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The booking window for the MRCP PACES Diet 3 2026 examination is opening soon, and candidates planning to take the exam later this year should begin preparing their applications early.
MRCP PACES is one of the most important milestones in a physician’s postgraduate journey. With limited seats and high competition across centres, staying updated with the application dates and booking process is essential to avoid missing your preferred exam location and schedule.
Important Dates – India Centres (Diet 3 2026)
Important Dates
| Location | Application Period | Exam Dates | Fee | Admission Documents |
| India Chennai | 16 June – 23 June 2026 | 05 Oct – 09 Oct 2026 | £1,358 | Approximately 4 weeks prior to the exam date |
| India Hyderabad | 16 June – 23 June 2026 | 13 Nov – 15 Nov 2026 | £1,358 | Approximately 4 weeks prior to the exam date |
| India Kochi | 16 June – 23 June 2026 | 19 Nov – 21 Nov 2026 | £1,358 | Approximately 4 weeks prior to the exam date |
| India Kolkata | 16 June – 23 June 2026 | 27 Nov – 29 Nov 2026 | £1,358 | Approximately 4 weeks prior to the exam date |
| India Mumbai | 16 June – 23 June 2026 | 04 Dec – 06 Dec 2026 | £1,358 | Approximately 4 weeks prior to the exam date |
| India Delhi | 16 June – 23 June 2026 | 19 Nov – 22 Nov 2026 | £1,358 | Approximately 4 weeks prior to the exam date |
| India Pune | 16 June – 23 June 2026 | 27 Nov – 29 Nov 2026 | £1,358 | Approximately 4 weeks prior to the exam date |
| India Trivandrum | 16 June – 23 June 2026 | 04 Nov – 07 Nov 2026 | £1,358 | Approximately 4 weeks prior to the exam date |
*To know other international locations and important dates, candidates can visit the official MRCPUK website.
Who Can Apply for MRCP PACES?
Candidates have to pass the MRCP Part 1 and MRCP Part 2 Written to be eligible for the MRCP PACES. However, the MRCP(UK) has removed the previous regulation requiring candidates to pass the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written and PACES examinations within seven years of passing Part 1.
This has now been replaced by the new limited attempts policy. Candidates are allowed a maximum of six attempts at any part of the MRCP(UK) examination and will not be able to continue if they reach this limit without passing.
Candidates who passed Part 1 more than seven years ago can still apply for Part 2 Written or PACES, provided they have had fewer than six attempts.
It is also advised that candidates should have at least two years of clinical experience working in hospitals after obtaining their primary medical qualification.
MRCP PACES Booking Process
The application process for MRCP PACES is straightforward, but candidates should ensure that all details are entered correctly before submission.
Steps to Apply
- Log in to your My MRCP(UK) account.
- Check that all your details are up to date and make corrections if necessary.
- Select whether you are training in the UK or another country.
- Choose your PACES exam location. Candidates can select up to four locations.
- Mention any disability or special arrangements required.
- Fill in the details of your past 12 months’ work history and training. You must also provide details of previous PACES attempts and any PACES courses undertaken.
- Submit your application.
Candidates do not need to pay the examination fee during the initial application stage. Payment is made only after the application has been approved.
The application outcome is usually communicated within three weeks of the closing date.
Understanding the MRCP PACES Exam Format
MRCP PACES is a clinical examination designed to assess practical skills, communication, clinical judgement, and patient management abilities.
Candidates are assessed across five clinical stations by two independent examiners at each station. You may begin at any station and rotate every 20 minutes until all stations are completed. A five-minute interval is provided between stations.
Skills Assessed in PACES
The examination evaluates candidates in areas including:
- Physical examination techniques
- Identification of physical signs
- Clinical communication
- Differential diagnosis
- Clinical judgement
- Managing patients’ concerns
- Maintaining patient welfare and professionalism
PACES Stations
The exam consists of:
- Communication encounters
- Respiratory examination
- Consultation stations
- Cardiovascular examination
- Neurological examination
- Abdominal examination
Stations 2 and 5 involve 20-minute consultation encounters, while Stations 1, 3, and 4 include two separate 10-minute encounters.
The total exam duration is approximately 125 minutes, including transition time between stations.
Marking Scheme
Candidates are assessed by ten examiners across the stations. Skills are graded as:
- Satisfactory – 2 marks
- Borderline – 1 mark
- Unsatisfactory – 0 marks
Examiners calibrate standards before the examination to maintain consistency in marking.
We hope this blog gives you the heads-up you need before booking the exam. If you have any doubts or concerns regarding the MRCP PACES booking process, eligibility, or preparation strategy, the StudyMEDIC team is available 24/7 to support and guide you throughout your journey.
Author: StudyMEDIC Editorial Team
By : patrick
