AKU Test (Aga Khan University MBBS)
Aga Khan University admission test for the MBBS programme, alongside the MDCAT requirement
Aga Khan University admits MBBS students through its own AKU Test for shortlisting, combined with MDCAT for final selection and to meet PMDC requirements. The official AKU admission information states that the AKU Test is multiple-choice and based on the HSSC curriculum in Pakistan, with a science achievement section covering physics, chemistry and biology, plus sections on science and mathematical reasoning. AKU also states that from the 2027 admission cycle it is likely to administer the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) instead.
Test date: Not yet announced for the next cycle — admissions for 2026-2027 have closed
Exam Body
Aga Khan University — MDCAT is administered under PMDC requirements, and MCAT by the AAMC for overseas-degree applicants
Duration
Not officially stated in the AKU admission information document
Total Marks / MCQs
Not officially stated; question count and marks are not published
Frequency
One admission cycle per year
Subjects Covered
Paper Pattern & Weightage
| Section | Detail | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| AKU Test | Required for shortlisting for most applicants from the Pakistani, British, American-Canadian, IB and indigenous high-school systems | Shortlisting stage |
| MDCAT | Required for final selection and to meet PMDC requirements | Final selection |
| Overseas degree holders | MCAT (AAMC) for candidates with a degree from overseas; AKU Test for candidates with degrees from Pakistan | Route dependent |
| Test content | Multiple-choice, based on the HSSC curriculum in Pakistan | Science achievement plus reasoning |
| Merit | Assessed on scholastic achievements, AKU Admission Test performance, interviews, productive use of time and leadership potential | No numeric formula published |
| From the 2027 cycle | AKU states it is likely to administer the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) | Announced as likely |
AKU does not publish the AKU Test duration, question count or marks, and does not publish a percentage merit formula — only the criteria it considers. Because AKU has signalled a likely move to UCAT from the 2027 cycle, confirm the required test in the admission information booklet for the cycle you are applying to.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates prepared in Urdu-medium or English-medium institutions, in Pakistan or overseas, who have completed or are completing HSSC, graduate or postgraduate education and meet the published criteria may apply.
- Applicants from the Pakistani, British, American-Canadian, IB and indigenous high-school systems sit the AKU Test for shortlisting and MDCAT for final selection.
- Degree holders from overseas institutions apply with MCAT; degree holders from Pakistan apply with the AKU Test.
- MDCAT is required in every route for final selection under PMDC requirements.
- The detailed numeric eligibility requirements are set out in the official AKU MBBS Admission Information booklet — confirm them there for your own education system.
- Admissions for the 2026-2027 cycle are closed; the next cycle window is not yet announced.
Official Schedule
| 2026-2027 application deadline | 13 May 2026 (cycle now closed) |
| Test duration | Not officially stated |
| Likely change from 2027 cycle | University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) |
| Next cycle dates | Not yet announced |
Preparation Tips
- 1Prepare against the HSSC curriculum, because AKU states its test is based on it rather than on a separate syllabus.
- 2Treat physics, chemistry and biology as the core science achievement block and revise them to HSSC depth.
- 3Practise reasoning questions separately; science reasoning and mathematical reasoning are their own sections, not extra subject content.
- 4Plan MDCAT preparation in parallel — it is needed for final selection no matter how well you do in the AKU Test.
- 5Because duration and question count are not published, practise mixed full-length MCQ sets rather than timing to an assumed limit.
- 6Build the non-test part of your application too: AKU weighs scholastic record, interviews, use of time and leadership potential.
- 7Check the current admission information booklet before you start, in case UCAT replaces the AKU Test for your cycle.
Official Sources
- AKU — MBBS admission information 2026-2027 (test requirements)
- AKU — MBBS admissions home
- AKU — official university site
- PMDC — national MDCAT requirements
All facts on this page were read from the official sources above and verified on 25 September 2026. Where an official notice does not state something yet, this page says “not yet announced” instead of guessing.
Start Practicing
Practice AKU Test (Aga Khan University MBBS) style MCQs free and track your weak areas.
Browse MCQsPractise MDCAT-style MCQsMDCAT is required for final selection at AKU, so start there while preparing HSSC science depth.