Official MRCP UK Exam Dates 2026-2027: India Guide
Navigating the path to physician membership with the Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians (MRCP) of the United Kingdom requires careful preparation. For Indian doctors, keeping track of the official MRCP UK Exam Dates for 2026 and 2027 is essential for meticulous planning. As of May 29, 2026, the exam cycle for the second diet of Part 1 has just concluded, while preparations for the pivotal September transition and the new fee structure are underway. This internationally recognized postgraduate medical diploma opens doors to advanced medical training and global career opportunities. Consequently, this comprehensive guide outlines the exam dates, important timelines, and key locations across India.
MRCP(UK) Exam Structure: A Quick Overview
The MRCP(UK) examination assesses the skills, knowledge, and behavior of doctors in training across three parts. Candidates must successfully complete all three parts to be elected as a member of the Royal College of Physicians. First, MRCP(UK) Part 1 is a written exam; this entry-level test assesses a candidate’s understanding of clinical sciences. Second, MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written builds on Part 1 knowledge, focusing on applying clinical understanding and judgment. Finally, MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical (PACES) is a practical assessment that evaluates the ability to carry out essential clinical skills.
Eligibility to Appear for MRCP(UK) Exams
To be eligible for the MRCP(UK) Part 1 examination, candidates must hold a primary medical qualification recognized by the General Medical Council (GMC) of the UK. Moreover, applicants need at least 12 months of postgraduate experience in medical employment, completed by the examination date. Notably, passing Part 1 is a prerequisite for attempting both Part 2 Written and PACES exams. For PACES, candidates should have completed at least two years of postgraduate experience post-graduation, including a minimum of four months in posts involving continuous care of emergency medical patients. Therefore, prospective candidates should verify these foundational requirements before submitting applications.
Latest MRCP UK Exam Dates: Part 1 and Timelines for India
| Exam Name | Exam Part | Diet | Exam Date | Application Start Date | Application End Date | Results Date | Fees | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MRCP UK | Part 1 | 2026/1 | 2026-01-28 | 2025-11-04 | 2025-11-11 | 2026-03-13 | £672 | Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi |
| MRCP UK | Part 1 | 2026/2 | 2026-05-21 | 2026-03-10 | 2026-03-17 | 2026-07-03 | £672 | Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi |
| MRCP UK | Part 1 | 2026/3 | 2026-09-23 | 2026-07-14 | 2026-07-21 | 2026-11-06 | £696 | Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi |
| MRCP UK | Part 1 | 2027/1 | 2027-01-27 | 2026-11-03 | 2026-11-10 | 2027-03-12 | £696 | Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi |
| MRCP UK | Part 2 Written | 2026/1 | 2026-03-25 | 2026-01-06 | 2026-01-13 | 2026-05-08 | £672 | Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi |
| MRCP UK | Part 2 Written | 2026/2 | 2026-07-15 | 2026-05-05 | 2026-05-12 | 2026-08-28 | £672 | Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi |
| MRCP UK | Part 2 Written | 2026/3 | 2026-11-25 | 2026-09-15 | 2026-09-22 | 2027-01-08 | £696 | Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi |
| MRCP UK | Part 2 Written | 2027/1 | 2027-03-24 | 2027-01-05 | 2027-01-12 | 2027-05-07 | £696 | Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi |
| MRCP UK | PACES | 2026/1 | 2026-01-20 | 2025-10-06 | 2025-10-13 | null | £1311 | Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pondicherry, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram, Thane |
| MRCP UK | PACES | 2026/2 | 2026-06-01 | 2026-02-17 | 2026-02-24 | null | £1311 | Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pondicherry, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram, Thane |
| MRCP UK | PACES | 2026/3 | 2026-10-01 | 2026-07-20 | 2026-07-27 | null | £1358 | Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pondicherry, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram, Thane |
The MRCP(UK) Part 1 examination takes place three times annually. Starting with the September 2026 diet (2026/3), the exam is transitioning to a strictly in-centre, computer-based delivery format in international locations, ending the remote proctoring option for Indian candidates. India continues to host several authorized test centers in major cities including Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and New Delhi. For the upcoming September sitting, the application window opens on July 14, 2026, and will be the first to feature the newly adjusted fee structure reflecting the 3.6% inflationary increase.
Latest MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Exam Dates and Timelines for India
The Part 2 Written examination evaluates applied clinical judgment and remains a critical hurdle for Indian medical graduates. As of late May 2026, the application window for the upcoming July sitting (2026/2) has officially closed. Candidates who missed this window should shift their focus to the 2026/3 diet scheduled for November. This final sitting of the year will be among the first written diets to require the updated fee of £696 and will follow the standardized in-centre delivery model at computer-based testing hubs across India. Early registration for the March 2027 diet is also recommended once the window opens in early January 2027.
Latest MRCP(UK) PACES Exam Dates and Timelines for India
The PACES examination remains the clinical gold standard and is held across three assessment periods annually. Indian doctors can choose from a wide network of clinical centers in cities such as Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pondicherry, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram, and Thane. For the upcoming 2026/3 diet, the application window is scheduled to open on July 20, 2026. This sitting will see the new international PACES fee of £1,358 come into effect following the July fee review based on the UK Consumer Price Index. It is important to note that centers in India fill up extremely quickly.
Exam Fees for Indian Candidates (2026-2027)
The fees for MRCP(UK) examinations have undergone an official review. For exams occurring or applied for before July 1, 2026, the international fee remains £672 for written parts and £1311 for PACES. However, the Federation of Royal Colleges has implemented a fee increase of 3.6%—aligned with the UK Consumer Price Index (CPI)—effective for all application windows opening from July 2026 onwards. Consequently, written exams for the 2026/3 diet and the 2027 cycles will cost £696, and PACES will cost £1,358. Candidates should budget accordingly for these adjusted costs and plan payments through the My MRCP(UK) portal.
How to Apply for the MRCP(UK) Exams from India: A Step-by-Step Guide
The application process is conducted online via the ‘My MRCP(UK)’ portal. First, create an account and submit your Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) for verification. Once verified, log in during the specific application window for your chosen diet. Select your preferred country (India) and city for Part 1 or PACES. For Part 2 Written, ensure you select the appropriate delivery format, as remote proctoring is no longer an option for the later 2026 diets. Finally, pay the fee via a valid credit or debit card. You will receive an admission document containing your specific venue and time approximately four weeks before the exam date.
Important Considerations for Indian Applicants
Application windows for MRCP(UK) exams are extremely strict, typically remaining open for only seven days. It is vital to set reminders and prepare documents in advance. Indian applicants must ensure their passport details exactly match their application to prevent entry issues at test centers. Additionally, early booking is recommended as seats in popular cities like Mumbai and New Delhi often fill up within hours of the window opening. Note that from September 2026, all written exams will be delivered exclusively via in-centre computer-based testing for international candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the most significant change to the MRCP UK Exam Dates in late 2026?
Starting from the September 2026 diet (2026/3) for Part 1 and the July 2026 diet (2026/2) for Part 2 Written, all written examinations will be delivered exclusively in-centre at computer-based testing facilities. Remote online proctoring will no longer be available for candidates in India.
Q2: Why have the fees for the late 2026 and 2027 MRCP exams increased?
The Federation of Royal Colleges announced a 3.6% fee increase effective for application windows opening after July 1, 2026. This adjustment is based on the UK Consumer Price Index (CPI) to manage the rising operational and delivery costs of international examinations.
Q3: Can I still apply for the July 2026 Part 2 Written exam?
No. As of May 29, 2026, the application window for the July 15, 2026 exam date (which was May 5–12) has officially closed. Candidates should now prepare for the November 2026 diet (2026/3) or the early 2027 sitting.
References
- Royal College of Physicians. MRCP(UK) Part 1 exam dates and fees. https://www.mrcpuk.org/mrcpuk-examinations/part-1/exam-dates-and-fees
- Royal College of Physicians. MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written exam dates and fees. https://www.mrcpuk.org/mrcpuk-examinations/part-2/exam-dates-and-fees
- Royal College of Physicians. MRCP(UK) PACES exam dates and fees. https://www.mrcpuk.org/mrcpuk-examinations/paces/exam-dates-and-fees
- The Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK. Changes to MRCP(UK) exam fees and JRCPTB training fees from July 2026. https://www.thefederation.uk/news/changes-mrcpuk-exam-fees-and-jrcptb-training-fees-july-2026
- The Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK. Delivery of MRCP(UK) written examinations and SCEs from 2026. https://www.thefederation.uk/news/delivery-mrcpuk-written-examinations-and-sces-2026