Table of Contents
Introduction
MCAT, also known as the Medical College Admission Test, is a standardised online exam required for admission to a medical school abroad. The standard registration fee for the MCAT in the U.S. and Canada is $345, while eligible candidates under the Fee Assistance Program pay $140. Students testing outside these regions must also pay a non-refundable international fee of $120. Furthermore, the MCAT evaluates a candidate’s reasoning, analysis, psychological aptitudes, and understanding of biological systems. Apart from examining the proficiency of scientific basics necessary for completing medical education, the test also concentrates on written research and problem-solving aptitudes.
MCAT Exam: Key Highlights
|
Exam Name |
MCAT |
|
Full Form |
Medical College Admission Test |
|
Organizing Body |
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) |
|
Official Website |
|
|
Exam Level |
International |
|
Mode of Exam |
Computer based |
|
Questions Type |
Multiple Type Questions (MCQs) |
|
Duration of Exam |
7 hours 30 minutes |
MCAT Exam Cost and Fee Structure
MCAT exam cost differs depending on when you are enrolling for the test. Here’s a breakdown of the MCAT exam cost and fee structure. If you tell me which country you plan to take it from (USA / abroad / India), I can give you more specific numbers.
|
Category |
Fee (USD) |
Notes |
|
Standard Registration |
$345 |
For all test-takers |
|
Fee Assistance Program (FAP) |
$140 |
Available only to eligible U.S. applicants |
|
International Fee |
+$120 |
Applies to exams taken outside the U.S. & Canada |
|
Late Registration |
+$55 |
Added if registering after the regular deadline |
|
Reschedule (61+ days before test) |
$55 |
Lowest reschedule fee |
|
Reschedule (31–60 days before test) |
$110 |
Medium reschedule fee |
|
Reschedule (1–30 days before test) |
$215 |
The highest reschedule fee |
|
Cancellation (61+ days before test) |
$165 refund |
Partial refund |
|
Cancellation (31–60 days before test) |
$115 refund |
Reduced refund |
|
Cancellation (1–30 days before test) |
$0 refund |
No refund given |
From India / What Indian Students Should Know
- Indian students pay the base registration fee (US$345) plus the international fee if taking it outside the US/Canada.
- In INR, this works out to roughly ₹29,000-₹30,000 just for registration + the international surcharge, depending on the exchange rate.
- There’s no MCAT centre inside India (as of recent reports), so travel, visa, and lodging might add further cost. (Check the current test centre list.)
The AAMC sets all fees and may vary slightly depending on the region.
In addition, the enrollment deadlines are split into three zones –Silver, Gold, and Bronze. The detailed description of these three zones is as follows-
Silver zone
- No upsurge in the enrollment fee
- Can reschedule the test at the given fee
- Can withdraw the exam reservation, but no refund
Gold zone
- The flexibility of location and date
- Reschedule the test at the lowest cost
- Eligible for a partial refund for cancelling the enrollment
- Low cancelling and rescheduling fees for Fee Assistance Programs recipients.
Bronze zone
- You can cancel the exam reservation, but no refund will be provided.
|
Particulars |
Gold Zone Deadline: 29 days before exam date |
Silver Zone Deadline: 15 days before exam date |
Bronze Zone Deadline 8 days before exam date |
|
Initial Registration |
$315 |
$315 |
$370 |
|
Date and/or Test Centre Reschedule Fee(non-refundable) |
$90 |
$150 |
N/A |
|
Cancellation Refund |
$155 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
International Fee (non-refundable) |
$105 |
$105 |
$105 |
Read more: PTE exam fee | A comprehensive guide to all about it!
MCAT Exam Pattern 2025
The MCAT is a computer-based standardised test designed to assess problem-solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural, behavioural, and social science concepts required for medical studies.
Exam Structure
- Total Duration: About 7.5 hours (including breaks)
- Total Questions: 230 multiple-choice questions
- Total Sections: 4
Sections Breakdown
Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (Chem/Phys)
59 questions
95 minutes
Covers general chemistry, physics, organic chemistry, and biochemistry.
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
53 questions
90 minutes
Tests reading comprehension, reasoning, and analytical ability.
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (Bio/Biochem)
59 questions
95 minutes
Focuses on biology, organic chemistry, and biochemistry.
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behaviour (Psych/Soc)
59 questions
95 minutes
Involves psychology, sociology, and behavioural sciences.
Scoring
- Each section: 118–132
- Total Score Range: 472–528
- Median Score: 500
The exam is long and stamina-based, so pacing and endurance are as important as content knowledge.
MCAT Exam Eligibility Criteria 2025
The MCAT is a gateway exam for aspiring medical professionals, designed to assess readiness for medical and health-related programs. Understanding the eligibility criteria is essential before registering, ensuring that students meet the requirements and can plan their application journey effectively.
Who Can Apply
- Undergraduate Students: Those currently enrolled in or who have completed an undergraduate program.
- Medical School Applicants: Students planning to apply to health professional schools such as MD (Doctor of Medicine), DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine), DPM (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine), or DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) programs.
- International Students: Eligible if applying to a health professions school that accepts MCAT scores.
Key Points
- No specific age limit.
- No limit on academic major, but a strong background in the sciences is recommended.
- You must certify at registration that you are taking the exam only for medical/health professions school admission.
Attempt Limits
- 3 times in a single testing year.
- 4 times across two consecutive years.
- 7 times lifetime maximum.
Anyone preparing to pursue a career in medicine or related health professions can take the MCAT.
MCAT Exam Preparation Tips
Preparing for the MCAT requires strategy, discipline, and endurance. A well-structured plan with the right resources and practice can significantly improve your confidence and performance on test day.
Understand the Exam Structure
Familiarise yourself with all four sections, question types, timing, and scoring patterns to reduce surprises on test day.
Create a Study Schedule
Plan at least 3–6 months of preparation, breaking it into daily/weekly targets for content review, practice, and revision.
Focus on Core Sciences
Strengthen biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology basics, as these form the bulk of the test.
Practice CARS Regularly
Dedicate consistent time to Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS), as it requires reading comprehension and logical analysis rather than memorisation.
Use Official AAMC Resources
Rely on AAMC’s practice exams, question packs, and sample tests for the most accurate exam simulation.
Take Full-Length Mock Tests
Simulate real test-day conditions to build stamina for the 7.5-hour exam and improve pacing.
Analyze Mistakes
Don’t just practice—review your errors, understand concepts, and track progress.
Balance Study and Well-Being
Maintain a healthy routine with breaks, exercise, and good sleep to sustain focus and reduce burnout.
Key Takeaways
- The total MCAT exam cost for candidates will differ depending on their circumstances.
- Students residing in populated areas have an edge as they are more likely to locate an MCAT test centre near them.
- The cost of MCAT registration for the MCAT exam is USD 320 for all Canadian and US exam centres.
Like this blog? Also, read Top 7 countries to study MBBS abroad.
FAQs
Question 1. What is the cost of the MCAT exam registration?
Answer. To enroll for the MCAT at a Canadian or US centre, you must pay USD 320. International enrollment fees include an extra $120 cost on top of the $320. Also, remember that Canadian and international students may have to pay regional taxes.
Question 2. What are the hidden MCAT costs?
Answer. Apart from the cost of enrollment and MCAT study materials, you may also have to pay accommodation and travel costs to get to the MCAT test centre.
Question 3. Who is eligible to appear for the MCAT exam?
Answer. Any aspirant interested in pursuing a career in Osteopathic, Allopathic, Podiatric, or Veterinary can appear for the MCAT test.
