One of the most frustrating things that can happen to an MRCP candidate is to be academically ready for the exam, only to realize they've missed the application window. The Royal College is exceptionally strict with deadlines. There are no late applications. There are no exceptions.
As we approach 2026, it is vital to map out your study schedule against the official "diets" (the Royal College's term for exam sittings). Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 schedule, fees, and logistics.
The 2026 Exam Diets
The MRCP Part 1 is generally held three times a year. While the exact dates are published on the official MRCP(UK) website closer to the year, the pattern is highly consistent. The diets for 2026 will follow this established timeline:
Diet 1: January 2026
- Application Period: Usually opens in late November and closes in early December of the preceding year (2025).
- Exam Date: Mid-to-late January 2026.
- Ideal For: Candidates who have spent the autumn months aggressively utilizing question banks and mock exams.
Diet 2: May 2026
- Application Period: Opens late February to early March 2026.
- Exam Date: Mid-to-late May 2026.
- Ideal For: New FY2 doctors or those who started their serious revision after the new year holidays.
Diet 3: September 2026
- Application Period: Opens late June to early July 2026.
- Exam Date: Mid-to-late September 2026.
- Ideal For: Candidates utilizing the summer months for intensive, uninterrupted study blocks.
Application Process & Fees
You must apply online through the My MRCP(UK) portal. If you are a first-time applicant, you will need to create an account and submit proof of your Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ). Do not leave this to the last minute. Verification of your degree can take several days, and if the deadline passes while your documents are pending, you will not be allowed to sit the exam.
As of recent cycles, the fees are substantial:
- UK Centers: Approximately £460
- International Centers: Approximately £616
(Note: Fees are subject to slight annual increases; always verify the exact amount on the official MRCP website prior to booking.)
"Test centers fill up incredibly quickly, especially international centers in the Middle East and South Asia. You must log on and book your slot the moment the application window opens."
Where Can You Take the Exam?
The MRCP Part 1 is delivered globally via Pearson VUE test centers. When you apply, you will select a region, and later you will receive an email prompting you to book a specific Pearson VUE center. Centers are available in major cities across:
- The United Kingdom & Republic of Ireland
- The Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar)
- South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh)
- Africa (Egypt, Nigeria, Sudan)
- Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Singapore)
Creating Your Timeline
We recommend a minimum of 3 to 4 months of dedicated study for Part 1. If you are targeting the May 2026 diet, your intensive study should begin no later than February. Use January to gather your resources, review the official MRCP blueprint, and establish your study routine.
Start Your Preparation Today
With the exam dates locked in, your preparation needs to start now. Let Exam Medix guide you.