Gaining admission to a government medical college in Pakistan is highly competitive, but not all public colleges have the same closing merit. Newer institutions in remote or underserved areas, as well as those in smaller cities, often have significantly lower merit thresholds.

This guide lists 10 government medical colleges from Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir – each offering a realistic pathway for students with moderate MDCAT scores. Each college name is linked to a detailed guide.

1. Narowal Medical College (NMC), Narowal

Narowal Medical College (NMC), Narowal is the newest public medical college in Punjab. In the 2025–26 MBBS selection list, it recorded the lowest closing merit in Punjab at 93.6273%. Located in a smaller city, it offers an excellent opportunity for students with moderate MDCAT scores.

2. Sheikh Zayed Medical College (SZMC), Rahim Yar Khan

Sheikh Zayed Medical College (SZMC), Rahim Yar Khan transitioned from self‑financing to open merit in 2008. Its 2025–26 closing merit was 93.6394% – just slightly higher than Narowal. The college is located in South Punjab and has a well‑established teaching hospital.

3. Dera Ghazi Khan Medical College (DGKMC), Dera Ghazi Khan

Dera Ghazi Khan Medical College (DGKMC), Dera Ghazi Khan recorded a closing merit of 93.6596% in 2025–26. Located in a remote district of South Punjab, it consistently offers one of the lowest merit thresholds in the province.

4. Gomal Medical College (GMC), Dera Ismail Khan

Gomal Medical College (GMC), Dera Ismail Khan is a public sector college established in 1998. Its closing merit in recent years has been around 89.89–90.9% – significantly lower than Punjab’s 93% baseline. The semester fee is approximately PKR 130,000.

5. Bannu Medical College (BMC), Bannu

Bannu Medical College (BMC), Bannu is a public medical institute established in 2010. Due to its location in a remote district, the closing merit remains around 89.89%. The college enrolls 100 students annually and is affiliated with Khyber Medical University.

6. Khairpur Medical College (KMC), Khairpur Mirs

Khairpur Medical College (KMC), Khairpur Mirs is a public medical college in interior Sindh. Merit here is typically lower than that of Karachi or Hyderabad colleges – closing aggregate often in the 80–85% range. It offers an MBBS program with affordable fees.

7. Chandka Medical College (CMC), Larkana

Chandka Medical College (CMC), Larkana is a public medical college in Sindh’s interior region. Due to its location away from major urban centers, its closing merit is significantly lower than that of Dow Medical College or Karachi colleges. It is affiliated with Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences.

8. Loralai Medical College (LMC), Loralai

Loralai Medical College (LMC), Loralai is a public medical college in one of Balochistan’s most remote districts. It has one of the lowest closing merits in Pakistan – often below 80% – making it a realistic option for students who may not secure seats elsewhere. The college aims to serve the local population.

9. Makran Medical College (MMC), Turbat

Makran Medical College (MMC), Turbat is a public medical college in Turbat, Balochistan. As one of the newest and most remote medical colleges, its merit requirements are among the lowest in the country. It provides an MBBS program primarily for students from Balochistan.

10. Poonch Medical College (PMC), Rawalakot

Poonch Medical College (PMC), Rawalakot is a public medical college in Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Located in a hilly and less accessible area, its closing merit is lower than that of colleges in Mirpur or Muzaffarabad. It is affiliated with the University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir and offers an MBBS program.

Why These Colleges Have Lower Merit

  • Geographic location: Remote or less developed areas attract fewer applicants, lowering competition.

  • Newer establishment: Recently opened colleges have not yet built a long reputation.

  • Limited infrastructure perception: Some students prefer established urban colleges.

  • Provincial quotas: Each province has its own merit lists, and these colleges often have unfilled seats in later rounds.

Important Notes

  • Merit varies each year based on MDCAT scores, number of applicants, and seat availability.

  • These colleges are still competitive – “lowest merit” in government sector still requires a solid MDCAT score (typically 65–85% depending on the province).

  • Always check official closing merits from the respective university or PMC before applying.

  • Balochistan and interior Sindh colleges generally have the lowest merit due to remoteness.

Final Tips for Admission

  1. Prepare thoroughly for MDCAT – a good score is essential even for lower‑merit colleges.

  2. Apply to multiple colleges across different provinces (subject to domicile rules).

  3. Consider later admission rounds – merit often drops in 2nd, 3rd, or 4th selection lists.

  4. Keep an eye on open merit / self‑finance schemes within government colleges if available.