About the JCAT Exam

Joint Centralized Admission Test – MS / MD / MDS Programmes

The JCAT Exam is a centralized postgraduate entrance test used by major medical universities in Punjab, including King Edward Medical University (KEMU), Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU), and the University of Health Sciences (UHS), for admission into MS, MD, and MDS training programs.

JCAT functions as the gateway exam for postgraduate clinical and surgical residency under the university-based training system in Punjab. It is one of the most competitive pathways for structured postgraduate specialization in Pakistan.

 

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the JCAT exam, candidates must meet all requirements defined by the universities:

1. MBBS or BDS Degree

MBBS for MS/MD programs

BDS for MDS programs

Degree must be from an institution recognized by PMDC/PMC

2. Valid PMDC/PMC Registration

Candidates must hold valid and active registration with the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC) or Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC).

3. Completion of House Job

A full one-year house job (MBBS) or internship (BDS) from an approved hospital.

4. Required Documents

Applicants must upload their:

CNIC/Passport

MBBS/BDS degree & transcript

PMDC/PMC registration

House job certificate

Any additional documents required by KEMU/FJMU/UHS at the time of application

5. CIP After Passing JCAT

CIP becomes relevant after passing JCAT when applying for postgraduate residency induction, depending on the policies of Punjab Specialized Healthcare & Medical Education (SHC&ME) Department.

 

Exam Format and Structure

The exam is held twice a year (commonly March and October/November) as per university announcements.

Two-Paper Structure

JCAT consists of two papers, each containing 100 MCQs:

📌 Paper I – Applied Basic Sciences

Anatomy

Physiology

Biochemistry

Pathology

Pharmacology

Community Medicine

General Principles of Disease

Basic clinical correlation

📌 Paper II – Specialty-Oriented Section

This paper is aligned with the candidate’s intended specialty group:

Medicine & Allied

Surgery & Allied

Obs/Gyn

Other MS/MD/MDS specialties

Exam characteristics:

MCQs are clinically integrated

Paper II contains specialty-relevant reasoning

Both papers are held on the same day

 

Why JCAT Matters

1. Entry Into MS, MD, and MDS Programs

Clearing JCAT qualifies candidates to apply for postgraduate training seats in Punjab’s leading tertiary institutions.

2. University-Based Specialty Training

This includes structured residency programs in:

Medicine

Surgery

Gynecology

Pediatrics

Orthopedics

ENT

Ophthalmology

Psychiatry

Radiology

Dentistry & Oral Surgery (for MDS)
…and more.

3. Merit-Based Selection

JCAT ensures competitive and fair selection through a standardized exam accepted across multiple institutions.

4. Recognized Pathway for Postgraduate Advancement

MS/MD/MDS degrees obtained after clearing JCAT:

Are nationally accepted

Offer structured academic training

Provide major career opportunities in the public and private sectors

 

Exam Attempts & Validity

There is no limit to the number of JCAT attempts.

Passing JCAT does not expire, but training induction depends on university and SHC&ME policies for that session.

Candidates must meet programme-specific requirements at the time of induction.

 

What to Expect as a Candidate

1. Wide Content Coverage

JCAT tests both applied basic sciences and specialty-relevant knowledge.

2. High Difficulty Level

MCQs are application-based and clinically integrated.

3. Speed and Logical Reasoning

Candidates must solve 200 MCQs in one day, requiring fast decision-making.

4. Consistent Preparation

Structured study, mock tests, and conceptual strength are essential to succeed.