NUMS MDCAT Syllabus 2025: Complete Syllabus Breakdown, Pattern & Preparation Guide
The NUMS MDCAT Syllabus 2025 is the roadmap to success for aspiring medical students targeting NUMS-affiliated colleges. Understanding this syllabus – along with the exam pattern and preparation strategy – will give you a competitive edge. In this comprehensive guide, we provide a subject-wise syllabus breakdown (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English, plus the psychological test), outline the NUMS test structure and weightage, and share key details like eligibility, passing marks, and format. You’ll also find preparation guidance (including NUMS test preparation tips) and answers to frequently asked questions.
Table of Contents
- NUMS MDCAT 2025 Subject-Wise Syllabus Breakdown
- NUMS MDCAT 2025 Exam Pattern and Structure
- Eligibility Criteria for NUMS MDCAT 2025
- Preparation Tips for NUMS Entry Test 2025
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The NUMS test syllabus is largely based on the Pakistani intermediate (F.Sc Pre-medical) curricula, aligning with both federal and provincial textbooks. NUMS officially provides a syllabus outline each year, highlighting the topics from which questions will be drawn. Below is a subject-wise syllabus breakdown for NUMS MDCAT 2025, covering Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English, and an overview of the psychological test topics. Use this as a checklist to guide your studies – ensure you cover each of these areas thoroughly.
Related: PMDC MDCAT Syllabus [updated for 2025]
Biology has the heaviest weight in NUMS MDCAT, with 60 questions, so mastery of biology topics is crucial. The biology syllabus spans all major themes of the Class 11 and 12 biology textbooks. Key topics include:
- Cell Biology
- Cell structure and function (cell organelles, prokaryotic vs eukaryotic cells, cell membranes with fluid mosaic model, etc.)
- cell division (mitosis/meiosis)
- Biological Molecules
- Structure and functions of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids
- Enzymes and their activity factors (pH, temperature, inhibitors)
- Bioenergetics
- Photosynthesis (light and dark reactions, factors affecting photosynthesis)
- Cellular respiration (aerobic and anaerobic pathways like glycolysis, Krebs cycle, fermentation, electron transport chain, ATP yield)
- Biodiversity & Classification
- Introduction to biodiversity
- Classification of living organisms (the Five Kingdoms concept)
- Viruses (structure of viruses, viroids, prions)
- Basic overview of major groups like bacteria, fungi, etc
- Life Processes in Plants and Animals
- Nutrition (human digestive system, plant nutrition)
- Gaseous exchange (respiratory systems in humans and plants)
- Transport (circulatory system in humans, transport in plants/xylem/phloem)
- Homeostasis
- Excretion
- Coordination and Control
- Nervous system (structure of neuron, nerve impulse transmission, human brain and spinal cord)
- Endocrine system (hormones and glands)
- Support and Movement
- Human skeletal system and muscles
- Plant support (turgor, cell wall, xylem)
- Reproduction
- Both asexual and sexual reproduction in plants and animals
- Human reproductive system
- Fertilization
- Growth
- Development
- Genetics and Evolution
- Basics of heredity (Mendelian genetics, genes and alleles, Punnett squares)
- Chromosomal theory of inheritance
- DNA structure and replication
- Mutations
- Principles of evolution and natural selection
- Ecology and Environment
- Ecosystems
- Energy flow
- Nutrient cycles
- Human impacts on environment
- Conservation
Study Tip: Focus on high-yield biology subtopics like physiology (especially human systems), molecular biology (DNA/RNA, protein synthesis), and genetics, as NUMS often asks conceptual questions in these areas. Diagrams in textbooks (e.g. heart, nephron, leaf structure) are important – you might get an MCQ about a labeled diagram.
The Chemistry portion consists of 38 MCQs and covers a wide range of fundamental chemistry topics from both inorganic and organic chemistry:
- Basic Concepts
- Atomic structure (subatomic particles, atomic models, electronic configuration)
- The mole concept and Avogadro’s number; stoichiometry calculations
- States of Matter
- Gases (gas laws, ideal gas equation, diffusion, effusion)
- Liquids (properties, vapor pressure, boiling points)
- Solids (crystal lattices, types of solids)
- Chemical Bonding
- Ionic and covalent bonds
- Bond energy
- Shapes of molecules (VSEPR theory)
- Intermolecular forces (hydrogen bonding, van der Waals forces)
- Thermochemistry
- Energetics of reactions (endothermic vs exothermic, enthalpy changes, Hess’s law)
- Chemical Equilibrium
- Reversible reactions
- Equilibrium constant (Kc, Kp) calculations
- Le Chatelier’s principle and factors affecting equilibrium
- Reaction Kinetics
- Rates of reactions
- Factors affecting rate (temperature, catalysts, concentration)
- Basic rate laws and reaction order
- Electrochemistry
- Oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions
- Galvanic cells
- Electrode potentials
- Electrolysis
- Solutions and Mixtures
- Concentration units (molarity etc.)
- Solubility
- Colligative properties (boiling point elevation, osmotic pressure)
- s- and p-Block Elements
- Properties of groups 1-2 (alkali and alkaline earth metals) and 13-18 elements
- Important compounds (e.g., Na, K, Mg, Ca, halogens, noble gases).
- Basic Organic Chemistry
- Fundamental principles of organic chemistry (bonding in carbon, hybridization, functional groups)
- Hydrocarbons – alkanes, alkenes, alkynes (general formulas, reactions like combustion, addition, substitution)
- Aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene structure, resonance)
- Organic Functional Groups
- Structure and simple reactions of: alcohols and phenols, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids, amines
- Also basics of polymers and biomolecules
Study Tip: Chemistry questions can be conceptual or numerical. Be comfortable with common calculations (moles, gas law equations, equilibrium constant math). Memorize key chemical reactions, especially in organic chemistry (e.g., oxidation of alcohols, addition reactions of alkenes, identification of functional groups by chemical tests).
Physics accounts for 37 MCQs, testing both conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills from major physics topics:
- Mechanics
- Vectors and scalars
- Laws of motion (Newton’s laws)
- Motion in one and two dimensions (equations of motion, projectile motion)
- Circular motion and centripetal force.
- Work, energy and power (work-energy theorem, conservation of energy)
- Momentum and collisions (conservation of momentum)
- Rotational dynamics (torque, angular momentum)
- Waves and Oscillations
- Simple harmonic motion (mass-spring systems, pendulums)
- Wave properties (frequency, wavelength, speed)
- Sound waves (pitch, Doppler effect)
- Thermodynamics
- Laws of thermodynamics
- Heat and temperature
- Thermal properties of matter
- Specific heat
- Calorimetry
- Ideal gas behavior (overlap with chemistry gas laws)
- Electrostatics
- Coulomb’s law
- Electric field and electric potential
- Capacitance (capacitors in series/parallel)
- Current Electricity
- Ohm’s law, resistors (series/parallel circuits)
- Kirchhoff’s rules
- Electrical power
- Basic DC circuit analysis
- Electromagnetism
- Magnetic fields and forces (Lorentz force on moving charges, force on current-carrying wire)
- Electromagnetism induction (Faraday’s law, Lenz’s law)
- Transformers
- Electronics
- Basic understanding of semiconductors, diodes, transistors
- Logic gates might be included in some syllabi.
- Modern Physics
- Atomic nucleus basics
- Radioactivity (alpha, beta, gamma decay, half-life)
- Nuclear fission and fusion
- X-rays and their properties.
- Optics (If included)
- Reflection and refraction of light
- Lenses and mirrors
- Optical instruments (microscopes, telescopes).
Study Tip: Focus on understanding formulas and their applications rather than pure memorization. Solve plenty of numerical problems for each chapter – e.g., calculating forces, energy, circuit values – as NUMS often includes calculation-based questions. Use a formula sheet for quick revision of all important equations before the exam.
The English section has 15 MCQs, and while it’s the smallest portion, it can be a scoring area if you’re well-prepared. The NUMS English syllabus generally includes:
- Vocabulary
- Meaning of words, synonyms and antonyms, analogies
- Grammar & Tenses
- Correct usage of tenses in sentences, identifying grammatical errors, sentence correction
- Subject-verb agreement, correct form of verb, use of prepositions
- Sentence Structure
- How to structure sentences correctly
- Combining sentences
- Identifying parts of speech in a sentence
- Spelling and Punctuation
- Identifying common spelling pitfalls and punctuation rules (commas, semicolons, etc.)
- Comprehension
- Short passage with 2-3 questions may be given to test comprehension
Study Tip: Improve your vocabulary by reading widely (articles, novels) and noting new words, or use word lists/high-frequency GRE/SAT word lists for targeted prep. Review basic grammar rules from an intermediate English textbook or a grammar guide.
The NUMS Psychological Test is a unique feature of the NUMS MDCAT. While it’s not an academic subject test, it’s important to understand its scope and ensure you are prepared for it:
- Purpose
- This 50-MCQ test assesses your personality, aptitude, and critical thinking.
- The test might include IQ-style questions, basic analytical puzzles, pattern recognition, or questions that gauge your ethical or emotional responses.
- For example, you might get sequences (find the next number/pattern), analogies, or simple story-based questions where you must infer the best reaction.
- Syllabus
- Areas often covered include logical reasoning puzzles, spatial reasoning, basic arithmetic reasoning, and personality/behavioral questions.
- For instance, logical reasoning questions might involve series completion, analogies, or odd-one-out.
- Since it’s MCQs, the test is likely to consist of scenario-based single-best-answer questions.
- Preparation
- Some prep books or online resources have NUMS psychological test sample questions – these can give you a feel of what to expect.
- The key is to work quickly and accurately, as 50 questions in 30 minutes means you have to maintain a good pace.
- The good news is there is no negative marking here either, and these questions are usually of moderate difficulty if you stay calm.
Treat the psychological test as an important formality – you must pass it – but don’t stress over it as much as the academic portion.
After getting familiar with the syllabus, it’s crucial to understand the MDCAT NUMS pattern and structure of the exam. The NUMS entry test 2025 will comprise two parts:
- Part 1: Subject-Based Paper
- This is the main academic test paper. It consists of 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English.
- You are given 150 minutes (2.5 hours) to attempt this section.
- Each question carries 1 mark, so this part is 150 marks total.
- Part 2: Psychological Test
- After the academic portion, NUMS conducts a psychological aptitude test. This section is designed to assess your critical thinking, personality traits, and attitude.
- It typically contains 50 MCQs to be answered in 30 minutes.
- The combination of the two parts brings the total questions to 200 (150 subject + 50 psych) to be attempted in a total duration of 3 hours.
Format: NUMS MDCAT 2025 is expected to be a paper-based test (on bubble sheets with pencil), conducted in a single morning session simultaneously across multiple centers in Pakistan. All questions are one-best-answer MCQs with four or five options each. No calculators or electronic devices are allowed. The test is administered in English language. Since there’s no negative marking, you should answer every question.
Weightage and Scoring: Each correct answer on the academic test yields 1 mark, and there’s no deduction for wrong answers (0 marks for incorrect). Thus, the academic portion is out of 150 marks.
As mentioned, 55% (MBBS) / 50% (BDS) is the passing threshold for this portion, but in practice students aim much higher. For final admissions, NUMS (under PMDC policy) uses a merit aggregate formula that combines your entry test score with your academic marks. Currently, the merit weightage is 50% NUMS MDCAT score + 50% F.Sc (HSSC) marks for admissions (PMDC has simplified it to 50/50 as of 2025).
You can use an aggregate calculator to estimate your chances by inputting your marks – try it here[insert link].
To appear in NUMS MDCAT 2025, you must meet certain eligibility criteria.
- The basic requirement is completing F.Sc. (Pre-medical) or an equivalent 12th-grade qualification with a strong academic record in Biology, Chemistry, Physics/Math, and English.
- According to the latest guidelines, candidates should have at least 60% marks in their F.Sc (Pre-medical) or equivalent exams.
- A-level students need an IBCC equivalence.
- There is also a provision of extra credit for Hafiz-e-Quran in NUMS admissions (such candidates can earn additional marks after a verification test).
Related: Maqsad's A Level Equivalence Calculator
Passing criteria: Officially, the passing marks last year were 55% for MBBS programs and 50% for BDS programs. This means an MBBS candidate needed at least 110/200 marks and a BDS candidate 100/200 marks in the NUMS test to be considered “pass.”
Keep in mind that meeting the minimum pass percentage does not guarantee admission – the higher you score above this threshold, the better your chances of securing a seat (since admissions are granted on merit).
Preparing for NUMS entry test 2025 requires a smart and structured approach. Here are some tips and strategies to maximize your preparation:
1. Start Early & Follow a Study Plan:
- NUMS MDCAT is usually held around late summer (e.g., August/September), so starting 4-6 months prior gives you ample time.
- Create a study schedule that covers all subjects each week – for example, allocate specific days or hours to Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English.
2. Use the Official Syllabus as Your Guide:
- Always study with the NUMS MDCAT syllabus 2025 in hand.
- Mark off topics as you cover them. Avoid spending time on content outside the syllabus.
3. Quality Study Resources:
- Use high-quality textbooks and notes.
- Your F.Sc textbooks (or A-level books) for Biology, Chemistry, Physics are the primary source – read them line by line for concepts.
- Make sure any material you use is aligned with the NUMS test syllabus (updated for 2025).
4. Practice, Practice, Practice:
- Solve past NUMS MDCAT papers and sample questions regularly.
- Time yourself when taking practice tests – remember you’ll have 200 questions in 180 minutes, so work on pacing.
- After each practice test or quiz, analyze your mistakes: identify which subject or topic you’re weak in and revisit that material.
5. Leverage Maqsad’s Resources:
- NUMS Aggregate Calculator: Maqsad provides an easy online aggregate calculator that follows the latest weightage formula – a great way to plan your target and track progress.
- WhatsApp Counseling: Maqsad offers free counseling via WhatsApp – you can reach out to their team of mentors/teachers for guidance on study strategies, resources, or even emotional support during prep.
- MDCAT MCQs and Practice Tests: Practice is made easier with Maqsad’s digital library of over 10,000+ MDCAT MCQs (with video solutions!).
8. Time Management & Exam Strategy:
- On exam day, you should have a strategy: one common approach is to tackle Biology first (as it has the most questions), then Chemistry, Physics, and English – but adapt based on your comfort.
- Since there’s no negative marking, attempt all questions.
9. Stay Healthy and Positive:
- Take care of your health – get proper sleep, especially in the weeks leading up to the exam.
- Short, regular breaks during study sessions will help prevent burnout.
- Maintain a positive attitude: the NUMS test is tough, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can crack it!
By following these guidelines and utilizing the available resources, you’ll be well on your way to acing the NUMS MDCAT 2025. Good luck, and stay determined – a bright medical career is waiting for you on the other side of this exam!
Does NUMS accept MDCAT (the national PMC MDCAT)?
No – NUMS conducts its own entry test (NUMS MDCAT) for admission to its affiliated medical and dental colleges. The PMDC MDCAT is a separate exam for other colleges.
Is NUMS difficult?
The NUMS entry test is considered challenging but manageable with good preparation. If you study the syllabus thoroughly, practice consistently, and manage your time well, you can tackle NUMS MDCAT successfully.
Does NUMS have negative marking?
No, there is no negative marking in the NUMS MDCAT.
How can I prepare for NUMS?
Use F.Sc textbooks and reliable notes for theory, and solve lots of MCQs for practice. Take past papers and sample tests under timed conditions to build speed and accuracy. Enrol with Maqsad, which offers live classes, 10,000+ practice MCQs with solutions, and counseling support which can greatly help in structuring your prep.
Who is eligible for NUMS MDCAT?
Students who have completed or are about to complete their higher secondary education (intermediate) with a pre-medical focus are eligible. Specifically, any student with F.Sc (Pre-medical) or equivalent (like A-levels with Biology, Chemistry, and Physics/Math) can apply, provided they have scored at least around 60% marks in F.Sc/HSSC
What are the passing marks for NUMS MDCAT?
For recent years, the threshold has been 55% for MBBS and 50% for BDS candidates.
How is NUMS merit (aggregate) calculated for admission?
As of 2025, the aggregate (merit score) for NUMS-affiliated medical colleges is calculated by giving 50% weight to your NUMS MDCAT score and 50% to your F.Sc (Pre-medical) marks.
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