UHS MBBS/BDS 2026-27 Public Medical College Admissions: Step-by-Step Guide

If you're a pre-medical FSc student in Punjab hoping to study MBBS or BDS at a public-sector medical or dental college, pay close attention to the calendar this week. The University of Health Sciences (UHS), Lahore has released the official admission schedule for the 2026-27 session, and the MBBS application window closes in just two days — on October 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Here's everything you need to know to apply correctly and on time.

What's happening

UHS is administering centralized admissions to Punjab's public-sector medical and dental colleges under the Punjab government's admission policy, which was notified on October 14, 2026 by the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department. This year's schedule covers 19 public MBBS colleges and five public dental colleges, including well-known institutions such as King Edward Medical College, Allama Iqbal Medical College, and Nishtar Medical College.

Key dates you cannot miss

For MBBS applicants, the application portal opened on October 16, 2026 and closes on October 30, 2026 at 5:00 PM. There is no cushion built into this deadline, so if you haven't submitted your application yet, do it today rather than waiting until the final hours. After applications close, UHS will issue a provisional merit list on November 13, 2026, followed by the final merit list on November 16, 2026. Classes for the new MBBS batch are scheduled to begin on February 1, 2027.

BDS applicants have a later window: applications open December 15 and run through December 30, 2026, with classes beginning March 1, 2027.

How to apply

MBBS applications go through a dedicated portal at publicmbbs.uhs.edu.pk, while BDS applicants use publicbds.uhs.edu.pk. Both portals are separate from each other and from the private-sector admission system, so make sure you're on the correct one for the college category you're targeting.

A non-refundable processing fee of Rs. 2,000 is required, and it must be paid through the Bank of Punjab. UHS has specifically advised applicants against using the 1Bill top-up payment option when paying this fee — use the standard Bank of Punjab channel instead to avoid payment verification problems.

When uploading documents, note that UHS requires PNG or JPG image files only. Hard copies of your documents are not accepted as part of the online process, so scan or photograph your certificates, domicile, and CNIC/B-form clearly before you start the form.

Eligibility at a glance

To qualify, you generally need:

• A valid MDCAT score from either the 2024 or 2025 test cycle, with a minimum of 55% for MBBS or 50% for BDS.
• An HSSC Pre-Medical qualification (or an IBCC-recognized equivalent) with at least 60% marks overall, including Biology, Chemistry, and either Physics or Mathematics.
• Overseas Pakistani applicants and dual nationals may submit SAT-II or ACT scores instead, under the conditions UHS specifies for that category — check the portal's overseas applicant guidance if this applies to you.

How merit is calculated

UHS uses a weighted formula to rank applicants: MDCAT contributes 50% of your aggregate, your FSc/HSSC marks contribute 40%, and your matriculation result contributes the remaining 10%. Because MDCAT carries the heaviest weight, a strong MDCAT score matters more than any single other factor, but all three components count — so don't assume a great matric result alone will carry you.

Seat categories and selection rounds

Seats are allocated across several categories, including open merit, seats reserved for under-developed districts, Cholistan-specific seats, seats for students with disabilities, reciprocal seats between provinces, and dedicated overseas Pakistani seats. If you believe you qualify for a reserved category, check the specific documentation UHS requires for that category before the deadline, since reserved-seat claims typically need extra proof uploaded with your application.

Selection itself happens in three rounds of college-wise selection lists, so if you're not placed in the first list, you may still have a chance in a later round — don't assume one miss means you're out entirely.

A note for overseas Pakistani applicants

If you're selected under the overseas Pakistani quota, be aware that UHS requires payment of an annual fee of US$10,000 for that category, along with a prescribed undertaking. Factor this into your planning well before you're placed on a merit list, since the payment and paperwork timelines tend to be tight once selection lists are announced.

One more thing to watch

UHS has noted that this schedule may still be revised if the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council or the Government of Punjab issues further directions. Keep checking the official UHS website and your application portal regularly between now and the final merit list announcement in case any dates shift.

Bottom line: if MBBS is your goal, the clock is running — applications close October 30 at 5:00 PM. Get your documents ready in PNG/JPG format, pay the Rs. 2,000 fee through the Bank of Punjab (not the 1Bill top-up option), and submit through publicmbbs.uhs.edu.pk before the deadline. BDS applicants have a little more breathing room, with the window opening December 15.