Pharmacy is a highly respected and rewarding field in Pakistan, with Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) being the primary professional degree for aspiring pharmacists. However, many students remain confused about the admission process, especially regarding the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT). A common question is: “Does Pharm D require MDCAT?”
In this blog, we will clarify whether MDCAT is mandatory for Pharm D admissions, discuss alternative entry requirements, and guide you through the best strategies for securing a spot in top pharmacy schools in Pakistan.
Understanding Pharm D in Pakistan
The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) is a five-year degree program that equips students with extensive knowledge in pharmaceutical sciences, clinical practice, and drug regulations. It is regulated by the Pharmacy Council of Pakistan (PCP) and is offered by various universities, both public and private.
Pharmacists play a crucial role in the healthcare system by ensuring the safe and effective use of medications, conducting research, and working in hospitals, pharmaceutical industries, and regulatory bodies.
Does Pharm D Require MDCAT?
The simple answer is: No, MDCAT is not a mandatory requirement for Pharm D admissions in Pakistan.
Why?
MDCAT is specifically designed for admission into MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) and BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) programs. Since Pharm D falls under the category of pharmaceutical sciences rather than medical or dental education, students are generally not required to take MDCAT.
However, some universities may still require MDCAT scores as part of their admission criteria. It is essential to check the specific requirements of the university you are applying to.
Admission Criteria for Pharm D in Pakistan
Since MDCAT is usually not required, universities have their own admission criteria. Below are the general requirements for Pharm D admissions in Pakistan:
1. Academic Requirements
- FSc (Pre-Medical) with a minimum of 60% marks
- Equivalent qualifications such as A-Levels (Biology, Chemistry, Physics/Mathematics)
2. Entry Tests & Merit Calculation
- Some universities conduct their own entry test instead of MDCAT.
- Private universities often admit students based on FSc marks and interviews rather than requiring an entrance exam.
- Public universities like the University of Punjab, University of Karachi, and Islamia University Bahawalpur have highly competitive merit-based admissions.
3. Additional Admission Factors
- Hafiz-e-Quran students may receive extra merit points.
- Some universities consider extracurricular achievements and interviews.
- Quota systems (e.g., provincial, overseas, disabled students) may affect merit rankings.
Universities Offering Pharm D Without MDCAT
If you do not want to take MDCAT, consider applying to universities that do not require it. Some of these institutions include:
- University of Punjab, Lahore
- University of Karachi
- Riphah International University
- Lahore College for Women University (LCWU)
- Islamia University Bahawalpur
- Hamdard University Karachi
- Jinnah Sindh Medical University
- Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) – Entry test required but not MDCAT
Each university may have different admission procedures, so always check their official website for the latest information.
MDCAT vs. University-Specific Entry Tests
If you are still confused about MDCAT’s role in Pharm D admissions, let’s compare MDCAT with university-specific tests.
| Feature | MDCAT | University-Specific Entry Test |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Admission to MBBS/BDS | Admission to Pharm D & other degrees |
| Subjects | Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English | Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, or General Knowledge |
| Mandatory? | Yes (for MBBS/BDS) | Depends on the university |
| Difficulty Level | High | Varies by university |
| Conducted By | PMC (Pakistan Medical Commission) | Respective universities |
As seen in the table, MDCAT is specifically designed for medical and dental programs, while Pharm D programs rely on university-specific admission tests or FSc scores.
Should You Take MDCAT If You Want to Apply for Pharm D?
Even though MDCAT is not required for Pharm D, some students still take it because:
- They are unsure whether to choose MBBS/BDS or Pharm D.
- Some universities may consider MDCAT scores for admission (though not mandatory).
- Having MDCAT scores can keep options open in case a student wants to switch to medical studies later.
If you are confident about pursuing Pharm D, you can focus solely on FSc exams and university-specific tests instead of MDCAT preparation.
Career Opportunities After Pharm D
A Pharm D degree opens multiple career paths, both in Pakistan and internationally. Some of the top career opportunities include:
1. Clinical Pharmacist
- Works in hospitals to ensure safe medication use
- Collaborates with doctors and healthcare teams
2. Pharmaceutical Industry
- Research & Development (R&D)
- Drug manufacturing & quality assurance
3. Regulatory & Government Jobs
- Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP)
- Health ministries & forensic labs
4. Academic & Research Fields
- Teaching at pharmacy colleges and universities
- Conducting pharmaceutical research
5. Entrepreneurship & Retail Pharmacy
- Opening a pharmacy store
- Import/export of medicines
With global demand for pharmacists increasing, a Pharm D degree offers immense opportunities in both Pakistan and abroad.
Final Words
To summarize:
✅ MDCAT is NOT required for Pharm D admissions in Pakistan.
✅ Admissions are based on FSc marks and university-specific entry tests.
✅ Some public and private universities do not require any entrance exam.
✅ A Pharm D degree leads to diverse career opportunities in healthcare, industry, and research.
If you are planning to apply for Pharm D, be sure to check the latest admission policies of your chosen university. Whether you are preparing for MDCAT or not, check our MDCAT DATA CORNER that will be useful for your career.
For more resources, past papers, and preparation materials, visit the MDCATGURU Data Corner. You can also find the latest admission guidelines, study notes, and expert tips on the MDCATGURU homepage.
References
Pharmacy Council of Pakistan (PCP)
Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC)
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