MDCAT Test Date 2026: Date Sheet, Timeline & What's Next

MDCAT Test Date 2026: Date Sheet, Timeline & Next Steps

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has taken a definitive step that aligns with the core demands of thousands of medical aspirants across the country. Following widespread uproar, massive protests, and intense pressure from student bodies and lawmakers, the council has formally requested the Sindh government to launch an independent, transparent inquiry into alleged irregularities surrounding the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT).

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has officially announced a major update for medical and dental aspirants across the country. In a recent notification issued by the PMDC examination department, it has been confirmed that the National Registration Examination (NRE) Step-I has been rescheduled from its original date of October 11, 2026, to November 8, 2026.

This sudden revision has caught the attention of hundreds of medical professionals. According to the regulatory body, the shift in dates was necessitated due to unavoidable circumstances. The updated schedule applies universally to all registered candidates who were set to appear in this vital competency evaluation.

PMDC moved the test from its first date of 16 August. Below you will find the full date sheet, what happened on exam day, and what to expect next.

Key Highlights of the Rescheduled Examination

• Previous Date: October 11, 2026

• Revised Date: November 8, 2026 (Sunday)

• Conducting Authority: National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi

• Target Audience: Pakistani medical and dental graduates with foreign qualifications

• Official Notification Source: PMDC Examinations Department

MDCAT 2026 was held on Sunday, 20 September 2026.

Quick facts

MDCAT date sheet 2026 (full timeline)

Many students search for a "date sheet," but MDCAT is a one-day exam. Here is the full sequence of dates.

Why did the MDCAT date change?

On 6 August, PMDC announced that it was postponing the test by more than a month. The council said the decision came on the Prime Minister's directions, and it wanted a smoother, safer, and more transparent exam. It said all other terms, eligibility rules, and admission steps would stay the same.

Students and lawmakers had also raised worries. Some pointed to syllabus differences between FSc and A Level candidates. Others pointed to overlap with intermediate exams. PMDC did not list these as the official reason, but they were part of the public debate.

Exam-day details

• Start time: 10:00 AM

• Paper: 180 multiple-choice questions on an OMR sheet

• Time: 3 hours

• Marking: 1 mark for each correct answer, none deducted for wrong ones

• Subjects: Biology 81, Chemistry 45, Physics 36, English 9, Logical Reasoning 9

• Passing marks: 55% (99/180) for MBBS and 50% (90/180) for BDS

Different provinces use different papers, so an answer key from one province will not match another.

What comes next after MDCAT 2026

1. Answer key: check it against your own paper and count your score out of 180.

2. Objection window: most testing bodies allow a short window and charge a fee per question.

3. Final key and result: the result follows once objections are settled.

4. Application for admission: you apply on your province's admitting university portal.

5. Merit lists: your aggregate decides your rank. The formula is 10% Matric + 40% FSc + 50% MDCAT.

Read our full guide on the [MDCAT merit list 2026] page for province-by-province details.

PMC MDCAT date: is it the same?

Many students still search "PMC MDCAT 2026 date." PMC is the older name of the council. Today, PMDC sets the MDCAT date and issues the notices. So the PMDC date above is the only one that counts.

When is MDCAT 2027?

PMDC has not announced a 2027 date yet [update when announced]. This year gives a useful pattern. PMDC announced the first date in May, registration opened in June, and the exam was planned for mid-August. That timeline moved later, so plan for flexibility. Start your preparation now, and check only PMDC's official channels for confirmation.

Stay safe from fake date notices

PMDC has warned students and parents to ignore rumours from unofficial pages. Before you act on any date, check it against PMDC's own website and verified social media accounts. If a page asks for money to "confirm your date," it is a scam.

MDCAT date FAQs

When was MDCAT 2026?
It was held on Sunday, 20 September 2026 at 10:00 AM.

What was the first MDCAT 2026 date?
It was 16 August 2026. PMDC postponed it on 6 August.

Why was MDCAT 2026 postponed?
PMDC said the change came on the Prime Minister's directions, to ensure a smoother, safer, and more transparent exam.

Is there a separate MDCAT date sheet for 2026?
No. MDCAT is a single-day exam, so the timeline above works as the date sheet.

Is the PMC MDCAT 2026 date different from PMDC?
No. PMC is the older name, and PMDC now sets the date.

What time did the MDCAT 2026 paper start?
The paper started at 10:00 AM.

How long was the MDCAT 2026 exam?
It lasted 3 hours, with 180 MCQs.

Was there negative marking?
No. Wrong answers did not lose marks.

When will the MDCAT 2026 result come out?
It will follow the answer-key objection process. Check your province's testing university and PMDC for the official date.

When is the MDCAT 2027 test date?
PMDC has not announced it yet. Watch the official PMDC website for the schedule.

Was the MDCAT entry test held on the same day in every province?
Yes. It was one national test day, though provinces used their own papers.

Where can I check the official date for future exams?
Only on PMDC's official website and verified social media accounts.