Your MDCAT aggregate is the number that decides where you stand on a medical college merit list. It combines your Matric marks, your FSc marks and your MDCAT score into one percentage. In this guide you will learn the formula, see a full worked example, and find out how much each extra MDCAT mark is really worth.
What Is the MDCAT Aggregate?
The aggregate, often called merit, is a weighted percentage. Medical and dental colleges rank applicants by this number, and seats are offered from the top of the list downwards. A higher aggregate means a better chance of getting your preferred college.
The MDCAT Aggregate Formula
Under the PM&DC admission policy, the standard weightage is 10% Matric, 40% FSc and 50% MDCAT.
| Component | Weightage | What counts |
|---|---|---|
| Matric (SSC) | 10% | Marks obtained out of the total on your certificate (usually 1100) |
| FSc (HSSC) | 40% | Marks obtained out of the total on your certificate (usually 1100) |
| MDCAT | 50% | Your score out of the total marks of the test |
Aggregate = (Matric % × 0.10) + (FSc % × 0.40) + (MDCAT % × 0.50)
Each percentage is calculated as marks obtained ÷ total marks × 100. For MDCAT 2026, published guides list the paper as out of 180 marks, while the NUMS test uses a different total, so always use the total printed on your own result card.
Step-by-Step Calculation
- Convert your Matric marks into a percentage.
- Convert your FSc marks into a percentage.
- Convert your MDCAT score into a percentage using the total marks of your test.
- Multiply each percentage by its weight (0.10, 0.40 and 0.50).
- Add the three results to get your final aggregate.
Worked Example
Suppose a student has 950 out of 1100 in Matric, 980 out of 1100 in FSc and 150 out of 180 in MDCAT.
| Component | Marks | Percentage | Weighted score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matric | 950 / 1100 | 86.36% | 8.64 |
| FSc | 980 / 1100 | 89.09% | 35.64 |
| MDCAT | 150 / 180 | 83.33% | 41.67 |
| Aggregate | 85.94% |
The total is calculated from unrounded values, so adding the rounded lines can differ by 0.01.
How Much Is One MDCAT Mark Worth?
MDCAT carries 50% of the aggregate. On a 180-mark paper, each extra mark adds about 0.28 points to your aggregate, so 10 extra marks add about 2.78 points. If the student above scores 160 instead of 150, the aggregate rises from 85.94% to 88.72%.
This is why MDCAT preparation matters so much: Matric and FSc are already fixed, and the test is the only part you can still change.
Why Your FSc Marks Still Matter
FSc carries 40%, so every 1% in your FSc percentage adds 0.4 points to your aggregate. A strong FSc result gives you a head start that is hard to make up with the test alone.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the wrong total marks for Matric, FSc or the MDCAT paper.
- Mixing up the national MDCAT total with the NUMS test total.
- Rounding each percentage too early, which can shift the final result slightly.
- Assuming every institution uses the same formula. Always check the admission notice of your college or university.
Calculate Your Aggregate Instantly
Skip the manual maths and use our free Merit / Aggregate Calculator. To convert marks into a percentage first, try the Marks & Grade Calculator.
Always confirm the latest weightage and total marks on the official PM&DC or university admission notice, because policies can change between sessions. Last updated: October 2026.