Pharmacist

Biology is your future MDCAT-style entry subject — treat it as your main subjectClass 9 and Class 10, throughout the year

Pharm-D admission later depends on FSc Pre-Medical, and Biology carries the most weight in university entry tests. In Class 9–10, master cell biology, human physiology, and plant physiology properly instead of rote-learning diagrams. When you reach Class 11, the same chapters reappear at a harder level, so a strong Matric Biology base saves you months of revision later.

Chemistry is the second pillar of pharmacyClass 9 and Class 10

Pharmacy is applied chemistry: drug structures, salts, reactions, and solutions. Focus now on chemical bonding, periodic table trends, acids and bases, and mole concept numericals. If you understand the mole concept in Matric, Class 11 physical chemistry and later pharmaceutics calculations become far easier.

Physics and Mathematics matter more than students expectClass 9 and Class 10

Pre-Medical students often ignore Physics, but Pharm-D entry tests and first-year university courses include basic physics and dosage calculations. Keep your Physics numericals and Class 9–10 Mathematics sharp — you will need percentages, ratios, and unit conversions for drug dose calculations in pharmacy school.

Aim for 60%+ in Matric — some universities check itClass 10 board exams, spring

Universities like University of Karachi require at least 60% marks in Matric and FSc for Pharm-D, and competitive government universities effectively need much higher. Your Matric percentage becomes part of your permanent record, so treat Class 9 as the year to build the habit, and Class 10 board exams as the first marks that count.

The big decision ahead: FSc Pre-MedicalClass 10, second half of the year

For pharmacy, the stream is clear: FSc Pre-Medical with Biology and Chemistry. ICS, I.Com and FA do not lead to Pharm-D. If you are doing O Level, plan A Level subjects as Biology, Chemistry, and one more (Physics or Mathematics). Start discussing college options with your parents in Class 10 so admission season does not catch you unprepared.

Board exams (Matric / O Level) — your first marks that countSpring of Class 10

Your Class 10 board result (FBISE, Punjab, Sindh, KPK, Balochistan, AKU-EB boards, or O Level) is the first academic record Pharm-D universities will see. Aim well above 60%. Exams fall in spring, so finish the syllabus by January and spend February–March on past papers.

No entry test yet — do not start MDCAT-style prepClass 9–10

Pharm-D entry tests are taken after FSc, not after Matric. At this stage there is no MDCAT, ECAT or NUST NET to prepare for. Your job is only to build the Biology and Chemistry base those tests will later examine. Avoid paid 'entry test academies' for Class 9–10 — they are a waste of money now.

Scientific reading and note-makingClass 9 onward

Pharmacists read drug leaflets, research summaries, and PMDC/DRAP-style regulations. Start now: after each Biology chapter, write a one-page summary in your own words. Free place to learn: Khan Academy (biology and chemistry courses) for clear explanations and practice.

Basic calculation speed (ratios, percentages, unit conversions)Class 9–10

Drug dose calculations are ratios and percentages. Practise daily mental maths and unit conversion. Free place to learn: Khan Academy's arithmetic and pre-algebra sections, or YouTube channels like MathAntics for fundamentals.

English communicationClass 9 onward

Pharmacists counsel patients and write reports in English. Build the habit of reading one English article a day and learning five new words. Free place to learn: BBC Learning English website and app — free lessons on reading, vocabulary and speaking.

Digital literacy — typing and basic computer useClass 9–10

Pharmacy inventory systems, hospital software and university LMS portals all need basic computer comfort. Learn touch typing and simple spreadsheets. Free place to learn: TypingClub (typingclub.com) for typing, and Google's free 'Digital Garage' or YouTube for Excel/Sheets basics.

National Biology Olympiad (Pakistan Biology Olympiad)Class 9–10, when registrations open

Open to school students and a genuine way to deepen Biology beyond the textbook — exactly the subject pharmacy needs. Ask your school science teacher if your college or school can register you, or search for the current organising body online.

National Chemistry Olympiad / chemistry quizzesClass 9–10

Chemistry competitions and science quiz contests (often run by universities like NUST, UET or science foundations) strengthen the second pillar of pharmacy. Even school-level science fairs count — present a project on medicines, antibiotics, or drug safety.

STEM and science fair competitions (e.g. National Science Talent Contest pathway)Class 9 and Class 10, usually announced in the school year

The National Science Talent Contest (NSTC) pathway by STEM Careers Project (HEC) selects students from classes 9–10 level for olympiad training in Biology and Chemistry. Selection is through screening tests — watch the HEC STEM website for announcements.