What Is the MCAT Exam Eligibility for Indian Students?

What Is the MCAT Exam & Eligibility Criteria?

The full form of the MCAT is the Medical College Admission Test which is an entrance exam for medical colleges in the USA, Canada, Australia, and other Caribbean countries. To appear in the test, there are different eligibility criteria for Indian and international students. Let’s move further and learn about it for better insights.

Criteria for Indian Students

The MCAT exam in India is primarily used for admission to medical schools and for Indian students it is necessary to be currently enrolled in or have completed an MBBS degree program to sit for the exam. However, if you have not enrolled or completed then you have to seek special permission from the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) for registration. For that, the major purpose of students must be to apply to medical schools in the USA or Canada.

Criteria for International Students

The Medical College Admission Test or MCAT eligibility criteria for international students is to be currently enrolled or have completed an MBBS degree towards a Bachelor of Surgery or Bachelor of Medicine. This means international students must be pursuing an MBBS which is considered equivalent to a pre-med curriculum in the USA. Different medical schools may require additional eligibility criteria for international students, so it is advised to check the requirements before registering for it.

You have understood the MCAT exam eligibility for international or Indian students till now. Let’s move ahead and learn other requirements for the test. 

Other Requirements for MCAT Exam Eligibility

To become eligible for the MCAT test, you must know the following requirements.

• Candidates must plan to apply to a health professional school that includes veterinary medicine (D.V.M.), MD-granting programs, DO-granting programs, Podiatric programs (DPM), or any health-related programs that accept MCAT scores.
• There is not any special requirement set for theMCAT exam by the test conducting body. But if you did not apply to a health professional school or MBBS program, then you have to obtain special permission from AAMC for registration.
• A candidate can appear for the MCAT three times in a single year. But remember that, you are not allowed to take the test more than seven times in your lifetime.

After this, you have understood the overall eligibility criteria so let’s come forward and know about the MCAT exam syllabus and subjects.

MCAT Exam Syllabus 2025

The MCAT syllabus is structured with four major sections and each one is important to assessing a candidate’s scientific knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The following information is about the MCAT exam syllabus with covering topics.

Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems

This section assesses how chemistry and physics principles apply to biochemical interactions, inorganic chemistry, and biological systems (e.g.- how enzymes speed up metabolic reactions). In this section, general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and biology topics are covered.

Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)

Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) is an important section of the MCAT exam syllabus which is also similar to the verbal reasoning tests. Moreover, this section contains topics regarding ethics & morality, philosophy & logic, cultural studies, and political science & law.

Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems

The Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems majorly focus on biological and biochemical processes and cellular and molecular mechanisms. In this section, different types of topics are included such as cellular biology, genetics, microbiology, organic chemistry & biochemistry, and physiology & homeostasis.

Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior

The last section of the MCAT exam is Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior. It integrates sociology, biology, and psychology to evaluate human behavior. Moreover, this section covers various topics like behavioral psychology, sociology, cognitive development, mental health & illness, and public health & social determinants of health.

With the above information, you have understood the Medical College Admission Test or MCAT syllabus, let’s move ahead and take a look at the test format.

MCAT Test Format

In the MCAT entrance exam, test takers have to answer multiple-choice questions related to physics, biology, chemistry, sociology, or psychology subjects. Moreover, including breaks, MCAT has four major sections and is offered multiple times in a year. After read everything, the last thing remains is MCAT exam format, read further to understand about it.

• Total number of questions is: 230
• Types of questions: Multiple-choice questions
• Exam mode: Computer-based
• Total testing time: 6 hours and 15 minutes
• Breaks during the test: There are 3 optional breaks included;
• 10 minutes break after the first section
• 30 minutes lunch break after the second section
• 10 minutes another break after the third section

Learn More About Other Abroad Medical Entrance Exams in India

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Conclusion

To conclude, we have discussed the MCAT exam eligibility for Indian students and international students. Moreover, you have learned about the test syllabus and format along with the duration. This comprehensive and challenging test identifies student’s ability and knowledge across various subjects like medicine, biological sciences, physical sciences, psychology, and critical thinking. Moreover, if you want to study in USA for health professional programs, you must enroll for the MCAT. Along with other admission requirements, this is also crucial for you, and if you face any issue you can consult with our study abroad consultants hassle-free.

Useful Links: University Finder and College Finder

FAQs

Ques.1 How Many Times Can an Indian Student Take the MCAT Exam?

An Indian student can take the MCAT exam up to three times in a year or a maximum of seven times in their whole life. Moreover, the score for the exam can be valid for 2-3 years.

Ques.2 Can I Take the MCAT After 12th in India?

No, you are not allowed to appear for the MCAT exam right after 12th because this is a graduate level exam which is taken by medical professionals or graduates. Therefore, to be eligible for you must enroll in an MBBS degree.

Ques.3 How Can Indian Students Register for the MCAT Exam?

You can follow the process to register for the MCAT exam:

• Create an account to access the AAMC website and fill in your ID and password.
• Enter your contact number, and educational background as needed.
• Choose a location or test date.
• Sign the examinee contract and schedule the examination according to the availability.

Ques.4 What Is the MCAT Exam Fee for Indian Students?

In India, the MCAT exam fees for candidates is USD 335 which is around INR 27885. It includes an additional international fee if you are taking the test outside the USA, Canada, or US territories making the total cost USD 455 which is INR 37929.

Ques.5 Which Countries Accept MCAT Exam Scores for University Admission Process?

The MCAT full form is the Medical College Admission Test and it is accepted by medical schools in the United States of America, Australia, Canada, and some Caribbean countries including China, France, Germany, Israel, Japan, Qatar, Taiwan, Thailand, South Africa, or the United Kingdom.