MDCAT Passing Marks Debate: Senate Discusses 33% and a Supplementary Exam — Where It Stands

Could the MDCAT passing mark come down? And could students who narrowly miss it get a second chance within the same year? Both ideas have been aired in Senate committee discussions. Neither has become policy. This article lays out what was said, what the current rules are and what it would mean if they changed.

For MDCAT 2026, the qualifying thresholds are:

Programme	Minimum %	Minimum marks (of 180)
MBBS	55%	99
BDS	50%	90

These remain in force for the current admission cycle. For example, KMU's 2026-27 admission notice applies the same 55% and 50% thresholds.

In earlier 2026 reporting on a Senate committee discussion:

• Committee chairman Senator Aamir Waliuddin said that the passing marks for MDCAT should be 33%. He also said admissions could not be completed because of high PMDC weightage numbers, and that PMDC should pay attention to medical college fees.
• Mustafa Kamal said the committee should instruct PMDC to consider reducing the passing marks, and that PMDC should submit a report on MDCAT passing marks to the committee. He noted that no more than 22,000 students can be admitted each year.
• Senator Anusha Rehman demanded a supplementary examination for students who fail MDCAT, noting that a student who falls short by a single mark loses an entire year.

These are statements in committee, not decisions. We found no PMDC notification adopting a 33% threshold or a supplementary exam.

Several pressures sit behind the debate:

1. Seats versus qualifiers. Roughly 22,000 seats are available nationally, but tens of thousands qualify at 55%. If seats are the true limiter, some argue that the pass mark should not be a second, separate barrier.
2. Unfilled seats in some cycles. PMDC extended the deadline for 2025-26 admissions to 31 March 2026, which suggests that completing admissions has been difficult in some categories. The reasons are debated, including fees and weightage.
3. The "one mark" problem. A single mark can cost a year, which feels harsh.
4. Quality concerns. Others argue the threshold protects standards in medical education and patient safety.

• Fills more seats, particularly in categories where seats go vacant
• Reduces the impact of one-off bad days
• Aligns eligibility with actual capacity

• A 33% threshold means passing with roughly 60 marks out of 180, far below the current entry standard
• Merit lists, not pass marks, are what decide competitive seats, so lowering the floor may not change much at the top
• Lowering standards could affect confidence in medical graduates and PMDC's credibility
• It does not solve underlying problems such as private college fees

Reasonable people disagree. We present both views without endorsing either.

A second sitting could take several forms: a re-test for those just below the cut-off, a mid-year session, or a retake window for all. Questions to resolve include:

• Would scores from two sittings be comparable?
• Who would administer it, given provincial administration and current controversies?
• How would it fit with the proposed 2027 plan of holding MDCAT within days of FSc results?

A separate 16 September report described a Senate panel proposal for twice-yearly MDCAT. A committee proposal is not an announced examination schedule; these implementation questions remain open.

• For 2026 admissions: Plan on the current 55% and 50% thresholds.
• For 2027: Prepare to clear them comfortably. A policy change could come, but you should not rely on it.
• Watch PMDC and Senate committee updates. A formal notification is the only reliable signal.

Aim well above the minimum. A realistic target is the score your preferred colleges closed at last year, plus a margin. Use the merit calculator to plan.

• Attempt every question. MDCAT 2026 had no negative marking.
• Practise under timed conditions with past papers.
• Target your weakest units with chapter-wise MCQs.
• Aim for a buffer of 15 to 20 marks over the threshold in mock tests, because exam-day performance varies.

Based on published reports as of 9 October 2026. Statements in committee are not policy decisions.

Practice MCQs → · Merit calculator →

Checked on 9 October 2026. News reports are attributed reporting; allegations and committee proposals are not final findings or notified rules. Confirm deadlines and eligibility with the responsible authority.

• Senate debate on qualifying marks
• Twice-yearly examination proposal, 16 September
• Official PMDC announcements