Big Update: MDCAT 2025 Test Format & Dates (Official PMDC e-Kachehri Announcement)

Aspiring medical students, take note! The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has shared important updates regarding the MDCAT 2025 during their latest e-Kachehri meeting held on May 15, 2025.

Here’s what you need to know:

MDCAT Test Month: September 2025

• The MDCAT 2025 exam is officially scheduled for September.
• Exact test dates will be announced soon, but you should align your preparation timeline accordingly.

MDCAT Mode: Provincial (Tentative)

• The exam mode is likely to be conducted at the provincial level, but the final decision is still pending.
• Stay tuned for confirmation from PMDC.

MDCAT Format: Paper-Based Exam

• PMDC has clarified that MDCAT 2025 will be a paper-based test, not computer-based.
• Students should focus on traditional OMR practice and physical test environments.

MDCAT MCQs: Likely Reduced to 180 Questions

• A significant change: the total number of MCQs might be reduced to 180 (from the previous 200).
• This will impact your time management and strategy — prioritize high-yield topics!

MDCAT Test Duration: Reduced to 3 Hours

• Another crucial update: test duration might be reduced to 3 hours.
• Previously, the MDCAT was 3 hours 30 minutes long.
• Expect tighter time constraints — practice full-length mocks accordingly.

MDCAT Syllabus: To Be Finalized by End of May 2025

• The official MDCAT 2025 syllabus is expected by end of May.
• This syllabus will define the exact scope of your preparation.

What is MDCAT test in Pakistan 2025?

The Medical and Dental College Admission Test is conducted by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC). MDCAT 2025 is a standardized examination that the student must clear before getting into medical and dental universities.

MDCAT is a very competitive exam as around 200,000 medical students from all over Pakistan give it every year hoping for admission to their dream medical university. MDCAT tests not students’ knowledge and understanding of relevant subjects like English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, but also tests their problem solving and critical thinking skills, and their ability to apply concepts in real-life scenarios.

It is therefore extremely important for aspiring doctors to be well-prepared for this test. This article will talk about the timelines for MDCAT 2025 test dates, and go into detail about eligibility criteria, registration process and the syllabus for the test; providing you with all the information you need,

MDCAT 2025 Test Dates

While typical test dates for MDCAT 2025 are as follows: 

The PMDC has issued an important notification regarding changes for MDCAT 2025. A dedicated PMDC Committee has been formed to oversee key decisions about the upcoming exam, including its syllabus, format, and timelines. This initiative aims to ensure a smoother and more standardized process, especially in light of the challenges faced during previous MDCAT reconducts.

As per the committee's recommendations, the MDCAT 2025 exam is expected to be scheduled for the start of September 2025, shortly after the conclusion of intermediate exams. Students are encouraged to stay updated with official announcements and begin aligning their preparation plans accordingly.

How to Register for MDCAT 2025?

Registrations for MDCAT usually open in August. The general process of registering for MDCAT involves the following steps:

Step 1: Make an account on the PMDC online portal

Step 2: Fill in your personal information: Name, date of birth, father’s name, city, province etc

Step 3: Select you preferred province and test city

Step 4: Enter your documents:

• Recent passport-sized photograph
• Scan of your CNIC/B-Form
• 1st year or equivalent marksheet

Step 5: Pay the test fee

Step 6: Download your admit card when it is issued, and print it out

You can find more details on the registration process in this article.

Eligibility Criteria for MDCAT 2025

PMDC has released the basic eligibility criteria for students wishing to appear in MDCAT 2025. Candidates need to have scored at least 60% in your HSSC or any equivalent pre-medical exam. There is no restriction on age or the number of times you are allowed to give the MDCAT.

Mistakes to Avoid in MDCAT

There are some common mistakes that most students make regarding MDCAT preparation. Here are a few of these mistakes and how to avoid them when preparing for MDCAT 2025.

1. Not Practicing Enough
   ‍Mistake: Not taking mock tests and practice exams leaves a gap in your preparation. You might know all the concepts, but you need to be able to recall them in a high pressure environment.
   Solution: Regularly attempt timed mock tests and diagnostic tests to know more about your strength and weaknesses and practice in real exam conditions.
2. Overloading on Study Material or Overstimulating you Brain
   ‍Mistake: Buying too many reference books results in confusion, inefficiency and panic.
   Solution: Find one trusted source and stick to it
3. Not Knowing the Exam
   ‍Mistake: Focusing too much on concepts and not familiarizing yourself with the paper pattern
   Solution: Keep up to date on the latest paper pattern and get proper guidance.

What Should You Do Now?

• Stay updated with PMDC’s official announcements.
• Adjust your study plan to target 180 MCQs in 3 hours.
• Focus on high-weightage subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English).
• Keep an eye out for the final syllabus release by May end.

For real-time MDCAT news, syllabus updates, and free preparation resources, bookmark this page and follow Maqsad for verified information.

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FAQs

Q1: How many MCQs are in MDCAT 2025?
The MDCAT 2025 will consist of 200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). These are divided among Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English, and Logical Reasoning, based on the PMDC syllabus.

Q2: How to prepare for MDCAT 2025?
Start early and focus on conceptual clarity, practice past papers, and take full-length mock tests. Use smart platforms like Maqsad for video lectures, notes, quizzes, and doubt-solving.

Q3: What are the changes in the MDCAT?
While the core syllabus remains similar, slight adjustments may occur in question distribution or test pattern. Always consult the latest PMDC-approved MDCAT syllabus.

Q4: How to get 190+ in MDCAT?
To score above 190, focus on high-yield topics, practice daily MCQs, review your mistakes, and maintain a strict revision schedule. Take diagnostic tests to track progress.

Q5: Who will conduct MDCAT 2025?
The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) will oversee the conduct of MDCAT 2025 across all provinces.

Q6: Will the MDCAT syllabus change in 2025?
As of now, no major changes are announced. However, students are advised to follow PMDC’s official syllabus to stay updated with any revisions.

Q7: How to apply for MDCAT 2025?
You can apply online through the official PMDC portal once registrations open. You’ll need CNIC/Form-B, academic documents, and a passport-sized photo.

Q8: How to crack MDCAT in first attempt?
To crack MDCAT on your first try, build a daily study plan, revise smartly, and focus on test strategy. Join a structured prep program like Maqsad to stay on track.

Q9: How many attempts are allowed for MDCAT?
There is no official limit on the number of attempts for MDCAT, but most students appear within 1–2 years of completing FSc/A Levels.