PMDC Makes Biometric Verification Mandatory for MDCAT 2026 — What Students Need to Know

Big changes are coming for students who want to get into medical and dental colleges in Pakistan. The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council has introduced a strict new rule: biometric verification is now mandatory for all candidates appearing in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test 2026.

This move aims to stop cheating and impersonation, a problem that has troubled medical admissions for years. If you are planning to take the MDCAT, here is everything you need to know to make sure you are not turned away at the exam center door.

What Is Changing? The New MDCAT Rules at a Glance

The PMDC has issued a public notice outlining two major new requirements for MDCAT 2026.

Requirement	Details
Biometric Verification	Mandatory for all candidates at exam entry points
Juvenile Registration Card	Required for candidates under 18 years old (B-Form no longer accepted)
CNIC for Adults	Candidates 18 and older must present original CNIC

The Most Important Change for Under-18 Candidates

If you are under 18 years old on exam day, listen up. This is critical. Your simple B-Form will no longer be accepted as valid identification for entry into the MDCAT examination center.

The PMDC has clearly stated that all candidates below 18 years of age must have a valid Juvenile Registration Card issued by the National Database and Registration Authority.

Why will B-Form not work? The reason is simple: B-Forms do not contain biometric data, no chip, no fingerprints, no way to digitally verify your identity. The Juvenile Registration Card, on the other hand, includes biometric features that can be scanned at the exam center.

Other MDCAT 2026 Changes You Should Know About

While biometric verification is the newest rule, the PMDC has already announced several other changes for MDCAT 2026.

Category	New Requirement
Minimum FSc Marks	65% (increased from 60%)
Province Rule	Matric, FSc, and domicile must be from same province as exam center
Exam Subjects	Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English, Logical Reasoning
Total Questions	180 MCQs
Negative Marking	None
Exam Window	October 5 to 26, 2026
Security Measures	Biometric verification, digital encryption, surveillance cameras

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Prepare for MDCAT 2026

Here is exactly what you need to do to ensure you are eligible to sit for the MDCAT 2026.

Check Your Age: Determine whether you will be under 18 or 18 or older on the day of the MDCAT, expected exam window from October 5 to 26, 2026.
Get the Right ID Document: If under 18, visit your nearest NADRA office and apply for a Juvenile Registration Card. If 18 or older, ensure you have a valid, original CNIC that is not expired.
Keep Your Documents Safe: Once you receive your Juvenile Card or have your CNIC ready, keep it in a safe place. Do not wait until the last minute to locate your documents.
Complete MDCAT Registration: When MDCAT registration opens, expected in mid-2026, you will need to provide your ID information during the online application process.
Bring Original Documents on Exam Day: On the day of the test, bring your original ID document to the exam center. Photocopies, mobile photos, or digital versions will not be accepted.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Consequence
Showing up with a B-Form (under 18)	Entry denied
Bringing a photocopy of CNIC or Juvenile Card	Entry denied
Expired CNIC	Entry denied
Damaged card (unreadable chip or fingerprints)	Possible entry denial
Waiting until last week to get Juvenile Card	May not receive card in time

What About the MDCAT Passing Marks?

The PMDC has made separate announcements regarding passing marks. The council has allowed a one-time relaxation of up to 3 per cent in MDCAT passing marks to help fill vacant seats in private medical and dental colleges for the current admission session.

Program	Standard Passing Marks	Relaxed Passing Marks
MBBS	52%	49%
BDS	47%	44%

Important: This relaxation is strictly a one-time measure for the current academic session only. It applies only to filling genuinely vacant seats and is not a permanent change. For MDCAT 2026, the standard passing marks have not been officially changed yet. Students should prepare assuming the standard thresholds unless PMDC announces otherwise.

What Parents Need to Know

If your child is planning to take the MDCAT 2026 and is under 18, you need to take action now. Do not wait until registration opens. NADRA can take several weeks to process and issue Juvenile Registration Cards. If you apply late, your child may not receive the card before the exam. Visit your nearest NADRA office as soon as possible to start the application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is biometric verification really mandatory for MDCAT 2026?

Yes. The PMDC has issued a public notice making biometric verification mandatory for all MDCAT 2026 candidates.

Can I use my B-Form if I am under 18?

No. The PMDC has clearly stated that B-Forms will not be accepted because they do not contain biometric data. You must obtain a Juvenile Registration Card from NADRA.

What is a Juvenile Registration Card?

It is a NADRA-issued identity card for citizens under 18 years of age. It contains biometric features including a chip and fingerprints that can be scanned for verification.

What if I am 18 years old on exam day?

You must bring your original CNIC. Photocopies or digital versions will not be accepted.

What happens if I forget my ID on exam day?

You will not be allowed to enter the exam center. There are no exceptions.

When will MDCAT 2026 be held?

The exam window is expected to be October 5 to 26, 2026, though official dates will be confirmed closer to the time.

What is the minimum FSc marks required for MDCAT 2026?

Candidates must secure at least 65 per cent marks in FSc (Pre-Medical) or an equivalent qualification to be eligible.

The Bottom Line

The PMDC is serious about cleaning up medical admissions in Pakistan. Biometric verification for MDCAT 2026 is not optional. It is the new standard.

If you are under 18, get your Juvenile Registration Card from NADRA now. Your B-Form will not work. If you are 18 or older, make sure your CNIC is valid and in good condition. For everyone, bring your original ID document to the exam center. No exceptions.

The MDCAT exam window is expected to run from October 5 to 26, 2026. That gives you several months to get your documents in order, but do not procrastinate. NADRA processing times can be unpredictable.

Your medical career depends on it.

This article was last updated on April 16, 2026, based on official public notices from the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council and statements from council officials. Students are advised to regularly check the official PMDC website for the latest updates on registration dates and exam schedules.