JCAT Syllabus & Pattern 2026: Official Breakdown for MD/MS & MDS
If you are applying for MD, MS, or MDS programs in Punjab (King Edward, UHS, FJMU), passing the Joint Centralized Admission Test (JCAT) is your first mandatory step.
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Unlike FCPS, the JCAT has a very specific "Two-Paper" format that trips up many candidates. Is it clinical? Is it basic sciences?
Here is the official 2026 Syllabus breakdown, paper pattern, and passing criteria to help you clear this exam on your first attempt.
JCAT 2026 Exam Pattern (The 2-Paper System)
The JCAT is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted by KEMU/UHS. It consists of two separate papers held on the same day.
| Feature | Paper 1 (Basic Sciences) | Paper 2 (Specialty Specific) |
|---|---|---|
| Total MCQs | 100 MCQs | 100 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 200 Marks | 200 Marks |
| Time Allowed | 120 Minutes | 120 Minutes |
| Syllabus | Common for ALL candidates (Medicine, Surgery, Dentistry) | Specific to your field (e.g., Surgery & Allied) |
| Passing Marks | 60% (120/200) | 60% (120/200) |
Important Update (2026):
- Negative Marking: Yes. +2 for a correct answer, -0.5 for a wrong answer.
- Passing Policy: You must pass BOTH papers individually. A high score in Paper 1 cannot compensate for a fail in Paper 2.
Detailed Syllabus Breakdown
Paper 1: Basic Sciences (Common for Everyone)
This paper decides your fate. Most students fail here because they ignore Anatomy and Physiology while focusing on clinicals.
- Anatomy (30%): Histology, Embryology (High Yield), Gross Anatomy of Thorax & Limbs.
- Physiology (30%): CVS, Respiration, Renal, and Nerve/Muscle Physiology.
- Pathology (20%): General Pathology (Cell injury, Inflammation), Microbiology.
- Pharmacology (10%): General Pharma, ANS, and Antimicrobials.
- Minor Subjects (10%): Biostatistics, Behavioral Sciences, and Research Methodology.
Resource: Use Part1PK App (Basic Sciences Module) to practice Anatomy & Physio questions, which are often repeated from past UHS pools.
Paper 2: Specialty Specific
This paper tests your clinical knowledge. You will choose ONE category during registration:
1. Medicine & Allied
- Syllabus: General Medicine (Davidson/Harrison based), Pediatrics, Radiology basics, Pharmacology (Clinical).
- High Yield Topics: MI Management, Stroke Protocols, TB & Asthma guidelines, Diabetes management.
2. Surgery & Allied
- Syllabus: General Surgery (Bailey & Love), Anatomy (Surgical), Trauma Protocols (ATLS), Sterilization techniques.
- High Yield Topics: Appendicitis, Hernias, Shock management, Burns, and Fluid electrolytes.
3. Dentistry (MDS)
- Syllabus: Operative Dentistry, Oral Surgery, Prosthodontics, Orthodontics, and Oral Pathology.
JCAT vs. FCPS: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | FCPS Part 1 | JCAT (MD/MS) |
|---|---|---|
| Format | 2 Papers (Basic Sciences focus) | 1 Paper Basic + 1 Paper Clinical |
| Clinical Content | Very Less (Mostly Basic) | 50% of Exam is Clinical (Paper 2) |
| Negative Marking | No | Yes (-0.5) |
| Recognition | College Fellowship (CPSP) | University Degree (KEMU/UHS) |
How to Prepare for JCAT 2026 (3-Step Plan)
Step 1: Master the "Basic" Paper
Do not buy separate books for JCAT Paper 1.
- Books: Mini Snell (Anatomy), BRS (Physiology), Pathoma.
- Practice: The Part1PK App contains a dedicated tag for "UHS/JCAT Past Papers." Solving these is crucial because UHS often repeats questions from its own bank.
Step 2: Cram the Clinicals (Paper 2)
For Paper 2, you need "One-Best Answer" clinical books.
- Medicine: Dogar’s JCAT Medicine or Master the Boards (Step 2 CK).
- Surgery: Dogar’s JCAT Surgery or Schwartz Principles (Review).
Step 3: The "Negative Marking" Drill
Since JCAT has negative marking, you cannot guess blindly like in FCPS.
- Rule of Thumb: If you can eliminate 2 options, take the guess. If you are clueless, skip it.
- Mock Exam: Take a mock test on Part1PK and deduct 0.5 marks for every wrong answer to test your real score.