Bolan Medical University is the commonly used name for the Bolan University of Medical and Health Sciences (BUMHS) Quetta – the first public medical university in Balochistan, Pakistan. Established originally as Bolan Medical College (BMC) in 1972, it was elevated to university status in 2017. Today, this institution offers MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery) and BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) programs and has produced over 3,500 graduates to date. Aspiring doctors and dentists from across the region vie for admission here each year, making it a competitive yet premier choice for medical education.

At Bolan Medical University, admission to the MBBS and BDS programs requires meeting strict academic and testing benchmarks. The selection process is merit-based, ensuring that only qualified students secure a coveted seat in the college. Prospective candidates must fulfill the following criteria:

• Academic Requirement: FSc (Pre-Medical) or equivalent with at least 65% marks (effective for 2025 onward).
• Entry Test (MDCAT): Passing the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) with a minimum score of 55% for MBBS or 50% for BDS.
• Merit Calculation: An aggregate score is calculated using a weighted formula – for example, 40% of FSc marks, 10% of Matric marks, and 50% of MDCAT marks contribute to the final merit. Use Maqsad's MDCAT Aggregate Calculator to see where you stand.
• Seat Allocation: Approximately 300 MBBS seats and 50 BDS seats are available for Bolan Medical College (public sector), mostly reserved for students with Balochistan domicile.

Learn the difference between provincial and national MDCAT by reading this article.

Admissions are conducted annually. The Bolan Medical College admission cycle typically opens in the last quarter of the year (often November) via an online portal managed by BUMHS Quetta. Applicants must submit their academic credentials, MDCAT scores, and preference forms within the deadline. The Bolan Medical College admission process also requires candidates to submit a bond (per government rules) committing to serve in the province after graduation.

There is no separate Bolan Medical University entrance exam; admissions are based on the nationwide MDCAT. The MDCAT is a standardized test essential for all medical college aspirants in Pakistan. BUMHS Quetta is responsible for conducting the MDCAT for candidates from Balochistan. Key features of the entry test include:

• Format & Duration: Paper-based MCQ exam consisting of 200 questions, taken over 3.5 hours. The test covers five domains: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English, and Logical Reasoning, roughly in a 34% : 27% : 27% : 9% : 3% ratio.
• Syllabus: The content is derived from the FSc (Intermediate) science syllabus, ensuring students are tested on relevant coursework. No questions beyond the prescribed syllabus are included, and there is no negative marking for wrong answers.
• Passing Criteria: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) sets a national passing threshold each year. For 2024, the minimum pass marks were 65% for MBBS eligibility and 55% for BDS. Only students who clear this benchmark are considered for admission.

Read more about the MDCAT Test Pattern 2025 here.

The MDCAT is known to be challenging and competitive. In 2024, for instance, roughly 9,000 students from Balochistan sat for the exam, but only about 4,000 managed to pass it – highlighting the level of difficulty and competition involved. High scores in MDCAT significantly improve an applicant’s chances of admission, since a large portion of the merit aggregate depends on this test. Aspiring students typically undertake rigorous preparation, often through preparatory academies or online resources, to excel in MDCAT and secure their spot at Bolan University Quetta.

After the entry test and application process, Bolan Medical University compiles merit lists to select students for MBBS and BDS. These merit lists are typically released first as provisional lists (for review and correction of any errors) and then as final selection lists.

• Admissions in Balochistan operate on a quota system by district/division, the cutoff merit (aggregate percentage) can vary significantly across different categories.
• Generally, students from larger urban centers like Quetta require higher aggregates, whereas those from remote districts may secure admission with comparatively lower aggregates due to allocated quotas.

According to the 2024-25 admission cycle merit data, the highest closing merit for an open merit MBBS seat in Quetta was around 88.43%, while some seats in remote areas closed near 68%. This wide range reflects the regional quota policy aiming to give representation to all parts of Balochistan. Below is a snapshot of closing merit percentages for a few select categories from the recent merit list:

As seen above, students from Quetta needed very high aggregates, whereas those from certain less-populated divisions were admitted at lower percentages. The merit for BDS typically falls slightly lower than MBBS since there are fewer applicants for dental seats; however, the difference is not large.

Bolan Medical University (BMC) is known for its highly affordable tuition, being a public sector institution. In fact, it maintains one of the lowest fee structures among medical colleges in Pakistan – a huge relief for students and parents. The annual charges for an MBBS/BDS student at Bolan University Quetta are minimal due to government subsidies. For the 2024 session, the fee components were approximately as follows:

In subsequent years, students pay the annual academic fee and other smaller charges, but not the one-time admission fee again. Even then, the total yearly cost remains around Rs. 15,000 – a fraction of what many medical colleges in other provinces charge. This fee structure makes the university an attractive option for financially constrained students without compromising on education quality.

It's worth noting that hostel accommodation, if availed, has separate nominal charges. On-campus hostels at BMC cost around Rs. 3,000 per year (hostel fee) plus some miscellaneous charges (approximately Rs. 2,000) and a security deposit for amenities. These costs are very reasonable, enabling students from far-flung areas of Balochistan to reside on campus without heavy financial burden.

The campus of Bolan Medical University in Quetta provides a comprehensive environment for learning and personal growth. Over the years, significant upgrades have been made to ensure students have access to modern amenities. The college offers well-equipped academic facilities such as fully furnished lecture halls, science laboratories, a dissection hall (for anatomy practice), a medical museum, an auditorium, and a central library. These resources support a robust academic experience, enabling students to complement their theoretical learning with practical exposure.

• ‍Hostel & Accommodation: BUMHS has four on-site hostels (two for boys and two for girls) to accommodate students who come from different parts of the province. The hostels are an integral part of student life on campus, offering a safe and community-oriented living experience.
  
  • They are equipped with various amenities such as basic medical facilities, internet connectivity, gyms, kitchens, and common rooms, ensuring that students can live comfortably.
  • Recent renovations in 2025 have upgraded these hostels significantly – the rooms were revamped with new furniture, doors and windows, and improvements in electricity and water supply.
• ‍Sports and Recreation: The college administration has invested in recreational infrastructure to keep students healthy and engaged.
  
  • A dedicated sports complex provides space for indoor and outdoor games.
  • In 2025, a new futsal ground was inaugurated on campus, and a cricket ground is under development as well.
• ‍Student Societies and Activities: Student life at BMC is vibrant. There are numerous student-run societies and clubs that cater to a range of interests.
  
  • For instance, the college has active debating and literary societies, as well as a research society for budding scholars.
  • Throughout the year, these societies organize events like debates, seminars, cultural evenings, and workshops.

In essence, Bolan University of Medical and Health Sciences offers not just a degree, but an all-encompassing student experience. With its strong academic programs, affordable education, and an improving array of facilities, the university stands out as a beacon of hope for pre-med students in the region. Those who join this institution become part of a proud legacy dating back decades, and they leave not only with a medical qualification but also with lasting friendships and a sense of purpose to serve their communities.

Is Bolan Medical College private or government?

Bolan Medical College is a public/government sector medical college and part of the Bolan University of Medical and Health Sciences (BUMHS).

How many seats are there in Bolan Medical College?

Bolan Medical College offers approximately 300 MBBS seats and 50 BDS seats, including district quota and reserved seats.

How can I get admission in Bolan Medical College MBBS?

You need at least 65% in FSc (Pre-Medical) and a minimum of 55% in the MDCAT. Admissions are conducted through the BUMHS portal based on provincial quota policies.

What is the history of Bolan Medical College?

Established in 1972, Bolan Medical College was the first medical institution in Balochistan. In 2017, it was upgraded to Bolan University of Medical and Health Sciences (BUMHS).

Can we get admission in MBBS without MDCAT?

No, MDCAT is a mandatory requirement for admission to any medical or dental college in Pakistan, including Bolan Medical College.

Can Punjab students apply in Balochistan Medical College?

Only students with a Balochistan domicile are eligible for provincial seats. Some reciprocal or open merit seats may be available based on government policy.

Which is the top 1 medical college in Pakistan?

Aga Khan University (AKU), Karachi, is widely regarded as the top medical college in Pakistan according to national rankings.

What is the full form of BUMHS?

BUMHS stands for Bolan University of Medical and Health Sciences, located in Quetta.

How many seats are in a private medical college?

Private medical colleges in Pakistan usually offer between 100 to 150 MBBS seats annually, depending on PMDC approval and facilities.