The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) is one of Pakistan’s most respected training institutions, and its residency and internship programmes are highly competitive. This guide brings together the essential guidelines for the Induction Cycle 2027 — covering the exam timeline, fee, format, question pattern, preparation strategy, and the questions candidates ask most often.
AKUH Residency & Internship Guidelines — Induction Cycle 2027
1. Advertisement & Exam Timeline
Advertisements for AKUH Residency and Internship positions are usually published during June and July. The written test then takes place in mid-August, so candidates should begin focused preparation well before the announcement.
2. Exam Fee & Test Centres
The examination fee is PKR 5,000. The test is conducted at two centres: Islamabad and Karachi.
3. Exam Format
- Number of questions: 100 MCQs
- Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes)
- Mode: Paper-based (not computer-based)
4. Question Composition
The structure of the paper changed in recent cycles. Previously, the test included 70 MCQs from science subjects and 30 MCQs from English. From 2025 onwards, all 100 MCQs are drawn from the science (clinical) portion for both residency and internship candidates.
The paper is predominantly clinical scenario–based, featuring lengthy question stems and five answer options. The emphasis is firmly on clinical application and reasoning rather than rote memorisation.
5. Specialty Variations
There is some variation by specialty, with greater weight given to subject-specific MCQs in fields such as Psychiatry, Gynaecology, ENT, and Ophthalmology. Overall, however, the paper remains integrated, with significant overlap across specialties and between the residency and internship exams.
Residency papers broadly cover General Medicine and Surgery, whereas the internship assessment is a single integrated paper.
6. Repetition & Past-Paper Significance
There is notable repetition and overlap of MCQs from previous years. For this reason, thorough coverage of past papers is essential for effective preparation.
7. Preparation Strategy
For Residency Candidates:
- Build strong concepts using Master the Boards (Step 2 CK).
- Practise extensively from Path2Pass (Mobile App).
- Strengthen your chosen specialty with additional subject-focused study.
For Internship Candidates:
- Focus on Master the Boards (MTB).
- Thoroughly revise Path2Pass.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Advertisement | June–July |
| Written test | Mid-August |
| Exam fee | PKR 5,000 |
| Test centres | Islamabad & Karachi |
| Questions | 100 MCQs (clinical) |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Mode | Paper-based |
| Shortlisting ratio | ≈ 3 candidates per seat (1:3) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. Candidates can sit the test even before clearing FCPS Part 1. However, they must pass their final attempt (usually in November) to remain eligible for further selection.
Shortlisting is primarily based on test performance. Candidates are ranked by their percentage scores, and the top scorers are invited to the next stage.
No. Candidates who have completed the internship exam usually proceed directly to the interview stage without retaking the written test.
No. The selection process is strictly merit-based, ensuring fairness and transparency through performance evaluation.
No. All selected candidates start fresh from the first year at AKUH, regardless of prior residency experience elsewhere.
Yes. Departments with more available seats may be slightly easier to enter. Examples include Pathology, Paediatric Medicine, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Radiology.
Yes. Candidates with research experience may receive additional consideration during shortlisting and selection.
The stipend is roughly equivalent to that given to government graduates.
Accommodation is provided for female candidates. Male candidates may need to arrange external housing, though AKUH plans to expand hostel facilities in the future.
Absolutely. All departments provide structured, supervised training. While hands-on exposure may be limited initially, by the end of residency you gain extensive clinical experience, perform advanced procedures, and graduate highly skilled and confident.
Typically, about 3 candidates are shortlisted for interview per seat (a 1:3 ratio). This gives a rough estimate of competition and selection chances.
Internship students must have their final professional exam results available by the end of December. In some cases a short extension until January may be granted, but the results must be finalised by then to remain eligible.
Yes. Past papers are not meant for direct repetition, though roughly 20–30% of questions may reappear in the final exam. They help you understand the pattern and style of questions for more effective preparation. Some favoured AKUH questions tend to recur — often modified — and can be answered comfortably with proper preparation.