MCAT Exam: Dates, Registration, Fees, Syllabus & Eligibility for Indian Students

Introduction 

The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is a high-stakes, standardised exam primarily used for entry into U.S. and Canadian medical schools (and some other international institutions). It’s not widely known in India compared to NEET, but for Indian students aiming for globally reputed MD/DO programs, the MCAT is often a mandatory rite of passage. According to AAMC data, the average total scaled MCAT score hovers around 500.7, with a standard deviation of 10.8, for the period from May 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025. This means that a strong performance requires scoring well above that to stand out.

Globally, over 85,000 test-takers attempt the MCAT annually. For Indian aspirants, an extra wrinkle: there is currently no MCAT test centre in India. That means flights, visas, accommodation, and coordination across time zones become part of the examination strategy. Despite the logistics, many Indian medical aspirants opt for it — not only to meet medical school prerequisites abroad but also to showcase their analytical and interdisciplinary thinking. In practice, several coaching institutes in India now offer MCAT prep tracks in addition to NEET or USMLE prep, indicating a growing demand.

In what follows, I’ll break down the dates, registration process, fees, syllabus & eligibility specifically for Indian students — so you can map your path carefully. Let’s dive in.

What is the MCAT Exam?

The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is a standardised, computer-based exam administered by the AAMC for admission to medical schools in the U.S., Canada, and select international institutions. It assesses problem-solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural, behavioural, and social sciences relevant to medicine. Accepted by over 80,000 applicants annually worldwide, the MCAT is regarded as one of the most challenging medical entrance exams. For Indian students aspiring to study abroad, it serves as a crucial gateway to prestigious MD/DO programs, testing not just subject expertise but also analytical and reasoning skills essential for a medical career.

MCAT Exam Eligibility

The MCAT exam has no strict eligibility criteria, but it is primarily intended for students applying to health profession programs. Indian students aspiring to attend medical schools abroad must meet the basic educational prerequisites and follow the AAMC guidelines for registration.

Educational Background

While AAMC mandates no minimum qualification, most test-takers are in their third or fourth year of undergraduate studies or have already completed a bachelor’s degree.

Coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology is highly recommended, as these subjects form the foundation of the exam. Indian students from medical, life sciences, or pre-med backgrounds are best prepared.

Program Requirement

The MCAT is specifically designed for individuals planning to apply to health profession programs, such as MD (Doctor of Medicine), DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine), podiatry, or veterinary medicine.

During registration, applicants must declare their intention to apply to such programs, ensuring the exam is used for academic purposes, not just practice.

International Applicants

Students outside the U.S. and Canada, including India, are fully eligible to take the exam if they intend to apply to schools that accept MCAT scores.

However, since no MCAT test centres exist in India, students must travel to locations such as Singapore, Thailand, or Dubai to take the exam.

Attempts Allowed

• AAMC imposes limits to maintain exam fairness and rigour:
• 3 attempts per calendar year
• 4 attempts in two consecutive years
• 7 attempts over a lifetime
• Every registration counts as an attempt, even if the student doesn’t attend the test.

Proof of Intent

• During the registration process, candidates confirm they are pursuing admission into a health profession program.
• The AAMC may deny or cancel registration if the applicant states the exam is being taken for reasons outside this scope (e.g., for research or general knowledge).

MCAT Registration 2025

Registering for the MCAT is the first official step toward applying to U.S. or Canadian medical schools. Since no test centres exist in India, Indian students must plan travel to international centres such as Singapore, Thailand, or Dubai. Registration typically opens in October of the previous year (e.g., October 2024 for 2025 testing dates). Seats fill quickly, so early registration is essential to secure preferred dates and locations.

MCAT Registration Process

Here’s the step-by-step process for Indian students:

Create an AAMC Account

• Visit the site and sign up for a free account.
• This account will also be used for AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service) applications to medical schools.

Check Testing Dates & Locations

• Browse the available 2025 exam calendar. Dates are released in advance with multiple sessions from January through September 2025.
• For Indian students, plan international travel and book accommodations in cities like Singapore or Dubai, which tend to fill up early.

Complete Registration Form

• Enter personal information (name, DOB, passport details, etc.).
• Provide an academic background and declare your intent to apply to a health profession program.

Select Date & Centre

• Choose from the live availability shown in the scheduling system.
• Be flexible — peak months (March–July) fill fastest.

Payment & Confirmation

• Pay fees (exam + international surcharge).
• Receive a confirmation email with exam appointment and instructions.

MCAT Registration Fees (2025)

Here are the 2025 MCAT registration fees and related cost rules, especially relevant for international (non-US/Canada) candidates:

• Standard Registration Fee: USD 345
• International Fee (outside U.S./Canada): +USD 120
• Total for Indian Students: USD 465 (₹38,500 as of Sept 2025)
• Date/Location Change: USD 50–135 (depending on timing)
• Cancellation: Partial refund available if cancelled before deadlines

Fee Assistance Program (FAP)

The AAMC Fee Assistance Program helps economically disadvantaged students by reducing costs. While primarily designed for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, international students may check eligibility if applying to U.S. institutions.

Key Benefits of FAP (2025):

• Reduced MCAT Fee: USD 140 (instead of 345)
• International Surcharge Still Applies: +USD 120 → Total USD 260 (₹21,500)
• Free Official MCAT Prep Materials (worth USD 268)
• Waived AMCAS Application Fees for up to 20 schools

MCAT Test Centres

The MCAT exam is conducted worldwide at Pearson VUE testing centres, but currently, no test centres are available in India. Indian students typically travel to nearby international hubs, such as Dubai, Singapore, or Thailand, to take the test.

MCAT Test Centres (for Indian Students)

MCAT Test Dates 2025

The 2025 MCAT is offered from January through September, with multiple exam sessions scheduled internationally.

Below is a table of key 2025 test dates & their corresponding score release dates (U.S. calendar — international dates align).

MCAT Exam Pattern

The MCAT exam is a computer-based test designed to evaluate problem-solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural, behavioural, and social sciences. It consists of four sections, blending multiple-choice questions with passage-based analysis, and takes about 7.5 hours to complete.

How to Prepare for MCAT 2025?

Preparing for the MCAT 2025 requires a strategic blend of subject mastery, critical reasoning, and time management. Since the test spans multiple sciences and reasoning domains, students must adopt a disciplined study plan, use official prep resources, and consistently practice under exam-like conditions to maximise performance.

Understand the Exam Pattern

• The MCAT is a 7.5-hour exam with four sections: sciences, reasoning, and behavioural sciences.
  
• Understanding the number of questions, timing, and scoring system (118–132 per section, totalling 472–528) helps you plan your pacing and expectations.
  

Use Official AAMC Materials

• The AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) provides the most reliable preparatory content, including question packs, section banks, and full-length practice exams.
  
• Start with these before exploring third-party guides, as they reflect the exact exam style and difficulty.
  

Build a Study Schedule

• Most students need 4–6 months of structured prep.
  
• Example: Dedicate 3–4 hours/day to content review in the first half of prep, then shift to practice exams and revision in the latter half.
  
• Stick to weekly goals (e.g., “finish biochemistry chapters by Week 2”).
  

Focus on Weak Areas

• Take a diagnostic test early to identify strengths/weaknesses.
  
• If you struggle in CARS or Physics, prioritise these sections while still keeping strong areas sharp.
  
• Revisit mistakes after every practice test to spot patterns.
  

Practice CARS Daily

• The Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) section is tricky since it doesn’t rely on memorization.
  
• Read complex passages (philosophy, history, economics articles) and practice inference-based questions daily to build speed and accuracy.
  

Simulate Test Conditions

• The MCAT is a marathon, not a sprint.
  
• Take full-length mock exams in a quiet place with strict timing, breaks, and no distractions.
  
• This helps build mental stamina and aids in adapting to exam-day fatigue.
  

Join Study Groups/Coaching

• Collaborative learning helps — peers may explain concepts you find hard.
  
• Online prep courses and coaching institutes (many available in India now) provide structured curriculums, doubt-clearing, and mentorship.
  

Stay Consistent & Healthy

• Burnout is real — spread your prep across months rather than cramming.
  
• Sleep 7–8 hours, exercise lightly, and take breaks to recharge.
  
• Nutrition and mental well-being have a direct impact on focus and memory retention.

Summary

The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is a computer-based exam required for entry into U.S., Canadian, and select international medical schools. While less well-known in India compared to the NEET, it serves as an essential gateway for students aspiring to MD or DO programs abroad. The test evaluates knowledge of sciences, psychology, and reasoning skills across four sections and takes around 7.5 hours to complete. Scored between 472 and 528, competitive candidates typically score well above the average of 500.7. Over 85,000 students worldwide take the exam annually, but with no test centres in India, aspirants must travel to hubs like Dubai, Singapore, or Bangkok. Registration opens in October, with fees of around USD 465 for international students; however, AAMC offers a Fee Assistance Program. Preparation requires 4–6 months of structured study, official AAMC practice resources, and consistent full-length mocks. For Indian students, planning early is crucial to balancing travel, expenses, and exam preparation.

FAQ’s

Question 1: Is MCAT for MBBS or MD?

Answer: The MCAT is not for MBBS admission in India. It is specifically required for entry into MD and DO programs in the United States, Canada, and some international medical schools. It evaluates readiness for advanced medical education rather than undergraduate medical courses.

Question 2: How long are MCAT scores valid?

Answer: MCAT scores are typically valid for two to three years, depending on the individual medical school’s policies. Most U.S. and Canadian institutions accept scores within this window; therefore, students should check the target schools’ requirements before scheduling the exam.

Question 3: What is the MCAT exam, and who conducts it?

Answer: The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is a standardised, computer-based exam that assesses scientific knowledge, reasoning, and problem-solving skills relevant to the field of medicine. It is administered globally by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) for admissions to medical schools.

Question 4: What is the eligibility to take the MCAT Exam?

Answer: There are no strict eligibility restrictions. Generally, students must be pursuing or have completed an undergraduate degree with relevant science coursework and intend to apply for medical school programs (MD/DO or other health professions). Proof of intent is required during the registration process.

Question 5: Are there MCAT test centres in India?

Answer: Currently, there are no MCAT test centres in India. Indian students must travel abroad to international testing hubs such as Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok, or Hong Kong. Early registration and travel planning are essential since seats at these centres fill up quickly.

WRITTEN BY

Aastha

Sr. Content Writer

Aastha Arya is a Senior Content Writer at iSchoolConnect who writes about topics covering study abroad trends, exclusive news updates and prolific college courses. She has a 4-year of experience in this field and also likes to keep tabs on recent events, visa policy changes, and many other concerns that affect international students.

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