If you are planning to pursue a medical degree in Punjab, you're in the right place. Punjab is home to some of Pakistan’s most renowned medical colleges, offering opportunities for both local and international students. Whether you’re looking for MBBS colleges in Punjab or dental colleges (BDS programs), this comprehensive guide has you covered. We’ll provide a complete list of medical colleges in Punjab – including both government medical colleges in Punjab and private institutions – along with details on admission requirements, merit criteria, fee structure, and more. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of the top medical colleges in Punjab and how to secure your admission into these prestigious institutions.

Punjab’s medical colleges consistently rank among the best in Pakistan. Some institutions stand out for their elite reputation, cutting-edge facilities, and highly competitive admissions. The following are often cited among the top 10 medical colleges in Punjab (in no particular order):

Established in 1860, KEMU is the oldest and most prestigious medical college in Punjab. It is a government institution with nominal fees and has a renowned attached teaching hospital (Mayo Hospital). Admission merit is the highest in the province, and KEMU graduates are considered among the country’s best doctors.

A top-ranked government medical college in Punjab, AIMC is known for excellent clinical training at Jinnah Hospital. It has a high merit threshold for admission and offers MBBS, BDS (through de’ Montmorency College of Dentistry) and various postgraduate programs. Established in 1975, AIMC consistently produces top medical professionals.

Originally founded as a women’s medical college (and still renowned for empowering female medical education), FJMU is now a chartered medical university. It offers MBBS, BDS, and postgraduate degrees. This government institution has an attached teaching hospital (Sir Ganga Ram Hospital) and maintains a very competitive admission merit.

One of the leading medical colleges in northern Punjab, RMU (formerly Rawalpindi Medical College) is a government college affiliated with three teaching hospitals (Holy Family Hospital, Benazir Bhutto Hospital, DHQ Hospital). It has a strong reputation for clinical training and research. Admission is highly competitive with top merit in the region.

A premier medical college in south Punjab, Nishtar (established 1951) is a government medical university known for its comprehensive training and large teaching hospital (Nishtar Hospital). It serves as the primary institution for MBBS in Southern Punjab. Nishtar’s graduates have a strong track record, and its admission merit is among the highest outside Lahore.

A relatively newer public medical college (established 2003), SIMS has quickly gained a reputation for quality education. Attached to Services Hospital Lahore, it offers modern facilities and strong faculty. SIMS is now considered in the top tier of government medical colleges in Punjab, with competitive admission merit (though slightly lower than KEMU or AIMC).

The top medical college in the Bahawalpur region, QAMC is a government institution known for producing competent doctors for decades. It is attached to Bahawal Victoria Hospital. QAMC provides quality medical education to students from southern Punjab and has a competitive merit criterion for entry.

A prestigious military-run medical college that is often listed among the top institutions in Punjab. AMC is not governed by UHS (it is affiliated with NUMS and the Army Medical Corps), but it attracts top talent nationwide. Admission to AMC is through the NUMS entry test or Army selection, and the college is known for its discipline, excellent faculty, and research output.

Among private sector institutions, Shalamar Medical and Dental College (affiliated with UHS) stands out for its strong teaching hospital (Shalamar Hospital) and quality education. Established in 2009, Shalamar Medical College has smaller class sizes and modern facilities. Its fee structure is high (like other private colleges), but it maintains a solid reputation and good USMLE/PLAB success rates among graduates.

Another leading private medical college in Punjab, FMH (Fatima Memorial Hospital) College was established in 2000 and is affiliated with UHS. It offers MBBS and BDS programs with teaching done at Fatima Memorial Hospital. FMH is known for advanced medical equipment and a strong academic environment. Admission is competitive (though easier than public colleges) and the fee is significant.

Punjab has many prestigious government-run medical colleges. These govt medical colleges in Punjab (public sector institutions) are highly competitive due to their low tuition fees, extensive facilities, and strong alumni networks. Admissions are merit-based, and the merit of government medical colleges in Punjab tends to be very high – students often need top MDCAT scores and excellent academic records to secure a seat. Despite the competition, public colleges remain the first choice for many because of their affordability and quality of education. In recent years, new institutions have also been established to broaden access (for example, Nawaz Sharif Medical College in Gujrat was founded in 2008 as a constituent college of the University of Gujrat). Below is a list of govt medical colleges in Punjab (affiliated with the University of Health Sciences, UHS):

• King Edward Medical University (KEMU), Lahore
• Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore
• Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi
• Nishtar Medical University, Multan
• Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore
• Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur
• Punjab Medical College (Faisalabad Medical University), Faisalabad
• Services Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS), Lahore
• Ameer-ud-Din Medical College (PGMI), Lahore
• Sahiwal Medical College, Sahiwal
• Khawaja Muhammad Safdar Medical College, Sialkot
• Gujranwala Medical College, Gujranwala
• D.G. Khan Medical College, Dera Ghazi Khan
• Nawaz Sharif Medical College (University of Gujrat), Gujrat
• Sheikh Zayed Medical College, Rahim Yar Khan
• Sargodha Medical College, Sargodha

Punjab also boasts a large number of private medical colleges. These institutions offer modern infrastructure, well-equipped labs, and often smaller class sizes, which can mean more personalized attention for students. While private medical colleges in Punjab provide quality education, they generally have much higher tuition fees compared to government colleges. In fact, the private medical colleges in Punjab fee structure is often in the range of several lakh rupees per year, which is significantly more than public colleges (we cover the exact fee ranges later on). Many private colleges are affiliated with UHS or other universities and are recognized by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC). Admission is still competitive but slightly less stringent in terms of merit compared to public colleges.

Below is a list of private medical colleges in Punjab (offering MBBS and BDS programs):

• FMH College of Medicine & Dentistry, Lahore
• Shalamar Medical College (Shalamar Medical and Dental College), Lahore
• Rashid Latif Medical College, Lahore
• Rai Medical College, Sargodha
• Lahore Medical and Dental College (LMDC), Lahore
• Continental Medical College, Lahore
• Akhtar Saeed Medical and Dental College, Lahore
• Azra Naheed Medical College, Lahore
• Avicenna Medical College, Lahore
• CMH Lahore Medical College (NUMS-affiliated), Lahore Cantt
• Aziz Fatimah Medical and Dental College, Faisalabad
• Independent Medical College, Faisalabad
• Islamic International Medical College (RIHS), Rawalpindi
• Islam Medical College, Sialkot
• Sialkot Medical College, Sialkot
• Central Park Medical College, Lahore
• Bakhtawar Amin Medical & Dental College, Multan
• HITEC Institute of Medical Sciences, Taxila
• Niazi Medical & Dental College, Sargodha
• Rahbar Medical & Dental College, Lahore
• University College of Medicine & Dentistry (UCMD), Lahore
• Shahida Islam Medical College, Lodhran
• Sharif Medical and Dental College, Lahore
• University Medical & Dental College, Faisalabad
• Wah Medical College, Wah Cantt (NUMS-affiliated)

To gain admission to a medical college in Punjab, aspiring students must first appear for the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT), organized by the University of Health Sciences (UHS). This exam assesses knowledge in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English. The MDCAT score is a primary determining factor for securing a seat in both public and private medical colleges.

After the MDCAT results are announced, UHS compiles the merit list based on the MDCAT score, academic performance (FSc or equivalent), and Matriculation scores. Find the UHS MDCAT Result for 2024 here. This merit list is used to allocate seats in medical colleges across Punjab. 

Use Maqsad’s MDCAT Admission Chances Calculator to assess your chances of securing admission and to gain insight into which medical colleges you have a strong chance of entering.

Before applying for admission to any medical college in Punjab, students must ensure that they have all the necessary documents in place. The following is a checklist of key documents required for both public and private medical colleges:

1. MDCAT Result Card – This is the most crucial document, as the admission is based on the MDCAT score. Students must provide a printed copy of the MDCAT result along with their application.
2. FSc (Pre-Medical) Certificate – A copy of the FSc (Pre-Medical) result card or equivalent qualifications like A-Levels or equivalent is required for eligibility.
3. Matriculation Certificate – A copy of the matriculation result is required to calculate the overall academic aggregate for admission.
4. National Identity Card/B Form – A copy of your Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) or B Form (for students under 18) for identification.
5. Photographs – Passport-sized photographs for your admission form and student ID card.
6. Domicile Certificate – A certificate confirming your residency in Punjab is necessary, especially for public colleges with provincial quotas.
7. Character Certificate – A certificate from your school or college to confirm your good character, often required by both private and public institutions.
8. Equivalence Certificate (for foreign students) – If you're applying with foreign qualifications, you must provide an equivalence certificate issued by the Inter-Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) to confirm your academic eligibility.
9. Fee Payment Receipts (if applicable) – Proof of payment for the MDCAT test fee or any other required fees at the time of applying.

Having these documents prepared in advance will ensure a smooth application process and help avoid delays. Students are advised to keep multiple copies of these documents, as some colleges may require them at various stages of the admission process.

For more information on the MBBS admission criteria in Pakistan, including important exam tips, be sure to check out this comprehensive guide on MBBS Admission Criteria in Pakistan.

To secure admission to top medical colleges in Punjab, students typically need an aggregate of around 85% or higher. UHS calculates the MDCAT aggregate using the following formula:

• 50% MDCAT score
• 40% FSc (or equivalent) score
• 10% Matriculation score

Using this formula, they compute a percentage (out of 100) which is your merit score. The higher this aggregate, the better your chances for a government college. For instance, the merit of government medical colleges in Punjab often closes above 90% for top colleges like KEMU or AIMC, and in the high 80s for others.

Use Maqsad’s MDCAT Aggregate Calculator to see what is your aggregate with evaluate your chances for admission to specific medical colleges. If like other students, you have this question in mind: will I make it to UHS with my aggregate? read this detailed article.

Maqsad provides a comprehensive set of resources to help you prepare for the MDCAT exam and increase your chances of securing admission to top medical universities in Punjab:

• Personalized Study Plans tailored to your strengths and weaknesses
• Practice Tests and Mock Exams to simulate exam conditions and build confidence
• Expert Strategies for tackling the MDCAT exam with proven techniques
• Complete Admission Support to guide you through UHS’s admission process

• Government Medical Colleges:
  Public medical colleges have lower annual tuition fees, ranging from PKR 50,000 to PKR 200,000 for local students.
• Private Medical Colleges:
  Private colleges are more expensive, with fees ranging from PKR 950,000 to PKR 1,500,000 annually.

How many MBBS seats are available in Punjab?

Punjab has approximately 3,000 MBBS seats available across public and private medical colleges. Keep in mind that the exact number of seats may vary each year, and some institutions may increase seat availability based on new policies.

Which is the best government medical college in Punjab?‍

King Edward Medical University (KEMU), Allama Iqbal Medical College, and Fatima Jinnah Medical University are considered the top government medical colleges in Punjab. These institutions are renowned for their world-class faculty, clinical training, and research facilities. Admission is highly competitive, with students required to have excellent academic records and MDCAT scores.

Is Wah Medical College a government institution?‍

No, Wah Medical College is a private medical college, affiliated with the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS). Students wishing to apply must meet NUMS eligibility requirements and pass the NUMS MDCAT for admission.

What is the cost of MBBS in Punjab?‍

Public colleges charge around PKR 50,000 to PKR 200,000 annually, while private colleges charge PKR 950,000 to PKR 1,500,000. Many colleges also offer scholarships, so students should check for available financial aid opportunities.

What percentage is required for MBBS admission in Punjab?

You need at least 60% in FSc (Pre-Medical) or equivalent, along with a competitive MDCAT score. Admission is merit-based, with MDCAT scores being crucial for securing a seat. The higher your MDCAT score, the better your chances for admission.

How many medical colleges are there in Punjab?

Punjab boasts a total of 321 medical and health sciences colleges, offering diverse opportunities for aspiring medical professionals. This includes 36 government colleges known for their affordability and merit-based admissions, 181 private colleges offering modern facilities and smaller class sizes, and 22 public-private institutions providing a blend of both. These colleges offer programs such as MBBS, BDS, and various allied health sciences, catering to both local and international students.

Final Thoughts on Medical College Admissions in Punjab

Choosing the right medical college in Punjab is a critical step in your medical journey. Whether you opt for a top public or private institution, success relies on focused preparation.

Maqsad is here to help with personalized study plans, practice tests, and expert strategies to boost your MDCAT score and improve your chances of admission. Start your preparation today with Maqsad’s MDCAT Platform and take the first step toward your medical career!