The MDCAT 2026 examination is scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 20, across 34 cities in Pakistan, with an additional international examination centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has finalized arrangements for the medical and dental college entrance test, which thousands of aspiring medical students are preparing to attempt.
The examination was initially scheduled for August 16 but was postponed to September 20 following directions from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The postponement was intended to allow the relevant authorities more time to organize a transparent and properly managed admission test.
Over 138,000 Candidates Registered
According to the PMDC, MDCAT 2026 has attracted a total of 138,160 registered candidates from across the country. Punjab has the largest number of applicants, with 49,199 candidates registered for the examination.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa follows Punjab with 38,841 registered candidates, while Sindh has 34,233 applicants. Balochistan has 9,923 registered candidates, while 2,761 candidates are from Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The registration figures also include 1,721 candidates from Gilgit-Baltistan and 1,245 candidates from Islamabad. In addition, 237 Pakistani students have registered to take the test at the international examination centre in Riyadh.
The large number of registrations highlights the strong competition among students seeking admission to medical and dental colleges across Pakistan.
Separate Question Papers Prepared
The PMDC has also announced measures aimed at maintaining the integrity and organization of MDCAT 2026.
Separate question papers have been prepared for each province. According to the council, at least two different papers have been designed for every province.
Each question paper will contain 180 questions. The use of different papers is part of the examination arrangements and is intended to support a more organized testing process across the different regions.
Students appearing for the examination are therefore expected to carefully follow the instructions provided by the relevant authorities and examination centres.
Juvenile Card Requirement Removed
One of the latest updates regarding MDCAT 2026 concerns the identification documents required at examination centres.
IBA Testing Services (STS) has announced that the Juvenile Card will no longer be a mandatory requirement for candidates taking the test. The change could provide relief to students who have not yet obtained a Juvenile Card.
According to the announcement, candidates without a Juvenile Card can instead bring their original photograph-bearing marksheet. An original Matric or Intermediate marksheet containing the candidate’s photograph will be accepted as a valid identity document at the examination centre.
Students should ensure that they carry the required original document with them when appearing for the test. They should also check any additional instructions issued by the relevant testing authorities before examination day.
Important Information for Students
With MDCAT 2026 approaching, candidates have a limited amount of time to complete their final preparation. Students should review their examination requirements carefully and make sure they know the location of their assigned test centre.
The test will be conducted in 34 cities across Pakistan, meaning candidates should plan their travel arrangements in advance. Those appearing in Riyadh will take the examination at the designated international centre in Saudi Arabia.
Candidates should also arrive at their examination centres according to the reporting instructions provided by the authorities. Carrying the correct original identification document is particularly important following the latest update regarding the Juvenile Card requirement.
Why the Test Matters
The MDCAT 2026 is an important step for students seeking admission to medical and dental education programs in Pakistan. A large number of students compete for available seats each year, making preparation and careful adherence to examination rules essential.
The postponement from August 16 to September 20 has given candidates additional preparation time. At the same time, the PMDC has been working on arrangements intended to make the examination more transparent and organized.
The introduction of separate provincial question papers and the availability of multiple versions for each province are among the measures announced for this year’s test.
As the September 20 date approaches, students registered for MDCAT 2026 should focus on both academic preparation and examination-day requirements. Reviewing the official instructions, confirming the test centre and preparing acceptable identification documents can help candidates avoid unnecessary problems on the day of the examination.
The removal of the Juvenile Card as a mandatory requirement is another important update, particularly for candidates who have not obtained one. Such students can use an original photograph-bearing Matric or Intermediate marksheet as an alternative identification document.
With 138,160 candidates registered nationwide and another group preparing to sit the test in Riyadh, MDCAT 2026 will be one of the country’s major admission examinations this year. Students now have to complete their final preparations and appear at their respective centres on September 20.
