MDCAT 2026 Syllabus

As prescribed by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), this outlines the official syllabus for the Medical and Dental Colleges Admission Test (MDCAT).

BIOLOGY

Unit	Topics/Subtopics	Learning outcomes
1- ACELLULAR LIFE	Viruses	1.1. Classify viruses on the basis of their structure/ number of strands/ diseases/ hosts, etc.
1- ACELLULAR LIFE	AIDS and HIV Infection	1.2. Identify symptoms, mode of transmission and cause of viral disease (AIDS)
2- BIOENERGETICS	Respiration	2.1. Outline the cellular respiration of proteins and fats and correlate these with that of glucose.
3- BIOLOGICAL MOLECULES	Biological molecules	3.1. Define and classify biological molecules. 3.2. Discuss the importance of biological molecules
	Biological Importance of Water	3.3. Describe biologically important properties of water (polarity, hydrolysis, specific heat, water as solvent and reagent, density, cohesion/ionization)
	Carbohydrates	3.4. Discuss carbohydrates: monosaccharides (glucose), oligosaccharides (cane sugar, sucrose, lactose), polysaccharides (starches, cellulose, glycogen)
	Proteins	3.5. Describe proteins: amino acids, structure of proteins
	Lipids	3.6. Describe lipids: phospholipids, triglycerides, alcohol and esters (acylglycerol)
	Ribonucleic acid (RNA)	3.7. Give an account of the structure and function of RNA
	Conjugated molecules	3.8. Discuss conjugated molecules (glycol lipids, glycol proteins)
	Structure of DNA	3.9. Explain the double helical structure of DNA as proposed by Watson and Crick. 3.10. Define gene is a sequence of nucleotides as part of DNA, which codes for the formation of a polypeptide.
4- CELL STRUCTURE & FUNCTION	Cell structure	4.1. Compare the structure of a typical animal and plant cell
	Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cells	4.2. Compare and contrast the structure of prokaryotic cells with eukaryotic cells
	Cytoplasmic Organelles	4.3 Outline the structure and function of the following organelles: nucleus, Endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, a Mitochondria
	Chromosomes	4.4. Describe the structure, chemical composition and function of chromosomes.
5- COORDINATION & CONTROL/ NERVOUS & CHEMICAL COORDINATION	Receptors	5.1. Recognize receptors as transducers sensitive to various stimuli.
	Neurons	5.2. Explain the structure of a typical neuron (cell body, dendrites, axon and myelin sheath
		5.3. Define nerve impulse
		5.4. Classify reflexes
		5.5. Briefly explain the functions of the components of a reflex arc
	Brain	5.6. Discuss the main parts of the brain (e.g., components of the brain stem, midbrain, cerebellum, cerebrum)
	Brain	5.7. Describe the functions of each part.
6- ENZYMES	Enzymes	6.1. Describe the distinguishing characteristics of enzymes
	Mode of Enzyme Action	6.2. Explain the mechanism of action of enzymes
	Factors that Affect the Rate of Enzyme Reactions	6.3. Describe the effects of factors on enzyme action (temperature, pH and concentration)
	Inhibitors	6.4. Describe enzyme inhibitors
7- EVOLUTION	Concept of Evolution	7.1. Explain the origin of life according to the concept of evolution
	Lamarckism	7.2. Describe the theory of inheritance of acquired characters, as proposed by Lamarck.
	Darwinism	7.3. Explain the theory of natural selection as proposed by Darwin
8- REPRODUCTION	Human Reproductive System	8.1. Describe the functions of various parts of the male & female reproductive systems and the hormones that regulate those functions
	Menstrual cycle	8.2. Describe the menstrual cycle (female reproductive cycle), emphasizing the role of hormones
	Sexually transmitted diseases	8.3. List the common sexually transmitted diseases along with their causative agents and main symptoms
9- SUPPORT & MOVEMENT	Human skeleton	9.1. Describe cartilage, muscle and bone
	Human skeleton	9.2. Explain the main characteristics of cartilage and bone, along with their functions.
	Muscles	9.3. Compare characteristics of smooth muscles, cardiac muscles and skeletal muscles
	Skeletal muscles	9.4. Explain the ultrastructure of skeletal muscles
	Muscle contraction	9.5. Describe in brief the process of skeletal muscle contraction
	Joints	9.6. Classify joints
	Arthritis	9.7. Define arthritis
10- INHERITANCE	Mendel’s Laws of Inheritance	10.1. Associate inheritance with the laws of Mendel.
	Mendel’s Laws of Inheritance	10.2. Explain the law of independent assortment, using a suitable example.
	Gene linkage and crossing over	10.3. Describe the terms gene linkage and crossing over
	Gene linkage and crossing over	10.4. Explain how gene linkage counters independent assortment and crossing-over modifies the progeny
	X-linked Recessive inheritance	10.5. Describe the concept of sex-linkage.
		10.6. Briefly describe the Inheritance of sex-linked traits
		10.7. Analyze the inheritance of hemophilia.
11- CIRCULATION	Human Heart	11.1. Discuss the general structure of the human heart
	Cardiac cycle and phases of Heartbeat	11.2. Describe the phases of the heartbeat.
	Blood Vessels	11.3. List the differences and functions of arteries, veins and capillaries.
	Lymphatic system	11.4. Describe the lymphatic system (nodes, vessels and organs)
12- IMMUNITY	Specific Defense Mechanism	12.1. Define and discuss the functions and importance of specific defense mechanisms.
13- RESPIRATION	Human Respiratory System	13.1. Discuss the functions of the main part of the respiratory system.
		13.2. Discuss the process of gas exchange in human lungs.
		13.3. Discuss the effect of smoking on the respiratory system.
14- DIGESTION	Human digestive system	14.1. Describe the parts of the human digestive system
14- DIGESTION	Human digestive system	14.2. Explain the functions of the main parts of the digestive system, including associated structures and glands
15- HOMEOSTASIS	Homeostasis (kidney specifically)	15.1. Explain the different organs of the urinary system. Describe the structure of the kidney and relate it to its function.
		15.2. Explain the processes of glomerular filtration, selective reabsorption and tubular secretion as the events in kidney functioning.
		15.3. Justify the functioning of the kidneys as both excretion and osmoregulation.
		15.4. Compare the function of two major capillary beds in the kidney, i.e., glomerular capillaries and peritubular capillaries.
		15.5. Explain the causes and treatments of kidney stones.
		15.6. Outline the causes of kidney failure.
	Thermoregulation	15.7. Describe thermoregulation and explain its needs.
	Excretion	15.8. List various nitrogenous compounds excreted during the process of excretion.
16- BIOTECHNOLOGY	Biotechnology and Health Care	16.1. Describe how biotechnologists can combat health problems by producing vaccines.
		16.2. State the role played by biotechnology in disease diagnosis (DNA/RNA probes, monoclonal antibodies).
		16.3. Describe what products biotechnologists obtain for use in disease treatment.

CHEMISTRY

Units	Topics/subtopics	Learning Objectives
1. INTRODUCTION OF FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS OF CHEMISTRY	Moles and Avogadro’s Numbers	1.1 Construct mole ratios from balanced equations for use as conversion factors in stoichiometric problems.
	Moles and Avogadro’s Numbers	1.2 Perform stoichiometric calculations with balanced equations using moles, representative particles, masses and volumes of the gases (at ST).
	Limiting and Excess Reactants	1.3 Explain the limiting reagent in the reaction
	Limiting and Excess Reactants	1.4 Calculate the maximum number of products produced and the amount of any unreacted excess reagent
	Yield	1.5 Given information from which any two of the following may be determined, calculate the third: theoretical yield, actual yield, percentage yield.
	Yield	1.6 . Calculate the theoretical yield and the percent yield when given the balanced equation, the amount of reactants and the actual yield.
2. ATOMIC STRUCTURE	Discovery of Proton Planck’s Quantum Theory	2.1 Describe the discovery and properties of the proton (Positive rays)
	Discovery of Proton Planck’s Quantum Theory	2.2 Define Photon as a unit of radiation energy
	Quantum Number	2.3 Describe the concept of orbitals.
	Quantum Number	2.4 Distinguish among Principal energy level, energy sub-level and atomic orbitals
	Shapes of orbitals	2.5 Describe the general shapes of S, P and orbitals.
	Spectrum of Hydrogen	2.6 Describe Hydrogen Atom using the quantum theory
	Electronic Configuration	2.7 Use the Aufbau principle, the Pauli Exclusion Principle and Hund’s Rule to write the Electronic Configuration of atoms.
	Electronic Configuration	2.8 Write the electronic configuration of atom
3. GASES	Kinetic Molecular Theory	3.1 List the postulates of Kinetic Molecular Theory
	Kinetic Molecular Theory	3.2 Describe the motion of particles of the gas according to kinetic theory.
	Standard Temperature and Pressure (STP)	3.3 State the values of standard temperature and pressure (STP)
	Boyle’s Law	3.4 Describe the effect of change in pressure on the volume of gas.
	Charles’s Law	3.5 Describe the effect of change in temperature on the volume of gas.
	Absolute Zero	3.6 Explain the significance of the absolute zero, giving its value in degrees.
	Ideal Gas Equation	3.7 Derive the Ideal Gas equation using Boyle’s Law, Charles’ Law and Avogadro’s Law.
	Unit of “R”	3.8 Explain the significance and different units of the ideal gas constant.
	Real and Ideal Gas	3.9 Distinguish between Real and Ideal Gases.
4. LIQUIDS	Properties of Liquids based on Kinetic Molecular Theory	4.1 Describe simple properties of liquids, e.g, diffusion, compression, expansion, motion of molecules, spaces between them, intermolecular forces and kinetic energy based on kinetic molecular theory.
	Evaporation, Boiling Point and Vapor Pressure	4.2 Explain physical properties of liquid, such as evaporation, vapor pressure, and boiling point
	Hydrogen Bonding	4.3 Describe the hydrogen bonding in H₂O, NH₃ and HF molecules.
	Anomalous behavior of Water	4.4 Anomalous behavior of water when its density shows a maximum at 4 degrees centigrade.
5. SOLIDS	Crystalline Solids	5.1 Describe a crystalline solid
	Factors Affecting the Shape of Ionic Crystals	5.2 Name three factors that affect the shape of the ionic crystals.
	Difference between Ionic and Molecular Crystals	5.3 Give a brief description of ionic and molecular crystals.
	Crystal lattice	5.4 Explain the structure of a crystal lattice
	Lattice Energy	5.5 Define Lattice Energy,
6. CHEMICAL EQUILIBRIUM	Chemical Equilibrium	6.1 Define chemical equilibrium in terms of a reversible reaction.
	Chemical Equilibrium	6.2 Write both forward and reverse. Describe the macroscopic characteristics of each
	Le Chatelier’s principle	6.3 State Le Chatelier’s principle and be able to apply it to systems in equilibrium with changes in concentration, pressure, temperature, or the addition of a catalyst.
	Solubility Products	6.4 Define and explain solubility products.
	Common Ion Effect	6.5 Define and explain the common ion effect by giving suitable examples.
	Buffer Solution	6.6 Define buffer solution and explain types of buffers.
	Haber’s Process	6.7 Explain the synthesis of Ammonia by Haber’s process.
7. REACTION KINETICS	Chemical Kinetics	7.1 Define chemical kinetics.
	Chemical Kinetics	7.2 Explain the terms: rate of reaction, rate equation.
	Factors affecting the rate of reaction	7.3 Explain qualitatively the factors affecting the rate of reaction.
	Order of Reaction	7.4 Give the order with respect to the reactant, and write the rate law for the reaction.
		7.5 Explain the meaning of the terms “activation energy” and “activated complex”.
		7.6 Relate the ideas of activation energy and the activated complex to the rate of reaction.
	Rate Constant	7.7 Describe the role of the rate constant in the theoretical determination of reaction rate.
8. THERMO CHEMISTRY AND ENERGETICS OF CHEMICAL REACTION	Thermodynamics	8.1 Define Thermodynamics
	Exothermic and Endothermic Reaction	8.2 Classify reactions as exothermic and endothermic
	Different Terms Used	8.3 Define the terms system, surrounding boundary, state function, heat, heat capacity, internal energy, work done and enthalpy of a substance.
	Internal Energies	8.4 Name and define the units of Internal energy.
	Law of Thermodynamics	8.5 Explain the first law of thermodynamics of energy conservation.
	Hess’s Law	8.6 Apply Hess’s Law to construct simple energy cycles.
	Enthalpy	8.7 Describe the enthalpy of the reaction
9. ELECTROCHEMISTRY	Redox Reaction	9.1 Give the characteristics of a redox reaction.
	Oxidation and Reduction	9.2 Define oxidation and reduction in terms of a change in oxidation number.
	Balancing Chemical Reaction	9.3 Use the oxidation number change method to identify atoms being oxidized or reduced in redox reactions.
	Standard Hydrogen Electrode (SHE)	9.4 Define Cathode, anode, electrode potential and S.H.E
	Standard Hydrogen Electrode (SHE)	9.5 Define the standard electrode potential of an electrode.
10. CHEMICAL BONDING	VSEPR Theory	10.1 Use VSEPR Theory to describe the shapes of the molecules
	Sigma and Pi Bond	10.2 Describe the features of sigma and pi-bonds.
	Hybridization	10.3 Describe the shapes of simple molecules using orbital hybridization.
	Application of VSEPR Theory	10.4 Determine the shapes of some molecules from the number of bonded pairs.
	Dipole Movement	10.5 Predict the molecular polarity from the shapes of molecules.
	Application of Dipole Movement	10.6 Explain what is meant by the term ionic character of the covalent bond.
	Application of Dipole Movement	10.7 Describe how knowledge of molecular polarity can be used to explain some physical and chemical properties of the molecules.
	Bond Energy	10.8 Define bond energies and explain how they can be used to compare bonds strength of different chemical bonds.
11. S- AND P- BLOCK ELEMENTS	Properties and Their Trends	11.1 Define and explain the terms atomic radii, ionic radii, covalent radii, ionization energy, electron affinity, electronegativity, bond energy and bond length.
	s-, p-, d- & f- Block Elements	11.2 Recognize the demarcation of the periodic table into s-block, p-block, d-block and f-block.
	Reaction of Group I elements	11.3 Describe reactions of Group I elements with water, oxygen and chlorine.
	Reaction of Group II elements	11.4 Describe reactions of Group II elements with water, oxygen and chlorine.
	Reaction of Group IV elements	11.5 Describe reactions of Group IV Elements.
12. TRANSITION ELEMENTS	Electronic Structure	12.1 Describe the electronic structures of the elements and ions of the d-block Elements.
13. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY	Definition and Classification of Organic Compounds	13.1 Define organic chemistry and organic compounds.
	Definition and Classification of Organic Compounds	13.2 Classify organic compounds on a structural basis.
	Functional Group	13.3 Define functional group.
	Isomerism	13.4 Explain stereoisomerism and its types.
14. CHEMISTRY OF HYDROCARBONS	Nomenclature of Alkanes	14.1 Describe the nomenclature of Alkanes.
	Free Radical Mechanism	14.2 Define Free Radical Initiation, propagation and termination.
	Free Radical Mechanism	14.3 Describe the mechanism of the free radical substitution in alkanes exemplified by Methane and Ethane.
	Nomenclature of Alkenes	14.4 Explain the IUPAC nomenclature of alkenes.
	Shapes of Alkenes	14.5 Explain the shapes of the Ethene molecules in terms of Sigma and Pi C-C Bonds.
	Structure and Reactivity of Alkenes	14.6 Describe the structure and reactivity of Alkenes as exemplified by Ethene.
	Preparation of Alkanes	14.7 Explain Dehydration of Alcohols and Dehydrohalogenation of RX for the preparation of Ethane
	MOT of Benzene Resonance and Resonance Energy	14.8 Explain the shape of Benzene Molecules (Molecular orbital treatment).
	MOT of Benzene Resonance and Resonance Energy	14.9 Define resonance, resonance energy and relative stability.
	Reactivity of Benzene	14.10 Compare the reactivity of benzene with alkanes and alkenes.
	Chemical Reactions of Benzenes	14.11 Define the addition reactions of benzene and methylbenzene.
		14.12 Describe the mechanism of electrophilic substitution in Benzene.
		14.13 Discuss the chemistry of benzene and methylbenzene by nitration, sulphonation, halogenation, Friedel-Craft’s Alkylation and acylation.
	Effect of Substituents	14.14 Apply the knowledge of positions of substituents in the electrophilic substitution of benzene.
	IUPAC System of Alkynes	14.15 Use the IUPAC naming System of Alkynes.
	Preparation of Alkynes	14.16 Describe the preparation of Alkynes using elimination reactions.
	Acidity of Alkynes	14.17 Describe the acidity of alkynes
	Reactions of Alkynes	14.18 Discuss the chemistry of alkynes by hydrogenation, hydrohalogenation and hydration.
	Substitution vs Addition	14.19 Describe and differentiate between substitution and Addition reactions.
15. ALKYL HALIDES	Nomenclature, Structure and Reactivity	15.1 Name Alkyl Halides using the IUPAC system.
	Nomenclature, Structure and Reactivity	15.2 Discuss the structure and reactivity of RX.
	Substitution vs Elimination	15.3 Describe the mechanism and types of nucleophilic substitution reactions.
	Substitution vs Elimination	15.4 Describe the mechanism and types of elimination reactions.
16. ALCOHOLS AND PHENOLS	Nomenclature, structure and reactivity of Alcohol	16.1 Explain the nomenclature and structure of Alcohols.
		16.2 Explain the reactivity of Alcohols.
		16.3 Describe the chemistry of alcohols by the preparation of ethers and esters.
	Nomenclature, structure and reactivity of Phenols	16.4 Explain the nomenclature, structure and reactivity of Alcohol
	Nomenclature, structure and reactivity of Phenols	16.5 Discuss the reactivity of phenol and its chemistry by electrophilic aromatic substitution.
	Alcohols and Phenols	16.6 Differentiate between an alcohol and a phenol.
17. ALDEHYDES AND KETONES	Nomenclature and structure of Aldehydes and Ketones	17.1 Explain the nomenclature and structure of Aldehydes and Ketones.
	Preparation	17.2 Discuss the preparation of aldehydes and ketones.
	Reactivity of Aldehydes and Ketones	17.3 Describe the Reactivity of Aldehydes and Ketones and their comparison.
	Reaction of Aldehydes and Ketones	17.4 Describe Acid and base-catalyzed Nucleophilic addition reactions of aldehydes and ketones.
		17.5 Discuss the chemistry of Aldehydes and Ketones by their reduction to alcohols
		17.6 Describe oxidation reactions of aldehydes and ketones.
18. CARBOXYLIC ACIDS	Nomenclature, Structure and Preparation of Carboxylic Acid	18.1 Describe nomenclature, Structure and Preparation of Carboxylic Acid.
	Chemical Reactions/Reactivity	18.2 Discuss the reactivity of carboxylic acid.
	Conversion of Carboxylic Acid	18.3 Describe the Chemistry of carboxylic acid by conversion to carboxylic acid derivatives: acyl halides, acid hydrides, esters and reactions involving into conversion of these.
19. MACRO MOLECULES	Classification of Proteins	19.1 Explain the basis of classification and structure function relationship of proteins.
	Importance of Proteins	19.2 Describe the role of various proteins in maintaining body functions and their Nutritional importance.
	Enzymes as Biocatalyst	19.3 Describe the role of enzymes as biocatalysts.
20. INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY	Adhesive	20.1 Know about types and applications of adhesives.
	Dyes	20.2 Know about types of dies and their uses.
	Polymers	20.3 Know about condensation and addition polymers and their subtypes.

PHYSICS

Units	Topics/subtopics	Learning Outcomes
1. VECTORS AND EQUILIBRIUM	Addition of Vectors (Rectangular Components)	1.1 Determine the sum of vectors using perpendicular Components
	Product of Vectors (Scalar Product)	1.2 Describe the Scalar Product of two vectors in terms of the angle between them
	Product of Vectors (Vector Product)	1.3 Describe the Vector product of two vectors in terms of the angle between them.
2. FORCE AND MOTION	Displacement	2.1. Describe displacement.
	Velocity	2.2. Describe the average velocity of objects.
	Displacement-time Graph	2.3. Interpret the displacement-time graph of objects moving along the same straight line.
	Acceleration	2.4. Describe acceleration
	Uniform and variable acceleration	2.5. Distinguish between uniform and variable acceleration.
	Projectile motion	2.6. Explain that projectile motion is two-dimensional motion in a vertical plane.
	Ideal Projectile	2.7. Communicate the ideas of a projectile in the absence of air resistance.
	Projectile motion (Velocity)	2.8. Explain Horizontal component (V_H) of velocity is constant.
		2.9. Acceleration is in the vertical direction and is the same as that of a vertically free-falling object.
	Projectile motion: Maximum Height, Range, Time of flight, Maximum angle	2.10. Differentiate between the characteristics of horizontal motion and vertical motion
		2.11. Evaluate, using equations of uniformly accelerated motion for a given initial velocity of a frictionless projectile, the following issues: a. How much higher does it go? b. How far would it go along the level land? c. Where would it be after a given time? d. How long will it remain in the air? e. Determine the parameters for a projectile launched from ground height f. Launch angle that results in the maximum range g. The relation between the launch angles that result in the same range.
	Newton’s Laws of Motion	2.12. Apply Newton’s laws to explain the motion of objects in a variety of contexts.
	Newton’s Second Law and Linear Momentum	2.13. Describe Newton’s second law of motion as the rate of change of momentum.
	Newton’s third law of motion	2.14. Correlate Newton’s third law of motion and conservation of momentum.
	Collision	2.15. Solve different problems of elastic and inelastic collisions between two bodies in one dimension by using the law of conservation of momentum.
	Momentum and Explosive Forces	2.16. Describe how momentum is conservational situation.
	Perfectly elastic collision in one dimension	2.17. Identify that for a perfectly elastic collision, the relative speed of approach is equal to the relative speed of separation.
3- WORK AND ENERGY	Work	3.1. Describe the concept of work in terms of the product of force F and displacement d in the direction of force
	Energy	3.2. Describe energy
	Kinetic Energy	3.3. Explain kinetic energy
	Potential energy	3.4. Explain the difference between potential energy and gravitational potential energy.
	Absolute potential energy	3.5. Describe that the gravitational potential energy is measured from a reference level and can be positive or negative, to denote the orientation from the reference level.
	Power	3.6. Express power as the scalar product of force and velocity.
	Work energy theorem in a resistive medium	3.7. Explain that work done against friction is dissipated as heat in the environment.
	Implications of energy losses in practical devices and Efficiency	3.8. State the implications of energy losses in practical devices
4- ROTATIONAL AND CIRCULAR MOTION	Angular displacement	4.1. Define angular displacement, and express angular displacement in radians.
		4.2. Define revolution, degree and radian
	Angular Velocity	4.3. Describe the term angular velocity
	Relation between angular and linear quantities	4.4. Find out the relationship between the following: a. Relation between linear and angular variables b. Relation between linear and angular displacements c. Relation between linear and angular velocities d. Relation between linear and angular accelerations
5. FLUID DYNAMICS	Terminal Velocity	5.1. Describe the terminal velocity of an object.
	Fluid Drag	5.2. Define and explain the term fluid drag.
	Fluid Flow	5.3. Define the terms: Steady (Streamline or laminar) flow, Incompressible flow and non-viscous flow as applied to the motion of an ideal fluid.
		5.4. Explain that at sufficiently high velocities, the flow of viscous fluid undergoes a transition from laminar to turbulent conditions.
		5.5. Describe that the majority of practical examples of fluid flow and resistance to motion in fluid involve turbulent rather than laminar conditions
	Equation of Continuity	5.6. Describe the equation of continuity A_v = constant for the flow of an ideal and incompressible fluid and solve problems using it.
		5.7. Identify that the equation of continuity is the form of the principle of conservation of mass.
	Bernoulli’s Equation	5.8. Interpret and apply Bernoulli’s effect in Blood physics.
		5.9. Derive Bernoulli’s equation for the case of a horizontal tube of flow
		5.10. Describe the pressure difference that can arise from different rates of flow of fluid (Bernoulli’s effect).
6- WAVES	Motion of wave	6.1. Describe the meaning of wave motion as illustrated by vibrations in ropes and springs.
	Progressive waves	6.2. Demonstrate that mechanical waves require a medium for their propagation while electromagnetic waves do not.
	Characteristics of wave	6.3. Define and apply the following terms to the wave model: medium, displacement, amplitude, period, compression, rarefaction, crest, trough, wavelength, velocity.
	Wave Speed	6.4. Solve problems using the equation: v = fλ.
	Progressive waves	6.5. Describe how energy is transferred due to a progressive wave.
	Classification of progressive waves	6.6. Compare transverse and longitudinal waves.
	Speed of sound	6.7. Explain that the speed of sound depends on the properties of the medium in which it propagates and describe Newton’s formula for the speed of waves.
	Newton’s Formula for the speed of sound in air	6.8. Describe the Laplace correction in Newton’s formula for the speed of sound in air.
	Laplace’s Correction	6.9. Identify the factors on which the speed of sound in air depends.
	Effect of various factors on the speed of sound	6.10. Describe the principle of superposition of two waves from coherent sources.
	Interference of sound waves	6.11. Describe the phenomenon of interference of sound waves.
	Stationary waves	6.12. Explain the formation of stationary waves using the graphical method
		6.13. Define the terms node and antinode.
	Stationary waves in a stretched string	6.14. Describe the modes of vibration of strings.
	Organ pipes	6.15. Describe the formation of stationary waves in vibrating air columns.
	Superposition of waves	6.16. Explain the principle of Superposition
	Simple Harmonic Motion, Terminologies of SHM, Circular motion and SHM, Energy	6.17. Explain Simple Harmonic Motion (S.H.M) and explain the characteristics of S.H.M. (Chapter: Oscillation)
	Circular Motion and SHM (Acceleration and Velocity of Projection)	6.18 Describe that when an object moves in a circle, the motion of its projection on the diameter of a circle is SHM.
7- THERMODYNAMICS	Thermal equilibrium, Heat	7.1. Describe how thermal energies are transferred from a region of higher temperature to a region of lower temperature.
	Molar specific heat of gas	7.2. Differentiate between specific heat and molar specific heat.
	Work	7.3. Calculate the work done by a thermodynamic system during a volume change.
	First law of thermodynamics	7.4. Describe the first law of thermodynamics expressed in terms of the change in internal energy, the heating of the system and work done on the system.
		7.5. Explain that the first law of thermodynamics expresses the conservation of energy.
	Molar specific heat of gas	7.6. Define the terms specific heat and molar specific heat of a gas.
	Relation between the molar specific heat at constant volume and constant pressure	7.7. Apply the first law of thermodynamics to derive the relation C_p – C_v = RC for an ideal gas
8- ELECTROSTATICS	Column’s Law	8.1. State Coulomb’s law and explain that the force between two point charges is reduced in a medium other than free space using Coulomb’s law
	Electric Field	8.2. Describe the concept of an electric field as an example of a field of force
	Electric field intensity due to a point charge. Representation of the electric field by lines	8.3. Calculate the magnitude and direction of the electric field at a point due to two charges with the same or opposite signs
	Electric field intensity due to an infinite sheet of charges	8.4. Sketch the electric field lines for two-point charges of equal magnitude with the same or opposite signs
	Electric potential energy and potential due to a point charge	8.5. Describe and draw the electric field due to an infinite-size conducting plate of positive or negative charge
		8.6 Define electric potential at a point in terms of the work done in bringing a unit positive charge from infinity to that point
		8.7. Define the unit of potential
		8.8. Derive an expression for the electric potential at a point due to a point charge
	Charging and discharging of a capacitor through a resistance	8.9. Demonstrate charging and discharging of a capacitor through a resistance
9- CURRENT ELECTRICITY	Steady current	9.1. Describe the concept of steady current.
	Ohm’s Law	9.2. State Ohm’s law.
	Factors on which resistance depends: Temperature coefficient of resistivity	9.3. Define resistivity and explain its dependence upon temperature.
	Internal resistance of sources	9.4. Explain the internal resistance of sources and their consequences for external circuits.
	Maximum Power Output	9.5. Describe the conditions for maximum power transfer.
10- MAGNETISM AND ELECTROMAGNETISM	Magnetic flux density/Magnetic field	10.1. Define magnetic flux density and its units.
	Magnetic flux	10.2. Describe the concept of magnetic flux Φ (Phi) as the scalar product of magnetic field(B) and area(A)using the relation Φ=B^⊥A=B.A.
	Motion of a charged particle in a magnetic field	10.3. Describe quantitatively the path followed by a charged particle hot into a magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the field.
		10.4. Explain that a force may act on a charged particle in a uniform magnetic field.
11- ELECTROMAGNETIC INDUCTION	Faraday’s Law of electromagnetic field induction	11.1. State Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction.
	Lenz’s Law	11.2. Account for Lenz’s law to predict the direction of an induced current and relate to the principle of conservation of energy.
	Transformer	11.3. Describe the construction of a transformer and explain how it works.
		11.4. Describe how set-up and step-down transformers can be used to ensure efficient transfer of electricity along cables.
12. ALTERNATING CURRENT	Phase of Alternating Current	12.1. Describe the phase of Alternating Current and explain how phase lag and phase lead occur in AC circuits
	AC through a. Resistor b. Capacitor c. Inductor	12.2. Explain the flow of AC through resistors, Capacitors and inductors
	Electromagnetic waves	12.3 Become familiar with the EM spectrum (ranging from radio waves to Gamma rays)
13- ELECTRONICS	Rectification	13.1. Define rectification and describe the use of diodes for half and full wave rectifications.
13- ELECTRONICS	PN Junction	13.2 Describe the PN Junction and discuss its forward and reverse biasing
14- DAWN OF MODERN PHYSICS	Quantum Theory and Radiation	14.1. Explain the particle model of light in terms of photons with energy
15- ATOMIC SPECTRA	Atomic Spectra	15.1. Describe and explain atomic spectra/ line spectrum
16- NUCLEAR PHYSICS	Composition of atomic nuclei	16.1. Describe a simple model for the atom to include protons, neutrons and electrons
	Spontaneous and random nuclear decay	16.2. Identify the spontaneous and random nature of nuclear decay.
	Half-life and rate of decay	16.3. Describe the term half-life and solve problems using the equation λ = 0.693/T_1/2
	Biological and Medical uses of radiation	16.4. Describe the biological effects of radiation state and explain the different medical uses of radiation.

ENGLISH

Competencies-Themes	Learning outcomes
1. READING AND THINKING SKILLS	1.1 Scan to answer short Questions 1.2 Deduce the meanings of the context 1.3 Analyze how a writer/poet uses language to appeal to the senses for figurative language
2. FORMAL AND LEXICAL ASPECTS OF LANGUAGE	2.1 Deduce the meaning of difficult words from the context using contextual clues. 2.2 Explore the use of Synonyms with varying shades of meaning used for irony, parody and satire. 2.3 Illustrate use of pronoun-antecedent agreement. 2.4 Illustrate use of tenses. 2.5 Illustrate the use of infinitives and infinitive phrases. 2.6 Illustrate the use of gerunds and gerund phrases. 2.7 Recognize the varying position of adverbs in sentences according to their kinds and importance. 2.8 Illustrate the use of prepositions of position, time, movements and directions. 2.9 Use in speech and writing, all the appropriate transitional devices. 2.10 Illustrate the use of all punctuation marks wherever applicable 2.11 Analyze sentences for different classes and phrases, evaluate how their position in sentences changes meaning and different communication functions. 2.12 Recognize and use sentences in versions for various purposes. 2.13 Use active and passive voice appropriately in speech and writing according to the required communicative function 2.14 Use direct and indirect speech appropriately in speech and writing according to the required communicative function.
3. WRITING SKILLS	3.1 Proofread and edit their peers and given text for the errors in usage and style. 3.2 Faulty sentence structure 3.3 Subject-verb agreement 3.4 Errors of functions and spellings

LOGICAL REASONING

Themes	Statements	Learning Outcomes
5.1 CRITICAL THINKING	It is the process of evaluation that uses logic to separate truth from Falsehood, reasonable from unreasonable beliefs.	5.1.1 Develop logical arguments for the statements to be true or false. 5.1.2 Give reasons for the right beliefs. 5.1.3 Identify and critically evaluate false beliefs using logical reasoning.
5.2 LETTER AND SYMBOLS SERIES	These are the sequential order of letters, numbers, or both, arranged in such a way that each term in the series is obtained according to some specific rules. These rules can be based on the mathematical operations, the number of letters in alphabetical order.	5.2.1 Develop arithmetical operations as per numbers. 5.2.2 Develop a geometrical progression as per the numbers 5.2.3 Develop series/sequential orders as per letter and symbols (according to specific rules).
5.3 LOGICAL DEDUCTIONS	Logical reasoning is the type of thinking in which statements and relations between statements are used in a precise manner to make conclusions that are meant (or implied) by the statements and the relations. Logical deduction is a type of reasoning; It assesses a candidate’s ability to use structured thinking to deduce from a short passage which of a number of statements is the most accurate response to a posed question.	5.3.1 Predict new relations on the basis of given relations. 5.3.2 Develop a new structure on the basis of the information in already drawn structures.
5.4 LOGICAL PROBLEMS	These are the puzzles that require people to use deductive reasoning skills, meaning they need to look at different pieces of information to arrive at an answer	5.4.1 Infer the result of one problem to resolve another problem. 5.4.2 Develop skills to solve puzzles.
5.5 COURSE OF ACTION	A course of action is the step or administrative decision to be taken for improvement, follow-up, or further action on the problem, policy, etc., based on the information given in the statement to be true and test-takers should determine which of the suggested courses of action logically follow(s) for the pursuing.	5.5.1 Develop skills to gather different parts of information. 5.5.2 Use information for making decisions. 5.5.3 Judge different courses by using arguments
5.6 CAUSE AND EFFECT	It is the relationship between two things when one thing makes something else happen. When examining events, people naturally seek to explain why things happened. This search often results in cause-and-effect reasoning, which asserts or denies that one thing causes another, or that one thing is caused by another.	5.6.1 Give reasons for incidents/events and accidents. 5.6.2 Reject false beliefs through valid arguments. 5.6.3 Build positive thinking in society through strong arguments.

MDCAT 2026 Syllabus

BIOLOGY

1- ACELLULAR LIFE

Viruses

AIDS and HIV Infection

2- BIOENERGETICS

Respiration

3- BIOLOGICAL MOLECULES

Biological molecules

Biological Importance of Water

Carbohydrates

Proteins

Lipids

Ribonucleic acid (RNA)

Conjugated molecules

Structure of DNA

4- CELL STRUCTURE & FUNCTION

Cell structure

Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cells

Cytoplasmic Organelles

Chromosomes

5- COORDINATION & CONTROL/ NERVOUS & CHEMICAL COORDINATION

Receptors

Neurons

Brain

6- ENZYMES

Enzymes

Mode of Enzyme Action

Factors that Affect the Rate of Enzyme Reactions

Inhibitors

7- EVOLUTION

Concept of Evolution

Lamarckism

Darwinism

8- REPRODUCTION

Human Reproductive System

Menstrual cycle

Sexually transmitted diseases

9- SUPPORT & MOVEMENT

Human skeleton

Muscles

Skeletal muscles

Muscle contraction

Joints

Arthritis

10- INHERITANCE

Mendel’s Laws of Inheritance

Gene linkage and crossing over

X-linked Recessive inheritance

11- CIRCULATION

Human Heart

Cardiac cycle and phases of Heartbeat

Blood Vessels

Lymphatic system

12- IMMUNITY

Specific Defense Mechanism

13- RESPIRATION

Human Respiratory System

14- DIGESTION

Human digestive system

15- HOMEOSTASIS

Homeostasis (kidney specifically)

Thermoregulation

Excretion

16- BIOTECHNOLOGY

Biotechnology and Health Care

CHEMISTRY

1. INTRODUCTION OF FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS OF CHEMISTRY

Moles and Avogadro’s Numbers

Limiting and Excess Reactants

Yield

2. ATOMIC STRUCTURE

Discovery of Proton Planck’s Quantum Theory

Quantum Number

Shapes of orbitals

Spectrum of Hydrogen

Electronic Configuration

3. GASES

Kinetic Molecular Theory

Standard Temperature and Pressure (STP)