An Ultimate Guideline for Agha Khan University, Medical College, AKU MCAT
Agha Khan University, Medical College, Karachi is most sought-after and coveted Medical University for Pakistani Students. Here are the reasons you should consider before preferring AKU over other Medical Universities in Pakistan:
•Top 20 in Public, Environmental, Occupational Health Overall.
•Top 100 in Asia Overall
•Top 500 in the world Overall
•Diverse Societies and Student Groups
AKU’s Test Format:
Biology: 20 MCQ’s
Chemistry: 20 MCQ’s
Physics: 20 MCQ’s
Science Achievement Component: 60 Marks
Mathematics: 20 MCQ’S
Science Reasoning: 20 MCQ’s
Cumulative Reasoning Component: 40 Marks
Total MCQ’s: 100 MCQ’s
Total Marks: 100
Note: The pattern may change.
Biology, Chemistry and Physics has a Negative Marking of 0.25 or 1/4 or -0.25/each wrong MCQ. Whereas, Mathematical and Science Reasoning has no negative marking. The cutoff for previous year i.e 2021 was 70% in Science Achievement Component and 74% in Cumulative Science and Math Reasoning Component. However, the Standard Cumulative Percentage/Cutoff/Threshold varies every year depending upon the difficulty of the Exam. In order to be on safe side, TRY YOUR LEVEL BEST to score 80% each in Science Achievement Component (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Cumulative Science and Math Reasoning Component (Math and Scientific Reasoning).
How to crack AKU’s test?
Here, I will be delving deeply into each subject accordingly.
Biology:
Biology is more based on Memorization. It is more of factual Information. So, I would emphasize you to use Active Recall Methods to retain it’s facts. To prepare for this component, first thing first is to skim through it’s syllabus. Then divide this syllabus into:
(1) Kingdoms/Taxonomy (2) Living/Biological Systems/ Physiology of Human (3) Botany (4) Zoology/Animal Part (5) Biochemistry (6) Ecology
(1). Kingdoms/Taxonomy:
This is THE MOST DREADFUL and nightmarish component for ANY Pre-med. Prepare Kingdoms from Punjab Textbook, Lahore THOROUGHLY. Prepare Distinguishing or Differentiating Characteristics and Features of Every Phylum and it’s examples, to be specific. Phew, you are done with this component. Revise it every now and then through Active Recall. You may divide phyla into chunks and then revise it effectively.
(2). Living/Bodily Systems/Human Physiology:
Do Physiology of Humans from Federal Textbook+ Punjab Textbook. Prepare it’s diagrams and their labelling THOROUGHLY.
(3). Botany:
Prepare it from Punjab Textbook+ Federal Textbook.
(4). Zoology:
Prepare it from Punjab Textbook, Lahore. As Federal Biology Textbook has no Zoology related Content, so preparing it from Punjab Textbook would be suffice.
(5). Biochemistry:
This includes Chapters: Biological Molecules, Enzymes, Cells, Variety of Life, Bioenergetics, Chromosome and DNA, Cell Cycle, Variation and Genetics, Evolution. This is THE MOST CONCEPTUAL PART of Biology. Prepare it from FTB first and then from PTB.
(6). Ecology:
This includes, Ecosystem, Some Major Ecosystem and Man and his Environment. Preparing it from PTB only would be suffice.
Now, only First Chapter, Introduction to Biology is left. You may just go through it from Biology, Class 11, Punjab Textbook, Lahore. Easiest chapter tbh!
The quintessence for Biology:
Supplement your preparation with SAT 2 Biology Book after going through FSc Books as it would help consolidate your Biology Concept gap of A Levels and Intermediate.
Chemistry:
This Subject is divided into further 3 components for the sake of convenience:
(1). Physical Chemistry (2). Organic Chemistry (3) Inorganic Chemistry
(1). Physical Chemistry:
Prepare it from FTB or PTB. I preferred FTB as it emphasizes more on Concepts. Also, I belong to Federal Board too, so yes, makes sense. Focus more on concepts rather than rote memorization. For Physical Chemistry, Try to solve FBISE’s and AKUEB’s Chemistry MCQ’s too.
(2). Organic Chemistry:
Prepare it from Punjab Textbook, Lahore. It would be MORE THAN ENOUGH! Remember reaction’s reactants, products and conditions. Also, the tests an Organic Compound undergoes.
(3). Inorganic Chemistry:
Prepare it from Federal Textbook as the syllabus given by AKU is an exact replica of FTB’s content.
The quintessence for Chemistry Preparation:
After going through Intermediate Concepts, go through SAT 2 Chemistry books to concrete your basic Concepts.
Physics:
Prepare it from your own Board Textbook as for this portion, Concept and Practice matters more than any Textbook. Focus more on Optics or Lens Based Chapters. Also, here again, go through SAT 2 Physics Book for consolidating your Fundamental Physics Concepts.
The quintessence for Cumulative Science Achievement Section:
In a crux, go through FSC Books, then SAT 2 Books if you belong to FSc Stream. After going through it, PRACTICE, PRACTICE and PRACTICE, that’s the key to crack this portion.
Mathematical Reasoning:
This is the MOST daunting and intimidating section for me and other pre-meds as well. I abhor it to the moon and back and I am sure the feeling is mutual. This component is based on simple mathematical questions, word- problems, percentages and pie-chart sort of questions. It is an umbrella term for Quantitative, Mathematical, Numeral Reasoning and Ability. As no syllabus is given, following are the alternatives you may use according to your own convenience:
•SAT 1 (MANDATORY): Prepare only non-calculator Section. College Panda is most Suitable Book than Barron’s or Kaplan.
•Class 9 and 10 Mathematics Book
•Khan Academy Lectures for SAT 1 and it’s Diagnostic or Practice Tests.
•International Kangaroo Tests Junior Level of class 8–10 (Level Kadett and Junior Level).
•Junior level tests (IKMC) link: http://www.kangaroo.com.pk/practice-online
•Rai Noor YouTube Playlist for AKU Mathematics.
•Shah Fahad Khan YouTube Playlist for AKU Mathematics.
- KIPS Quantitative Mathematics Reasoning Book
Topics:
Additionally, you may practice following topics:
•Number Series
•Number System
•Missing Numbers
•Number of Heads and Legs of an Animal
•Imaginary Mathematical Operations
•PEMDAS & BODMAS Mathematical Operations
•Median, Mode, Range
•Averages
•Percentages (Profit/Loss/Discount/Gain)
•Ratio and Proportion
•Age Problems
•Time and Distance
•Time and Work
•Time and Wages
•Train Problems
•Tables 1–20
•Algebraic Expressions and their Formulae
•Probability
•Permutation and Combination
•Trigonometry
•Geometry
•Coordinate Geometry
•Plane Geometry
•Solid Geometry
•Analytical Geometry
•HCF/LCM
•Lines and Angles
•Triangles and Polygons
•Circles and Solid Figures
•Mixtures and Alligation
•Progression
•Inequalities
•Factorization
•Surds and Indices
•Decimals and Fractions
•Simplification and Approximations
•Data Sufficiency
•Data Analysis (Mode, Deviations)
•Data Interpretation (Line graphs, Bar graphs, pie charts, Tabulations, Radars, Triangular Graphs, Photographs, Caslets DI)
•Square, Square Roots
•Cube and Cube Roots
•Calendar Problems
•Clock Problems
•Partnership
•Height and Distance Problems
•Interest (Simple and Compound)
•Quadratic Equation
•Logarithm
•Exponents
•Miscellaneous Problems
•Boat and Stream Problems
•Time and Wages
•Pipes and Cisterns
•Vedic Mathematics
•Binomial Expansion
•Speed, time, distance
•Discount Problems
•Area and Perimeter Problems
•Pythagoras theorem
•Matrices
•Scientific Notation
•Rounding Off
•Sampling
•Polynomials
•Profits and Loss
•Mensuration of 2D and 3D
•Translation of Word Problems
From where to practice questions?
You may use following MCQ bank/books:
•premed medangle
•PreMed.Pk
•Toppr app
•KIPS Books for NMDCAT
•KIPS Practice Tests from Saeed MDCAT website
•SAT 2 Papers for Biology, Chemistry, Physics
•SAT 1 Papers for Mathematics
•Anees Hussain Books, can be found in pdf for
•RedSpot A Levels Books for Chemistry, Physics, Biology.
Reasoning:
In order to define Reasoning in context of Competitive Exams, it itself is not a subject but a Pseudo Subject. It requires presence of mind and common sense. Reasoning is the technique of thinking logically to arrive at a conclusion or judgement based on data. It measures a candidate’s ability to think logically and draw inferences. In broad competitive or entrance examinations, reasoning is becoming increasingly vital. The questions posed in most tests are difficult to solve, and one cannot tackle these problems without adequate practice. However, for convenience, it can be divided into two sections:
- Verbal Reasoning
2. Non-Verbal Reasoning
1. Verbal Reasoning:
Use of words to arrive at a conclusion and solving the given problem is called Verbal Reasoning. The Topics included in this are:
•Number Sequence
•Number Series
•Number System
•Number of puzzles on familiar geometrical figures
•Alphabetical series
•Alpha-Numeric Series
•Direction Sense
•Height Problems (Shorter or Taller)
•Odd One out
•Analogy Problems
•Coding-Decoding
•Blood Relation Problems
•Seating Problems
•Interchanging Signs
•Puzzles
•Inequality
•Data Sufficiency
•Machine Input and Output
•Syllogism
•Statement and Conclusion
•Statement and Assumption
•Statement and Argument
•Decision Making
•Drawing Inferences
•Cause and Effect
•Course of Action
•Situation and Reaction Test
•Verification of Truth of Statement
•Cube and Cuboid Problems
•Dice Problems
•Clock Problems
•Calendar Problems
•Letter Series
•Counting of Figured
•Pair Formation
•Venn Diagram Problems
•Order-Ranking
•Seating/Placing Arrangement Problems
•Pair Formation
•Word Formation
•Dictionary
•Direction sense
•Direction and Distance
•Time Sequence Test
•Person Ranking Test
•Sequential Order of Things
2. Non-Verbal Reasoning:
Problem-solving via visuals and diagrams is known as non-verbal reasoning. It assesses your ability to interpret visual data and solve problems using visual reasoning. Children are sometimes taught to examine a sequence of diagrams and identify the odd one or the next in the series. Questions come in diagrammatic and visual forms in non-verbal reasoning. Topics involved are:
•Figure Analogies
•Figure Matrix
•Choosing a Similar Figure
•Choosing an Odd Figure
•Series
•Classification
•Grouping of Identical Figures
•Find part of Incomplete Figure
•Spotting Embedded Figure
•Mirror and Water Image Problems
•Paper Cutting
•Paper Folding
•Visualizing a Pattern or Paper Folding
•Putting Pieces Together
•Problems on Dice
•Problems on Cube
•Figure Completion
Science Reasoning:
This section is an amalgamate of miscellaneous questions asked from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and some reasoning based questions aka Common Sense Questions. There is no one-size-fits-all book for Science Reasoning. Still, if you want to practice some questions, then you may practice them from:
•Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning Questions of ISSB, Topics Mentioned above. Prepare them from YouTube.
•ACT Science Reasoning Q’s: https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation/science-practice-test-questions.html?page=0&chapter=6
•A levels Thinking Skills (9694)
•Everyday Science Book for any Competitive Exam
•So, to sum it up, the AKU syllabus is based more on FSc or Intermediate stuff, but the way the questions are asked is more oriented towards A levels.
•Pathway to prepare for FSc Students: FSc Books ➡️ SAT 2.
Supplementing AKU MCAT with NMDCAT:
Moreover, remember that, you can also prepare it by supplementing your preparation of MDCAT with that of AKU Test. MDCAT’s syllabus is the High-Yield for AKU’s test, THERE I SAID IT!
YouTube Channels for AKU Guidelines:
MUST go through them:
•Random and More
•Abdullah Khattak
•Maryam Shaukat
•Shah Fahad Khan
•Abdullah Bin Faisal
•Science Workout
•Dr Hamza Ashraf
•Wareeshah Fatimah
•The AKU Challenge on Blogspot: http://theakuchallenge.blogspot.com/
•Comprehensive AKU Guidelines: https://goo.gl/Q4e8Wg
Past Papers To Solve:
You may go through:
•AKU Recreated Past Papers
•UHS Past Papers
•NUMS Past papers
•PMC Past Papers
•Premed.Pk AKU Past Papers
•premedangle past papers
Myths Busting:
Does AKU prefer A Level students?
AKU is open to all academically qualified candidates without consideration to gender, religion, race, creed, color or domicile. There are no quotas, reserved seats or admissions against donations unlike other medical colleges. Merit-based admissions are open to candidates from around the world. However, unlike other medical colleges in Pakistan, AKU prefers a versatile student who is an all rounder as in context of Academics and Co-curricular Activities.
AKU is a private medical college, I don’t have fee to pay for it?
AKU offers need-based as well as merit base scholarships as well. So, you should be more worried about getting into AKU. Moreover, they offer Student loans as well.
From where can I find it’s Syllabus?
Syllabus as well as all the required information can be found on it’s Website.
Important AKU Exam Day Guidelines:
Note: The following information is based on the events reported by the students who wrote the exam last year and may not be completely applicable to the situation this year.
Timings:
• The exam will be conducted at 9 AM sharp, so you must arrive at your relevant test center at least an hour prior.
• Visit the examination center beforehand. If not possible, then familiarize yourself with the location using a map.
• Try and leave your place of residence early to avoid being late due to any potential heavy traffic.
• Decide upon the location where your guardian/driver would pick you up after the exam beforehand. This will reduce inconveniences afterwards.
Personal items:
• Bring your CNIC (or smart card if you’re below 18).
• Print out and bring your AKU admit card. Make a photocopy of it to be safe.
• Bring your proof of vaccination, either for single or double doses for your relevant vaccine.
• The vaccinated card is not required for individuals who are under 18.
• Do not worry about stationary as you will be provided with a full stationary pouch by the center.
• If you have a bag or purse, those will be checked.
• You cannot carry a calculator, mobile phone, or jewellery to the exam hall.
• Any unauthorized item will be placed in a plastic bag provided by the center, which will be placed under the seat.
• Your important stationery and documents will remain on the desk.
Health:
• You should be healthy and have no apparent signs and symptoms for COVID.
• Stay at home if you are sick. Please do not put other test takers at risk if you do have symptoms.
• Your temperature will be tested before entry into the exam hall.
• Wear a mask and bring hand sanitizer. These will also be provided by the test center.
• Breathe deeply in case you’re nervous and remain confident in your preparation and abilities.
• Ensure that you eat your breakfast and bring a transparent bottle of water with you to the exam for hydration.
• Also bring some candy with you to the exam for a quick energy boost.
• The AKU exam is notorious for having students pass out as it is occurring. Try and ensure you’re not that person.
• Try and use the toilet before your exam. Don’t waste your precious time during the exam itself.
Centre:
• Upon arrival to the center, you may be urged to maintain social distancing.
• As potential future doctors, please practice this yourselves without being told to do so.
• Plan appropriately for the weather. Wear light clothes in case of heat and keep an umbrella in case of rain.
• You may have to stand for a while in a queue before being allowed into the hall.
• You will likely be seated in a large, air-conditioned hall.
• You will also likely be provided with a chair and a separate desk on which you would take your exam.
• If these are broken or wobbly, get them replaced asap.
The Final Verdict:
AKU selects Top 300 students for Next Stage 2/Interview Stage among a pool of 7k students. So, try your best to score max, as the number of students who apply goes on increasing every year.
