ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has officially commenced online registration for the highly anticipated Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2026. This examination is a mandatory prerequisite for all candidates aspiring for admission into medical and dental colleges throughout Pakistan. Prospective students can complete their registration process through the dedicated online portal established by the PMDC. The deadline for registration with the standard fee is set for July 8, 2026. Following this, a window for late registration will be available until July 13, 2026, albeit with an additional late fee. The MDCAT 2026 examination is scheduled to be conducted concurrently across the nation on August 16, 2026. In the province of Punjab alone, comprehensive arrangements are being made to establish examination centres in 15 major cities, including Lahore, to ensure accessibility for a large number of candidates. The structure of the MDCAT 2026 paper will comprise a total of 180 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The distribution of these questions is as follows: Biology will feature 81 questions, Chemistry will have 45, Physics 36, and English and Logical Reasoning sections will collectively contribute nine questions. The examination paper has been meticulously designed to encompass varying levels of difficulty, with 15 percent of the questions categorized as easy, 70 percent as moderate, and the remaining 15 percent as difficult. This stratification aims to ensure a thorough and equitable assessment of the candidates’ academic proficiency. Education experts have underscored the significance of the MDCAT, describing it as a pivotal stage in the rigorous admission process for medical and dental colleges. They strongly advise students to dedicate ample time to thorough preparation, strictly adhering to the prescribed syllabus. Furthermore, they emphasize the importance of completing the registration process well before the stipulated deadlines to avoid any last-minute complications. The PMDC has also issued a directive urging all candidates to scrupulously follow the council’s established guidelines pertaining to registration procedures, the designated examination centres, and all other relevant administrative protocols. Submitting applications promptly is encouraged to navigate the process smoothly and prevent potential last-minute hindrances.