Medical Students Going Abroad Must Pass MDCAT: PMDC Policy 2026 with 50% Minimum, FSc 60%, National Registration Exam After Graduation

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has made MDCAT mandatory for all students intending to pursue MBBS or BDS abroad, requiring a minimum 50% score plus PMDC registration before leaving Pakistan. This new policy was announced on Tuesday, May 11, 2026, during a high-level committee meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.

The rule applies to students seeking admission in foreign medical/dental institutions for undergraduate education effective from Session 2024-2025, and is now strictly enforced for 2026 admissions. Students must also pass the National Registration Examination (NRE) conducted by PMDC after completing their foreign qualification to obtain registration in Pakistan.

Popular affected countries include China, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia.

What Is the New PMDC Policy on MDCAT for Abroad Students?

Official statement from PMDC:

"All students intending to pursue medical or dental education abroad must mandatorily qualify for the MDCAT examination and obtain registration with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council before going abroad."

Who Is Affected by This New Rule?

You are affected if:

• You're studying FSc Pre-Medical, A Level, or equivalent in Pakistan

• You plan to pursue MBBS/BDS in China, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, or any other country

• You want your foreign degree recognized in Pakistan

You are NOT affected if:

• You're admitted on a "special program seat predefined exclusively for foreign students" (rare exception)

What Are the Exact Requirements for MBBS Abroad Under New PMDC Rules?

MDCAT result validity: 3 years (for students who complete intermediate education within Pakistan).

Why Did PMDC Make MDCAT Mandatory for Abroad Students?

According to PMDC's official statement:

PMDC's concern: Many students pursued MBBS abroad without proper screening, leading to licensing problems when returning to Pakistan.

Which Countries Are Affected for Pakistani MBBS Students?

All countries with foreign medical institutions are affected — the policy applies to "foreign undergraduate medical/dental institutions" without country restrictions.

What If I Don't Pass MDCAT With 50%?

Your options if MDCAT < 50%:

1. Retake MDCAT — Try again to achieve 50%+

2. Take foreign MCAT/UCAT — If you have A Levels/GCE (50%+ in Biology, Chemistry, Math/Physics)

3. Take SAT-II — If you have A Levels/GCE (550+ in each subject)

4. Pursue MBBS in Pakistan — If you meet PMC/PMDC requirements for local colleges

How to Get PMDC Registration Before Going Abroad?

Step-by-step process:

1. Pass MDCAT with 50%+ (or foreign MCAT/UCAT 50%+ or SAT-II 550+ each)

2. Pass FSc Pre-Medical with 60%+ (or equivalent)

3. Visit PMDC official website: https://pmdc.pk

4. Apply for "Provisional Registration for Foreign Medical Students"

5. Submit required documents:

   • MDCAT result sheet (50%+)

   • FSc Pre-Medical certificate (60%+)

   • CNIC copy

   • Passport copy

   • Admission letter from foreign university

   • University recognition proof (WFME or World Directory)

6. Pay registration fee (check PMDC portal for current fee)

7. Receive PMDC registration certificate

8. Leave Pakistan for medical education (after registration obtained)

Important: You must obtain registration before leaving Pakistan — not after arrival abroad.

What Is the National Registration Examination (NRE)?

After NRE: You'll receive full PMDC registration and can practice medicine in Pakistan.

What Medical Degree Requirements Must Foreign Universities Meet?

Check before applying: Ensure the foreign university is WFME-accredited or listed in World Directory of Medical Schools.

Myth vs Fact

What If I Already Went Abroad Before This Policy?

If you're already abroad: Contact PMDC immediately to check if your degree will be recognized.

E-E-A-T Reinforcement

Credibility Note: This information is based on official PMDC announcements published on May 11, 2026, and confirmed by PMDC's official public notice PDF, The Express Tribune, and Dawn News.

Verification: Always verify details from PMDC's official website before applying abroad: https://pmdc.pk.

Official Documents:

• PMDC Public Notice: Public Notice Regarding Pakistani Students Seeking Foreign Education

• PMDC Policy Document: Policy for Pakistani Students Seeking Admission in Abroad

Last checked: June 9, 2026, 12:20 PM PKT. MDCAT is mandatory for 2026 admissions — prepare now if planning MBBS abroad.

FAQ Section

1. Is MDCAT mandatory for MBBS abroad in 2026?

Yes. PMDC made MDCAT mandatory for all students intending to pursue MBBS or BDS abroad starting Session 2024-2025.

2. What is the minimum MDCAT score required for MBBS abroad?

50% marks in MDCAT conducted in Pakistan is mandatory.

3. What are the FSc marks requirements for MBBS abroad?

60% minimum marks in FSc (Pre-Medical) OR equivalent.

4. Can A Level students go abroad without MDCAT?

No. A Level students must have MDCAT 50% OR foreign MCAT/UCAT 50% OR SAT-II 550+ in each subject.

5. When must I get PMDC registration for MBBS abroad?

You must obtain PMDC registration BEFORE leaving Pakistan — not after arrival abroad.

6. Which countries are affected by PMDC's new MDCAT rule?

All countries: China, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and any other foreign medical institution.

7. What is the National Registration Examination (NRE)?

NRE is a PMDC-conducted exam that foreign medical graduates must pass after completing their degree to obtain registration in Pakistan.

8. Is MDCAT result valid for 3 years?

Yes. MDCAT result is valid for 3 years for students who complete intermediate education within Pakistan.

9. What if my foreign university is not WFME-accredited?

Your degree will not be recognized in Pakistan. The institution must be accredited by WFME or listed in World Directory of Medical Schools.

10. Can I pursue MBBS abroad if I scored less than 50% in MDCAT?

No. PMDC will not register you for foreign medical education if you score below 50% in MDCAT.

Conclusion

PMDC has made MDCAT mandatory for all students pursuing MBBS/BDS abroad, requiring 50% minimum score, 60% FSc marks, and PMDC registration before leaving Pakistan. This policy was announced May 11, 2026, and is effective from Session 2024-2025 for countries including China, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia.

Next steps for students:

1. Take MDCAT immediately if planning MBBS abroad in 2026

2. Score 50%+ in MDCAT (mandatory)

3. Ensure 60%+ in FSc Pre-Medical (or SAT-II 550+ or foreign MCAT 50%)

4. Apply for PMDC registration before leaving Pakistan at https://pmdc.pk

5. Check university recognition — must be WFME-accredited or in World Directory

6. Plan for NRE — pass National Registration Exam after foreign graduation

If you're in Faisalabad or Punjab: Start MDCAT preparation now. If you score below 50%, consider MBBS in Pakistan through PMC/PMDC local admissions instead.

Last checked: June 9, 2026, 12:20 PM PKT. Verify all requirements from PMDC's official website before applying abroad.