FSc Pre-Medical vs Pre-Engineering: How to Choose After Matric
Choose FSc Pre-Medical if you want a career in medicine or health and enjoy biology; choose FSc Pre-Engineering if you want engineering or technical degrees and enjoy mathematics. Both share Physics and Chemistry, and the deciding subject is Biology versus Mathematics.
The key difference in one table
| FSc Pre-Medical | FSc Pre-Engineering | |
|---|---|---|
| Electives | Biology, Chemistry, Physics | Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics |
| Deciding subject | Biology | Mathematics |
| Typical degrees after | MBBS, BDS, Pharm-D, DPT, nursing, life sciences | Engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics |
| Compulsory subjects | English, Urdu, Pakistan Studies, Islamic Studies | Same |
Choose Pre-Medical if…
- You enjoy biology and want to understand how the human body works
- You are aiming for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy or nursing
- You are ready for a lot of memorisation and detailed reading
Choose Pre-Engineering if…
- You enjoy mathematics and solving problems step by step
- You are aiming for engineering, computer science or physical sciences
- You prefer applying formulas and logic over memorising
Three questions to ask yourself
- Which Matric subject did I score best in, Biology or Maths? Your strongest subject is usually the best predictor.
- What job do I picture in ten years? Doctor, pharmacist or physiotherapist points to Pre-Medical; engineer or programmer points to Pre-Engineering.
- Do I want a faster route into work? If so, look at the two-year FSc Allied Health programmes, or at ICS for computing.
What you need to apply
Both programmes need Matric (SSC) or an equivalent such as O-levels. The RCCS eligibility criteria ask Pre-Medical applicants to have studied Biology, Chemistry and Physics, and Pre-Engineering applicants Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics. Both last two years, with FBISE exams at the end of each year.
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch from Pre-Medical to Pre-Engineering later?
Switching after first year is difficult because the electives differ. Speak to the admission office before you decide.
Is Pre-Engineering only for engineering?
No. It also suits computer science, mathematics, physics, architecture and other technical degrees.
Which is harder?
Neither is easy. The better question is which subject you are stronger in: Biology or Mathematics.
Related pages
Visit or call the RCCS admission office
147-C, Murree Road, Near Marir Chowk, Saddar, Rawalpindi · 051-4252629 · 0332-5333617