MRCP(UK) 2026: Complete Guide to Part 1, Part 2 Written & PACES

MRCP(UK) 2026 is one of the most recognised postgraduate physician examinations for doctors who want to develop a career in internal medicine and related specialties in the UK or internationally. The examination is made up of MRCP Part 1, Part 2 Written and Part 2 Clinical (PACES).

This complete guide is designed especially for doctors and medical graduates searching for MRCP exam dates 2026, MRCP Part 1, MRCP Part 2, MRCP PACES, MRCP exam centres in India, MRCP Bangladesh and MRCP fees.

Table of Contents

• What is MRCP(UK)?
• MRCP(UK) Exam Structure
• MRCP Part 1 2026
• MRCP Part 2 Written 2026
• MRCP PACES 2026
• MRCP(UK) Eligibility
• MRCP(UK) Fees 2026
• MRCP Exam Centres
• MRCP Exam Centres in India
• MRCP for Doctors in Bangladesh
• How to Apply for MRCP(UK)
• How to Prepare for MRCP
• MRCP Preparation Roadmap
• Common MRCP Mistakes
• Frequently Asked Questions

What is MRCP(UK)?

MRCP(UK) stands for Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom. It is a postgraduate medical qualification administered by the Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK.

The MRCP(UK) Diploma consists of three examination components: Part 1 Written, Part 2 Written and Part 2 Clinical (PACES). Candidates must successfully complete all three components to complete the examination pathway.

For doctors outside the UK, MRCP(UK) is particularly attractive because it provides an internationally recognised assessment of medical knowledge, clinical reasoning and practical clinical skills.

MRCP(UK) Exam Structure

Part 1 and Part 2 Written use best-of-five multiple-choice questions. PACES is a practical clinical examination designed to assess clinical skills across several domains.

MRCP Part 1 2026

MRCP Part 1 is the first examination in the MRCP(UK) pathway. A candidate cannot progress to Part 2 Written or PACES without first passing Part 1.

MRCP Part 1 Exam Dates 2026

The official schedule states that applications open and close at 8:00 am UK local time on the advertised dates. Applications submitted outside the official application window are not accepted.

From the 2026/03 diet, Part 1 is delivered in an examination centre, with Myanmar and Sudan continuing under remote online proctoring according to the Federation’s current information.

What Does Part 1 Test?

Part 1 is intended to assess whether a candidate has the core medical knowledge expected before progressing further through physician training.

A sensible preparation strategy includes:

• Basic and applied clinical sciences
• Clinical pharmacology
• Pathology and disease mechanisms
• Cardiology
• Respiratory medicine
• Gastroenterology
• Neurology
• Renal medicine
• Endocrinology
• Infectious diseases
• Rheumatology
• Haematology

For most candidates, the most effective approach is not simply reading large textbooks. Question practice, identifying weak areas and repeated revision are much more practical for an exam based on clinical application.

MRCP Part 2 Written 2026

After passing Part 1, candidates can apply for MRCP Part 2 Written. The examination moves beyond basic knowledge and places greater emphasis on applying medical knowledge to clinical scenarios.

MRCP Part 2 Written Exam Dates 2026

From the July 2026 diet, Part 2 Written moved to in-centre delivery for most locations. This is an important change for candidates who remember the older remote-proctored format.

Part 2 Written Preparation

Part 2 preparation should focus on clinical reasoning rather than memorising isolated facts. Candidates should ask themselves why a diagnosis is most likely, why one investigation is preferred over another and what the safest next management step would be.

A good preparation cycle is:

1. Review the syllabus.
2. Study a focused topic.
3. Solve relevant questions.
4. Review every wrong answer.
5. Maintain a short error notebook.
6. Repeat questions after a gap.
7. Complete timed mock examinations.

MRCP PACES 2026

PACES stands for Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills. It is the clinical component of MRCP(UK), also known as Part 2 Clinical.

Unlike the written examinations, PACES assesses what a doctor can demonstrate in a clinical setting. This includes examination technique, clinical reasoning, communication and other important professional skills.

Who Should Take PACES?

The MRCP(UK) regulations state that candidates must pass Part 1 before entering the later components. Part 2 Written and PACES can be taken in either order.

Although formal eligibility does not simply mean that every candidate must complete a particular UK training programme, the Federation recommends that candidates have substantial clinical experience before attempting PACES. The regulations note that candidates with less than two years’ post-graduation experience may find it difficult to demonstrate the broad clinical knowledge and skills required for PACES.

PACES Assessment

PACES uses multiple clinical stations and assesses a range of clinical skills. The examination is designed to test whether a candidate can perform clinical assessment appropriately rather than simply recite textbook information.

Important preparation areas include:

• Cardiovascular examination
• Respiratory examination
• Neurological examination
• Abdominal examination
• Communication skills
• Clinical history taking
• Explanation and counselling
• Clinical reasoning
• Identification and interpretation of clinical signs

Is There One PACES Date for Everyone?

No. This is an important point that many older MRCP websites fail to explain clearly.

PACES is organised within assessment periods, but the exact examination date can depend on the centre and candidate allocation. Therefore, a website should not present one universal “MRCP PACES exam date” as though every international candidate sits PACES on the same day.

For example, the Federation announced international PACES 2026/03 locations including Chennai, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Lahore, Jordan and Karachi, with different examination dates for different centres.

MRCP(UK) Eligibility 2026

Part 1 Eligibility

A candidate must hold an appropriate primary medical qualification from a recognised medical institution. For candidates who are not registered with the UK GMC, authenticated primary medical qualification documentation may be required.

One of the most important eligibility rules is that candidates are not admitted to Part 1 until 12 months after the date of graduation shown on their primary medical qualification, subject to the regulations.

Part 2 Eligibility

Candidates must pass Part 1 before applying for Part 2 Written or PACES.

After passing Part 1, candidates have seven years in which to pass Part 2 Written and Part 2 Clinical (PACES), according to the MRCP(UK) regulations.

Can Part 2 Written and PACES Be Taken in Any Order?

Yes. After passing Part 1, candidates can take Part 2 Written and PACES in either order. In practical terms, many doctors prefer to complete Part 2 Written before PACES because the written examination helps consolidate broad medical knowledge. However, the best sequence depends on clinical experience, preparation time and availability of PACES places.

MRCP(UK) Fees 2026

Fees depend on the examination, diet and whether the candidate is applying in the UK or internationally.

Do not rely on an old 2022 fee table. MRCP(UK) fees can change, and PACES fees can vary according to the centre. Candidates should confirm the amount shown during the current official application process before paying.

MRCP(UK) International Exam Centres

MRCP(UK) examinations are offered in a wide range of international locations. The current Federation information lists countries and cities including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, the Middle East and several African locations.

The exact centre availability can differ by examination and diet. Therefore, candidates should distinguish between a country being listed as an MRCP examination location and a specific city being available for a particular diet.

MRCP Exam Centres in India 2026

India is an important destination for doctors from South Asia who are interested in MRCP(UK). The current international-centre information lists Indian locations including:

• Chennai
• Hyderabad
• Kerala
• Kolkata
• Mumbai
• New Delhi

However, the availability of a specific city can depend on the examination and diet. PACES is particularly different because clinical examination dates and centre capacity can vary.

Before booking flights or accommodation, check the exact centre and date in the official MRCP(UK) application system.

MRCP(UK) for Doctors in Bangladesh

For Bangladeshi doctors, MRCP(UK) can be an attractive postgraduate pathway, particularly for those interested in internal medicine and physician specialties.

The Federation currently lists Dhaka, Bangladesh among its international Part 1 and Part 2 examination locations.

This is useful because candidates do not necessarily need to travel to India or the UK for the written examinations. However, availability should always be checked for the specific diet before applying.

Why Bangladesh Candidates Consider MRCP

• Internationally recognised postgraduate physician qualification
• Structured progression from written knowledge to clinical skills
• Useful preparation for internal medicine practice
• Potential relevance to UK medical career pathways
• International examination locations

However, passing MRCP(UK) should not automatically be interpreted as a UK medical licence or a guaranteed job. Doctors planning to work clinically in the UK must separately meet the applicable registration, immigration and employment requirements.

How to Apply for MRCP(UK) 2026

1. Create or access your MyMRCP(UK) account.
2. Check eligibility. Confirm that you satisfy the requirements for the examination you intend to take.
3. Check the correct diet. Do not confuse the examination date with the application period.
4. Select your examination location. For international candidates, choose from the locations available in the application system.
5. Complete the application carefully. Your personal and qualification details should match your official documents.
6. Submit required qualification documentation.
7. Pay the examination fee.
8. Save your confirmation.
9. Check your account regularly. Important examination information is communicated through the official system.

MRCP(UK) regulations state that applications must be completed by the advertised deadline, including payment and required documentation. Late applications are not accepted.

How to Prepare for MRCP(UK)

1. Do Not Start With Random Question Banks

Question practice is essential, but candidates should first understand the scope of the examination. Starting with random questions without identifying weak topics can create the illusion of preparation without building a strong knowledge base.

2. Use a Question-First Strategy

Once the basics are covered, question practice should become the centre of preparation. For every incorrect answer, identify whether the problem was knowledge, interpretation, calculation, reading error or time management.

3. Build an Error Notebook

A short revision document containing your recurring mistakes can be more useful than repeatedly reading large textbooks.

4. Practise Under Time Pressure

Knowing the answer is not enough. MRCP candidates also need to make safe decisions within a limited examination environment.

5. Start PACES Preparation Early

Do not wait until the last few weeks before PACES to begin clinical examination practice. Examination technique, communication and clinical presentation improve through repeated supervised practice.

MRCP(UK) Preparation Roadmap

Common MRCP Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using an Old Exam Date

MRCP dates change every year. An article showing 2022 or 2023 dates should not be used for planning a 2026 attempt.

2. Assuming All PACES Centres Have the Same Date

PACES dates can vary between international centres. Always check the specific centre.

3. Ignoring Application Deadlines

The examination date is not the application date. Missing the application window can mean waiting for the next available diet.

4. Choosing PACES Too Early

PACES requires more than theoretical knowledge. Candidates need enough clinical exposure to recognise and explain common clinical signs.

5. Memorising Without Understanding

MRCP preparation becomes much more effective when candidates understand clinical patterns and decision-making rather than memorising isolated facts.

6. Treating MRCP as a UK Licence

MRCP(UK) is a postgraduate qualification. It is not, by itself, equivalent to UK medical registration.

MRCP(UK) vs Other Postgraduate Medical Exams

Is MRCP(UK) Worth It for a Bangladesh Doctor?

There is no single answer for every doctor. MRCP can be valuable for someone who genuinely wants to develop in internal medicine or pursue a physician career with an international dimension.

Before registering, however, candidates should consider the total cost—not just the examination fee. Preparation courses, question banks, travel, accommodation, repeat attempts and PACES-related expenses can significantly increase the overall investment.

The right question is therefore not simply “Is MRCP prestigious?” but rather “Does MRCP fit my intended career pathway?”

Frequently Asked Questions About MRCP(UK) 2026

What are the MRCP Part 1 exam dates in 2026?

The scheduled 2026 Part 1 dates are 28 January, 21 May and 23 September 2026.

What are the MRCP Part 2 Written exam dates in 2026?

The scheduled Part 2 Written dates are 25 March, 15 July and 25 November 2026.

Can I take MRCP Part 2 before Part 1?

No. Part 1 must be passed before applying for Part 2 Written or PACES.

Can I take PACES before Part 2 Written?

Yes. After passing Part 1, Part 2 Written and PACES can be taken in either order.

How long do I have after passing Part 1?

According to the MRCP(UK) regulations, candidates have seven years from passing Part 1 to pass Part 2 Written and PACES.

Can I take MRCP in Bangladesh?

Yes. Dhaka is listed among the international examination locations for MRCP(UK) written examinations. Availability must be checked for the specific diet.

Can I take MRCP in India?

Yes. The current international-centre information lists several Indian locations, including Chennai, Hyderabad, Kerala, Kolkata, Mumbai and New Delhi. Specific availability varies by examination and diet.

Is PACES available in India?

International PACES is conducted at selected overseas centres and availability changes by diet. Candidates should check the official PACES centre information rather than relying on an old list of centres.

How much does MRCP cost in 2026?

For the 2026 Part 1 and Part 2 Written international diets, the published fees are £672 for the earlier diets and £696 for the later 2026 diets. PACES fees depend on the relevant centre and diet.

Is MRCP(UK) a medical licence?

No. MRCP(UK) is a postgraduate medical qualification. Doctors wishing to practise medicine in the UK must separately satisfy the relevant registration and licensing requirements.

Final Advice for MRCP Candidates

MRCP(UK) is not an examination that should be approached as a single event. It is better viewed as a progressive journey: Part 1 builds the foundation, Part 2 Written tests clinical application, and PACES assesses practical clinical skills.

If you are planning your 2026 attempt, start by choosing a realistic diet, checking the official application deadline and confirming the examination centre available to you. Then build your preparation around questions, clinical reasoning and repeated revision.

For PACES, give yourself enough clinical exposure and practise with experienced colleagues whenever possible. A strong PACES candidate is not simply someone who knows the textbook; it is someone who can examine, interpret, communicate and reason safely in front of an examiner.

Suggested Internal Links for DoctorsGang

• MRCP Part 1 Preparation Guide
• MRCP Part 1 Books and Question Banks
• MRCP Part 2 Written Preparation Guide
• MRCP PACES Complete Guide
• MRCP PACES Stations and Marking System
• MRCP Exam Centres in India
• MRCP for Bangladesh Doctors
• MRCP vs FCPS: Which Is Better?
• MRCP vs MD in Internal Medicine
• Best Postgraduate Medical Exams for Bangladesh Doctors

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