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The Perfect Guide to Acing the AKU Entry Test

Outline of the guide:

AKU test pattern (2022)
AKU test syllabus
How do I start studying for the AKU test?
To join an academy or not?
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Math
Scientific Reasoning
How to study for the AKU Entry Test in one month?
Time management and schedule?
Strategy to attempt the test (VERY IMPORTANT)
Gap year perspective
Taking the AKU test while studying in another university
International Student Perspective
Other resources

AKU's Medical College is one of the best in Pakistan, and people are often overwhelmed by the admissions process. However, we will break each stage down and make it super easy for you to understand!

First, AKU conducts its entry test yearly, usually before the MDCAT. This year, the AKU test date is July 24th, 2022. You have to pass the test by scoring more than a specific cut-off percentage that varies every year. The AKU test result comes out usually a month after the exam. Simply put, they shortlist the 300-350 top-scoring students for their Stage II evaluation, i.e., the interview and Stage II form submission.

Although this may sound daunting, this article will only focus on how to crack the AKU Entry test in detail and share all the resources you need to pass it. The interview comes later.

Test pattern (2022)

You have 2 hours to complete the test in which you have to attempt 100 MCQs.

1. Sciences

It is the negative marking portion in which you lose 0.25 marks for every wrong answer.

2. Mathematics and Scientific reasoning

AKU Syllabus:

AKU’s MBBS entry test’s syllabus is same as AKU-EB papers.
https://www.aku.edu/admissions/Pages/curriculum.aspx

How do I start studying for the AKU test?

First off, look into the test pattern and syllabus for this year's test. Read the syllabus outline in detail and mark concepts you don't know. Then, download the syllabus for this year's MDCAT and repeat the same. AKU entry test’s syllabus is very extensive, so I suggest you cover the PMC MDCAT's syllabus first, as that is typically high yield for AKU's Test. Later, you can do the rest of the topics if you have time.

Whether to join an academy or not?

It depends on your learning style. If you like to study at your own pace or are a night owl, join an online academy. Youtube is an excellent substitute for these academies and free of cost. However, if you think joining an academy might suit your learning style, then make sure to stay on track with the classes and study for the daily tests. Otherwise, you're just going to waste your time there.

As an A-level student, joining an academy wasn't helpful for me as the teaching style was quite FSc-based, and I could not adjust in such a short time. It would have saved my time considerably if I had self-studied or joined an academy for online lectures. However, to remove any bias, I requested my fellow batchmate to share his opinion on this.

For FSc, I would not recommend it at all. There are hardly 15-20 days till AKU Test after Boards, and believe me, if one wants to have aced it, they should build their concepts early on from boards for 12th content at least. The remaining time would be enough to cover and boost up 11th Prep and revise all content for AKU. Again, it's very doable, and many people around me have done it without any academy. Also, technically there is no such "content" that an academy can help you with for the AKU Test. Just be good with concepts; nothing stops you from clearing the test. The maths portion might require a tutor or additional resources in case you've never touched maths. Still, since the AKU Test Math portion is so basic, you won't even require that; you need to give it an hour and let your brain work through all the problem sets. You can't expect to solve maths questions in the last 15 minutes and then present an absurd excuse of "not having taken maths in High School.". In short, no component requires you to attend any academy. All you need to do is study on your own and practice relevant Mcqs for better command. Khizer MBBS ‘2026

How to study for the AKU test?

Biology:

AKU Biology questions are not as straightforward as in the MDCAT. Even though the questions might test your memory or rote-learning, they always have an underlying concept. You should first learn the concepts from lectures or YouTube videos (in case the FSc books are not self-explanatory). Although the Federal board’s book is excellent, you may complement it with SAT II Barrons and Kingdoms from Punjab Board’s book to grasp this portion as they are high-yield for AKU's Test.

Regarding Kingdoms, you don't have to memorize too much detail as mentioned in the FSc books. You have to know the primary divisions with some examples.

Practicing MCQs alongside your preparation is a must! And the best resource to do so is Premedical.pk by MedAngle

Chemistry:

Again, the Chemistry portion is also very conceptual. However, you will still need to remember the organic reactions and basic facts like molar masses. The Federal Board’s Book is more than enough for Chemistry, but people have done well by using Punjab Board and SAT II alongside it.

Despite what you do, organic Chemistry from Punjab Board is a must, and make sure to practice its topical questions from Premedical.pk.

Physics:

Physics is the one subject you will need to practice the most. There will be numericals along with theoretical questions. Although physics concepts are not that difficult, you need to have a firm grasp of them, and FSc books alone are not enough.

It would help to complement Punjab Board’s Book (much better than KP's book) extensively with YouTube videos, lectures, or SAT II. In addition to this, do regular practice of the MCQs as you cover each topic. Make sure to cover the optics chapter thoroughly.

Math:

Math is not as difficult as people perceive it to be; you need just a few days of practice if you're not from a math background. The resources that people usually use are SAT I (no-calculator section) and IKMC (International Kangaroo Mathematics Contest) past papers (Class 9-10) to polish their skills.

This section is more like mental math than heavily formula-based calculations, which is why they don't allow a calculator.

Scientific Reasoning:

This section is mainly based on common general knowledge relevant to science. There's no such specific preparation that you can do for it. However, I would highly recommend you to practice logical reasoning MCQs in the Smart Topics on Premedical.pk
Whenever you practice MCQs, keep a record of the ones you get wrong and write explanations for each one. It will be beneficial during revision, the last days before the test.

How to study for the AKU Entry Test in one month?

One month of preparation is enough to pass the AKU Test as long as you study smartly.

First of all, you have to download PMC's syllabus for the NMDCAT because that is what is high yield for AKU's Test. Skim through the syllabus and highlight chapters that you haven't studied before.I know it is not easy, but it is the last month that will decide your future. That's why you have to study at your best and be efficient.

Depending on your concepts and previous knowledge, you should give more time to difficult topics and less time to others. Use the resources mentioned above and complement them with YouTube videos where necessary. The most important thing is to do regular practice of MCQs. Premedical.pk is your best friend during this month. The explanations it has for every question cover all the knowledge gaps you may have from not studying or the inability to retain information from the books. Solve as many MCQs as you can after going through each chapter. I am emphasizing more on regular practice of mcqs because it is a scientifically proven method to learn better and retain more information which is called active recall.

During the last few days, solve full-length mock papers to test yourself under pressure. Make sure to solve questions available on Premedical.pk. There are also going to be AKU Mocks near the exam, so make sure to look out for them on our socials!

Time management and schedule:

It honestly depends on your studying routine. You have to figure out what time is the best for you to study. Some are morning people, and others are night owls. It is up to you what works; most importantly, you don't need to specify the hours you have to study in a day. It is more practical to set deadlines to cover every topic.

For example, I used to give a specific number of days to every chapter and tried to complete it by then. No matter how many hours I studied, I always tried to complete my targets.

Strategy to attempt the test (VERY IMPORTANT):

The most crucial factor in passing the test is to execute the right strategy. AKU's test does not only test your concepts but also your ability to handle pressure. They might put questions out of the syllabus but remove them during grading. Similarly, they might write many sentences in the question to confuse you, but the question usually lies in the last line. You have to remain calm and skip questions that you cannot possibly solve.

Firstly, I would suggest solving the Sciences Portion, which involves negative marking. Skim through all the questions and then start solving them. Solve the easiest ones in the first go and skip any question you feel is taking a lot of time. In the second go, try to solve all the hard ones, and you'll feel that they are much easier now. Skip all questions that are taking too much time or that you feel are out of the syllabus because wrong guesses can take away all your marks as negative marking is involved.

Then move on to the Math portion and similarly solve questions. Finally, move to the Scientific Reasoning Portion and try to solve them as quickly as possible because you'll probably be left with minimal time. However, don't panic if you feel like you cannot attempt all the questions in such a short time. This technique of skipping hard questions is designed to manage your time accordingly. If you're left with no time for the Math or Science Reasoning portion, you may take guesses because there's no negative marking in this portion. Also, remember to leave 5-7 minutes to fill the bubble sheet at the end if you haven't done so.

Despite this, everyone has different strategies, so you should practice full-length papers before coming to the test. I would recommend you take the free AKU Mock exams offered by Premedical.pk to get an idea of how to handle pressure during the exam. Additionally, there are timed test modes on the website, which provide you with an excellent way to practice under pressure.

I also compiled some experiences of people who went through different pathways like taking a gap year, preparing for the test while studying at another university, or even applying to AKU from abroad.

Gap year perspective:

Taking a gap year was one of the toughest decisions I've had to make. However, my experience in that gap year transformed in more ways than I can count. I went through insane highs and lows and felt emotions I had never felt before. There was an absolute shattering of so much I thought to be real and mine, and I was forced to reorient myself according to all that I learned, contributing immensely to my personal growth. However, it does not mean that the stressors that came with this were easy to deal with or that they didn't get to me at times, specifically concerning academics. I first got the syllabus to tackle this, so I knew exactly what I had to study and how much detail. Next, I made a schedule and ensured I stuck by it and was consistent with it. The most important thing that made my study time productive was practicing as many questions as possible. This ensured effective memorization by active recall. Aside from studying, I balanced my lifestyle with things that helped me de-stress and keep my mental health in check. This was important because I believe that keeping time slots for relaxing things helps you recharge for work. These included physical activity, giving time to my hobbies like baking, spending quality time with my family and friends, and even seemingly mundane things like journaling about my day. Naimal Naeem, AKU Class of 2026

There are 2 cases in which you'll be reapplying for AKU: You failed the test last year or didn't clear the interview. Don't lose heart yet. I've been in both situations and got into AKU on my third attempt! So trust me, I know what you're going through. In the first scenario, I would say that you understand how the test is, and you should have a decent idea of why you failed it. These two factors will help you a lot if you think about them. Spend time working on your weak spots, reasoning, science sections, or time management. Be smart in how you study. The point I want to stress is that please do not sacrifice your mental and physical health while chasing AKU. If you think getting rejected or failing at something is something to be ashamed of, know that the valedictorian of a recent batch of AKU got in on his third attempt! Even Usain Bolt didn't win the gold medal on his first try. If you're at home taking a gap year, spend time with your family because once you get into med school, you'll have very little time for that afterward, even after graduating. Develop a skill, learn a new language, and hit the gym. There's always a way in which you can become a better version of yourself. Never blame others or the time for the situation you're in. You're responsible for everything that happens in your life. It's a challenging world, and the only easy day was yesterday. Bazish Faisal, AKU Class of 2026

Taking the AKU test while studying at another university:

As a gap year student undergoing a university program (Ayub Medical College and Minerva), I did not feel the usual misery of feeling inadequate about myself or anxiety about my prospects and college admissions. The gap year was a much-needed break from the repeatedly postponed entry tests for which I made new schedules every time. It was also a "detox" from traditional textbook-based education and aptitude tests which are more about recall than problem-solving. My gap year broadened my horizons beyond the degree I was going to pursue, and I furnished my skills in diverse fields like coding, machine learning, and analyses. If utilised correctly, with the right mindset and the enthusiasm to continue, a gap year can act as a period of growth that puts one further ahead in life than one's contemporaries. IT DOES NOT HAVE TO STOP YOU OR STALE YOUR ABILITIES. Hashim Salar, AKU Class of 2026

I got into AKU on the first attempt but did not join for personal reasons and joined LUMS. The next year, I prepared again for the test. So first and foremost, I believe there must be some driving force for you to prepare for AKU while in another university. If you have a strong reason, it will keep you going despite the ups and downs you must face. Regardless, I prepped for the AKU test once during my semester in 2020 and then during my summer break in 2021. It depends much on your schedule for your current university. As for 2020, the Prep was hard and time-consuming, provided I had assignments and quizzes every other day. This was when I decided to play more riskily and be more selective in my Prep. On the other hand, in 2021, when I had the summer break, I prepared extensively to be on the safe side. Hence, the latter was a much smoother journey. Nonetheless, in both cases, I focused on Barron's SAT II books and to be honest, both times, it got the job done! Maryam Shaukat, AKU Class of 2026

The second time when I couldn't get into AKU, I joined CMH Lahore but still didn't give up on AKU. Firstly, I would urge you to remember the fact that thousands of kids are dying to get a chance to be where you are right now. While it can always get better, remember it could've been much worse. Therefore be thankful for the opportunity to study medicine (you'll love it!). Please do not ignore your university or isolate yourself. Enjoy EVERY BIT of happiness that it offers. Take part in All the activities happening. Make friends even if you leave that college as you'll still have those friends for the rest of your life. If you get into AKU, well and good! But even if you don't (Allah na kare), you won't regret the last year you spent at that college, and you'll still be a doctor! Bazish Faisal, AKU Class of 2026

International Student Perspective:

As the only international student in my batch (from Riyadh, Saudia Arabia), it can be pretty daunting to be in a new environment and face the many culture shocks on my own, but given the tedious journey to get where I am today, I'd say it was all worth it. With the support of seniors from all over the world, with different backgrounds - some exactly like my own - and great friends, I'm getting through it daily. I was born in the US, raised in Saudi Arabia, and had never lived a day of my life in Pakistan, and yet, AKU saw my diverse upbringing as a strength - something that counts here. The admission process for local and international students is more or less similar, except for international test centers and online interviews. Still, one issue that gets to us is entry test preparation. The Pakistani schooling system can be entirely foreign or quite familiar to internationals, depending on where you did your secondary schooling. To overcome this gap, you will have to pour yourself into preparation. My biggest advice to you is to invest in Premedical.pk by MedAngle; it saved my preparation at the last moment and helped me get used to the question style coming from an A-Level background and fill in the gaps in my knowledge with their question explanations. Good luck to everyone with the test, and make sure to pray! Prayer can make the impossible happen. It did so for me! Iman Zaynab Bajwa, AKU Class of 2026

So basically, this is all you need to know to pass the AKU test. To conclude, I would say that don't stress yourself out that much and take it easy as it is not the end of the world. Try your best and leave the rest to Allah Almighty!

I would also suggest you to go through this video for final tips!

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A post shared by Ahmad Zafar (@_ahmad_zafar)

Other resources:

The author, Ahmad Zafar, is part of the AKU Class of 2026
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/_ahmad_zafar

The above guide is not officially affiliated with AKU. All rights and trademarks belong to their respective owners.

Author: Ahmad Zafar

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