In Pakistan, pre-medical A Level students usually take Biology, Chemistry and Physics; pre-engineering students take Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry; computer science students take Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science. Business and humanities routes are more flexible. Your subjects must also meet IBCC equivalence rules for Pakistani universities, so check those before you decide.
Combinations by career goal
| Goal | Common A Level combination | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine (MBBS, BDS) | Biology, Chemistry, Physics | MDCAT is also required for medical colleges in Pakistan |
| Engineering | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry | Further Maths helps for top engineering programmes abroad |
| Computer science | Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science | Some universities accept Mathematics with any two sciences |
| Business, finance, accounting | Mathematics, Economics, Business or Accounting | Mathematics keeps finance and economics degrees open |
| Economics | Mathematics, Economics, plus one more | Most strong economics programmes want Mathematics |
| Law | English Literature, History or Sociology, plus one more | Law schools value essay-writing subjects |
| Psychology and social sciences | Psychology, Sociology, English or Biology | Check whether Biology or Mathematics is preferred |
These are typical combinations, not universal rules. Every university publishes its own requirements, and they change, so confirm with your target universities before choosing.
The IBCC rules that matter in Pakistan
To apply to most Pakistani universities with A Levels, you need an IBCC equivalence certificate, which converts your grades to an intermediate (HSSC) percentage. IBCC sets subject requirements for each group:
- Pre-medical: Biology, Chemistry and Physics at A Level
- Pre-engineering: Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry at A Level
- Computer science: Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science
- Humanities: any three A Level subjects
You also need your O Level (or Matric) equivalence first. Read IBCC equivalence for O and A Level explained for the full process.
How to choose well
- Start with the degree, then work backwards. List two or three degrees you might want.
- Keep doors open. If you are unsure between medicine and engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics (four subjects) keeps both open, but only if you can manage the workload.
- Choose subjects you can score well in. A strong A in a subject you enjoy usually beats a weak grade in a subject you chose for appearances.
- Check AS grades early. Your AS results show whether a subject is working for you.
Three or four A Levels?
Most universities ask for three A Levels. A fourth, such as Further Mathematics, can help for very competitive programmes abroad, but only if it does not pull your other grades down.
Need help with a subject?
We teach A Level Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Economics, Business, Accounting and English Literature. See all A Level subjects or the A-Level Academics programme.
Frequently asked questions
Which A Level subjects are required for MBBS in Pakistan?
Usually Biology, Chemistry and Physics, which match the IBCC pre-medical group. Students also need to pass the MDCAT. Check current PMDC, IBCC and university rules.
Which A Level subjects are best for engineering?
Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry is the standard pre-engineering combination. Further Mathematics can help for top programmes abroad.
Can I do medicine and engineering subjects together at A Level?
Yes, by taking Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics, but four A Levels is a heavy workload. Only do it if your grades will not suffer.
Are three A Levels enough?
For most universities, yes. Three strong grades usually matter more than four average ones.
What A Level subjects are needed for computer science?
Typically Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science for the IBCC computer science group. Many universities abroad mainly want strong Mathematics.
More parent & student guides
Written by the Learning Bubble teaching team. If something here does not match your situation, ask us. We would rather give you a straight answer than have you guess.