The MDCAT (Medical and Dental College Admission Test) is one of the most competitive Test in Pakistan. Each year, thousands of students compete for a limited number of seats in medical and dental colleges. To succeed in MDCAT, you need more than just hard work — you need the right strategy, smart planning, and consistent dedication.
In this article, we’ll guide you through effective tips and techniques to help you prepare well for the MDCAT test and secure a seat in your dream medical college.
1. Understand the MDCAT Test Format
Before starting preparation, it’s important to know what you’re preparing for. Here’s a breakdown of the test pattern:
| Subject | MCQs (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Biology | 68 |
| Chemistry | 56 |
| Physics | 56 |
| English | 20 |
| Logical Reasoning | 10 |
| Total | 210 MCQs |
- Time Duration: 3.5 hours (210 minutes)
- Passing Marks: Usually 65% or as defined by PMDC
- Negative Marking: None (as per recent updates)
📚 2. Use the Right Books and Resources
Use reliable and relevant study materials:
- Textbooks: Stick to your FSc textbooks (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) – they are the base of most MDCAT questions.
- Practice Books: KIPS, Step by Punjab Group, National MDCAT book, and Dogar’s MDCAT guides are helpful.
- Online Resources: Use apps and YouTube channels like IlmKiDunya, MDCAT Academy, and Tabir Academy for lectures and quizzes.
📅 3. Make a Realistic Study Plan
- Create a daily study schedule covering all subjects.
- Break down the syllabus into weekly targets.
- Dedicate at least 6–8 hours daily to study and practice.
- Allocate more time to your weaker subjects.
🧪 4. Practice MCQs Regularly
- MDCAT is MCQ-based, so your success depends on how well you practice.
- After studying a topic, solve at least 30–50 MCQs from that chapter.
- Time yourself to improve speed and accuracy.
- Solve past papers and full-length mock tests weekly.
🧠 5. Focus on Conceptual Understanding
Memorization won’t help much in MDCAT. Questions are often application-based.
- Try to understand concepts instead of just cramming facts.
- In Biology and Chemistry, understand processes and mechanisms.
- In Physics, solve numerical problems and grasp the logic behind formulas.
📝 6. Master English and Logical Reasoning
- English is often ignored, but it carries 20 important marks.
- Practice vocabulary, sentence correction, and grammar rules.
- For logical reasoning, solve puzzle-type questions, critical thinking exercises, and pattern recognition tasks.
🧘♀️ 7. Take Care of Your Health and Stress
- Don’t compromise your sleep, diet, or mental health.
- Take short breaks during study sessions.
- Practice deep breathing or meditation to reduce test anxiety.
- Avoid over-studying the night before the test — revise lightly and sleep well.
📊 8. Regular Revision is the Key
- Set time every week for revision of older topics.
- Make short notes or flashcards for quick revisions.
- Create a weekly quiz day to test yourself on previously covered material.
✅ Conclusion
Preparing for the MDCAT test requires a smart combination of planning, conceptual learning, and continuous practice. Start early, stick to your schedule, and focus on understanding rather than rote memorization. With the right mindset and dedication, cracking the MDCAT is possible — and it will bring you a step closer to your dream of becoming a doctor or dentist.
