day throughout Pakistan (might only get delayed due to a calamity). This year the MDCAT Study date is November 13, 2022. Under Section (5) of the PMC Conduct of Examinations Regulations 2821. 4, the result of this test is valid for 2 years. The PMS sends your result directly to the university that you have chosen to apply to. 

The following centres centres are responsible for producing and marking the test and making the space available for students to sit on the test day: 

The test is conducted in these cities: Multan, D.G. Khan, Bahawalpur Rahim Yar Khan, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Gujrat, Sargodha, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi and Hasan Abdal.

The pattern of the exam is like this: 

There are 200 MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) divided into four sections- Biology (80MCQs), Chemistry (60MCQs), Physics (40MCQs) and English (General for language proficiency) (20 MCQs). 

There is no negative marking and each correct answer is awarded 1 mark. 

Courses that require MDCAT Study test

All public and private medical/dental universities require candidates to pass this test in order to get admission, according to the PMC.  

What is the minimum score to get admission?

According to the MBBS and BDS (Admissions, House job and Internship) Regulations-2018

(as amended on 30th May, 2019) of Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC), the merit of students applying to medical universities (all public and private ones) is calculated by the following formula 

  • HSSC/FSc (Pre-Medical) or equivalent – 50%
  • Admission Test (MDCAT) – 50%

Centres that help you prepare

Although you have the syllabus and past papers for the exam, it is important to have a schedule and friends who can study and revise the curriculum with you. The following institutes are renowned and helpful to make your preparation process smoother.

  • KIPS Academy, Islamabad
  • ACES Academy, Islamabad
  • Victorious Academy, Islamabad
  • Global Educational Academy Scheme 3: Campus, Rawalpindi
  • Stars Institute Satellite Town Campus, Rawalpindi
  • Al-Hamd Institute of Sciences, Lahore
  • Overseas Academy, Lahore
  • KIPS Academy, Lahore
  • Agha Tech Academy, Karachi
  • Times Academy Karachi
  • The NEDians Academy Karachi
  • KIPS Institute, Multan
  • MM Coaching Academy, Peshawar
  • Pace Academy, Peshawar
  • Kips Academy Model Town Campus, Bahawalpur
  • KIPS Academy Shaheenabad Campus, Gujranwala
  • Step Institute, Faisalabad

 

How much does this test cost? 

The test costs Rs. 6000 and students are required to upload a picture of the proof of payment on the online MDCAT registration website https://www.bop.com.pk/MDCAT-2019) 

Eligibility details for the test 

  1. There is no age limit to appear for this test
  2. Students who have domicile of any district of the Punjab and Federal Capital Area(Islamabad), can appear for the Punjab admission test. Students from Gilgit-Baltistan (Northern areas) can also sit for the Punjab admission test to apply for their reserved seats in the medical institutes of Punjab. 
  3. Students who are children of Overseas Pakistanis and Dual Nationals of Pakistani-origin can appear for this test in order to get admission on their reserved seats under the Open Merit Seats for the Children of Overseas Pakistanis/ Dual Nationals of Pakistani-origin in medical/ dental colleges of the Punjab. They don’t have to take this test if they have passed the SAT II/SAT Subject examination with a minimum score of 550/800 marks each in three science subjects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics/Mathematics or MCAT® International with minimum aggregate score of 500/528.
  4. Students who have passed Intermediate Science (HSSC/F.Sc.) Examination (Pre-Medical Group) with at least 70% (770/1100) from a Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education in Pakistan
  5. If the student has a foreign qualification instead of FSc, they must have Biology and Chemistry in their qualifications.
  6. If you are an FSc student waiting for your results, you can still take the MDCAT

Conclusion 

Now that we have made a map for you to start your journey, it should be seeming a little bit easier. Mark the MDCAT test on your calendars and share this post with friends who might need this information.