Blog

Thinking about taking MRCS in 2026? You might already have a basic idea about how the qualification pathway is structured. The first step is MRCS Part A, which tests your theoretical knowledge through MCQs, followed by Part B, which evaluates your practical skills, clinical competence, communication, and professionalism.

If you are really serious about pursuing MRCS, knowing the exam schedules well in advance can help you plan your preparation in a more organised way. According to the official RCS website, the MRCS Part A exam will be conducted three times in 2026, with exam dates scheduled in January, April, and September. In the following sections, we will guide you through all the important details you should know, including the eligibility criteria, when the registration opens and how much the exam will cost.

MRCS Part A exam schedule 2026

Diet 1: January 2026 exam

Application deadline: 30 October 2025

Exam date: 21 January 2026

Results release: 4 March 2026

Diet 2: April 2026 exam

Application deadline: 12 March 2026

Exam date: 22 April 2026

Results release: 3 June 2026

Diet 3: September 2026 exam

Application deadline: 1 July 2026

Exam date: 9 September 2026

Results Release: 14 October 2026

MRCS Part A 2026 exam fees

The exam fee for MRCS Part A is £650.00, and this applies to both UK and international centres. However, if you are taking the exam in India, there’s one important point to keep in mind. As per Indian tax regulations, an additional 18% tax will be applied to the examination fee. Which makes the total £737.50 in India. This tax is mandated by the Indian tax regulations and is not determined by the RCS.

MRCS Part A eligibility criteria

• The candidates must hold a medical degree accepted by the UK GMC or Medical Council Ireland.
• First-time applicants must email their degree proof to SurgicalEligibility@rcseng.ac.uk within 1 week of booking.
• Candidates in Egypt must complete the internship before booking and submit proof in English.

So, that’s all about the upcoming MRCS Part A exams in 2026. If you have any doubts regarding the MRCS exam or need clarity on anything we discussed here, do not hesitate to contact the StudyMRCS team. We are here to help you. Once you have decided on your exam diet and are ready to start preparation, you can consider joining our expert-led proven courses for guaranteed success. The courses are available in both short and long-term formats along with high-quality study materials. You can try out these premium study materials for free through the StudyMEDIC LMS 3.0 before enrolling.

Connect with our team today to know more about our courses.

Authored By: Sarath