MDCAT 2026 Preparation Plan: 90-Day Study Schedule for 180+ Marks | ExamHub.pk

The Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) is the most critical hurdle on your path to becoming a doctor in Pakistan. With the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) introducing significant changes for the 2026 session, including a higher eligibility threshold of 65% in FSc and enhanced security measures, the competition is stiffer than ever . However, a high score—specifically 180+ out of 200—is an achievable dream with a disciplined, smart strategy.

This guide provides a comprehensive, subject-wise 90-day study schedule designed to turn you into a top scorer. We'll break down the syllabus, explore proven preparation techniques, and give you a day-by-day roadmap to conquer the MDCAT 2026.

MDCAT 2026: The Updated Landscape

Before diving into the plan, it's crucial to understand the new rules of the game for the 2026 session, which will be held in October 2025 .

Key Updates for 2026

Higher Eligibility: Candidates must now have a minimum of 65% marks in FSc (Pre-Medical) or equivalent to appear in the test .
Provincial Alignment: Your Matric, Intermediate, and Domicile must all belong to the province where you take the test .
Enhanced Security: Biometric verification, digitally encrypted papers, and a centralized question bank will be used to ensure complete transparency .

Exam Structure and Weightage

There is some variation in the reported number of MCQs across different sources, ranging from 180 to 200. We will base our plan on the most frequently cited and detailed structure, focusing on conceptual mastery that applies to any format.

The most detailed and structured preparation plans are based on the following weightage :

| Subject | Number of MCQs | Percentage | Priority | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Biology | 68-81 | ~34-40% | Highest (Make or break your score) | | Chemistry | 45-54 | ~27% | High (Conceptual and scoring) | | Physics | 36-54 | ~27% | High (Requires practice) | | English | 12-20 | ~9% | Medium (Can give you an edge) | | Logical Reasoning | 6-12 | ~3-6% | Medium (Tests analytical skills) | | Total | 180-200 MCQs | 100% | |

Marking & Duration: There is no negative marking. The duration is 3 to 3.5 hours .

The 90-Day Game Plan: A Phased Approach

This 90-day schedule is divided into three distinct phases, each with a specific goal. The key is consistency and daily practice.

Phase 1: Foundation Building (Days 1–30)

Goal: Cover 100% of the syllabus for all subjects chapter-by-chapter. Focus on conceptual clarity, not memorization.

Daily Routine (6-7 hours):
- 3 hours: Biology (one major chapter or two small ones).
- 1.5 hours: Chemistry (one chapter with emphasis on reactions and mechanisms).
- 1.5 hours: Physics (one chapter, focusing on understanding formulas).
- 30 mins: English (grammar rules and vocabulary).
- 30 mins: Revise the day's work and note down key points.
Key Actions:
- Stick to the Syllabus: Download the official PMDC syllabus and tick off topics as you complete them .
- Use Your FSc Books as the Bible: Your 2nd-year and 1st-year FSc books are your primary source. Reference books should only be used for clarification .
- Make Summary Notes: Create "last-day" notes with definitions, flowcharts, and formulas for quick revision later .
- Start Topical MCQs: After finishing a chapter from your book, immediately solve at least 20-30 topical MCQs from a good practice book (like Dogar's or Kips prep) to solidify the concept .

Phase 2: Intensive Practice & Testing (Days 31–65)

Goal: Move from learning to application. Identify weak areas through rigorous testing and improve speed and accuracy.

Daily Routine (6-7 hours):
- 2 hours: Solve chapter-wise MCQs from topics you've already covered.
- 2 hours: Attempt a subject-wise full-length test (e.g., a full Biology paper of 80 MCQs in 80 mins). Rotate subjects daily.
- 2 hours: Detailed analysis of your test. For every wrong answer, write down the correct concept in a separate "Mistake Log."
- 1 hour: Revise your summary notes and formula sheets.
Key Actions:
- Start Full-Length Mock Tests (FLPs): By the end of this phase, start taking one full-length mock test every weekend (simulating 3-hour exam conditions) .
- Focus on Weak Areas: Your "Mistake Log" is your roadmap for this phase. Dedicate extra time to re-learning topics where you consistently make errors.
- Physics Numerical Practice: Solve at least 20-30 numerical problems daily, using a stopwatch to improve your speed .
- Chemistry Deep Dive: Focus on balancing equations, organic chemistry mechanisms, and periodic trends .

Phase 3: Revision & Final Polish (Days 66–90)

Goal: Peak performance. Consolidate revision, build exam stamina, and boost confidence.

Daily Routine (5-6 hours):
- 3 hours: Take a full-length mock test under strict exam conditions (no breaks, no phone). Use answer sheets to practice bubble-filling .
- 2 hours: Analyze your mock test performance in detail. Don't just look at the score; analyze why you got an MCQ wrong (conceptual mistake, silly mistake, time pressure).
- 1 hour: Rapid revision of your "last-day" notes and formula sheets.
Key Actions:
- Revise, Don't Read: This is not the time to pick up new topics. Repeatedly go through your concise notes .
- Master Time Management: Your goal in mock tests is to finish the paper with at least 15-20 minutes to spare for revisiting marked questions.
- Analyze Past Papers: If you haven't already, solve past papers from the last 2-3 years to understand the examiner's pattern .

Subject-Wise Strategy for 180+ Marks

Biology (The Highest Scorer)

Biology is the heavyweight champion. Your performance here will dictate your total score .

Strategy: Focus on diagrams, flowcharts, and tables. For example, instead of just reading about the circulatory system, draw it and label the parts.
High-Yield Topics: Cell structure, Human Physiology (Digestion, Respiration, Circulation, Coordination), Genetics, Biotechnology, and Variety of Life.
Daily Drill: Every day, revise one diagram and its functions. Use mnemonics to remember sequences and classifications.

Chemistry (Conceptual & Numerical)

Chemistry is a mix of memory work (organic) and application (physical) .

Strategy: Create a separate notebook for reactions (Organic Chemistry) and formulas (Physical Chemistry).
High-Yield Topics:
- Physical: Equilibrium, Electrochemistry, Solutions, Thermochemistry.
- Inorganic: Periodic Table trends, Chemical Bonding.
- Organic: Hydrocarbons, Functional groups (Alcohols, Aldehydes, Ketones, Carboxylic Acids), Biochemistry.
Daily Drill: Write down 5 chemical reactions and 5 formulas from your notebook every morning.

Physics (The Practice Game)

Physics can be tricky, but with consistent practice, it becomes highly scoring .

Strategy: Create a master formula sheet. Before solving numericals, look at the formula sheet and identify which formula applies to the given quantities.
High-Yield Topics: Kinematics, Dynamics, Work, Power & Energy, Waves & Optics, Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Electromagnetism.
Daily Drill: Solve 20-30 numericals daily, focusing on conceptual MCQs rather than just lengthy calculations.

English & Logical Reasoning (The Edge)

These sections are often neglected, but mastering them can push you into the 180+ club .

English Strategy:
- Grammar: Revise tenses, subject-verb agreement, articles, prepositions, and sentence correction rules from a good grammar book .
- Vocabulary: Learn 5-10 new words daily, along with their synonyms, antonyms, and usage in sentences .
Logical Reasoning Strategy:
- Practice finding patterns in sequences, critical thinking puzzles, and data interpretation. This section tests your analytical mind, not rote knowledge.

The 90-Day Weekly Schedule Template

Here's a template for how your week should look. Adapt the topics based on your pace.

Final Tips for the Toppers

Quality Over Quantity: Solving 50 high-quality, conceptual MCQs is better than mindlessly solving 200 .
Stay Healthy: Sleep for 7-8 hours, eat well, and take short breaks. A tired brain retains nothing .
Use Technology Wisely: Use mobile apps for on-the-go practice (like STEP's app or PLS MCQs Bank), but avoid social media distractions .
Join a Test Session: If possible, join a reputable academy's test session like STEP or KIPS. The competitive environment and expert feedback are invaluable .

The journey to 180+ marks begins now. Stick to this plan, stay consistent, and believe in your preparation. Your dream of wearing the white coat is just 90 days of focused effort away. Good luck