For students aspiring to join the Pakistan Army as Captain Doctors or aiming for admission into top-tier military medical institutions like the Army Medical College (AMC), passing the NUMS Entry Test 2026 is absolutely mandatory. The National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) conducts this specialized entrance exam every year, and it is entirely distinct from the standard MDCAT.
What Makes the NUMS Entry Test Different?
Unlike the standard MDCAT which applies to all civilian medical colleges, the NUMS Entry Test is specifically for admission to AMC Rawalpindi and NUMS-affiliated private medical colleges (such as CMH Lahore, CMH Multan, Foundation University, and HITEC). More importantly, the NUMS test includes a unique Psychological Assessment component which tests the candidate's aptitude for military service.
NUMS 2026 Paper Pattern & Structure
The NUMS Entry Test is divided into two distinct parts: Academic and Psychological.
Part A: Academic Test
This part consists of 150 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and lasts for 150 minutes. There is NO negative marking in the NUMS Entry Test.
| Subject | Number of MCQs | Weightage (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | 53 MCQs | 35% |
| Chemistry | 38 MCQs | 25% |
| Physics | 38 MCQs | 25% |
| English (General) | 15 MCQs | 10% |
| Logical Reasoning | 6 MCQs | 5% |
Part B: Psychological Assessment
The psychological test contains 100 MCQs to be solved in 30 minutes. While this section does not contribute to the final aggregate calculation, passing it is mandatory. Failing this section disqualifies the candidate from admission, regardless of their score in Part A.
How to Prepare for NUMS 2026?
The NUMS syllabus is generally a bit shorter and more streamlined than the standard MDCAT. However, the questions tend to be highly conceptual.
- Focus on Federal Board Books: Because NUMS is based in Rawalpindi, a significant portion of the paper is drawn from the National Book Foundation (Federal Board) biology and chemistry textbooks.
- Practice Psychological Tests: The psychological test involves quick decision-making and personality assessment. Do not fake your answers; answer consistently.
- Solve Past Papers: NUMS has a habit of repeating variations of past paper questions. Get your hands on NUMS past papers from 2018 to 2025.
Passing Criteria and Merit Calculation
To be eligible for MBBS admissions in NUMS-affiliated colleges, you must score at least 55% in the NUMS Entry Test. For BDS, the passing criteria is 45%.
The final merit aggregate for NUMS is calculated differently than PMDC. Usually, it's 50% NUMS Test, 40% FSc, and 10% Matric. You can use our Merit Calculator 2026 to instantly compute your NUMS aggregate.
If you are also applying for civilian medical colleges, ensure you do not neglect the standard MDCAT. Read the complete MDCAT 2026 Syllabus & Preparation Guide to understand the differences.
