Every year, thousands of students across Pakistan sit for the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT), hoping to earn a spot in one of the country’s top medical or dental colleges. But in recent years, a common question has emerged: Is the MDCAT getting tougher?
From Lahore to Karachi, Islamabad to Peshawar, students and parents alike have debated whether the exam has become more challenging over time — or if it’s simply evolving in a way that demands different preparation strategies.
In this article, we’ll break down MDCAT papers from 2020 to 2024, offering a clear-eyed view of how the test has changed and what it means for future candidates.
What Makes an Exam Feel Harder?
Before diving into year-by-year comparisons, it’s important to define what we mean by a “tough” exam. Several factors come into play:
- Question Style: Are questions more straightforward or application-based?
- Syllabus Breadth: Has the range of topics expanded or become deeper?
- Time Pressure: Are the questions longer or require more steps to solve?
- Format Changes: Sudden shifts in format or testing method can catch students off-guard.
- Marking Criteria: Policies like negative marking can change exam dynamics significantly.
Each of these elements influences how difficult an exam feels to students sitting in different parts of Pakistan, whether it’s Lahore’s coaching hubs or more remote centers.
Year-by-Year Breakdown: MDCAT 2020 to 2024
MDCAT 2020
- Exam Body: Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC)
- Paper Pattern: 200 MCQs, no negative marking
- Syllabus Coverage: Aligned closely with Punjab and Federal Board textbooks
- Overall Difficulty: Moderate
Students found Biology relatively simple, Chemistry a little more demanding, and Physics moderately tricky. English, as usual, leaned heavily on vocabulary skills.
With no negative marking, many students in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad considered the paper fair and balanced.
MDCAT 2021
- Exam Body: PMC
- Paper Pattern: 210 MCQs
- Syllabus Coverage: Shortened syllabus due to the COVID-19 pandemic
- Overall Difficulty: High
This year sparked major controversy.
Questions appeared with confusing wording, and some didn’t align cleanly with the announced syllabus. Physics sections were noticeably calculation-heavy, and Chemistry included unexpected conceptual twists.
Candidates from Multan, Quetta, and even Lahore reported frustration — not just at the difficulty, but also at the lack of clarity.
MDCAT 2022
- Exam Body: Provincial universities (UHS, SZABMU, and others)
- Paper Pattern: 200 MCQs
- Syllabus Coverage: Province-specific syllabi
- Overall Difficulty: Moderate to High
When control shifted back to provincial bodies, many students hoped for a smoother experience.
Overall, Biology remained direct and approachable, Chemistry demanded careful thought, and Physics tested problem-solving skills extensively.
Students preparing from cities like Peshawar, Hyderabad, and Rawalpindi found that conceptual understanding mattered far more than simple memorization.
MDCAT 2023
- Exam Body: Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC)
- Paper Pattern: 200 MCQs
- Syllabus Coverage: Strictly syllabus-based
- Overall Difficulty: Moderate
MDCAT 2023 was seen as more predictable.
Biology sections were straightforward, Physics felt more balanced compared to previous years, and Chemistry was a blend of theory and basic numericals.
Students from Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi reported that sticking to the syllabus gave them a clear advantage, and the paper didn’t throw unexpected surprises like it had in 2021.
MDCAT 2024
- Exam Body: PMDC
- Paper Pattern: Computer-Based Testing (CBT) in some centers; Paper-Based in others
- Overall Difficulty: High
MDCAT 2024 marked a major shift, both in style and delivery.
In cities like Islamabad and Lahore, candidates faced computer-based tests for the first time, while others sat for traditional paper exams. Regardless of format, the emphasis was clear: application of knowledge over memorization.
Physics and Chemistry sections were conceptual, requiring students to apply principles in unfamiliar situations. Biology stayed relatively stable, and English remained consistent.
So, Is MDCAT Really Getting Harder?
The simple answer is: yes — but not in the way many think.
The nature of the challenge has shifted.
Where earlier MDCAT exams focused heavily on recall — memorizing facts, formulas, and vocabulary — recent papers demand critical thinking, application of knowledge, and problem-solving under time pressure.
In cities like Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Multan, academies have adjusted their training to focus more on concept-based learning, helping students prepare for the tougher demands.
Biology remains the most scoring subject for disciplined students.
Physics has clearly become the biggest hurdle, not because of tougher formulas, but because of the logical reasoning needed to apply them.
Chemistry, too, has moved away from just remembering reactions to understanding how and why reactions happen.
How MDCAT Candidates Can Prepare Smarter for 2025
Based on recent trends, here’s a practical roadmap for MDCAT 2025 aspirants:
- Concept Clarity Over Rote Learning
Whether it’s Organic Chemistry or Modern Physics, understanding beats memorization every time. - Practice Complex MCQs
Scenario-based questions and multi-step problems should be a regular part of your practice. - Master Time Management
Completing 200 questions within 3.5 hours demands both speed and accuracy. Mock exams should simulate real exam conditions. - Stick to the PMDC Syllabus
Avoid wasting energy on topics not prescribed officially. Students across Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad who followed the syllabus closely had a clear edge in 2023 and 2024. - Adapt to CBT if Needed
Students sitting in centers offering Computer-Based Testing should get familiar with solving MCQs on a screen rather than paper. - Stay Updated
PMDC announcements about exam formats, syllabus updates, or scoring policies must be followed carefully, no matter which city you’re preparing from.
Regional Perspective: How MDCAT Feels Across Pakistan
Candidates across Pakistan experience MDCAT in slightly different ways.
Students from major cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad often have greater access to advanced preparation materials and practice sessions, while those from smaller cities like Abbottabad or Sukkur sometimes face challenges in finding the right resources.
Despite these differences, one thing remains consistent:
Success in MDCAT now requires a shift in approach — across all regions.
No matter where you are, understanding concepts, practicing application-based questions, and building speed are non-negotiable for cracking the exam.
MDCATGuru.com continues to monitor exam trends closely to help students from every corner of Pakistan — whether preparing from urban hubs or rural towns — achieve their dreams.
Conclusion
MDCAT has undoubtedly grown tougher over the last five years — not because it is unfair, but because it is evolving with global academic standards.
The exams today favor students who can think critically, apply their knowledge, and solve problems quickly under pressure.
If you are preparing for MDCAT 2025, take this evolution seriously. Build deep understanding instead of relying on shortcuts, and practice with the right intensity.
With the right strategy, focus, and hard work, success is absolutely within your reach — no matter which city or region you belong to.
Stay connected with MDCATGURU for expert updates, practice resources, and strategies designed to help you navigate the changing MDCAT landscape confidently.
FAQs About MDCAT Difficulty
1. Is MDCAT becoming harder every year?
Yes, over the last five years, MDCAT has shifted towards more conceptual and application-based questions, especially in Physics and Chemistry. The overall difficulty has increased compared to older, memory-focused papers.
2. Which MDCAT subject has become the toughest recently?
Physics is widely considered the toughest subject in recent MDCAT exams. It now requires strong problem-solving skills, not just memorization of formulas. Chemistry has also become more conceptual, while Biology remains manageable for well-prepared students.
3. Was MDCAT 2021 really the most difficult exam?
MDCAT 2021 was one of the most controversial years. Many students reported out-of-syllabus questions, confusing phrasing, and unpredictable paper patterns, making it feel tougher than usual.
4. Has the MDCAT syllabus changed between 2020 and 2024?
While the core syllabus has remained mostly consistent, some years, like 2021 and 2022, saw minor adjustments. However, the way questions are asked — focusing more on application and critical thinking — has changed significantly.
5. How can students better prepare for tougher MDCAT papers?
Students should focus on deep conceptual understanding, regular practice of scenario-based MCQs, and timed full-length mock exams. Relying only on rote memorization is no longer enough to succeed.
6. Does the MDCAT difficulty vary by region in Pakistan?
While the exam paper is standardized nationally, students in larger cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad often have greater access to resources and advanced coaching, which can influence overall performance trends.
