Over 138,000 candidates to take MDCAT on Sept 20

The Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2026 will see 138,158 candidates sitting for the exam on September 20 across Pakistan, according to the data submitted to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) by universities. The test, originally scheduled for August 16, was postponed due to internet service suspension in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and regional tensions. A decision to reschedule the test was made following instructions from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

UHS Lahore is set to conduct the test for the highest number of applicants, with 49,198 students registered, of which 48,528 had registered before the additional registration phase and 670 during the second phase. Khyber Medical University in Peshawar will administer the test for 38,841 candidates, while IBA University in Sukkur will handle 34,232 candidates, with 33,683 pre-existing registrations and 549 added in the latter phase.

Bolan University of Medical and Health Sciences in Quetta will test 9,923 candidates, including 9,777 who registered initially and 146 more.

SZABMU in Islamabad will conduct the examination for 5,964 candidates, comprising 5,789 pre-existing registrations and 175 additional ones. The universities and provincial authorities involved in the examination have been instructed by the PMDC to ensure all preparations are completed on time, with arrangements for examination centers, security, medical aid, emergency response, and facilities for candidates and their accompanying family members. The MDCAT is a mandatory entrance exam for admission to medical and dental colleges in Pakistan.