Information checked: 21 October 2026.
The latest checked PMDC format is a paper-based examination with 180 multiple-choice questions and no negative marking. Use the official syllabus learning objectives alongside the format: knowing the number of questions is only the first step in preparing effectively.
Subject distribution and duration
| Subject | Questions | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | 81 | 45% |
| Chemistry | 45 | 25% |
| Physics | 36 | 20% |
| English | 9 | 5% |
| Logical reasoning | 9 | 5% |
| Total | 180 | 100% |
The curriculum specifies three hours, a 55% medical-admission pass threshold and 50% dental-admission threshold, with a difficulty mix of 15% easy, 70% moderate and 15% difficult. The linked curriculum is labelled 2025 and is the document KMU currently links for preparation; PMDC’s 2026 notice confirms the 180-question, no-negative-marking format. No separate 2027 replacement was verified.
Official information: PMDC curriculum hosted by KMU: format and learning objectives (PDF); PMDC: 2026 registration and examination notice (PDF).
Passing marks are not a college merit guarantee
On a 180-mark scale, 55% is 99 and 50% is 90. These are pass-threshold calculations, not predictions of the score needed to win a seat. Selection also depends on the admitting authority’s academic weighting, category, available places and competition. Check the current prospectus before estimating your admission chances.
Related guide: MDCAT aggregate calculator.
How to use the syllabus
Download the official document and make a checklist of learning objectives. For each objective, mark whether you can explain it, solve a related question and correct a mistake without looking at the answer. This is more useful than assuming every chapter heading in an old preparation book is still required.
Use textbooks to understand concepts and practice questions to identify weaknesses. Keep an error log with three columns: the concept, the reason for the wrong answer, and the correction. Revisit errors after a few days rather than only attempting new questions.
A practical timing strategy
Three hours divided by 180 questions gives an average of one minute per question. This is a planning average, not an official section timer. Some recall questions will take less time, leaving more time for calculations or interpretation. Practise transferring answers carefully to a paper-style answer sheet so that a numbering mistake does not spoil an otherwise correct solution.
Try a first pass for questions you can answer confidently, then return to harder items while following the invigilator’s rules. With no negative marking, leaving an answer blank offers no scoring advantage over a best-supported choice; first eliminate options using the concept and check that you marked the intended question number.
PMDC MDCAT versus NUMS MDCAT
Do not apply this subject table to NUMS. NUMS publishes its own Paper I and psychological Paper II specifications. If you plan to sit both tests, keep separate syllabus checklists and mock-test formats rather than assuming one paper’s distribution and timing cover both.
Related guide: NUMS MDCAT paper pattern.
Exam-day and next-cycle checks
Read your admit card for the centre, reporting time, required identification and permitted stationery. A preparation guide cannot override those instructions. Check the official notice for any change before travelling. For 2027, use the latest verified format for initial study planning and compare it with the new notice when issued.
Related guide: MDCAT Question Bank.
Related guide: MDCAT practice tests.
7 Comments
Date and syllabus for nums and mdcat 2024
The syllabus will remain the same; if there’s some minor change, we will update. As date of next will be announced we update. After mid-July, keep visiting websites.
Either our MDCAT syllabus same or change for 2024 2025 batch
It is 95% sure that the MDCAT syllabus will not change, but if there are 5% chances of changes, that will not affect your MDCAT preparation. That can be coverable upon change.
Please Next Paper Date ?
As announced we give on our website.
What is the date for MDCAT and NUMS 2025?
Is the syllabus same as of previous year?