How do I apply for the MRCP exam from India?

Crack Medicine
Sep 16
4 min read

TL;DR

If you’re asking “how do I apply for the MRCP exam from India”, the process is fully online via the official MRCP(UK) website. You must first create an account, confirm eligibility, and book an exam slot at one of the test centres in India. The key steps include checking requirements, uploading documents, paying fees, and preparing well in advance. Below we break down the application process, study tips, and common traps to avoid.

Why this matters

The MRCP (Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians) is one of the most recognised postgraduate medical qualifications for doctors aspiring to work or train in the UK. Indian doctors commonly begin with MRCP Part 1, which tests core clinical knowledge across specialties. Knowing the application steps clearly avoids delays, prevents missed deadlines, and ensures you can focus on exam preparation.

Step-by-step: How to apply from India

Here are the essential steps to apply:

Check eligibility – You must hold a recognised primary medical qualification (MBBS) and have completed at least 12 months of postgraduate experience (internship/house job).
Create an MRCP(UK) account – Register on the official MRCP(UK) website and verify your GMC registration details (or equivalent).
Upload documents – Submit scanned copies of your MBBS certificate, internship completion, and passport.
Choose your diet (exam session) – MRCP Part 1 is usually held three times a year (January, May, September).
Select your centre in India – Test centres are typically located in Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
Pay the exam fee – Online payment is made in GBP; expect to use an international credit/debit card.
Confirmation email – You will receive details of your exam centre, timings, and ID requirements.
Prepare effectively – Begin early with a mix of QBanks, lectures, and mock exams to build exam discipline.

Table: Key Application Steps and Timeline

Step	Action	When to Do It
1	Check eligibility	Before registration opens
2	Create MRCP(UK) account	Any time
3	Book exam diet	5–6 months before exam
4	Pay fees	At booking stage
5	Receive confirmation	Within days of payment
6	Prepare with QBank & mocks	Ongoing until exam

High-yield points for applicants

Application is only online; no postal submission is needed.
Fees for Indian candidates are slightly lower than for UK centres, but still payable in GBP.
Seats in Indian centres fill up quickly—register as early as possible.
Name on passport and MRCP account must match exactly.
Late cancellations may not be refunded.
You cannot apply without proof of completed internship.
Communication is through email—check your inbox and spam regularly.
MRCP(UK) reserves the right to request additional verification at any point.

Practical examples / mini-case

Sample MCQ (illustrative only):

A 45-year-old man presents with progressive exertional breathlessness. Chest X-ray shows bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy. Serum ACE is elevated. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Tuberculosis
B. Sarcoidosis ✅
C. Lymphoma
D. Chronic beryllium disease

Explanation:The combination of bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy and raised serum ACE is classic for sarcoidosis. This reflects the type of knowledge expected in MRCP Part 1—clinical reasoning applied to common and important conditions.

Practical study-tip checklist

Start with subject-wise QBank practice daily (50–75 questions).
Allocate 2 hours for error review and notes.
Revise high-yield systems weekly: cardiology, neurology, gastroenterology, respiratory, renal.
Use spaced repetition for factual recall (electrolyte abnormalities, diagnostic criteria).
Take a mock test every 2–3 weeks to simulate exam conditions.
Balance reading with question practice—avoid passive textbook-only study.
Review Crack Medicine’s Free MRCP MCQs for extra practice (/qbank/).

Common pitfalls (and fixes)

Leaving registration late → Book as soon as the application window opens.
Mismatch in documents → Ensure consistent spelling of your name across passport and degree.
Over-focusing on one subject → Balance all specialties; exam covers breadth not depth.
Not practising timed blocks → Always do 50-question sessions with strict timing.
Ignoring negative marking myths → MRCP Part 1 has no negative marking; attempt all questions.

FAQs

1. How many times can I attempt MRCP Part 1?

There is no limit to the number of attempts, but consistent preparation is advised.

2. What is the MRCP Part 1 fee in India?

The current fee is listed on the MRCP(UK) website; it must be paid in GBP even for Indian centres.

3. Can I change my exam centre after booking?

Generally, no. Requests are rarely granted and depend on availability.

4. Do I need IELTS or PLAB before applying?

No. English language tests are not required for MRCP Part 1.

5. Where can I practise authentic-style MCQs?

Use QBanks such as Crack Medicine’s app and start a mock test (/mock-tests/) for real exam simulation.

Ready to start?

Applying for MRCP Part 1 from India is straightforward once you know the steps. The real challenge is in preparation. Use Crack Medicine’s MRCP Part 1 overview, practise with Free MRCP MCQs, and Start a mock test to benchmark your progress. For deeper learning, explore our paid lectures covering high-yield systems.