Each year, over 50,000 students retake the MDCAT exam. In 2024, more than 160,000 students appeared for MDCAT. However, these students are competing for only 9,804 seats in public medical and dental colleges and 11,365 seats in private colleges. Many young students in Pakistan dream of becoming doctors from an early age. Unfortunately, a significant number are unable to secure admission to a medical college on their first attempt. This leads many to repeat the test multiple times. Are you one of these students? Don’t worry, you’re in the right place!

The decision of how many times to repeat MDCAT or pursue another career path will significantly impact your life. If you're debating how many times you should attempt the exam before changing your career plan, it's crucial to make an informed choice. This article will provide practical insights to guide your decision.

How Many Times Should Passionate MBBS Aspirants Repeat MDCAT?

Most MDCAT candidates have above-average marks in their FSc. If you’re one of them and didn’t get admitted on your first attempt, a second attempt is often worth considering. This allows you to address your shortcomings and potentially improve your chances of admission.

However, it’s also essential to evaluate your overall MDCAT score. If your marks are average and your aggregate is far below the merit threshold, you should explore other options. In cases of a very low aggregate after your first attempt, consider improving your FSc score and exploring backup career plans, as your chances of admission may be slim.

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Base Your Decision on Your Aggregate

In Punjab, the expected closing merit for MBBS this year is 93.6%, while for BDS, it is 93.4%. Before deciding how many times to repeat MDCAT for a second or third time, evaluate whether your aggregate can realistically improve or if it’s too far below the required threshold.

• If your current aggregate is 90% or more, you may have a reasonable chance of improving by 4–5 points in another attempt.
• If your aggregate is between 85–89%, you need to critically assess your options. These may include:
  • Deciding how many times to repeat MDCAT
  • Improving or repeating FSc
  • Exploring other professions in medical sciences or unrelated fields

If, after your second attempt, your aggregate remains far below the required level, yet your FSc performance is above average, it may be time to consider alternative career paths. Often, students overly focused on MDCAT overlook other prestigious opportunities available to them.

Why Should I Avoid Too Many MDCAT Attempts?

If you’ve repeated MDCAT multiple times without success, understand that your time, energy, and intellect are valuable resources. If you’re struggling to explore other career options, remember that your efforts and potential can lead to success in other fields.

Here’s why repeating MDCAT too many times may not be ideal:

1. Late Entry to Higher Education: You’ll start university later than your peers, which may lead to difficulties in adjusting.
2. Delayed Career Start: Entering the job market late means a delay in earning potential.
3. Emotional Impact: Excessive gap years can cause feelings of depression or frustration as you watch your batchmates progress in their education.
4. Uncertain Merit Trends: With increasing competition, the closing merit may continue to rise, making it harder to secure admission despite improved scores.
5. Missed Opportunities: You may overlook other promising career paths while focused on becoming a doctor.

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What If I Quit Trying for MDCAT But Don’t Know What to Do Next?

The world doesn’t end if you don’t become a doctor!

Quitting the pursuit of MBBS is a tough decision, but if you’ve made it, let go of common misconceptions like:

• "Other professions won’t pay as well."
• "There are no job opportunities outside medicine."
• "Other professions lack prestige."

These beliefs are not true. There are many prestigious, well-paying career options in Pakistan with excellent employment prospects. It’s about finding the one that suits you best.

What Steps Should I Take Next?

To make a thoughtful career decision, follow these steps:

1. Analyze Your Strengths: Reflect on your skills and interests.
2. Explore Alternative Fields: Research subjects and professions that align with your strengths.
3. Evaluate Opportunities: Consider job markets, work nature, salary potential, and other factors.
4. Seek Professional Advice: Consult a career counselor for expert guidance.
5. Plan Your Future: Combine your research and expert advice to map out a career plan.

While it’s important to work hard to achieve your dreams, trust that if God has other plans for you, they will lead to a good outcome. With informed decisions and dedication, you can excel in any field.

We wish you the best in all your future endeavors!

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