Top 10 Medical Colleges in Pakistan and Their MDCAT Requirements
Are you dreaming of becoming a doctor? Getting into a good medical college is the first big step on that journey! But with so many choices and different requirements, it can be confusing to figure out where to apply.
In this guide, we’ll look at the top 10 medical colleges in Pakistan and break down their MDCAT requirements in simple terms. We’ll also share the minimum aggregate scores you’ll need to have a good chance of getting accepted.
Let’s explore the best medical education options in Pakistan!
Why MDCAT Scores Matter
Before we dive into the college list, let’s understand why MDCAT scores are so important:
- Medical colleges use MDCAT scores as the main way to choose students
- Your aggregate score combines your MDCAT test (50%), FSc/Intermediate marks (40%), and Matric marks (10%)
- Even a small difference in your aggregate can change which colleges you can get into
- Top colleges have higher score requirements because more students want to study there
Calculate your aggregate score with our free MDCAT Aggregate Calculator
Top 10 Medical Colleges in Pakistan
1. King Edward Medical University (KEMU), Lahore
Founded: 1860 (Pakistan’s oldest medical school!) Programs: MBBS, BDS, and many specialist programs Minimum Aggregate Required: 91-93% Annual Fee (Local Students): PKR 15,000-18,000 MDCAT Importance: Very high competition means even small score differences matter
Why It’s Special: KEMU has trained some of Pakistan’s best doctors for over 160 years. Its hospitals see thousands of patients daily, giving students amazing hands-on experience.
2. Aga Khan University Medical College, Karachi
Founded: 1983 Programs: MBBS and graduate medical programs Minimum Aggregate Required: 85% (plus entrance test and interview) Annual Fee: PKR 1,500,000-1,800,000 MDCAT Importance: Medium (they have their own additional test)
Why It’s Special: Aga Khan is known for its world-class facilities and research opportunities. It’s one of the few Pakistani medical schools recognized internationally right away.
3. Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore
Founded: 1975 Programs: MBBS Minimum Aggregate Required: 90-92% Annual Fee: PKR 15,000-18,000 MDCAT Importance: Very high
Why It’s Special: Connected to Jinnah Hospital, this college gives students experience with many different medical conditions and treatments.
4. Dow Medical College, Karachi
Founded: 1945 Programs: MBBS, BDS Minimum Aggregate Required: 88-90% Annual Fee: PKR 15,000-18,000 MDCAT Importance: High
Why It’s Special: Located in Pakistan’s largest city, Dow offers unique urban healthcare experience and has a huge alumni network.
5. Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore
Founded: 1948 Programs: MBBS Minimum Aggregate Required: 89-91% Annual Fee: PKR 15,000-18,000 MDCAT Importance: High
Why It’s Special: Originally for women only, this historic institution now welcomes all students and is known for excellent clinical training.
6. Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi
Founded: 1974 Programs: MBBS Minimum Aggregate Required: 88-90% Annual Fee: PKR 15,000-18,000 MDCAT Importance: High
Why It’s Special: With three teaching hospitals, RMU offers outstanding clinical exposure in different medical specialties.
7. Khyber Medical College, Peshawar
Founded: 1954 Programs: MBBS Minimum Aggregate Required: 87-89% Annual Fee: PKR 15,000-18,000 MDCAT Importance: High
Why It’s Special: KMC has trained thousands of doctors who serve throughout Pakistan and abroad, especially in the northern regions.
8. Nishtar Medical University, Multan
Founded: 1951 Programs: MBBS Minimum Aggregate Required: 87-89% Annual Fee: PKR 15,000-18,000 MDCAT Importance: High
Why It’s Special: Nishtar Hospital is one of South Punjab’s largest hospitals, giving students experience with patients from many different backgrounds.
9. Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur
Founded: 1970 Programs: MBBS Minimum Aggregate Required: 86-88% Annual Fee: PKR 15,000-18,000 MDCAT Importance: High
Why It’s Special: QAMC serves a large rural population, giving students unique experience with healthcare challenges in rural Pakistan.
10. Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro
Founded: 1951 Programs: MBBS, BDS, and other health sciences Minimum Aggregate Required: 85-87% Annual Fee: PKR 15,000-18,000 MDCAT Importance: High
Why It’s Special: LUMHS is Sindh’s largest medical institution with excellent research facilities and diverse patient populations.
Private Medical Colleges Worth Considering
If your aggregate score is between 75-85%, these excellent private medical colleges are worth considering:
Shifa College of Medicine, Islamabad
- Annual Fee: PKR 950,000-1,200,000
- Minimum Aggregate: 80-85%
CMH Lahore Medical College
- Minimum Aggregate: 80-85%
- Annual Fee: PKR 900,000-1,100,000
Ziauddin Medical College, Karachi
- Minimum Aggregate: 75-80%
- Annual Fee: PKR 950,000-1,150,000
What If My Score Isn’t High Enough?
Don’t worry! If your MDCAT aggregate isn’t as high as you hoped, you have options:
- Consider private medical colleges – They often have lower aggregate requirements
- Look at colleges in smaller cities – Competition is sometimes less fierce
- Explore related healthcare fields – Like pharmacy, nursing, or medical technology
- Prepare to retake the MDCAT next year – Many successful doctors didn’t get in on their first try!
Use our MDCAT Aggregate Calculator to find colleges that match your score!
Application Timeline for Medical Colleges
Most medical colleges in Pakistan follow this general timeline:
- July-August: MDCAT exam takes place
- September: Results announced
- October: Application submission period
- November: Merit lists published
- December-January: Classes begin
Note: Exact dates can change each year, so always check the official websites!
How to Improve Your Chances
Getting into these top medical colleges isn’t just about your MDCAT score. Here are some tips to improve your chances:
- Start preparing early – Begin MDCAT preparation alongside your FSc/Intermediate studies
- Focus on weaker subjects – Even a small improvement in your weaker areas can boost your aggregate
- Check special quotas – Some colleges reserve seats for specific regions or backgrounds
- Prepare for interviews – Some colleges include interviews in their selection process
- Apply to multiple colleges – Don’t put all your hopes on just one college
Conclusion
Getting into a top medical college in Pakistan requires hard work and good preparation. With the right MDCAT score and a strong aggregate, you can open doors to these prestigious institutions.
Remember, the journey to becoming a doctor is a marathon, not a sprint. Even if you don’t get into your first-choice college, many excellent doctors have graduated from all of these institutions.
Have questions about your MDCAT aggregate or college chances? Use our free MDCAT Aggregate Calculator to find out where you stand!
Have you applied to any of these medical colleges? Share your experience in the comments below!