MRCS Part A exam guide
The MRCS Part A exam is the written stage of the Intercollegiate Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS), the exam doctors pass on the way into surgical training in the UK and Ireland. This guide explains the MRCS Part A exam format, the pass rules, attempts, fees and upcoming dates, then gives a 12-week revision plan.
Exam facts come from the Royal College of Surgeons of England MRCS Part A page, checked on 13 November 2026. Always confirm the details there, and on the Intercollegiate MRCS website, before you apply.
MRCS Part A exam at a glance
| Format | An online multiple-choice exam of five hours, taken on one day |
|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Applied Basic Sciences, 3 hours |
| Paper 2 | Principles of Surgery-in-General, 2 hours |
| To pass | Reach a minimum level of competence in each paper and reach the pass mark for the combined total |
| Eligibility | A medical degree acceptable to the GMC or the Medical Council in Ireland, or an overseas qualification from a school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools |
| Attempts | Six, counting sittings at any of the four surgical Royal Colleges, with one more possible under the additional attempt policy |
| Fee | £670 at RCS England |
Next MRCS Part A dates
| Exam | Application deadline |
|---|---|
| 13 January 2027 | 29 October 2026 (closed) |
| 29 April 2027 | 25 February 2027 |
| 1 September 2027 | 1 July 2027 |
Dates are from RCS England. The other Royal Colleges list their own sittings.
What each MRCS Part A paper covers
Paper 1, Applied Basic Sciences, tests the science behind surgical practice: applied anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, microbiology and imaging. Anatomy is the hardest area to learn late, so start there.
Paper 2, Principles of Surgery-in-General, tests how you apply that knowledge: common surgical conditions, perioperative care, trauma, surgery in children, and professional and legal practice. Use the official content guide on the Intercollegiate MRCS website as your checklist.
A 12-week MRCS Part A revision plan
- Weeks 1 to 4: anatomy first. Work region by region. Read a short set of notes, then answer questions on that region the same day.
- Weeks 5 to 7: physiology, pathology and pharmacology. Keep one anatomy block a week so it does not fade.
- Weeks 8 to 9: Paper 2 topics. Perioperative care, trauma, common conditions and medico-legal practice.
- Weeks 10 to 12: timed practice. Mixed blocks, then at least two full timed mocks of both papers, each reviewed in detail.
Review every question you got wrong and every one you guessed. Keep a list of weak topics and go back to them each week.
Common MRCS Part A mistakes
- Leaving anatomy until late.
- Answering questions without reading the explanations.
- Not practising five hours of timed work before the exam day.
- Ignoring Paper 2 because Paper 1 feels harder. You need a minimum in each paper.
How Kung Medics can help
MRCS Part A Pro is our online MRCS Part A question bank, with 2,401 single best answer questions, notes and mock exams. Our revision books cover both papers: Applied Basic Sciences, Principles of Surgery in General and MRCS Anatomy Flash Cards. When you pass, move on to the MRCS Part B OSCE preparation guide and our MRCS Part B OSCE course in Manchester. The MRCS Complete bundle covers Part A and Part B in one plan.
See every MRCS option on our MRCS exam guide and courses page.
Kung Medics is an independent training provider. It is not part of, or endorsed by, the Royal Colleges of Surgeons or the Intercollegiate Committee for Basic Surgical Examinations (ICBSE).
Frequently asked questions
What is the MRCS Part A exam format?
An online multiple-choice exam of five hours on one day: Paper 1, Applied Basic Sciences (3 hours), and Paper 2, Principles of Surgery-in-General (2 hours), according to RCS England on 13 November 2026.
How do you pass MRCS Part A?
You must reach a minimum level of competence in each paper and reach the pass mark for the combined total.
How many attempts do you get at MRCS Part A?
Six, counting sittings at any of the four surgical Royal Colleges, with one more possible under the additional attempt policy.
How much does MRCS Part A cost?
£670 at RCS England, checked on 13 November 2026. Check the college website before you apply.
How long should I revise for MRCS Part A?
Many candidates plan about 12 weeks of steady revision, starting with anatomy and finishing with timed mock exams.
Is Kung Medics part of the Royal College of Surgeons?
No. Kung Medics is an independent training provider and is not part of, or endorsed by, the Royal Colleges of Surgeons or ICBSE.