MDCAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria | 65% Rule, Domicile & Age Limits

The rule applies uniformly to MBBS and BDS across PMDC-affiliated public and private colleges. Foreign-board students compete in a separate self-finance pool after IBCC verification.

1. The 65% FSc Rule — Explained

PMDC enforces this floor so only academically prepared candidates compete for medical seats (PMDC, 2025). If you scored under 65% in FSc Pre-Medical, you are not eligible — even with 200/200 in MDCAT. The bar applies to your aggregate FSc result, not individual subjects.

For students with re-takes or supplementary papers, the IBCC-issued final transcript is what counts. If your aggregate is exactly 65.00%, you are eligible.

2. A-Level & O-Level Equivalence

A-Level candidates must obtain an IBCC equivalence certificate before registering (IBCC, 2022). The formula converts AS/A2 grades into an FSc-equivalent percentage. Requirements:

• O-Level: at least 8 subjects, including Physics, Chemistry, Biology.
• A-Level: 3 subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) with grades that equate to ≥ 65%.
• Hafiz-e-Quran candidates may receive an additional 20 marks per IBCC rules.

3. Domicile & Provincial Quotas

Public-sector seats are reserved by domicile. You can apply only to colleges in the province where your domicile is registered. Sindh and Punjab residents may apply on reciprocal seats (1–2 per college). Foreign students compete in a separate self-finance pool.

4. Age Limits

5. Repeater Rules

Repeaters are fully eligible — there is no cap on the number of MDCAT attempts. However:

• Most provinces use your latest MDCAT score for merit.
• You cannot improve your FSc score after admission cycles begin.
• Re-registering requires fresh CNIC, photo, and challan.

For mindset and strategy, read our Repeater's Guide to MDCAT Success.

6. Foreign Board Students

Students who completed FSc abroad (Saudi Arabia, UAE, UK, USA) must:

1. Submit transcripts to IBCC for equivalence.
2. Provide a NOC from the Pakistan Embassy.
3. Compete on either the local domicile pool (if eligible) or the foreign quota.

FAQ

Q: My FSc is 64.9%. Am I eligible?

No. The 65% rule is firm. Apply for IBCC re-evaluation if you believe there is a marking error.

Q: Can I appear from a province other than my domicile?

Yes for the test, but you can only claim seats in your domicile province (with the rare exception of reciprocal seats).

Q: Are O-Level students eligible without A-Levels?

No. A complete A-Level (or FSc) is required.

Q: Do private colleges have lower eligibility?

No. PMDC enforces the same 65% rule for both public and private medical colleges.