CPSP Official Exam

CPSP JCAT - Junior Clinical Attachment Test

Everything you need to know about the CPSP Junior Clinical Attachment Test: what it is, who must take it, the format, scoring, and how to prepare with Pakistan's most accurate JCAT mock test platform.

What is the CPSP Junior Clinical Attachment Test?

JCAT (Junior Clinical Attachment Test) is a compulsory examination administered by the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP). It is taken by MBBS graduates who have completed their one-year house job (clinical attachment) in Pakistan.

Passing JCAT is a prerequisite for CPSP registration, which in turn is required to enter any CPSP-recognized postgraduate training program. Without a passing JCAT score, a candidate cannot register with CPSP or proceed to any CPSP postgraduate training.

JCAT Examination Format and Eligibility

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Who Must Take JCAT?

All MBBS graduates who have completed or are completing their one-year house job at a CPSP-recognized hospital in Pakistan. JCAT must be passed before CPSP registration is granted.

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Exam Format

200 Single Best Answer (SBA) MCQs in 3 hours. CBT (Computer-Based Test) format at CPSP designated centers. DIF scoring: questions outside acceptable difficulty range are excluded.

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Pass Mark and Scoring

Pass mark is 75% after DIF adjustment. The DIF scoring algorithm excludes questions with Difficulty Index above 85% or below 15%. Marks from excluded questions are redistributed proportionally.

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When is JCAT Held?

JCAT is held twice yearly, typically in March-April and September-October. Exact dates are announced by CPSP. Registration deadlines are usually 4-6 weeks before the exam date.

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JCAT Subjects

Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics, ENT, Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics, Community Medicine, and Forensic Medicine. All clinical specialties from the house job year.

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CPSP Registration

After passing JCAT, you can register with CPSP. This registration allows you to apply for CPSP postgraduate training programs including fellowship, diploma, and membership programs.

CPSP JCAT - Common Questions

What is CPSP JCAT?
CPSP JCAT (Junior Clinical Attachment Test) is an examination by the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan for house officers completing their house job year. Passing JCAT is required for CPSP registration and entry into any CPSP postgraduate training program.
When is JCAT held in 2026?
JCAT 2026 dates are announced by CPSP on their official website (cpsp.edu.pk). Typically two sittings are held per year: one around March-April and one around September-October. Check CPSP's website for exact dates and registration deadlines.
How difficult is the JCAT exam?
JCAT focuses on clinical application across all house job specialties rather than theoretical basic sciences. Most house officers find the questions directly relevant to what they encountered during their house job rotations. Candidates who prepare with structured mock tests and CPSP-accurate DIF scoring report feeling well prepared on exam day.

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