What is MCPS? Disciplines, Training, Exam Format & Fee
MCPS Quick Summary
MCPS is the two-year Membership of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP), offered in 19 disciplines. You start after passing FCPS Part I, register your training with CPSP, complete two years of supervised training and the mandatory workshops, then sit the MCPS theory and clinical exams. The next exams start on 13 April and 28 September 2027.
What is MCPS?
MCPS stands for Membership of the College of Physicians and Surgeons. It is a shorter postgraduate qualification than the FCPS fellowship: training lasts two years instead of four or five, and CPSP has developed a competency-based curriculum for each discipline. On passing the final exam you are elected a Member of the College, and the qualification is registered by the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council. For an overview of the MCPS exam and how we can help you prepare, see our MCPS exam page.
MCPS disciplines
How to start MCPS training
- Pass FCPS Part I in the subject group that leads to your chosen discipline. Our guide to FCPS Part I eligibility and format explains the entry exam.
- Find a training post under a CPSP-approved supervisor in a CPSP-recognised institution. Induction takes place twice a year, in January and July, and only paid (stipendiary) posts count towards training.
- Register with CPSP's training cell (RTMC) on Form A within one month of starting. You need your FCPS Part I result or exemption letter, appointment order, joining letter, MBBS or BDS degree, valid PMDC registration and CNIC.
- Complete two years of whole-time training and the mandatory workshops: Basic Surgical Skills, Research Methodology, Biostatistics and Dissertation Writing, Communication Skills, and Introduction to Computer and Internet.
- Sit the MCPS exam: theory first, then the clinical or oral exam in Pakistan.
MCPS exam format and fee
Deadlines for the April 2027 exam
First-time theory candidates must complete both steps of the online application by 10 November 2026 (17 November with the Rs. 2,000 late fee, or 24 November with the further Rs. 1,000). Theory and clinical repeaters have until 12 January 2027 (late 19 January, final 26 January). Your training certificate must cover training up to 13 March 2027 and be signed by your supervisor and head of department, and all workshops must be finished before the exam. Applications are made through your trainee account on the CPSP e-Portal. Practise the question style with our MCPS practice tests.
Preparing for MCPS
Because MCPS training starts after FCPS Part I, your first step is the entry exam: see our guide to preparing for FCPS Part I and practise with our FCPS Part 1 Qbank. For the final MCPS exam, our MCPS preparation page explains how we can help.
Frequently asked questions
> What does MCPS stand for?
Membership of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, a two-year postgraduate qualification awarded by the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan.
> Do I need to pass FCPS Part I before MCPS?
Yes. CPSP registers MCPS trainees after they pass FCPS Part I (or receive an exemption), on Form A within one month of starting training.
> How long is MCPS training?
Two years of whole-time training under a CPSP-approved supervisor, plus the mandatory workshops.
> What is the MCPS exam format?
Two theory papers (100 MCQs each in some subjects, 10 short answer questions each in others), followed by a TOACS, viva voce or clinical exam held in Pakistan.
> When is the next MCPS exam?
The theory exam starts on 13 April 2027, with the next sitting from 28 September 2027. The fee is Rs. 15,050.
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Preparing for MCPS?
Find out how we can help you prepare for the MCPS exam.
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