Clearing MBBS is itself a difficult task and then cracking competitive exams is another level of challenge. But you can’t skip this challenging situation if you want to the accelerating graph of your career.

Success in the MRCP Part 1 exam signifies that you have not only retained the knowledge you learned during your undergraduate studies but that it has also grown to keep up with developments that have happened since you graduated and continues to serve as a foundation for clinical decision-making.

Most important to note, MRCP is just a pass or fail exam.

Step-by-Step Study Guide for MRCP Part 1 Exam

1. Understand the Exam Pattern.

MRCP Part 1 is a single-day Computer-based exam comprising two papers. Each paper has 100 multiple-choice questions to be solved in three hours. The MCQs follow the ‘best of five’ exam format. No negative marking gives a bit of relaxation for this competitive exam.

This MRCP Part 1 overview will let you get familiar with the exam pattern and will help you plan your preparation and revision strategy with effective time management. It is crucial to distribute the time to learn each specialty depending on the vastness of the subject, subject weightage, your level of understanding of the subject, etc.

Click here to learn the subject- weightage/blueprint of the MRCP Part 1 exam.

2. Choose your Exam Date Wisely.

It is advised to give the MRCP Part 1 first attempt after 12-24 months of graduation. Once you feel confident enough to take an exam, then only register for it. Usually, competitive exams are held once or twice a year, but the MRCP Part 1 exam occurs four times a year (January/April/August/October), which provides an opportunity for you to apply as per your suitability. You don’t have to wait for another year to sit the exam if you don’t want to sit for the exam this time.

3. Start Preparing Early.

Given how difficult the MRCP Part 1 test is, it’s crucial to give yourself plenty of time to study. Give a minimum of 6-10 months for sincere preparation. Don’t get confused; talk to seniors, faculty, friends, or mentors to get the best advice for you. Early preparation saves your time and boosts your confidence. Effective planning and consistency pave the way to effective results.

4. Make a Realistic Study Plan.

Create an MRCP Part 1 study plan that describes the material you will cover each day or week after you have your study materials. Allocate the time to a particular specialty keeping the factor in mind that your level of understanding is at beginner level or intermediate. Also, consider that there is enough time left for revision and practice questions. Revision strategy is also a must so that you don’t miss out on anything at the eleventh hour. Practice the question according to the exam pattern to get more familiar with it and this will also enhance your ability to tackle a question in the exam. Review your performance and revise your strategy accordingly.

5. Stick to Reliable Study Resources.

There are several options for MRCP Part 1 study materials, including books, online MRCP 1 exam resources, and question banks. To have a thorough grasp of the subject, it’s crucial to employ a range of materials, and resource selection is recommended. The preferred books for MRCP Part 1 are “Mastering Medicine: MRCP Made Easy” by Dr. Archith Boloor, Essential Revision Notes for MRCP by Philip A. Kalra, and the Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine by R.A. Hope. For online MRCP preparation may it be video lectures or Practice questions, you can subscribe to the ‘Cracking MRCP Part 1’ course. You can attend webinars and exam discussion videos only by the eminent faculty.

6. Enroll in online MRCP part 1 preparation courses.

To ace your MRCP preparation, you can enroll in one of the best online courses for MRCP Part 1, “Cracking MRCP Part 1” by eminent faculty, Dr. Gurpreet Singh Wander and Dr. Archith Boloor. The course covers modules covering all the major specialities and is devised based on The Royal College of Physicians curriculum. Every module in the Cracking MRCP Part 1 study materials includes webinars and video archives, approx. 2000 best of five MCQs/MRCP Part 1 practice questions, notes, high-yielding questions, e-chapters, and performance tracking. It additionally benefits you with the mock papers intended to give a feel of a real exam. The leaderboard ranking feature of the course enables you to track your performance and prepare accordingly. To ease the preparation and revision, the Cracking MRCP Part 1 notes are categorised into three sections: Wake-up calls, Golden signs, and Clinical gems. The Wake-up calls indicate the red flag signs pointing towards a certain disease or condition, Golden signs signify characteristic diagnostic features of a disease or condition, and Clinical gems signify recommended management or preferred drug choice for a disease or condition.

7. Don’t Miss Out on High-Weightage Topics.

A wide number of subjects are covered in the MRCP Part 1 exam; however, some are assessed more rigorously than others. The following are the high-weightage speciality/subjects:

• Cardiology
• Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
• Clinical Sciences
• Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolic Medicine
• Gastroenterology and Hepatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Neurology
• Renal Medicine
• Respiratory Medicine
• Rheumatology

8. Practice Mock Exams and Previous Year Papers.

Practicing mock exams and previous year’s papers is an excellent method to gauge your progress and determine where you need to concentrate and revise your strategy. There are a variety of mock tests accessible, both online and in books. DigiNerve with the Cracking MRCP Part 1 online course gives access to the free mock paper. You must attempt it under the timed condition for self-evaluation. Utilising question banks for practise will give you a better understanding of the questions that are asked.

9. Be Consistent and Manage Time Effectively.

Consistency is the key. Although taking the MRCP Part 1 test might be nerve-wracking, it’s crucial to remain composed and concentrated. Be consistent with your study routines along with balancing clinical practice.

Also, time management skills are crucial because the MRCP Part 1 test is timed. Give yourself enough time to respond to each question but avoid spending too much time on a single question. Mark the question for review if you are unsure about the answer, then go on. If you have time, you can return to the marked questions later. Remind yourself that you are prepared for the exam by taking deep breaths.

10. Take Good Care of your Health.

Consume healthful meals and get adequate sleep. Good health improves concentration and memory. Don’t get stressed a lot and meditate regularly because mental health is as important as physical health. Especially on the day of the exam, it’s critical to obtain adequate sleep and consume a balanced diet. You’ll be able to focus and remain awake as a result.

MRCP Part 1 Exam Day Tips

• Get familiar with the route and location of the exam centre and reach on time on exam day.
• Don’t be late for Paper-II after the break. It is advised to be at your desk at least 15 minutes before Paper-II is about the start.
• You are not allowed to take any items, accessories, or stationary along with you in the exam.
• The required stationery items are provided in the exam hall itself.
• Don’t wear hoods for the exam.
• Keep your ID handy for entry and checking purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What score do you need to pass MRCP Part 1?

Ans. The pass marks for MRCP Part 1 are around 540. The Equating process based on Response theory is used to calculate the candidate’s overall result. The pass marks are calculated as the overall scaled score unlike other exams, where the overall percentage score is considered.

Q2. Is there a negative marking in MRCP Part 1?

Ans. No, there is no negative marking in the MRCP Part 1. This is a great advantage for all the candidates aiming to clear the MRCP exam.

Q3. Is MRCP difficult to pass?

Ans. Undoubtedly, the MRCP exam is difficult to pass but not impossible. With smart study, consistent efforts, proper clinical practice, and effective time management, you can crack the MRCP exam.