NUMS Entry Test Guide 2026
The National University of Medical Sciences conducts its own entry test for MBBS, BDS and allied health programmes at its affiliated colleges. This guide explains eligibility, the paper pattern and weightage, how NUMS differs from MDCAT, how merit is calculated, and how to prepare for both tests in one cycle.
Target exam
NUMS Entry Test
NUMS announces the exact syllabus, weightage, negative marking policy and merit formula in its admission prospectus each year. Verify current details on the official NUMS website.
Who can apply for NUMS admission?
Requirements are similar to MDCAT but set independently by NUMS.
Education
FSc Pre-Medical or an equivalent qualification with Biology, Chemistry and Physics. A-Level and other foreign qualifications require an IBCC equivalence certificate before applying.
Minimum marks
A minimum percentage in FSc or equivalent is required for eligibility, in line with PMDC/PM&DC regulations. Competitive merit is normally much higher than the eligibility floor.
Open merit & quotas
NUMS admits on open merit and against specific categories including armed-forces dependants and provincial allocations, depending on the college and programme.
Result-awaiting candidates
Candidates awaiting FSc results can usually register and appear in the test, provided final results and equivalence documents are submitted by the stated deadline.
The NUMS admission process
From online registration to college allocation.
Online registration
Create an account on the NUMS admission portal, complete your academic profile, choose your test city, upload documents and pay the test fee.
Roll number slip and test
Download your roll number slip, then appear at the allotted centre for the MCQ entry test covering Biology, Chemistry, Physics and English.
Result and aggregate
NUMS publishes your entry test score and calculates an aggregate that combines the test with FSc/equivalent and, where applicable, Matric marks.
Programme and college preferences
Submit your college and programme preferences in the admission portal. Choices matter — realistic ordering improves your chance of an allocation you will accept.
Merit lists and joining
Selection runs through successive merit lists. Deposit fees and complete document verification within each deadline to secure your seat.
NUMS entry test pattern and weightage
Biology dominates, but English and Physics decide close merit races.
FSc Part I and II: cell biology, biological molecules, enzymes, coordination, reproduction, genetics, evolution, ecology and human physiology.
Physical, organic and inorganic chemistry: atomic structure, bonding, thermochemistry, equilibrium, hydrocarbons, functional groups and reaction mechanisms.
Mechanics, waves, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, electronics and modern physics, with an emphasis on applied numericals.
Grammar, sentence structure, prepositions, vocabulary in context and sentence correction — often the deciding section at the top of the merit list.
How to prepare for the NUMS entry test
Overlap with MDCAT is large — prepare once, sit both.
Base everything on FSc textbooks
NUMS questions stay close to the FSc curriculum. Master the textbook first; use academy notes only to organise revision, not to replace the book.
Give Biology the most hours
Biology carries the largest weightage and the most direct-recall marks. Cover chapter by chapter, then revise through MCQs rather than re-reading.
Split Chemistry three ways
Treat physical, organic and inorganic chemistry as separate study streams so no branch is neglected. Organic reaction patterns repay pattern-based revision.
Practise Physics numericals
Physics scores collapse without numerical practice. Work through applied problems for each chapter and memorise the units and formula variants.
Do not skip English
English is the fastest section to improve and the one most candidates ignore. Twenty minutes of grammar and vocabulary MCQs a day is enough.
Sit full-length timed mocks
Weekly full papers under exam timing build stamina and pacing. Review every wrong answer and tag it by chapter to guide the next week's revision.
Prepare NUMS and MDCAT together
The syllabus overlap is large. Study a common core, then add the NUMS-specific style and weightage in the last few weeks before the test.
Prepare for NUMS with Tabir Academy
NUMS entry test preparation with chapter-wise Biology, Chemistry, Physics and English MCQ banks, detailed explanations and full-length timed mock tests.
MDCAT preparation courses cover most of the same syllabus if you are sitting both tests.
NUMS preparation course
MDCAT guide
NUMS category
AFNS guide
Frequently asked questions
What is the NUMS entry test?
It is the admission test conducted by the National University of Medical Sciences for MBBS, BDS and allied health programmes at NUMS-affiliated colleges. It is separate from MDCAT and has its own registration and merit process.
Is NUMS entry test the same as MDCAT?
No. MDCAT is the national medical admission test conducted province-wise, while NUMS conducts its own test for its affiliated institutions. The syllabus overlaps heavily, but registration, weightage and merit lists are separate.
What subjects are in the NUMS entry test?
Biology, Chemistry, Physics and English, based on the FSc Pre-Medical curriculum. Biology carries the highest weightage.
Who is eligible for the NUMS entry test?
Candidates with FSc Pre-Medical or an IBCC-equivalent qualification who meet the minimum percentage stated in the NUMS prospectus. Result-awaiting students can usually register subject to submitting final results by the deadline.
How is NUMS merit calculated?
NUMS calculates an aggregate combining the entry test score with FSc/equivalent marks and, where applicable, Matric marks. The exact weightage is published in the admission prospectus each year.
How do I register for the NUMS entry test?
Register online through the NUMS admission portal at numspak.edu.pk: create an account, enter academic details, choose a test city, upload documents and pay the test fee before the deadline.
Is there negative marking in the NUMS test?
The marking scheme is announced by NUMS for each cycle. Check the current prospectus and plan your guessing strategy accordingly.
Can I appear in both NUMS and MDCAT?
Yes, and most serious candidates do. The syllabus overlap means a single strong preparation cycle can serve both, giving you two independent admission routes.
How long should I prepare for the NUMS entry test?
Twelve to sixteen weeks of structured daily study is a realistic target if your FSc base is solid, with the final three to four weeks focused on full-length timed mocks.
Which colleges accept the NUMS entry test?
NUMS-affiliated public and private medical and dental colleges, including armed-forces medical institutions. The current list of participating colleges is published in the NUMS prospectus each cycle.
What is a good score in the NUMS entry test?
Aim as high as possible rather than a fixed number — closing merit changes each year by college and category. Strong candidates target a high percentage in Biology while not losing marks in English.
How much English is in the NUMS test?
English is a smaller section than the sciences but frequently decides close merit contests. It covers grammar, sentence correction, prepositions and vocabulary in context.
Are NUMS past papers useful?
Yes. Past and model papers show the question style, difficulty level and pacing NUMS expects. Use them after completing the syllabus rather than at the start.
Do A-Level students need equivalence for NUMS?
Yes. A-Level and other foreign qualifications require an IBCC equivalence certificate for eligibility and merit calculation. Apply for equivalence well before the registration deadline.
Is coaching necessary for the NUMS test?
Not necessarily. A structured MCQ bank with explanations, the FSc textbooks and regular timed mocks are enough for many candidates; coaching mainly adds discipline and feedback.