Eligibility Criteria for BDS in Pakistan 2026 (MDCAT 50%)

Eligibility Criteria for BDS in Pakistan 2026: Marks, Subjects and MDCAT

To be eligible for BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) in Pakistan in 2026 you need more than 60% in FSc Pre-Medical or equivalent, Biology and Chemistry plus either Physics or Mathematics, and at least 50% in MDCAT (90 out of 180 marks). You also need the domicile that your admitting province requires. NUMS colleges use their own entry test. If you've seen "65%" quoted for BDS, that's an older figure. Check your authority's prospectus for anything else.

BDS eligibility at a glance

The FSc requirement, in plain terms

You need a minimum of 60% in HSSC or an equivalent 12th-grade qualification recognised in Pakistan. On a 1,100-mark FSc scheme, that's 660 marks. PM&DC's wording allows for a higher percentage if the council notifies one, so a future notice could raise the bar.

You must have passed Biology and Chemistry, and you can choose either Physics or Mathematics as your third science. Note that a few guides list Physics as compulsory. Follow your authority's prospectus.

Awaiting your result? Some routes, such as the NUMS test, let students who haven't received their 12th-grade result apply. You'll still need to meet the 60% when merit is calculated.

The MDCAT requirement

MDCAT is a 180-mark test. The BDS pass mark is 50%, which is 90 marks, while MBBS needs 55%, or 99 marks. Meeting it makes you eligible. It doesn't get you a seat, because admission depends on your merit aggregate, quota and seat availability. Check where you stand on our MDCAT 2026 results page, and see BDS admission 2026 for how to apply.

How long is the score valid? KMU's last admission cycle accepted MDCAT results from 2023, 2024 and 2025, which points to a three-year window for the PMDC MDCAT. The NUMS test is different: its 2026 score counts for session 2026–27 only.

Domicile

Provincial public seats are tied to domicile. UHS requires a Punjab domicile certificate for its public-sector admissions, and KMU requires domicile of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or the merged districts. Open-merit and reserved seats have separate rules, so read the prospectus for your seat category.

NUMS eligibility for BDS

NUMS admits to its constituent, affiliated and armed-forces-administered medical and dental colleges through its own entry test, not the PMDC MDCAT. NUMS MDCAT 2026 was held on 13 September 2026. Candidates need:

• The same 60% HSSC floor, with Biology, Chemistry and Physics or Mathematics. Some affiliated colleges calculate the 60% over the three science subjects, so check the college's criteria.

• At least 50% in the NUMS test for BDS (55% for MBBS), according to most guides. Confirm in the NUMS advertisement.

• Valid citizenship of Pakistan, or overseas or dual-national status, or foreign national status. Under-18 applicants need a NADRA juvenile card.

The NUMS score is valid for one session only. NUMS merit uses 50% test, 40% FSc and 10% Matric.

A-Level, overseas and foreign applicants

• A-Levels and foreign 12th-grade qualifications must be converted through IBCC equivalence before you apply.

• Overseas Pakistanis and foreign nationals on reserved or foreign seats can use alternatives to MDCAT, such as SAT-II, UCAT or a foreign MCAT. The regulations quoted by NUMS-affiliated colleges set SAT-II at a minimum of 550 in each subject, or 50% on UCAT or MCAT. Older pages, including this one until now, quoted a lower SAT-II figure of 480. Foreigners residing in Pakistan may take MDCAT instead.

Old numbers to ignore

If a page tells you BDS needs 65% in MDCAT or 55% as the BDS cut-off, it's out of date. The current BDS pass mark is 50%. Pages also still quote IELTS or TOEFL requirements and 70% in Maths or Physics for foreign applicants from earlier rules. Use the official regulations and your admitting authority's prospectus.

Check yourself in 30 seconds

1. Is my HSSC/FSc above 60% with Biology, Chemistry and Physics or Maths?

2. Did I score at least 90 out of 180 in MDCAT (or 50% in the NUMS test)?

3. Do I have the domicile my province asks for?

4. If I studied A-Levels or abroad, do I have IBCC equivalence?

5. Is my MDCAT score still valid for this admission cycle?

If all five are yes, you're eligible to apply. The prospectus will confirm the deadline and merit formula.

FAQ

What is the eligibility criteria for BDS in Pakistan 2026?
More than 60% in FSc Pre-Medical or equivalent, Biology and Chemistry plus Physics or Maths, and at least 50% in MDCAT (90 of 180).

How much MDCAT score is required for BDS?
50%, or 90 out of 180 marks. MBBS needs 55%.

Is 65% required for BDS admission?
No. 65% is an older figure that still appears on some pages. The current requirements are 60% in HSSC and 50% in MDCAT.

Is MDCAT compulsory for BDS?
Yes, for most seats. Reserved seats for overseas Pakistanis and foreign students can use SAT-II, UCAT or a foreign MCAT instead.

What is the NUMS eligibility criteria for BDS?
The NUMS entry test (not PMDC MDCAT) with a pass mark reported as 50% for BDS, plus at least 60% in HSSC with the required subjects.

Can A-Level students apply for BDS?
Yes, with IBCC equivalence certificates for their qualifications.

Does eligibility guarantee admission?
No. It makes you eligible to apply. Admission depends on merit, quota and seat availability.