AKU MBBS Is Likely Moving to UCAT: What 2027 Applicants Should Know

Aga Khan University’s MBBS admission information for 2026–27 says it is likely that AKU will use the UCAT from the 2027 admission cycle. AKU will publish details on its website later.

How the current AKU test works

  • Based on the Pakistani HSSC curriculum
  • Physics, Chemistry and Biology, plus science and mathematical reasoning
  • Required for all Pakistani and overseas candidates
  • Scores are valid only in the year they are taken

What is UCAT?

UCAT is an aptitude test used by medical schools. It does not test subject knowledge. It tests how you think.

SubtestQuestionsTime
Verbal Reasoning4422 min
Decision Making3537 min
Quantitative Reasoning3626 min
Situational Judgement6926 min

That is 184 questions in just under two hours.

Why this changes your preparation

UCAT rewards speed, reading and judgement. Students who are strong in Biology but slow readers can find it hard. You cannot cram it in the last month.

What to do now:

  1. Keep your MDCAT preparation on track. AKU shortlisted candidates also submit valid MDCAT results.
  2. Add short, regular UCAT-style practice from now: timed reading, data questions and judgement scenarios.
  3. Watch aku.edu for the official 2027 announcement.

AKU eligibility (2026–27 cycle)

  • HSSC: minimum aggregate of 70%
  • A-Level: at least B in Biology and Chemistry, and in Physics or Mathematics, plus O-Level requirements

Sources: AKU MBBS Admission Information 2026–27 · UCAT test format

Preparing for MDCAT 2027? IBAGRADS early MDCAT batches are enrolling at six Karachi campuses and live online. Call 0340-0252222 or see our 2026 results.