Medical Universities in Pakistan
Medicine stands as the crown jewel of professional pursuits in Pakistan, commanding immense respect and social prestige that makes it the most sought-after career path among the nation's youth. The country's medical education infrastructure is robust and expansive, with 138 medical colleges serving a population of over 220 million people. Of these institutions, Punjab leads with 69 medical universities, followed by Sindh with 32, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 32, and Balochistan with 6 medical colleges. The public-private distribution is particularly noteworthy, with 94 private institutions complementing 44 public sector medical universities, collectively producing over 32,000 doctors annually. This comprehensive network of medical institutions reflects Pakistan's deep-rooted commitment to healthcare education, with many universities tracing their origins back to the pre-partition era.
The competition for admission is extraordinarily intense, particularly in prestigious public institutions like King Edward Medical University and Aga Khan University, where acceptance rates often fall below 2%. For aspiring medical professionals, navigating this landscape of opportunities requires not only academic excellence but also a thorough understanding of the admission processes and requirements, which we'll explore in detail throughout this guide.
What is MDCAT?
If you are a student who would like to get admission in a private/public medical college or dental college in Pakistan like AKU, KEMU, UHS, DUHS, KMU, LUMHS, AIMC, PMC, RMU, RMC, AMC etc. then you need to clear MDCAT. MDCAT is an examination given to gain admission in MBBS in Universities (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) or BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery).
MDCAT stands for Medical and Dental College Test and is a paper based exam conducted annually by PMDC (Pakistan Medical and Dental Council)
The MDCAT exam consists of 200 MCQS. As per the latest PMDC regulations, MDCAT is divided into 5 sections: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English and Logical Reasoning. There is no negative marking.
What Medical & Dental Universities can I apply to?
Pakistan has more than 138 medical colleges and universities, of which 44 are public and 94 are private. Below you will find an exhaustive list of all the Top Medical & Dental Colleges you can apply for by province:
What is the eligibility criteria for MBBS admission in Pakistan?
Candidates must have completed their intermediate or equivalent education from a recognized institution with a minimum of 70% marks. Additionally, candidates must have studied Biology, Chemistry, and Physics at the intermediate level
TOP 10 Medical and Dental Universities in Pakistan
1. King Edward Medical University - Lahore
Founded in 1860, King Edward Medical University stands as Pakistan's oldest and most prestigious medical institution. Originally established as Lahore Medical School, KEMU has consistently ranked as the nation's premier medical education center. The university's historic campus in the heart of Lahore houses state-of-the-art facilities, including Mayo Hospital, one of South Asia's largest teaching hospitals.
Admission Procedure:
- Entry through MDCAT (mandatory)
- Minimum 70% marks in FSc (Pre-Medical) or equivalent
- Merit calculation: 50% MDCAT score + 40% FSc marks + 10% Matriculation marks
- Separate quota for overseas Pakistanis and foreign students
- Annual fee (local students): PKR 24,000-50,000
- Additional documents required: Domicile certificate, Character certificate, Medical fitness certificate
2. Aga Khan University - Karachi
Established in 1983, AKU is internationally recognized for its world-class medical education and research facilities. The university consistently ranks among Asia's top medical institutions and is known for its modern curriculum, research output, and state-of-the-art teaching hospital. AKU follows American-style medical education with a strong emphasis on research and clinical training.
Admission Procedure:
- Own admission test (does not accept MDCAT)
- Minimum 75% marks in A-levels/FSc
- Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI)
- Merit calculation: 50% AKU test + 30% FSc/A-level marks + 20% interview
- Annual fee: PKR 1.2-1.5 million
- Financial aid available for deserving students
- Separate admission track for international students
3. Army Medical College - Islamabad
Part of the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), AMC was established in 1977 and has become one of Pakistan's most selective medical institutions. The college is known for its military discipline, excellent clinical exposure through Combined Military Hospital (CMH), and high academic standards.
Admission Procedure:
- NUMS entry test (mandatory)
- Minimum 70% marks in FSc/equivalent
- Physical fitness test for military track students
- Merit calculation: 75% NUMS test + 25% FSc marks
- Separate quotas for civilians and armed forces children
- Annual fee (civilian): PKR 50,000-100,000
- Military track students receive stipend
4. DOW University of Health Sciences - Karachi
Founded in 1945, DUHS has evolved into one of Pakistan's largest medical universities. The institution is renowned for its comprehensive medical education system, including three medical colleges and multiple teaching hospitals. DUHS is particularly known for its innovative research programs and modern teaching methodologies.
Admission Procedure:
- Provincial entry test (Sindh MDCAT)
- Minimum 65% marks in FSc/equivalent
- Merit calculation: 50% MDCAT + 40% FSc + 10% Matric
- Domicile requirements for local seats
- Annual fee: PKR 30,000-50,000
- Special self-finance seats available
5. Rawalpindi Medical University - Rawalpindi
RMU, established in 1974, has earned its reputation for excellence in clinical training and research. The university is affiliated with three major teaching hospitals and offers extensive clinical exposure to students. Its strategic location near the capital city provides unique opportunities for medical research and collaboration.
Admission Procedure:
- Punjab MDCAT mandatory
- Minimum 70% marks in FSc
- Merit calculation: 50% MDCAT + 40% FSc + 10% Matric
- District quota system applies
- Annual fee: PKR 25,000-45,000
- Additional requirements: Local/domicile certificate
6. Ziauddin University - Karachi
A private medical institution established in 1995, Ziauddin University has quickly risen to prominence for its modern approach to medical education. The university is known for its integrated curriculum, early clinical exposure, and strong focus on research-based learning.
Admission Procedure:
- University's own admission test
- Minimum 65% in FSc/A-levels
- Interview process
- Merit calculation: 60% entry test + 40% academic record
- Annual fee: PKR 950,000-1,200,000
- Need-based scholarships available
7. University of Health Sciences - Lahore
Established in 2002, UHS serves as the examining body for all medical colleges in Punjab. Beyond its regulatory role, it offers excellent medical education programs and is known for its research facilities and standardized examination system.
Admission Procedure:
- Punjab MDCAT mandatory
- Minimum 70% FSc marks
- Merit calculation: 50% MDCAT + 40% FSc + 10% Matric
- Centralized admission system for Punjab
- Annual fee: PKR 30,000-50,000
- Strict merit-based admission policy
8. Allama Iqbal Medical College - Lahore
Founded in 1975, AIMC has established itself as one of Punjab's premier medical institutions. The college is known for its excellent clinical training through Jinnah Hospital and its strong emphasis on practical medical education.
Admission Procedure:
- Punjab MDCAT required
- Minimum 70% FSc marks
- Merit calculation: 50% MDCAT + 40% FSc + 10% Matric
- District quota system applies
- Annual fee: PKR 24,000-45,000
- Sports quota available
9. Khyber Medical University - Peshawar
KMU, established in 2007, is the premier medical university in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The institution is known for its research initiatives, modern teaching methods, and strong community health programs.
Admission Procedure:
- KP MDCAT mandatory
- Minimum 70% FSc marks
- Merit calculation: 50% MDCAT + 40% FSc + 10% Matric
- Tribal areas quota available
- Annual fee: PKR 30,000-50,000
- Special consideration for foreign students
10. Jinnah Sindh Medical University - Karachi
Originally established as Sindh Medical College in 1973, JSMU gained university status in 2012. The institution is renowned for its clinical training programs and research facilities, with a particular focus on community medicine.
Admission Procedure:
- Sindh MDCAT required
- Minimum 65% FSc marks
- Merit calculation: 50% MDCAT + 40% FSc + 10% Matric
- Urban/rural quota system
- Annual fee: PKR 30,000-50,000
- Special seats for overseas Pakistanis
The above colleges are the best medical colleges in Pakistan. Only the best students are able to make it through the admission process.
In order to get admission in these Top Medical Universities of Pakistan, acing the MDCAT is very important. At Maqsad our course offers holistic preparation for the MDCAT and provides students with all the necessary tools to get into the best medical colleges in Pakistan. We do this by offering:
- Recorded video lectures
- 10,000+ MCQs with video solutions
- Full practice tests and university specific grand tests
- Live test practice sessions and counselling town halls for more preparation
- We will provide you with weekly study plans and daily homework that will help you secure the merit list
- Our expert teachers will be available on WhatsApp group for exam guidance and counselling
- 24/7 Doubt solve access.
Prepare for MDCAT online here: MDCAT Preparation Online
Here is a detailed list of all Medical & Dental Universities in Pakistan
Some students also refer to the below universities as MBBS universities in Pakistan
Medical Universities in Punjab:
- Allama Iqbal Medical College
- Ameer-ud-Din(PGMI) Medical College
- Govt. College University
- Army Medical College
- D.G Khan Medical College
- Fatima Jinnah Medical College for Women
- Federal Medical College
- Gujranwala Medical College
- Khawaja Muhammad Safdar Medical College
- King Edward Medical University
- Nawaz Sharif Medical College
- Nishtar Medical College
- Punjab Medical College
- Quaid-e-Azam Medical College
- Rawalpindi Medical College
- Sahiwal Medical College
- Sargodha Medical College
- Services Institute of Medical Science
- Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayad Al-Nahyan Medical & Dental College
- Sheikh Zayed Medical College/Hospital
- De’Montmorency College of Dentistry
- Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University
- Fatima Jinnah Medical University
- FMH College of Medicine and Dentistry
- Shalimar Medical College
- Lahore Medical & Dental College
- Rahbar Medical College
- Gulab Devi Medical College
- Central Park Medical College
- Continental Medical College
- Pak Red Crescent Medical and Dental College
- Multan Medical and Dental College
- Bakhtawar Amin Medical College
- Independent Medical College
- Islam Medical College
- Bahawalpur Medical College
- Abwa Medical College
- Akhtar Saeed Medical & Dental College
- Al Aleem Medical College
- Al-Nafees Medical College
- Amna Inayat Medical College
- Avicenna Medical College
- Aziz Fatima Medical & Dental College
- Azra Naheed Medical College
- CMH Institute of Medical Sciences
- CMH Kharian Medical College
- CMH Lahore Medical College
- CMH Multan Institute of Medical Science
- Fazaia Medical College
- Foundation University Medical College
- HBS Medical & Dental College
- HITEC Institute of Medical Sciences
- Islamabad Medical & Dental College
- Islamic International Medical & Dental College
- M. Islam Medical College
- Niazi Medical & Dental College
- Rai Medical College
- Rashid Latif Medical College
- Rawal Institute of Health Sciences
- Shahida Islam Medical College
- Shalamar Medical & Dental College
- Sharif Medical & Dental College
- Shifa College of Medicine
- Sialkot Medical College
- University College of Medicine & Dentistry
- University Medical & Dental College
- Wah Medical College
- Watim Medical College
- Abu Umara Medical and Dental College
Top Medical Universities in Sindh
- Aga Khan University
- Ziauddin University Medical Science
- Dow University of Health Science
- Jinnah Medical and Dental College
- Bahria University
- Liaquat University of Medical and Health Science
- Karachi Medical and Dental College
- Bilawal Medical College
- Chandka Medical College
- Sindh Medical College
- Peoples University of Medical & Health Science for Women
- Dow International Medical College
- Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Medical College
- Ghulam Mohammad Mahar Medical College
- Hamdard College of Medicine & Dentistry
- Sir Syed College of Medical Science for Girls
- Muhammad Medical College
- Al-Tibri Medical College
- United Medical & Dental College
- Faculty of Medicine & Allied Medical Science/ Isra University
- Indus Medical College
- Gambat Medical College
- Fazaia Ruth Pfau Medical College
- Liaquat College of Medicine & Density
- Liaquat National Medical College
- Bhitai Dental and Medical College
- Dow Medical College(DMC campus)
- Khairpur Medical College Khairpur Mirs
- Bibi Aseefa Dental College
- Dr. Ishratul Ebad Institute of Oral Health Sciences
- Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine
- Fatima Jinnah Dental College
Top Medical & Dental Universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- Khyber Medical University
- Ghandhara University
- Bahria University
- Ripah International University, Islamabad
- Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad
- Bacha Khan Medical College, Mardan
- Bannu Medical College, Bannu
- Gajju Khan Medical College, Sawabi
- Gomal Medical College, D.I.Khan
- Khyber Medical College, Peshawar
- Khyber Girls Medical College, Peshawar
- KMU Institute of Medical Sciences, Kohat
- Nowshera Medical College, Nowshera
- Saidu Medical College, Swat
- Bacha Khan Dental College, Mardan
- Khyber College of Dentistry, Peshawar
- KMU Institute of Dental Sciences, Kohat
- Frontier Medical College, Abbottabad
- Kabir Medical College, Peshawar
- Muhammad College of Medicine, Peshawar (Old AL Razi Medical College)
- North West School of Medicine, Peshawar
- Pak International Medical College, Peshawar
- Peshawar Medical College, Peshawar
- Rehman Medical College, Peshawar
- Swat Medical College, Swat
- Women Medical College, Abbottabad
- Abbottabad International Medical College, Dental Section, Abbottabad
- Frontier Dental College, Abbottabad
- Peshawar Dental College, Peshawar (Female Only)
- Rehman College of Dentistry, Peshawar
- Sardar Begum Dental College, Peshawar
- Women Medical College, Dental Section, Abbottabad
Top Medical & Dental Universities in Balochistan
- BOLAN Medical College
- LORALAI Medical College
- MEKRAN Medical College
- JHALAWAN Medical College
- Quetta Institute of Medical Sciences (Private)
- Gomal Medical College
Frequently Asked Questions
Which medical college has the highest merit in Pakistan?
The University of Health Sciences (UHS) released merit list for government medical colleges in Punjab in December 2023. The closing merits were as follows
- King Edward Medical College (KEMC) Lahore closed with a merit of 93.6955 percent
- The last merit for Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore was 92.9364 percent
- Rawalpindi Medical College, Rawalpindi 92.3909 percent
- Services Institute of Medical Sciences, Lahore 92.3864 percent
- Nishtar Medical College, Multan 92.2273 percent
- Ameer-ud-Din Medical College, Lahore 91.9682 percent
- Fatima Jinnah Medical College, Lahore 91.6773percent
- Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad 91.6273 percent
- Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur 91.5273 percent
- Gujranwala Medical College, Gujranwala 91.4909 percent
- Khawaja Mohammad Safdar Medical College, Sialkot 91.4318 percent
- Sahiwal Medical College, Sahiwal 91.3773 percent
- Nawaz Sharif Medical College, Gujrat 91.3727 percent
- Sargodha Medical College, Sargodha 91.3318 percent
- Sheikh Zayed Medical College, Rahim Yar Khan 91.2591 percent
- DG Khan Medical College, DG Khan 91.2500 percent
Which uni is best for MBBS in Pakistan?
King Edward Medical University in Lahore has a reputation as Pakistan's best medical school and was named the nation's top medical school by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in 2020
What is the best app for MDCAT preparation in Pakistan?
Maqsad provides complete MDCAT preparation with free MCQs, full length practice tests, video lectures and daily live classes here.
Which medical university of Pakistan is top in world ranking?
Agha Khan University (AKU) and DOW University of Health Sciences (DUHS) are the most popular universities amongst international students and are regarded as one of the top universities for medical studies globally
How many MBBS seats are in Pakistan?
According to PMDC, there are 8500 public seats across Pakistan and another 4000 private seats in medical colleges.
What are the best medical colleges in Lahore?
You can find the complete list of public and private medical colleges in Lahore here.
