"Is MDCAT necessary for DPT?" "Do I need MDCAT for nursing?" These are some of the most searched questions after every MDCAT result, and the answers online often mix up old rules with new ones. We checked each programme against the universities' own 2026 admission pages and notices: BDS, DPT, Pharm-D, BS Nursing and DVM, province by province.
The short answer: The MDCAT is compulsory only for BDS (and MBBS). DPT, Pharm-D and BS Nursing use each university's own entry test or FSc marks: KMU-CAT in KP, UHS's UGAT on UHS's own campus, and separate tests at DUHS, JSMU, LUMHS and SZABMU. A few places let an MDCAT score count instead, such as NUMS for BS Nursing. DVM does not use the MDCAT anywhere we checked: UVAS and the University of Agriculture Peshawar admit on marks alone. KMU-CAT's last 2026 test is on 8 November, and registration closes on 2 November.
Programme by programme: the quick answer
| Programme | Length | MDCAT needed? | What is used instead |
|---|---|---|---|
| BDS | 4 years + 1-year house job | Yes, always | MDCAT is the test (PM&DC rules) |
| DPT | 5 years | No | KMU-CAT, UHS UGAT or the university's own test |
| Pharm-D | 5 years | No | KMU-CAT, UGAT, the university's own test, or FSc marks (UVAS) |
| BS Nursing (Generic) | 4 years | No | KMU-CAT, FSc marks (UHS colleges), FSc or NUMS MDCAT plus interview (NUMS) |
| DVM | 5 years | No | Matric and FSc marks (UVAS, Agriculture University Peshawar) or the university's own test |
Why the rules are different for each degree
The MDCAT exists because of PM&DC, which regulates only MBBS and BDS. Its Admissions, Curriculum and Conduct Policy and Regulations 2026 make passing the MDCAT a condition for every medical and dental seat in the country.
The other degrees have other regulators: DPT falls under HEC, Pharm-D under the Pharmacy Council of Pakistan, nursing under the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council, and DVM under the Pakistan Veterinary Medical Council. None of them requires the MDCAT. Each university sets its own entry test, eligibility and merit formula, which is why the same degree can need a test in Peshawar and only FSc marks in Lahore.
Check the year on anything you read. In 2023 UHS made the MDCAT compulsory for its allied health and DPT programmes. For Fall 2026, UHS admits DPT and Pharm-D on its own campus through its own UGAT test. Old posts still repeat the 2023 rule.
The MDCAT can still help in a few places. For UHS's second phase of Fall 2026 allied health admissions (test on 18 October 2026), ProPakistani reported that an MDCAT 2026 score of at least 50% could be used instead of UGAT. NUMS lets its own MDCAT replace the FSc result for BS Nursing. Both are options, not requirements.
BDS: the MDCAT is compulsory
BDS follows exactly the same rules as MBBS. Under PM&DC's 2026 regulations you need:
- a pass in the MDCAT;
- at least 60% in FSc or an equivalent, with Biology, Chemistry and Physics or Mathematics;
- a merit position on the same formula as MBBS: Matric 10%, FSc 40% and MDCAT 50%.
BDS is four years of study followed by a one-year house job. PM&DC withdrew its plan for a five-year BDS in September 2026. Public dental colleges must complete admissions by 15 February and private dental colleges by 28 February. In KP, BDS is also a separate application from MBBS. Our MBBS vs BDS guide compares the two in detail.
In KP: KMU-CAT, not the MDCAT
Khyber Medical University runs its own Common Admission Test, KMU-CAT, for DPT, Pharm-D, BS Nursing and its allied health programmes (paramedics, public health, vision sciences and others) at KMU's own and affiliated institutes. KMU's admission page says appearing in KMU-CAT "is mandatory for admission to all eligible BS degree programs", and its pages make no mention of the MDCAT.
| KMU-CAT 2026 | Details |
|---|---|
| Test | 100 MCQs on the PM&DC syllabus, 100 marks, 90 minutes, no negative marking |
| Test dates | 26 July, 4 October and 8 November 2026 |
| Registration for the 8 November test | Closes 2 November 2026, 5 pm |
| Validity | One year |
| Eligibility | FSc pre-medical with at least 50% for BS programmes and 60% for DPT |
| Merit | SSC 10%, HSSC 50%, KMU-CAT 40% |
Because KMU-CAT follows the PM&DC syllabus, your MDCAT preparation counts in full: the same MDCAT syllabus, the same subjects, in a shorter test. If you missed MBBS and BDS this year, the 8 November test is your next chance to secure a DPT, Pharm-D or nursing seat in KP.
DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy)
DPT is a five-year degree. No university we checked requires the MDCAT for it.
| Where | Entry test | Minimum FSc | Merit |
|---|---|---|---|
| KP (KMU and affiliated institutes) | KMU-CAT | 60% | SSC 10%, HSSC 50%, KMU-CAT 40% |
| Punjab (UHS campus, Fall 2026) | UHS UGAT, at least 50% | 60% | SSC 10%, HSSC Part-I 40%, UGAT 50% |
| Sindh (DUHS, JSMU, LUMHS) | Each university's own test | 60% | Set by the university; Sindh domicile required at DUHS and JSMU |
| Islamabad (SZABMU) | SZABMU entry test, at least 50% | 60% with Physics, Chemistry and Biology | Set by SZABMU |
Timing differs by province. LUMHS held its 2026-27 computer-based test from 24 to 26 October 2026. DUHS held its DPT entry test for the 2025-26 intake on 11 January 2026, and JSMU usually admits in November and December, so watch both for their 2026-27 notices. For DPT at other public colleges in Punjab, check that college's 2026-27 notice, since we could not confirm whether they follow UHS's campus rules.
Pharm-D (Doctor of Pharmacy)
Pharm-D is a five-year degree, and it has the widest mix of admission methods.
- KP: KMU-CAT, for KMU and its affiliated institutes.
- Punjab, UHS campus: UGAT, with 60% in FSc and the same 10/40/50 merit as DPT.
- Punjab, UVAS Lahore: no entry test at all for 2026. You need 60% in FSc pre-medical, and merit is 30% Matric and 70% FSc Part-I. The age limit is 25.
- Punjab University: 60% in FSc. Check PU's 2026 notice for its test and weighting.
- Sindh: DUHS and JSMU each use their own entry test, with 60% in FSc and Sindh domicile.
BS Nursing (Generic BSN)
BSN is a four-year degree, and the FSc requirement is lower than for the other programmes: usually 50%.
- KP: KMU-CAT, with at least 50% in FSc.
- Punjab public nursing colleges (UHS, session 2025-26): no entry test. Merit is decided on FSc pre-medical marks alone. You need 50% in FSc, Punjab domicile and an age of 35 or under. Seats are for women, except at the College of Nursing, Government Teaching Hospital Shahdara, which is for men.
- NUMS (2026 intake): for women only, aged 17 to 35, with 60% in Matric with Biology and 50% in FSc. Merit is 80% from your FSc result or your NUMS MDCAT score, whichever is higher, plus a 20% interview. Here the MDCAT can help you, but it is not required.
- Sindh: JSMU and LUMHS use their own tests, with 50% in FSc. LUMHS sets an age range of 17 to 35.
DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine)
DVM is a five-year degree. None of the admissions we checked uses the MDCAT.
- UVAS Lahore (2026): no entry test. 60% in FSc pre-medical; merit is 30% Matric and 70% FSc Part-I; age 25 or under.
- University of Agriculture Peshawar (Fall 2026): its bachelor's merit is 40% SSC and 60% HSSC Part-I, with no test mentioned in the admission notice. The age limit is under 30. The Fall 2026 applications closed on 31 August.
- University of Agriculture Faisalabad: runs its own undergraduate entry test. Check UAF's prospectus for the DVM weighting.
- Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam: its pre-admission test for the 2027 intake is on 8 November 2026.
Should you still take the MDCAT?
Yes, if MBBS or BDS is your first choice: there is no other way in. But do not rely on the MDCAT alone if you would also accept DPT, Pharm-D or nursing. Plan a second route:
- Decide your backup degree early. Our guide to what to do if you are not selected compares the options.
- Register for the right test. In KP that is KMU-CAT; in Sindh and Islamabad, the university's own test; at UHS's campus, UGAT. Keep an eye on each university's notice board.
- Keep your FSc marks high. For many of these degrees, FSc carries 40% to 70% of merit, or all of it.
- Use your MDCAT preparation. KMU-CAT and most university tests cover the same Biology, Chemistry, Physics and English. Practise timed papers with our free online MDCAT tests.
Frequently asked questions
Is MDCAT necessary for DPT?
No. In 2026 DPT admissions use KMU-CAT in KP, UHS's UGAT on UHS's campus, and their own tests at DUHS, JSMU, LUMHS and SZABMU. You need at least 60% in FSc pre-medical.
Is MDCAT required for Pharm-D?
No. Pharm-D uses KMU-CAT in KP, UGAT at UHS, own tests at DUHS and JSMU, and no test at all at UVAS, where merit is 30% Matric and 70% FSc Part-I.
Is MDCAT required for BS Nursing?
No. UHS's public nursing colleges admit on FSc marks only, KP uses KMU-CAT, and Sindh universities use their own tests. At NUMS, your NUMS MDCAT score can replace your FSc result if it is higher, but it is optional.
Is MDCAT required for BDS?
Yes. BDS needs the MDCAT, at least 60% in FSc and the same merit formula as MBBS: Matric 10%, FSc 40% and MDCAT 50%.
Is MDCAT required for DVM?
No. UVAS and the University of Agriculture Peshawar admit DVM students on Matric and FSc marks, and other universities use their own entry tests.
Can I use my MDCAT score instead of KMU-CAT?
Not according to KMU's published rules. KMU says appearing in KMU-CAT is mandatory for its BS programmes, and its pages do not mention the MDCAT. The next KMU-CAT is on 8 November 2026, with registration until 2 November.
Is KMU-CAT the same as the MDCAT?
No. KMU-CAT is KMU's own test: 100 MCQs in 90 minutes with no negative marking, valid for one year. It follows the PM&DC syllabus, so the content overlaps heavily with the MDCAT.
Whichever route you choose, your score in an entry test decides your seat. ePrepare's chapter-wise MCQs, full-length papers and personal study plan cover the PM&DC syllabus that the MDCAT and KMU-CAT share. Start preparing with ePrepare.
Sources: APP, PMDC revises MBBS, BDS admission rules for 2026-27, 27 October 2026; ARY News, 15 September 2026; KMU, KMU-CAT portal and BS admissions 2026-27; UHS undergraduate admissions, Fall 2026; UHS BS Nursing admissions, session 2025-26; ProPakistani, 2 October 2026; Dawn, 5 May 2023; NUMS BSN 2026 advertisement; SZABMU DPT admission; DUHS DPT entry test notice; JSMU DPT, Pharm-D and nursing admissions; LUMHS undergraduate admissions; UVAS eligibility, 2026; Punjab University Pharm-D; University of Agriculture Peshawar, Fall 2026; UAF admissions; ProPakistani, 24 September 2026.
