On August 9, 2025, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) announced the schedule for the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2025, which is scheduled for October 5, 2025. Registration will open on August 8 and close on August 25. There will be an option for late registration until September 1, which will incur a late fee. Additionally, the test fee has increased by PKR 1,000, bringing the total to PKR 9,000, to cover operational costs, security, and logistics.
On August 7, PMDC President Dr. Rizwan Taj announced a new curriculum for the MDCAT exam. The exam will cover five subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English, and Logical Reasoning. It consists of 180 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and lasts for three hours. Importantly, there is no negative marking for incorrect answers. The questions are categorised by difficulty, with 15% classified as easy, 70% as moderate, and 15% as difficult. To gain admission to medical colleges, candidates must score a minimum of 55%, while dental colleges require a minimum of 50%. This ensures rigorous standards for aspiring students.
Read: PMDC Unveils MDCAT 2025 Curriculum and Exam Details
To enhance exam quality, PMDC is developing a question bank in consultation with academic experts, educational boards, and universities. This initiative aims to ensure a fair and comprehensive assessment, aligning with international standards for medical and dental admissions. Dr. Taj emphasised the council’s commitment to transparency and excellence in the process.
The MDCAT is a critical gateway for aspiring medical and dental students in Pakistan, determining entry into prestigious institutions. The updated curriculum and fee adjustments reflect PMDC’s efforts to improve accessibility while maintaining high standards. The extended registration period accommodates diverse applicants, supporting inclusivity.