MCAT test is a standardized computer-based exam for students who want to get enrolled in medical schools in the US, Canada, Australia, or some other countries. There are so many things you must know to become eligible for MCAT. Therefore, in this blog, we have provided the details of MCAT exam eligibility for Indian students including, the format and syllabus. For more information, let’s get started reading about it.
Table of Contents
Ques.1 How Many Times Can an Indian Student Take the MCAT Exam?
Ques.2 Can I Take the MCAT After 12th in India?
Ques.3 How Can Indian Students Register for the MCAT Exam?
Ques.4 What Is the MCAT Exam Fee for Indian Students?
Ques.5 Which Countries Accept MCAT Exam Scores for University Admission Process?
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.
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.
Start Researching Universities After MCAT Exam
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.
To become eligible for the MCAT test, you must know the following requirements.
After this, you have understood the overall eligibility criteria so let’s come forward and know about the MCAT exam syllabus and subjects.
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.
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) 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.
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.
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.
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.
Sections |
Total Number of Questions |
Duration/Minutes |
Chemical & Physical Foundations of Biological Systems |
59 |
95 min |
Critical Analysis & Reasoning Skills (CARS) |
53 |
90 min |
Biological & Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems |
59 |
95 min |
Psychological, Social & Biological Foundations of Behavior |
59 |
95 min |
Learn More About Other Abroad Medical Entrance Exams in India
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
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.
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.
You can follow the process to register for the MCAT exam:
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.
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.
We are available in :
BangaloreAhmedabadJaipurHyderabadKeralaPuneChandigarhMumbaiGurgaonChennaiKolkataTrivandrumNoidaKochiCalicutKottayamKollamThrissurIndoreUdaipurdisclaimer:logos and other registered trademarks of universities used on this platform are held by their respective owners. Gradding does not claim ownership or association on them, and their use is purely for informational and illustrative purposes.