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Updated On 08 January 2026 & Read Time 10 minutes
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Are you planning to appear for the MCAT and are unsure where to begin your preparation? You have come to the right place. This guide will help you understand the MCAT exam pattern, important exam dates, scoring system, registration process, and other essential details.
In this blog, you will find complete and reliable information about the MCAT exam, including the MCAT syllabus, exam format, test dates, registration steps, preparation strategies, and other key aspects related to the test.
Table of Contents
MCAT full form is the Medical College Admission Test. It is an entrance exam required for admission to medical school. The MCAT test is a multiple-choice computer-based exam, and it is essential for students who want to study in Canada and the United States to take it. However, the MCAT exam is not conducted in India; if one wishes to appear, the candidate can go to any other nation to take the exam.
Students are eligible for the MCAT only when planning to attend a health professional school, including osteopathic, veterinary medicine, allopathic, or podiatric. If you already have an MBBS degree, there is no need to take special permission to sit for the exam. Moreover, if you are an overseas student, you should have a degree in MBBS or be enrolled in it.
Indian Students who appear for the MCAT exam need to get ‘special permission’ if they are not determined to apply to a health profession school or have previously enrolled in a medical course other than MBBS. To get special permission, specifically state the purpose for taking the exam in the email mcat@aamc.org.
After that, the MCAT examiner officer will review and analyse your request, and the candidate can expect a response within 5 working days.
MCAT and NEET are both competitive exams for medical school admission. However, when deciding which one to appear for, they should first compare the difference between the two competitive exams:
|
Comparison |
MCAT |
NEET |
|
No. of Applicants |
Approx 85,000 |
Approx 15 lakh students |
|
Required for |
MD in the US/ Canada/ Australia |
MBBS in India |
|
Eligibility |
Bachelor’s degree |
Class 12th |
|
Difficulty Level |
Moderate |
Tough |
AAMC offers unique opportunities to those with disabilities. If a student has a handicap or medical condition that necessitates a change in the regular test method, they can apply for the MCAT exam with accommodations. However, because the complete procedure takes at least 60 days, candidates must submit the candidate's application as soon as possible for the selected date.
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MCAT registration is available throughout the year and can be given several times yearly. From January to March and again in September at various test centres worldwide in the United States, Canada and other places. Look at the table below for the registration fees for the MCAT exam 2026. Taxes and other charges may be applied.
|
Registration Fees |
Amount |
|
Standard Registration |
$335 |
|
Fee Assistance Program Registration |
$140 |
Candidates who want to get fee assistance must register for the Medical College Admission Test at the following Rescheduling and Cancellations (in USD) charges:
|
Standard Change Fees |
Date and Test Center Reschedule Fee |
Cancellation Refund |
|
60 or more days before the exam |
$50 |
$165 |
|
30-59 days before the exam |
$100 |
$165 |
|
10-29 days before the exam |
$200 |
$0 |
|
Fee Assistance Program Registration |
Date and Test Center Reschedule Fee |
Cancellation Refund |
|
60 or more days before the exam |
$20 |
$70 |
|
30-59 days before the exam |
$40 |
$70 |
|
10-29 days before the exam |
$80 |
$0 |
To enrol for the MCAT, here are some tips to remember:-
First, create an account and a candidate's AAMC ID and password.
Fill in all the necessary details, such as your background, education and contact information.
Select the exam location and date as per your choice.
Sign the examinee contract.
You can schedule your MCAT exam based on your availability.
Always check the availability of locations and test dates, then fill out the form on the
There are 3 to 4 exam dates available every month. Below is the list of candidates looking for slots; please book them accordingly.
|
Test Date |
60 Day Deadline |
30 Day Deadline |
10 Day Deadline |
Score Release Date |
|
March 9 |
Jan. 9 |
Feb. 8 |
Feb. 28 |
April 9 |
|
March 22 |
Jan. 22 |
Feb. 21 |
March 12 |
April 23 |
|
April 12 |
Feb. 12 |
March 13 |
April 2 |
May 14 |
|
April 13 |
Feb. 13 |
March 14 |
April 3 |
May 14 |
|
April 26 |
Feb. 26 |
March 27 |
April 16 |
May 29 |
|
April 27 |
Feb. 27 |
March 28 |
April 17 |
May 29 |
|
May 4 |
March 5 |
April 4 |
April 24 |
June 4 |
|
May 10 |
March 11 |
April 10 |
April 30 |
June 11 |
|
May 11 |
March 12 |
April 11 |
May 1 |
June 11 |
|
May 16 |
March 17 |
April 16 |
May 6 |
June 18 |
|
May 24 |
March 25 |
April 24 |
May 14 |
June 25 |
|
June 1 |
April 2 |
May 2 |
May 22 |
July 2 |
|
June 14 |
April 15 |
May 15 |
June 4 |
July 16 |
|
June 15 |
April 16 |
May 16 |
June 5 |
July 16 |
|
June 22 |
April 23 |
May 23 |
June 12 |
July 23 |
|
June 27 |
April 28 |
May 28 |
June 17 |
July 30 |
|
July 13 |
May 14 |
June 13 |
July 3 |
Aug. 13 |
|
July 26 |
May 27 |
June 26 |
July 16 |
Aug. 27 |
|
August 2 |
June 3 |
July 3 |
July 23 |
Sept. 4 |
|
August 17 |
June 18 |
July 18 |
Aug. 7 |
Sept. 17 |
|
August 23 |
June 24 |
July 24 |
Aug. 13 |
Sept. 24 |
|
August 24 |
June 25 |
July 25 |
Aug. 14 |
Sept. 24 |
|
September 5 |
July 7 |
Aug. 6 |
Aug. 26 |
Oct. 8 |
|
September 6 |
July 8 |
Aug. 7 |
Aug. 27 |
Oct. 8 |
|
September 13 |
July 15 |
Aug. 14 |
Sept. 3 |
Oct. 15 |
|
September 14 |
July 16 |
Aug. 15 |
Sept. 4 |
Oct. 15 |
The MCAT exam format consists of 230 multiple-choice questions; to attempt that, the candidate has 7.5 hours. It emphasises the fundamental chemistry, biology, and behaviour-related ideas and their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Moreover, a typical exam day may include other responsibilities to the testing elements. The following paragraphs provide more information on the topics covered in each question.
|
Section |
Questions [MCQ] |
Time Allotted |
|
Test-day Certification |
– |
4 minutes |
|
Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems |
44 [passage-related]15 [non-passage-related] |
95 minutes |
|
Break [optional] |
– |
10 minutes |
|
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills |
53 [passage-related] |
90 minutes |
|
Mid-Exam Break [optional] |
|
30 minutes |
|
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems |
44 [passage-related]15 [non-passage-related] |
95 minutes |
|
Break [optional] |
|
10 minutes |
|
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior |
44 [passage-related]15 [non-passage-related |
95 minutes |
|
Void Question |
– |
3 minutes |
|
Satisfaction Survey [optional] |
– |
5 minutes |
|
Total-Content Time |
– |
6 hours and 15 minutes |
|
Total “Seated” Time* |
– |
Approx. 7 hours & 30 minutes |
|
Section |
Topics/Skilled Tested |
|
Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems |
|
|
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills |
|
|
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems |
|
|
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior |
|
The scoring structure of the MCAT includes an individual section grading system and the overall exam total. Here are a few points that will help you understand the scoring pattern.
The rough score is calculated by adding all the accurate answers to all the multiple-choice questions.
There is no negative marking.
The calculated rough scores are scaled and measured from 118 lowest to 132 highest.
The section scores are combined to get a total score ranging from 472 to 528.
Overall scores are based on the percentage of candidates scoring.
It is a difficult task to prepare for the MCAT. Students from around the country take the exam, and getting good grades is something everyone struggles with. So, here are some tips to help candidates study for the MCAT:
The foremost thing is to acquire all exam-related information, from the curriculum to the exam date.
You can also prepare by purchasing practice papers from AAMC.
Only work on the weak spots that are not too long, and do not strain yourself overthinking.
MCAT flashcards help you to memorise the difficult sections.
Gather all the exam resources that you will need from the official website.
Begin by preparing your weak points, but allow time to develop your already powerful notions.
Every week, practice sample papers to measure your readiness.
Take a full-length practice test to know your present understanding. The AAMC provides students FREE sample papers with comments and correct answers for each subject.
Use flashcards, group study, or other methods to help yourself to prepare successfully.
Take a full-length practice test a few days before the exam to identify your weaknesses and strengths.
AAMC provides different resources to help students prepare for the MCAT. Some MCAT preparation books 2024-2025 are free, while others are pretty affordable:
Free preparation tips by MCAT
Sample Question Guide
Free Sample Test by AAMC
Roadmap to MCAT content
Free Khan Academy MCAT preparation video
Candidate should carry the following things while appearing for the exam:
MCAT accepted ID.
Eyeglasses-subject to physical and visual inspection by test supervisors
Storage key (provided at the test centre)
Noteboard Booklet (provided at the test centre)
Earplugs are provided at the test centre (personal earplugs are not allowed)
Fine-point marker (provided at the test centre)
To sum up, the MCAT is a Medical College Admission Test organised in Canada, the United States, and other parts of the world. It assesses candidates' readiness for medical school, checks students' skills and ability in critical thinking, problem-solving, and knowledge of behavioural, natural, and social science principles and concepts, and is a vital component of the medical school admission process.
To know more about the MCAT or its preparation for studying abroad, we encourage you to speak with our team of expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). Our counsellors will provide you with guidance throughout your study abroad. Get help with the application process, SOPs, and filing for a visa. Visit us and get one-to-one counselling, or avail yourself of free video counselling via our website. We will be happy to help you, so please do not hesitate to contact us at application02@meridean.org or 1800-1230-00011.
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