MRCPsych Paper A Complete Guide

If you plan to take the MRCPsych Paper A exam, you’re in the right place. This post covers everything you need to know—eligibility, format, fees, and more. You’ll also find details about our comprehensive MRCPsych Paper A course with around 3,000 past paper questions. Since many questions repeat, you’ll have an excellent chance of passing on your very first attempt.

  • Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ): You must hold a recognized PMQ from the General Medical Council (GMC) or an equivalent authority.
  • Medical Registration: You must be registered as a medical practitioner in your country.
  • No Prior Psychiatry Training Required: There’s no requirement for previous training in psychiatry to sit for Paper A.
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Total Marks: 150 (each question is worth one mark)
  • Question Types:
    • Around two-thirds multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
    • About one-third extended matching item (EMI) questions

These proportions come directly from the Royal College guidelines and are designed to test a broad range of psychiatric knowledge.

Paper A focuses on several key areas of the syllabus, each making up a certain percentage of the 150-mark exam:

  1. Behavioural Science & Socio-Cultural Psychiatry (16.67% / ~25 marks)
  2. Human Development (16.67% / ~25 marks)
  3. Basic Neurosciences (25.00% / ~37–38 marks)
  4. Clinical Psychopharmacology (25.00% / ~37–38 marks)
  5. Classification & Assessment in Psychiatry (16.67% / ~25 marks)

Neurosciences and Psychopharmacology together account for 50% of the exam, so it’s a good idea to devote extra time to these topics.

  • Exam Date: 10th April (check the Royal College website for exact updates).
  • Recommended Study Time: 3–5 months of focused study should be enough to cover the entire syllabus.
  • Validity After Passing: You have 1,643 days (a bit over 4.5 years) to complete Paper B and CASC, so plan your next steps accordingly.
  • Registration: Online through the Royal College of Psychiatrists (Rcpsych) website.
  • Fee: £565 (subject to change).
  • Money-Saving Tip: If you know someone in the UK or Ireland, ask them to pay on your behalf to avoid extra fees. This could save you around Rs. 40,000. (Tax exemptions)

About 30–40% of the questions tend to be repeated or closely related to previous exam questions. Working through past papers is one of the best ways to familiarize yourself with the format, pinpoint weak spots, and refine your study strategy.

here are some examples:

 

To make your preparation easier, we offer a complete course that covers the entire syllabus. Here’s what you’ll get:

  1. Largest Collection of Past Paper Questions (around 3,000): Because the exam often repeats questions, this greatly increases your chances of seeing similar ones on the real test. So we have inlcuded around 3000 Past Paper questions in our course.
  2. Easy-to-Understand Lessons: No complicated language—just straightforward explanations to help you learn faster.
  3. Personalized Study Plans: Tailor your study schedule to focus on your weaker areas without neglecting your strengths.
  4. Extensive MCQ Bank: Practice with a wide range of questions, each with detailed explanations so you know exactly why each answer is correct.
  5. Regular Mock Exams: Gain confidence and improve time management by taking practice exams that resemble the real thing.
  6. Comprehensive Study Material: Access notes, flashcards, and concise summaries to help you review more effectively.

Guaranteed Pass on Your First Try
With a clear plan and plenty of practice, you’ll be well-prepared to succeed in Paper A right from your first attempt.

MRCPsych Paper A Made Easy

Preparing for MRCPsych Paper A doesn’t have to be stressful. By focusing on high-yield areas—especially Neurosciences and Psychopharmacology—you’ll cover half the exam. Staying on top of the registration dates and fee details is also crucial. If you want a single resource that saves you time and boosts your chances of success, consider our MRCPsych Paper A Made Easy course. With the largest collection of past questions and an easy-to-use format, you’ll be set to do your best on exam day.

Ready to take the next step in your MRCPsych journey? Join our course, designed to guide you towards a confident first-time pass in Paper A. Let’s make this milestone achievable together!

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