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MRCS is a globally recognised postgraduate diploma awarded by the Royal College of Surgeons in the UK and Ireland. According to the official RCS website, surgeons from 140+ countries hold this ‘MRCS’ title. This showcases the qualification’s global reach and its value as a standard of surgical competence.

For Indian doctors who look for international alternatives instead of traditional MD or DNB pathways, pursuing MRCS is a great choice which offers more flexibility, global exposure, and higher remuneration. If you are a medical professional interested to know more about this qualification and its preparation strategies, this guide will walk you through everything step by step.

Understanding the exam structure

The MRCS exam is divided into two parts, in which the first part (MRCS Part A) tests theoretical knowledge and the second part (MRCS Part B OSCE) evaluates clinical and surgical skills.

MRCS Part A: Written examination

• It is a computer-based test consisting of multiple-choice questions.
• Divided into two papers:

Applied Basic Sciences (ABS paper): 180 MCQs, 3 hours

Principles of Surgery in General (PoSG paper): 120 MCQs, 2 hours

• Focus areas include anatomy, physiology, pathology, microbiology, pharmacology, and surgical principles.
• Both papers are conducted at Pearson Vue test centres in India and other international locations.

MRCS Part B: Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

• A practical, clinical skills-based exam.
• Consists of 17 stations testing clinical knowledge, communication, decision-making, and applied surgical skills.
• Exam duration: 10 minutes per station, including 1 minute reading time
• Covers anatomy, pathology, critical care, history-taking, physical examination, and procedural skills.
• Requires candidates to showcase competence in scenarios similar to real clinical practice.

How to prepare for MRCS Part A

You must possess a strong grasp of theoretical concepts to pass Part A in one go.

• Understand the syllabus thoroughly

Cover basic sciences in detail, especially anatomy, physiology, pathology, and surgical principles.

• Use standard textbooks & resources

As there are a lot of resources available, stick to the most trusted ones that cover the syllabus in detail. Combine textbooks with MCQ banks for practice.

• Practice MCQs daily

Time management is very important during the exam. Solve previous papers and online question banks to improve accuracy and speed.

• Structured study plan

Dedicate at least 4 to 6 months of preparation, balancing theory with practice tests.

How to prepare for MRCS Part B

As the MRCS Part B is a practical test, it requires a different strategy.

• Focus on clinical examination skills

Refine history-taking, patient communication, and physical examination techniques.

• Practice surgical skills

Be confident in handling instruments, suturing techniques, and interpreting clinical scenarios.

• Mock exams & study groups

Joining mock OSCE sessions or study groups helps simulate real exam pressure.

Communication & ethics

As the exam tests doctor-patient interaction, practice clear communication, empathy, and ethical decision-making.

So, that’s all about the MRCS qualification. It is a test of both knowledge and skill that shapes you into a world-class, competent surgeon. At StudyMEDIC, we understand the importance of blending theory with real-world clinical exposure while preparing for a high-stakes exam like MRCS. That’s why we have designed our Advanced Clinical Training Program for MRCS aspirants.

This program offers comprehensive preparation for both MRCS Part A and Part B, combining academic depth with hands-on hospital training. By joining our program, you will start working as a junior doctor from day one, not just as an RMO. With our 70+ hospital tie-ups across India, you can choose where to train and gain the best clinical exposure. You will also get:

• 1000+ hours of structured learning materials
• 100+ live interactive classes with expert mentors
• Hands-on training in top multispecialty hospitals in India
• Rotations aligned with Royal College standards
• Stipend up to ₹12 lakh during training
• Exclusive e-portfolio for progress tracking
• Placement and migration support, and much more

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

Authored By: Sarath