FCPS Part 1 Exam Pattern, Paper Format & Age Limit

Before you start preparing content, it helps to know exactly what the FCPS Part 1 exam day itself looks like — how many papers, how many questions, how it's timed, and whether there's an age limit to worry about. This guide covers the mechanics, separately from the syllabus itself.

FCPS Part 1 Paper Pattern

• Two papers, same day: Paper 1 (basic sciences, shared across every specialty) and Paper 2 (specialty-specific).
• 100 MCQs per paper, 200 in total.
• One-best-answer format — a stem with several options, one correct answer.
• Computer-based testing (CBT) at CPSP-approved centres.
• No negative marking — attempt every question, since a blank scores zero and a guess has a real chance of scoring.

Exact timing per paper can vary slightly by session — check your official CPSP admission notice for the precise duration on your specific exam date rather than relying on a general figure.

How the Two Papers Relate to Your Result

Your result is based on combined performance across both papers — a strong Paper 2 does not make up for a weak Paper 1, or vice versa. Since Paper 1 (basic sciences) is identical regardless of specialty, it rewards broad, even preparation across all seven subjects rather than depth in just one or two.

Is There an Age Limit for FCPS Part 1?

CPSP does not publish a fixed maximum age limit for FCPS Part 1 applicants. Eligibility is based on your medical/dental degree, internship completion, and PMDC/PMC registration status — not your age. If you have been out of clinical practice for a long period or have a specific eligibility question, confirm directly with CPSP rather than assuming an age-based restriction applies, since none is published in the general eligibility criteria.

Other Eligibility Basics

• A recognised MBBS/BDS (or equivalent) degree from a PMDC/PMC-recognised institution.
• Completed house job / internship as required by CPSP.
• Valid provisional or permanent PMDC/PMC registration.

Requirements are reviewed periodically, so confirm the current criteria on the official CPSP website before applying.

How the Pattern Should Shape Your Prep

1. Don't neglect either paper. With 100 MCQs each and a combined result, Paper 1 is worth exactly as much as Paper 2 — treat your basic-sciences revision with the same seriousness as your specialty content.
2. Practise the one-best-answer format specifically, not just recall — CPSP MCQs often include several technically-true options where only one is the single best answer.
3. Time yourself. 100 MCQs in a fixed session leaves well under a minute and a half per question — build that pace through timed practice, not on exam day itself.

Next Steps

For how your raw score becomes a result, see our FCPS Part 1 passing criteria guide. For which specialty to apply into, see our FCPS Part 1 preparation guide and full syllabus downloads.

Practise the Exact Format You'll See

HighYield's FCPS Part 1 Basic Sciences QBank and specialty QBanks for Medicine, Surgery, Gynae & Obs, Anaesthesia and Dentistry use the same one-best-answer format as the real exam, with Timed mode to build exam-day pacing and a detailed explanation for every question. Your first 20 questions in any bank are free.