MDCAT aggregate formula
Most public and PMDC-recognised medical and dental colleges in Pakistan calculate merit from three parts: your Matric (SSC) result, your FSc Pre-Medical (HSSC) result and your MDCAT score. The weights most commonly used are:
| Component | Weight | How it is converted |
|---|---|---|
| Matric / SSC | 10% | (Marks ÷ total) × 10 |
| FSc / HSSC | 40% | (Marks ÷ total) × 40 |
| MDCAT | 50% | (Score ÷ 180) × 50 |
So the full formula is:
Aggregate % = (Matric ÷ Matric total × 10) + (FSc ÷ FSc total × 40) + (MDCAT ÷ 180 × 50)
Because MDCAT carries half the weight, every single MCQ matters. With 180 MCQs, one mark in MDCAT is worth about 0.278% of your aggregate, while one mark in a 1,200-mark FSc is worth only about 0.033%.
Worked example
Ayesha scored 1,080 out of 1,200 in Matric, 1,050 out of 1,200 in FSc and 162 out of 180 in MDCAT.
| Matric part | 1080 ÷ 1200 × 10 = 9.0000 |
| FSc part | 1050 ÷ 1200 × 40 = 35.0000 |
| MDCAT part | 162 ÷ 180 × 50 = 45.0000 |
| Aggregate | 89.0000% |
MDCAT 2026 paper pattern
MDCAT 2026 was a 180-MCQ paper with no negative marking. The subject split announced for the test was:
| Subject | MCQs | Share of MDCAT part (50%) |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | 81 | 22.5% |
| Chemistry | 45 | 12.5% |
| Physics | 36 | 10.0% |
| English | 9 | 2.5% |
| Logical reasoning | 9 | 2.5% |
Biology alone is worth 22.5% of your final aggregate, more than double the whole Matric result. For official notices, schedules and passing marks, follow the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC).
Matric and FSc totals: 1100 or 1200?
Different boards use different totals. Federal Board results have commonly been out of 1,100, while Punjab boards have commonly used 1,200. The calculator lets you pick the total printed on your own result card, and the percentage is worked out from that. Never mix a 1,100 total with marks from a 1,200 result card, because that alone can change your aggregate by several points.
O Level and A Level students
If you studied O and A Levels, you cannot enter grades directly. You first need an equivalence certificate from the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC), which converts your grades into Matric and FSc equivalent marks or percentages. Then choose “100 (% from IBCC)” as the total and enter the equivalent percentage as your marks. Your MDCAT score is used exactly as it is for every other candidate.
Using the target score feature
Type a target aggregate, such as a college's closing merit from last year, and the calculator shows the MDCAT score needed to reach it with your current Matric and FSc marks. If the required score is above 180, the target cannot be reached with those marks, and the calculator tells you so. This is a quick way to decide whether a reattempt is realistic.
Closing merit changes every year with the number of seats, the difficulty of the paper and the number of candidates. Use old closing merits only as a rough guide, and check the latest merit lists published by your admitting university.
How to improve your aggregate
- Focus on MDCAT. Matric marks are already fixed, and FSc gives limited room. MDCAT is where most of the movement happens.
- Prioritise Biology. At 81 MCQs, it is the single largest block of marks.
- Do not ignore English and logical reasoning. 18 MCQs together are worth 5% of your aggregate and are often the easiest marks to secure with practice.
- Practise full timed papers so that time pressure does not cost you marks you know.
Frequently asked questions
What is the MDCAT aggregate formula?
The widely used formula is 10% Matric, 40% FSc and 50% MDCAT: (Matric ÷ total × 10) + (FSc ÷ total × 40) + (MDCAT ÷ 180 × 50).
How many marks is MDCAT out of?
MDCAT 2026 had 180 MCQs with no negative marking. Older cycles used different totals, so the calculator also offers 200 and 210.
How much aggregate does one MDCAT mark add?
With a 180-mark MDCAT carrying 50% weight, each mark adds about 0.278% to your aggregate.
Does NUMS use the same formula?
Universities set their own admission policies. If your university uses different weights, open the “Change formula weights” section and enter them.
How do O Level and A Level students calculate their aggregate?
Get your IBCC equivalence first, then enter the equivalent percentages using the “100 (% from IBCC)” option for Matric and FSc.
Is this calculator official?
No. It is a free planning tool. Your official aggregate is the one calculated by the admitting university.