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If internal medicine is the speciality you see yourself building a long-term career in, you already know well how pursuing the right qualifications makes it more rewarding. At some point in your career, you have likely come across MRCP, whether through conversations with senior colleagues, mentors, or during your own career planning sessions. It is a qualification that many doctors aspire to because of the high recognition, respect, dignity, and job opportunities it brings both in the UK and internationally.

If you are really serious about MRCP and plan to take the first step this year, being aware of the upcoming MRCP Part 1 exam dates in 2026, fees, and eligibility is important to avoid last-minute rushes and missed opportunities. Here in this guide we will walk you through all this and more so you can stay organised and plan your exam preparation.

Upcoming MRCP Part 1 exam dates in 2026

Diet 1: January 2026

Application period: 04 November to 11 November 2025

Exam date: 28 January 2026

Reasonable adjustment deadline: 18 November 2025

Results expected by: 13 March 2026

Diet 2: May 2026

Application period: 10 March to 17 March 2026

Exam date: 21 May 2026

Reasonable adjustment deadline: 24 March 2026

Results expected by: 03 July 2026

Diet 3: September 2026

Application period: 14 July to 21 July 2026

Exam date: 23 September 2026

Reasonable adjustment deadline: 28 July 2026

Results expected by: 06 November 2026

Like previous years, the MRCP Part 1 exam in 2026 will be conducted in three diets. The exam fee will be £502 for UK candidates and £672 for international candidates. Please note that the booking window opens and closes at 8:00 am GMT for the first two diet exams and at 8:00 am BST for the third diet.

MRCP Part 1 exam 2026: eligibility

• A primary medical qualification recognised by the GMC UK
• 12 months of medical work experience since graduation (e.g. FY1 or equivalent)
• This one-year experience must be completed by the exam date

How to apply for MRCP Part 1

 First, you need to create the My MRCP (UK) account to apply for the exam. A detailed video on how to apply for the exam is available on the official website of MRCP. Click here to watch the video.

Step-by-step instructions

• Log in to your My MRCP UK account.
• Verify your personal details are correct and up to date.
• A correspondence address is mandatory to complete the application.
• Fill in details regarding whether you are training in the UK or not.
• Select your exam centre.
• Complete any special arrangements if applicable.
• Pay the exam fee.
• Submit the application. After submission, you will get an RCP code.
• Provide proof of your primary medical qualification by sending it to PMQ@thefederation.uk along with the RCP code.

So, that’s all about the MRCP Part 1 exams in 2026. If you are planning to take the exam in any of these three sittings, start your preparation as early as possible. If you need help with the exam booking or need assistance with exam preparation, feel free to contact our team. We are here to help.

We offer courses in both long and short-term formats that can seamlessly fit into your busy schedules. You can even go through our premium study materials through the StudyMEDIC LMS 3.0 before enrolling in the course.

Connect with our team today to know more.

Authored By: Sarath