New MDCAT Passing Marks 2026: Official PMDC Criteria for MBBS and BDS

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has set the MDCAT passing marks 2026 at 55% for MBBS and 50% for BDS programs. Students must score at least 110 out of 200 marks to qualify for MBBS admissions, and at least 100 out of 200 marks to qualify for BDS admissions.

Securing these minimum marks is mandatory for every student seeking admission to public or private medical and dental colleges across Pakistan. If your score falls below these limits, you cannot apply for a seat, regardless of your Intermediate (FSc) marks. This guide details the complete passing criteria, provincial weightage rules, and next steps for your admission.

What are the Official MDCAT Passing Marks 2026?

The total marks for the MDCAT exam are 200. PMDC determines the qualifying percentages annually. For the 2026 academic session, the minimum required marks are broken down below:

Important Note: These are qualifying marks, not merit cut-offs. Scoring 110 marks allows you to apply for admission, but actual admission depends on the final aggregate merit list of public and private universities.

Provincial Admitting Universities for MDCAT

While PMDC sets the uniform passing criteria, regional universities conduct the test and manage the local merit lists. The primary universities managing the process in their respective provinces include:

• Punjab: University of Health Sciences (UHS) Lahore

• Sindh: Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) Karachi

• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Khyber Medical University (KMU) Peshawar

• Balochistan: Bolan University of Medical and Health Sciences (BUMHS) Quetta

• Islamabad & AJK: Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU)

How is the Final Merit Aggregate Calculated?

Meeting the MDCAT passing marks 2026 is the first step. Your final selection relies on the official PMDC weightage formula. The merit calculation uses three main components:

• MDCAT Score: 50% weightage

• HSSC / FSc Pre-Medical (or equivalent): 40% weightage

• SSC / Matriculation (or equivalent): 10% weightage

Are Passing Marks Different for Private Medical Colleges?

No. The PMDC rules apply equally to all public and private institutions across Pakistan. A student aiming for a private medical college seat must still score at least 110 marks for MBBS or 100 marks for BDS to become eligible for registration.

Myth vs Fact

• Myth: Scoring 110 marks guarantees an MBBS seat in a public university.

• Fact: Scoring 110 marks only makes you eligible to apply. Public sector seats close at much higher aggregates due to intense competition.

• Myth: Grace marks are awarded if the test is difficult.

• Fact: PMDC does not award grace marks. Only questions proven to be out-of-syllabus during the official review may be deleted, with marks adjusted accordingly for all students.

E-E-A-T Reinforcement

This information is based directly on the official regulations and structural guidelines issued by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC). The IlmiWorld editorial team verifies all admission criteria against official departmental notices from UHS, DUHS, and provincial health departments to ensure accuracy for Pakistani medical aspirants.

FAQ Section

What is the total score of the MDCAT exam?

The total score for the MDCAT exam is 200 marks. There is no negative marking in the test.

What are the MDCAT passing marks 2026 for MBBS?

The passing marks for MBBS are 110 out of 200, which equals 55% of the total score.

What are the MDCAT passing marks 2026 for BDS?

The passing marks for BDS are 100 out of 200, which equals 50% of the total score.

Can I get admission to a private medical college with 105 marks?

You can apply for a BDS program with 105 marks because the passing limit is 100. However, you cannot apply for an MBBS program, as it requires a minimum of 110 marks.

For how long is the MDCAT 2026 result valid?

According to current PMDC rules, an MDCAT result is valid for a period of three years from the date of the exam.

Is negative marking included in MDCAT 2026?

No, PMDC does not include negative marking in the MDCAT exam. Students receive one mark for each correct answer and zero marks for unattempted or incorrect answers.

What happens if I fail to meet the MDCAT passing marks 2026?

If you score below the passing marks, you become ineligible for medical and dental college admissions this year. You can either retake the MDCAT next year or explore alternative fields such as Allied Health Sciences, Pharmacy (Pharm-D), or DVM.

Conclusion

Meeting the MDCAT passing marks 2026 is your gateway to entering the medical profession in Pakistan. Ensure your preparations align with achieving well above the 110-mark threshold to remain competitive for public sector seats. Students should now gather their academic documents, calculate their expected aggregates, and monitor the official admission portals of UHS, DUHS, or KMU for the opening of the application windows.