Every aspiring medical student in Pakistan is familiar with the MDCAT, or the Medical and Dental College Admission Test. This rigorous examination serves as a gateway for students seeking admission to medical and dental colleges across the country.
In order to gain admission in MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) or any other Medical Degree this entrance exam is mandatory.
What does MDCAT stand for
MDCAT stands for Medical and Dental College Admission Test. It is a standardized test conducted annually by the Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC), formerly known as the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC).
The primary purpose of MDCAT is to assess the aptitude and knowledge of candidates aspiring to pursue careers in medicine and dentistry.
MDCAT Eligibility
To be eligible for the MDCAT a candidates must have completed their
- Intermediate education (FSc pre-medical) or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
- They must have obtained a minimum of 70% marks in their intermediate examinations.
Subjects and Learning Objectives
Following are the SubTopics and learning Objectives provided by PMDC
- Biodiversity
- Bioenergetics
- Biological Molecules
- Cell Structure and Function
- Coordination and Control or Nervous and chemical Coordination
- Diversity among Animals
- Enzymes
- Evolution
- Life Processes in Animals and Plants
- Prokaryotes
- Reproduction
- Support and Movement
- Genetics Inheritance
MDCAT Exam Pattern 2024
The MDCAT exam is designed to evaluate candidates on four major subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English.
The distribution of Total 210 Marks marks may vary each year, but typically, Biology holds the highest weightage, reflecting its significance in medical education.
- Biology - 68 MCQs or 34%
- Physics - 54 MCQs or 27%
- Chemistry - 54 MCQs or 27%
- English - 18 MCQs or 9%
- Logical Reasoning - 6 MCQs or 3%
The exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), and candidates are required to choose the correct answer from the given options.
The total number of questions and the time allotted for the exam can vary, so it's crucial for aspirants to stay updated with the latest exam patterns.
MDCAT Passing Marks
Following are the minimum passing marks for Medical and Dental Colleges
- Minimum pass marks for Medical College Admission: 65%
- Minimum pass marks for Dental College Admission: 55%
MDCAT Exam Time Duration
Normally each MCQ will have 1 minute and the Total questions are 210 making the Total Time Duration for the MDCAT Exam 3 Hours 30 minutes
MDCAT Registration
Registering for the MDCAT is a crucial step in the journey toward medical or dental school. The registration process is typically conducted online through the official website of the Pakistan Medical Commission.
Aspiring candidates need to create an account, fill out the required information, and submit the registration fee within the specified deadline.
Documents required for MDCAT Registration and Admission
Securing a spot in the MDCAT requires the submission of essential documents, These documents include:
- Educational Documents, Copies of certificates, and mark sheets from the candidate's intermediate education.
- Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) or B-form in case of Candidate's age is less than 18 years.
- A Domicile Certificate, Candidates need to provide a domicile certificate to establish their residency status in their respective provinces.
- A couple of Passport-sized Photographs and recent passport-sized photographs are to be submitted along with the application.
- The registration fee is paid through a bank challan, and candidates must provide proof of payment or Challan during registration.
MDCAT Test Date 2024
The MDCAT is usually conducted once a year, and the test dates are announced well in advance to allow candidates sufficient time for preparation.
As per our information, the date for the next MDCAT exam is the 10th of September 2024
It's essential for aspirants to keep a close eye on the official PMC website or other authorized platforms for the latest updates regarding test dates, as any changes can significantly impact their preparation schedule.
MCQs and Past Papers
Preparing for the MDCAT involves a thorough understanding of the exam format and the types of questions that may be asked. One valuable resource for this is the practice of MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) and past papers.
MDCAT MCQs
Use our Quiz application to prepare for Multiple Choice Questions, These questions are designed to assess a candidate's understanding of specific topics.
Practicing MCQs helps in improving time management skills and identifying areas that require more attention. Numerous books and online platforms offer a wide range of MCQs for MDCAT preparation.
MDCAT Past Papers
Past papers serve as a valuable tool for understanding the exam pattern and gaining insight into the types of questions that have been previously asked. Analyzing past papers allows candidates to identify recurring themes and topics that are frequently covered in the exam.
In addition to practicing MCQs and past papers, candidates are encouraged to join preparatory classes, where experienced instructors guide them through the syllabus, provide valuable tips, and conduct mock tests to simulate exam conditions.
Note: Keep visiting our site we will soon be uploading Past Papers
What Next?
The MDCAT is a challenging yet essential step for aspiring medical and dental students in Pakistan. By understanding the eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and registration process, candidates can embark on their preparation journey with clarity and focus.
Utilizing resources such as MCQs and past papers further enhances their readiness for the exam, increasing their chances of securing admission to prestigious medical and dental colleges.
As the saying goes, "Preparation is the key to success," and mastering the MDCAT with graduate.pk is no exception.
