MDCAT Islamabad 2026: SZABMU paper guide
For Islamabad and federal candidates the MDCAT is conducted by Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU). We have the real SZABMU 2026 paper with its official key, plus 2025 and 2024.
Same syllabus, SZABMU paper
Every province sits the same PMDC paper format: 180 MCQs in 3 hours, no negative marking — Biology 81 (45%), Chemistry 45 (25%), Physics 36 (20%), English 9 (5%), Logical Reasoning 9 (5%). The syllabus is the single PMDC uniform curriculum; there is no separate Islamabad syllabus. What differs is who writes the questions, and so the style, wording and emphasis of the paper.
How the SZABMU paper reads
We measured the real SZABMU papers on this site against the national PMC papers:
| Paper set | Typical question length | NOT / EXCEPT questions | Physics + Chemistry numericals |
|---|---|---|---|
| SZABMU (3 papers, 560 MCQs) | 13.0 words | 5% | 26% |
| National PMC/PMDC papers (11 papers) | 11 words | 6% | 25% |
SZABMU papers sit close to the national pattern: few NOT/EXCEPT questions and fewer numericals than UHS or KP papers. Broad, accurate concept coverage across all chapters matters more than speed-calculation.
SZABMU papers on this site
- 2026 (20 Sep 2026): Code 4 with the official SZABMU key, the only real 2026 paper online.
- 2025 (26 Oct 2025): Code 2, checked against the official key.
- 2024 (22 Sep 2024): this sitting was later set aside by the Islamabad High Court and re-held on 30 December 2024.
Practise in the SZABMU pattern
When you pick this province (top-right button), our practice tests put up to 40% 300 original MCQs written in the SZABMU style first, then fill the rest from the 26,000+ question bank. Every MCQ is checked against the PMDC curriculum unit and subtopic, and has an explanation.
- Quick test (20 MCQs, free)
- Full 180-MCQ mock in the SZABMU pattern (Premium)
- Chapter notes for all 5 subjects
Islamabad / Federal past papers on MDCAT Prep
Papers set by SZABMU (Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, Islamabad) that you can solve online with a timer and instant score:
See all past papers (2008–2026) →
Frequently asked questions
Is the MDCAT syllabus different for Islamabad?
No. All provinces and federal areas follow the same PMDC uniform curriculum; SZABMU sets the federal paper.
Who conducts MDCAT in Islamabad?
SZABMU conducted MDCAT for Islamabad, AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan candidates in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
Is the SZABMU 2026 paper available?
Yes. SZABMU Code 4 from 20 September 2026 is on our past papers page, graded with the official key.
Why was MDCAT 2024 re-held in Islamabad?
The Islamabad High Court ordered a retake of the 22 September 2024 SZABMU test; it was re-held as MDCAT-II on 30 December 2024.
Other provinces
Sources: szabmu.edu.pk; ProPakistani (21 Sep 2026) on the SZABMU 2026 key; Dawn on the 2024 IHC retake order.