Medical Colleges in Pakistan: Public and Private List
A complete list of medical colleges in Pakistan: top public and private PMC-recognized institutions for MBBS and BDS, with what students need to know before applying.
Medical colleges in Pakistan include top public institutions like KEMU, DUHS, AIMC, Nishtar, FJMU, SIMS, and QAMC, plus highly selective private options like Aga Khan University (AKU). All colleges must be PMC-recognized. Verify the current list at pmc.gov.pk before applying.
Medical colleges in Pakistan are divided into two categories: government-funded public colleges with heavily subsidized fees and very competitive MDCAT aggregate cutoffs, and private colleges with higher fees and generally lower cutoffs. All medical colleges in Pakistan, whether public or private, must be recognized by PMC (Pakistan Medical Commission). A degree from an unrecognized college cannot be used for medical licensure in Pakistan. This guide covers the top institutions and what you need to verify before applying.
Top public medical colleges in Pakistan
Public medical colleges are funded by provincial or federal governments. They offer subsidized MBBS programs, and seats are allocated through provincial merit lists based on your MDCAT aggregate. Competition is high and closing merits vary each year.
| College | Location | Key fact |
|---|---|---|
| King Edward Medical University (KEMU) | Lahore, Punjab | Pakistan's oldest and most prestigious public medical university |
| Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) | Karachi, Sindh | One of Pakistan's largest medical universities |
| Allama Iqbal Medical College (AIMC) | Lahore, Punjab | Highly competitive Punjab seat; affiliated with Jinnah Hospital |
| Nishtar Medical University | Multan, Punjab | Largest medical university in South Punjab |
| Quaid-e-Azam Medical College (QAMC) | Bahawalpur, Punjab | Affiliated with Bahawal Victoria Hospital |
| Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU) | Lahore, Punjab | Women-only; one of Pakistan's oldest women's medical colleges |
| Services Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS) | Lahore, Punjab | Strong clinical training; part of Services Hospital |
| Jinnah Sindh Medical University | Karachi, Sindh | Public university for Sindh applicants |
Top private medical colleges in Pakistan
Private medical colleges in Pakistan charge higher fees than public institutions. Quality varies widely across the private sector. Before applying, confirm that any private college is on the current PMC recognition list. Some colleges have had recognition suspended in the past, and degrees from unrecognized institutions have no legal standing.
| College | Location | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Aga Khan University (AKU) | Karachi, Sindh | Pakistan's highest-ranked institution; own admission test (AKAT); very high fees |
| Shifa College of Medicine | Islamabad | Well-regarded private institution; PMC recognized |
| CMH Lahore Medical College | Lahore, Punjab | Army-affiliated; PMC recognized; competitive |
| Bahria University Medical and Dental College | Karachi, Sindh | Navy-affiliated; PMC recognized |
| Riphah International University | Islamabad | PMC recognized; check current recognition status |
How MBBS admissions work in Pakistan
MBBS and BDS admissions in Pakistan are managed at the provincial level. Each province runs its own merit list process. The standard aggregate formula is: Matric 10% + FSc 40% + MDCAT 50%. Your domicile province determines which provincial merit pool you apply through.
- Punjab: UHS (University of Health Sciences, Lahore) manages the provincial merit list at uhs.edu.pk.
- Sindh: SAC (Sindh Admission Committee) manages public college seats for Sindh domicile holders.
- KPK: Khyber Medical University (KMU) administers admissions for KPK colleges.
- Balochistan, AJK, and federal institutions have their own processes.
- AKU (Aga Khan University) runs its own test and is not part of any provincial merit system.
What to check before applying to any medical college
- Verify PMC recognition at pmc.gov.pk before paying any fees.
- Confirm the college has an affiliated teaching hospital for clinical training.
- Check provincial quota rules: seats are often divided by district, category, and province.
- For private colleges, confirm fee schedules and whether PMC-regulated fee caps apply.
- Check if the college's recognition status is current: some colleges have had recognition suspended.
Practice MDCAT MCQs on Parhlai to build the aggregate you need to compete for seats at the top medical colleges in Pakistan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many medical colleges are in Pakistan?
Pakistan has over 100 PMC-recognized medical colleges, including both public (government-funded) and private institutions. The exact number changes as new colleges receive or lose recognition. Always check the current list at pmc.gov.pk.
Which public medical college in Pakistan is the most prestigious?
King Edward Medical University (KEMU) in Lahore is widely considered Pakistan's most prestigious public medical university. Founded in 1860, it is the oldest medical institution in Pakistan and consistently has the highest closing MDCAT aggregate merits in Punjab.
Which is the best private medical college in Pakistan?
Aga Khan University (AKU) in Karachi is Pakistan's highest-ranked medical institution globally and the top private medical college. It has its own separate admission test (AKAT) and is not part of the provincial MDCAT aggregate system.
How do I verify if a medical college in Pakistan is PMC-recognized?
Check the official PMC (Pakistan Medical Commission) website at pmc.gov.pk. The recognition list is updated periodically. Only graduates of PMC-recognized colleges can obtain a medical license in Pakistan.
What is the MDCAT aggregate formula for medical college admissions?
The standard aggregate formula used in most provinces is: Matric 10% + FSc 40% + MDCAT 50%. Closing merits vary each year based on the applicant pool. Check the provincial merit list from your year for exact closing figures.
Can I apply to medical colleges in any province with my domicile?
Generally no. Public medical college seats are allocated by provincial domicile. If you hold a Punjab domicile, you compete in Punjab's merit pool through UHS. Sindh domicile holders apply through SAC. Some federal quota seats exist for inter-provincial allocation.
Academic Content Writer, Parhlai
Sana Malik writes Parhlai's study-skills, scholarships, and student-life guides, focused on helping Pakistani students study smarter and stress less.
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