PMDC Notification regarding MDCAT 2026 Registration

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has officially announced the schedule for the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2026. This national-level entry test is mandatory for all students seeking admission to MBBS and BDS programs in public and private medical and dental colleges across Pakistan. The MDCAT 2026 will be conducted on Sunday, August 16, 2026, simultaneously across the country. If you are preparing for medical admissions, check the latest admissions in Pakistan for a complete overview of opportunities. For those specifically targeting Punjab, explore the spring admissions 2026 in Lahore for additional programs.

Overview of MDCAT 2026

MDCAT is a standardized, paper-based test conducted in the English language. It is the primary criterion for admission to MBBS and BDS programs in Pakistan. The test is administered by designated public sector universities in each province and region. The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) oversees the entire process to ensure transparency and uniformity. For a broader view of public sector medical admissions, the govt sector admissions in public sector page lists many similar institutions. Meanwhile, students from other regions can also explore the all open admissions in Karachi for additional options.

Test Conducting Universities – Province-Wise

MDCAT 2026 will be conducted through the following admitting and test-conducting universities:

• Punjab Province: University of Health Sciences (UHS), Lahore

• Sindh Province: Sukkur IBA University, Sukkur

• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province: Khyber Medical University (KMU), Peshawar

• Balochistan Province: Bolan University of Medical & Health Sciences, Quetta

• Islamabad Capital Territory, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia): Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, Islamabad

If you are also looking for medical programs in other regions, the universities admissions in KPK page may provide useful information.

MDCAT 2026 – Important Dates and Registration Schedule

Candidates must carefully follow the registration schedule to avoid missing the deadline. The key dates and fees are as follows:

• Online Registration Starts (Normal Fee): June 22, 2026

• Online Registration Ends (Normal Fee): July 8, 2026

• Online Registration with Late Fee Ends: July 13, 2026

• MDCAT Test Date: Sunday, August 16, 2026 at 10:00 AM PST

• Registration Fee (Pakistan Centers): PKR 9,000 (Non-refundable)

• Late Registration Fee (Pakistan Centers): PKR 13,000 (Non-refundable)

• Registration Fee (International Center): PKR 45,000 (Non-refundable)

• Late Registration Fee (International Center): PKR 55,000 (Non-refundable)

MDCAT 2026 – Test Cities and Centers

The MDCAT will be conducted at multiple cities and venues across Pakistan and internationally. Candidates must choose a center within their province or region of domicile. The list of cities includes:

• ICT / Regions: Islamabad

• Punjab: Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Gujrat, D.G. Khan, Sahiwal, Layyah, Bahawalnagar, Mianwali, Rahim Yar Khan

• Sindh: Karachi, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sukkur, Larkana

• KPK: Peshawar, Mardan, Dir Lower, Swat, Malakand, Abbottabad, Kohat, Dera Ismail Khan

• Balochistan: Quetta

• International: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Important Note: Candidates having domicile of Sindh may also select a test center at Islamabad through the respective university. The city/center once selected cannot be changed.

MDCAT 2026 – Test Pattern and Syllabus

The MDCAT is a multiple-choice, paper-based test with no negative marking. It consists of 180 MCQs with the following subject-wise distribution:

• Biology: 81 MCQs

• Chemistry: 45 MCQs

• Physics: 36 MCQs

• English: 09 MCQs

• Logical Reasoning: 09 MCQs

• Total: 180 MCQs

Difficulty Level Distribution

• Easy: 15%

• Moderate: 70%

• Difficult: 15%

Candidates are advised to prepare according to the PMDC-approved syllabus, which covers the intermediate (FSc) level curriculum for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, along with English and Logical Reasoning.

Eligibility Criteria for MDCAT 2026

• Candidates must have passed or be appearing in Intermediate (FSc Pre-Medical) or equivalent examination (A-Levels, 12th Grade) from a recognized board.

• Candidates must have a valid domicile of the province/region where they are applying.

• Foreign nationals and overseas Pakistanis are also eligible to apply, subject to PMDC regulations.

How to Apply for MDCAT 2026

Follow these steps to register for the MDCAT 2026:

1. Visit the official website of your respective provincial test-conducting university (UHS Lahore, Sukkur IBA, KMU Peshawar, BUMHS Quetta, or SZABMU Islamabad).

2. Click on the MDCAT 2026 registration link.

3. Register with your email address and CNIC/B-Form number.

4. Fill out the online application form with personal, academic, and contact details.

5. Upload a recent passport-size photograph and scanned copy of your CNIC/B-Form.

6. Select your preferred test city/center from the list.

7. Pay the registration fee (PKR 9,000 for normal fee, PKR 13,000 for late fee) via online banking or bank challan.

8. Submit the application before the deadline.

9. Download the confirmation slip and admit card when available.

Important Instructions for MDCAT 2026

• The registration fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.

• Candidates must bring their original CNIC/B-Form and admit card to the test center.

• Mobile phones, calculators, or any electronic devices are strictly prohibited inside the test hall.

• Candidates must reach the test center at least one hour before the scheduled time.

• The test will be conducted simultaneously nationwide at 10:00 AM PST.

Why Choose MDCAT for Medical Admissions

• Standardized National Test: MDCAT ensures a uniform assessment of all medical aspirants across Pakistan.

• Transparent and Merit-Based: Admissions are granted strictly on the basis of MDCAT scores and academic records.

• Recognized by PMDC: MDCAT is the only entry test accepted by all public and private medical and dental colleges in Pakistan.

• Multiple Test Centers: Candidates can choose a center close to their residence for convenience.

• No Negative Marking: Candidates can attempt all questions without fear of penalty.

Final Thoughts

The MDCAT 2026 is your gateway to a rewarding career in medicine and dentistry. With the test scheduled for August 16, 2026, and registration opening on June 22, candidates must start their preparation early. Ensure you complete your registration by July 8, 2026 to avoid late fees. For the latest updates and detailed information, visit the official websites of the respective test-conducting universities. Good luck with your preparation!