MDCAT 2026 tomorrow: 12,030 candidates set for Lahore test

The Medical and Dental College Admission Test will take place on Sunday, September 20, across 15 cities in Punjab.

A total of 19,201 candidates are expected to sit for the examination across the province, according to the latest arrangements.

In Lahore alone, six examination centers have been prepared for 12,030 candidates.

The arrangements include strict security, CCTV monitoring, biometric verification and additional checking at the examination centers.

Authorities have also finalized measures to control entry and prevent any disruption during the test.

Six Lahore centers ready for MDCAT

A large number of female candidates will appear at the Punjab University Examination Hall on Wahdat Road.

Around 4,400 female students are registered to take the test at the examination hall.

Another 1,600 female candidates will appear at Lahore College for Women University.

The University of Education in Township will host another 1,620 female candidates for the examination.

Male candidates will also appear at several designated centers across the city.

Around 881 male students are scheduled to take the test at Divisional Public School in Township.

Another 2,000 male candidates will appear at the Board of Intermediate Examination Hall on Lawrence Road.

The COMSATS University Lahore campus will host 1,525 candidates, including both male and female students.

These six centers together will accommodate the 12,030 candidates registered to appear in Lahore.

Strict security arrangements in place

Authorities have introduced extensive security measures for MDCAT 2026.

CCTV cameras will monitor entrances, exits and examination halls at all six centers in Lahore.

The Punjab Safe Cities Authority will provide round-the-clock surveillance during the examination.

NADRA biometric verification has also been made mandatory for candidates appearing in the test.

Walk-through gates and metal detectors have been installed at the examination centers.

Section 144 has also been imposed around examination centers to maintain security and control movement in surrounding areas.

Around 3,700 supervisory staff members have been deployed across Punjab for the examination.

Authorities have said that administrative, police and security arrangements for the test have been completed.

Entry and gate closing times

Candidates will be allowed to enter their examination centers from 7:30am.

The gates will be strictly sealed at 9:00am, meaning candidates must reach their designated centers well before the closing time.

Students will have to pass through security checks before entering the examination halls.

Biometric verification will also be carried out as part of the examination process.

The additional security measures are intended to protect the integrity of the test and prevent unauthorized entry.

Candidates are therefore expected to follow all instructions issued by examination staff and security personnel.

MDCAT paper to contain 180 questions

The MDCAT 2026 examination paper will contain 180 questions.

Authorities have prepared two separate question papers, with both versions containing 180 questions.

The papers have been sent to each province as part of measures designed to reduce the risk of a paper leak.

A question bank containing 8,000 questions was also established for preparation of the examination.

Officials have said additional safeguards were introduced after a previous paper leak resulted in the cancellation of an examination.

The new arrangements are intended to strengthen the examination system and reduce the possibility of such problems.

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Special arrangements for AJK candidates

Special arrangements have also been made for candidates from Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

A dedicated online portal has been launched for AJK students.

Physical copies of the examination papers have also been delivered to AJK to deal with possible internet connectivity problems.

A special examination center has additionally been established in Islamabad for candidates from AJK.

These arrangements are aimed at ensuring that candidates can take the examination even if internet or connectivity problems affect online systems.

The examination authorities have also said that the test will be directly monitored at the national level.

31 centers planned across Punjab

Across Punjab, 31 examination centers have been established in 15 cities for MDCAT 2026.

Around 49,000 candidates are expected to appear across the province under the finalized arrangements.

Officials have reviewed security and administrative preparations at the provincial level.

Safe City CCTV cameras will be used to monitor examination centers and surrounding areas.

Authorities have also been instructed to ensure that walk-through gates and scanners are available at all locations.

The measures are designed to maintain a controlled environment for students and examination staff.