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Are you planning to begin your journey toward achieving the MRCS Title in 2026?
The Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) is a pivotal qualification for doctors pursuing a career in surgery. Recognized internationally, the MRCS rigorously assesses the knowledge, clinical skills, and professional attributes expected of surgical trainees at the completion of their core training.
This guide provides a structured overview of the eligibility requirements, exam format, syllabus, and upcoming exam dates, along with preparation advice to help you succeed.
Eligibility Criteria
To sit the MRCS examination, candidates must hold a primary medical qualification that is recognized and accepted by one of the following regulatory bodies:
- General Medical Council (GMC), United Kingdom
- Medical Council of Ireland
This ensures that all applicants meet the professional standards required to attempt the MRCS.
The MRCS examination is divided into two stages:
Candidates must pass Part A before applying for Part B. While no minimum clinical experience is formally required between the two stages, it is strongly recommended that candidates gain adequate clinical exposure to consolidate theoretical knowledge with practical surgical skills.
The MRCS not only tests knowledge but also evaluates:
- Applied clinical skills
- Decision-making ability
- Communication skills
- Professionalism
Candidates who combine structured academic study with practical clinical experience are more likely to succeed.
Eligibility Criteria Update (Egypt):
The ICBSE now requires candidates in Egypt to complete their internship before booking MRCS Part A. Proof of internship (with English translation) must be emailed to SurgicalEligibility@rcseng.ac.uk
MRCS Syllabus
Part A (Written Examination)
The Part A syllabus is structured across 10 modules:
- Basic science knowledge relevant to surgical practice
- Common surgical conditions
- Basic surgical skills
- Assessment and management of the surgical patient
- Perioperative care
- Assessment and early treatment of trauma
- Surgical care of the paediatric patient
- Management of the dying patient
- Organ and tissue transplantation
- Professional behaviour and leadership skills
Part B (OSCE)
The OSCE assesses both applied knowledge and clinical skills. It consists of 17 examined stations, each lasting 9 minutes, covering:
Core content areas:
- Anatomy
- Surgical pathology
- Applied surgical science an
- Critical care
Clinical skills:
- Communication
- History-taking
- Procedural techniques,
- Decision-making
The OSCE also maps to the GMC’s Good Medical Practice, assessing four professional domains:
- The duties of a doctor registered with the GMC
- Knowledge, skills and performance
- Safety and quality
- Maintaining trust
Exam Format
MRCS Part A
Format: Computer-based test (CBT) at Pearson Vue centres
Duration: 5 hours total (in one day)
Paper 1: Applied Basic Sciences – 3 hours
Paper 2: Principles of Surgery in General – 2 hours
Standard setting: Pass mark determined using the Angoff procedure with marker questions for consistency
Requirement: Candidates must achieve the overall pass mark and demonstrate competence in both papers
MRCS Part B
Format: OSCE with 17 stations (9 minutes each)
Content:
- Applied knowledge (anatomy, pathology, applied surgical science, critical care)
- Applied skills (communication, history taking, procedural skills)
Upcoming Exam Dates
MRCS Part A
January 2026
Deadline for booking: 30 October 2025
Exam: 21 January
Results: 25 February
April 2026
Deadline for booking: 5 March
Exam: 22 April
Results: 4 June
September 2026
Deadline for booking: 1 July
Exam: 9 September
Results: 8 October
Venue: Pearson Vue Test Centres
MRCS Part B
January 2026
Deadline for booking: 30 October 2025
Exam date range: 13 Jan–17 January
Venue: India (Hyderabad)
February 2026
Deadline: 20 November 2025
Exam date range: 31 Jan–15 Feb
Venue: UK (TBC)
May 2026
Deadline for booking: 26 February (or 26 March for retakes)
Exam: 9–24 May 2026
Venue: UK (TBC)
October 2026
Deadline: 24 July 2026
Exam date range: 3 – 18 Oct 2026
Venue: UK (TBC)
Important Notice for Candidates in India
Candidates sitting the MRCS in India are subject to an 18% tax on examination fees, as mandated by Indian tax regulations. For the MRCS Part A exam fee, it includes £625 + 18% tax = £737.50, and for MRCS Part B, the exam fee is £1132 plus 18% tax, totalling £1335.76.
Please ensure that you have applied for the correct exam event located in India.
Preparing for MRCS 2026
Success in the MRCS requires more than memorizing facts; it demands clinical acumen, decision-making, and professional confidence. Feel free to reach out to the StudyMRCS team, the sister concern of StudyMEDIC, for any assistance with the exam booking, dates, or study questions. StudyMRCS offers expert-led short and long courses that are designed to fit your busy schedule to help you pass your exams.
Our premium study materials, curated by a team of experienced mentors, are available for free preview on the StudyMEDIC LMS 3.0, allowing you to evaluate our resources before enrolling. Whether for Part A or Part B, our tailored programs help candidates build knowledge, skills, and exam readiness.
Connect with our team today to receive personalized guidance and choose the course that best fits your needs.
Authored By: Sarath
By : Admin
