MDCAT vs NUMS 2026: Difference & Which to Choose

Q: Is MDCAT and NUMS the same test?

No. The MDCAT is conducted by PMDC for most public and private colleges, while NUMS holds its own separate entry test for NUMS-affiliated colleges such as Army Medical College.

Q: Can I appear in both MDCAT and NUMS?

Yes. Appearing in both is recommended because it increases admission chances and the syllabus largely overlaps.

Q: How many MCQs are in the NUMS test?

The NUMS entry test has 150 MCQs in 2.5 hours, compared with 180 MCQs in 3 hours for the PMDC MDCAT.

Q: Does AKU accept the MDCAT score?

No. Aga Khan University conducts its own separate entrance test and does not accept the MDCAT or NUMS score.

Many medical aspirants ask the same question: MDCAT vs NUMS, what’s the difference, and which one should I take? The short answer is that they are two separate entry tests for different sets of colleges, and you can appear in both to maximise your chances. This guide compares the National MDCAT (PMDC) and the NUMS entry test across authority, eligible colleges, pattern, dates and eligibility.

In one line: Take the PMDC MDCAT for all public and private colleges across Pakistan, and the NUMS test additionally if you want Army Medical College / CMH and other NUMS-affiliated colleges.

MDCAT vs NUMS 2026: side-by-side

Feature	PMDC National MDCAT	NUMS Entry Test
Conducted by	Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC)	National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS)
Valid for	All public & private colleges (except NUMS-affiliated)	Army Medical College, CMH colleges & NUMS-affiliated institutions
Total MCQs	180 MCQs (3 hours)	150 MCQs (2.5 hours)
Negative marking	No	No
Test date	16 August 2026	Around 23 August 2026
Merit formula	10% Matric + 40% FSc + 50% MDCAT	10% Matric + 40% FSc + 50% NUMS test
MBBS pass mark	55% (99/180)	55%

Which test should you take?

Take the PMDC MDCAT if…

You want to keep your options open and be eligible for any public or private medical/dental college in Pakistan (except NUMS colleges). This is essential for almost every applicant.

Also take the NUMS test if…

You want a shot at Army Medical College (AMC), CMH medical colleges, and other NUMS-affiliated institutions. NUMS requires its own test plus a minimum FSc percentage of 65%.

Best strategy: appear in both. The syllabus overlaps heavily, so preparing for the MDCAT covers most of the NUMS test too, you just sit two exams a week apart and double your admission chances.

What about AKU?

Aga Khan University (AKU) conducts its own separate entrance test and does not accept the MDCAT or NUMS score. If AKU is a target, you must register and sit its dedicated test as well.

Preparation overlap

Both tests are based on the FSc Pre-Medical curriculum (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English). A solid MDCAT preparation plan, concepts plus past papers, prepares you for NUMS too. Focus on high-yield Biology and Chemistry, which dominate both papers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MDCAT and NUMS the same test?

No. MDCAT is conducted by PMDC for most colleges; NUMS holds its own test for NUMS-affiliated colleges like Army Medical College.

Can I appear in both MDCAT and NUMS?

Yes, and it’s recommended, it increases your admission chances, and the syllabus largely overlaps.

How many MCQs are in the NUMS test?

150 MCQs in 2.5 hours, versus 180 MCQs in 3 hours for the MDCAT.

Does AKU accept the MDCAT score?

No. Aga Khan University has its own separate entrance test.

Related: Eligibility & Passing Marks · Exam Date · Aggregate Calculator. mdcatpmdc.pk is an independent guide.