If you’re thinking about applying to Pharm D (Doctor of Pharmacy) in Pakistan and wondering whether MDCAT is required, you’re not alone. I get asked this question a lot, so let me walk you through everything you need to know.
📌 Quick Answer: No, MDCAT is generally not required for Pharm D
Yes, you heard that right! MDCAT is mainly for MBBS and BDS admissions. Pharm D is a completely different field that focuses on pharmaceutical sciences, not medical or dental studies. It’s a five-year professional degree regulated by the Pharmacy Council of Pakistan, not by PMC (Pakistan Medical Commission).
🎯 So, When Is MDCAT Required for Pharm D?
Even though it’s not compulsory nationwide, some universities do ask for MDCAT scores as part of their admission process. Let me give you a few examples:
🏫 Universities That May Consider MDCAT
- University of Management and Technology (UMT) – They accept MDCAT scores and require at least 50% marks, or you can take their own test.
- Some Sindh universities – Like SMBBMU, may ask for MDCAT or have entrance tests similar in nature.
- Private institutes – Some may consider MDCAT scores as an extra edge during admission.
🏫 Universities That Don’t Need MDCAT
- Punjab University (PU)
- Lahore College for Women University (LCWU)
- STMU (Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University)
These universities either take their own test or conduct interviews, or rely simply on your FSc Pre-Medical marks (usually 60% minimum).
🤔 My Advice to You
If you’re aiming for Pharm D, don’t stress too much about MDCAT — unless your target university specifically asks for it.
✔️ Here’s what I recommend:
- Make a list of Pharm D universities you’re interested in.
- Visit their official websites or admission portals.
- Check if they:
- Require MDCAT?
- Have their own entry test?
- Only consider FSc marks?
If MDCAT is not required, great — one less thing to worry about!
✅ Final Thoughts
To wrap it up:
MDCAT is not universally required for Pharm D admission in Pakistan — but some universities may still ask for it. So always check individual university requirements before applying.
I hope this cleared up your confusion! 😊
If you still have questions about Pharm D or MDCAT, feel free to drop them in the comments or explore more guides on this website. I’m here to help you every step of the way.
Dr. Hamza Qureshi is a KEMU graduate and the creator of this platform, dedicated to helping MDCAT students with accurate tools and reliable guidance.