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LESSON 01 OF 17
MDCAT 2026 — Paper Pattern & Marking Scheme
MDCAT 2026 Complete Guide
Everything about the exam before you start. Paper pattern, time allocation, marking scheme, and the proven strategy to score above 170.
Paper Pattern
210 MCQs in 210 Minutes
MDCAT 2026 is a single-sitting, 210-question multiple-choice paper with exactly one minute per question on average. Every subject is weighted differently, and knowing the split before you start studying changes how you allocate your six months.
80
Biology (38%)
60
Chemistry (29%)
60
Physics (29%)
10
English (5%)
Marking Scheme
- +4 marks for every correct answer
- −1 mark for every wrong answer — this is negative marking
- 0 marks for a blank/unattempted question
⚠️
Never guess randomly
Because a wrong answer costs you a full mark while a blank costs nothing, random guessing is a losing strategy on average. Only answer when you can eliminate at least one or two options.
Scoring & Passing Marks
- Total marks available: 840 (210 questions × 4)
- Official passing mark: 504 (60%)
- Realistic medical college cutoff: usually 588+ (70%)
Subject Order Strategy
The order you attempt sections in matters as much as how well you know the content:
- Biology first — carries the most marks and is easier for most students
- Chemistry next — moderate difficulty, keep a steady pace
- Physics third — generally the hardest section, budget extra time
- English last — only 10 marks, cap it at 10 minutes maximum