MCAT 2027 is the Medical College Admission Test conducted by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Most medical schools in the United States and many in Canada ask for recent MCAT scores.
- The MCAT is a computer-based test with 4 multiple-choice sections.
- It runs for about 7 hours 30 minutes and is scored from 472 to 528.
- MCAT exam fee 2027 for Indian students: $360 (₹34,708) for standard registration plus a $130 (₹12,533) international fee, for a total of $490 (₹47,241). The international fee applies to every test centre outside the US, Canada, and US territories.
- MCAT test centres for Indian students: The MCAT is not conducted in India in 2027. The nearest options are the United Arab Emirates (new for 2027), Singapore, and Thailand.
- MCAT 2027 registration date: Registration for all January to September 2027 dates opens from 20 to 22 October 2026.
INR figures are approximate, converted at the RBI reference rate of 1 USD = ₹96.28 as of 5 October 2026.
- MCAT Exam Highlights 2027
- What is the MCAT Exam?
- Who Should Take the MCAT?
- MCAT Exam Fees for Indian Students 2027
- MCAT Score Validity
- MCAT Exam Pattern 2027
- MCAT Syllabus 2027
- MCAT Eligibility 2027
- MCAT Registration 2027
9.3 Heads up: Book a seat early
- MCAT Test Dates 2027
- MCAT Test Centres for Indian Students
- MCAT Sample Papers 2027
- FAQs
MCAT Exam Highlights 2027
The MCAT 2027 highlights below cover the key facts Indian students should check first.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Medical College Admission Test |
| Conducting Body | Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) |
| Official Website | students-residents.aamc.org |
| Purpose | Admission to medical schools and other health professions programs |
| Accepted By | Most US medical schools and many Canadian medical schools |
| Exam Mode | Computer-based test at a test centre |
| Sections | 4 multiple-choice sections, 230 questions |
| Duration | 6 hours 15 minutes of content, about 7 hours 30 minutes seated |
| MCAT Exam Fee 2027 | $360 (₹34,708) + $130 (₹12,533) international fee = $490 ( (₹47,241) |
| Testing Year | January to September 2027 |
| Registration Opens | 20 to 22 October 2026 (international centres on 22 October) |
| Result Time | About 30 to 35 days after the test |
| Score Range | 472 to 528 (each section 118 to 132) |
| Score Validity | Set by each school, usually 2 to 3 years |
| Test Centres in India | None in 2027 |
What is the MCAT Exam?
The MCAT is a standardised entrance test for medical school. AAMC builds the test with its member medical schools. It checks the science concepts and reasoning skills that medical schools rate as important for new students.
- The MCAT is held multiple times a year at Pearson test centres in the US, Canada, and selected countries.
- The testing year runs from January to September.
Who Should Take the MCAT?
The MCAT is for students who plan to apply to medical school in the US or Canada.
- In the US, medicine is studied as an MD or DO degree after a bachelor's degree.
- Indian students usually take the MCAT during or after their undergraduate degree.
Note: The MCAT is not a licensing exam. Indian MBBS doctors who want to practise in the US take the USMLE instead. The MCAT only helps you get into a medical school.
MCAT Exam Fees for Indian Students 2027
The MCAT exam fee for Indian students in 2027 is $490 (₹47,241). This is the $360 (₹34,708) standard registration fee plus the $130 (₹12,533) international fee. There is no MCAT centre in India, so every Indian student pays the international fee. Check the full MCAT exam fees breakdown for more detail.
| MCAT Fee Component (2027) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Standard registration | $360 (₹34,708) |
| International fee (outside the US, Canada, and US territories) | $130 (₹12,533) |
| Total for Indian students | $490 (₹47,241) |
The MCAT rescheduling fee and cancellation refund depend on how close you are to your test date.
| When You Make the Change | Date or Test Centre Reschedule Fee | Cancellation Refund |
|---|---|---|
| 60 or more days before the exam | $55 (₹5,298) | $180 (₹17,341) |
| 30 to 59 days before the exam | $110 (₹10,597) | $180 (₹17,341) |
| 10 to 29 days before the exam | $210 (₹20,232) | $0 |
No MCAT changes are allowed less than 10 days before the exam. The $130 (₹12,533) international fee is never refunded.
Is the MCAT fee the same for Indian students?
The standard 2027 MCAT registration fee is US$360, plus a US$130 international fee for students testing outside the US, Canada, and US territories, making the base cost US$490. Applicable taxes may be added based on the country and locality where the exam is taken. India is not currently listed among AAMC's 2027 international testing locations, so Indian students must select an available international test centre.
Hidden Cost: Card markup and travel
Indian students should also account for travel and accommodation costs when selecting an international test centre. Any foreign transaction or currency-conversion charges depend on the student's bank/card and are separate from the MCAT fee.
Must read before you pay the MCAT fee:
MCAT Score Validity
MCAT score validity is determined by individual medical schools. AAMC states that most medical schools require MCAT scores to be no more than three years old, while schools generally accept scores from tests taken 2–3 years ago. Applicants should check the specific medical schools they plan to apply to for their accepted MCAT test dates.
AAMC follows a full-disclosure policy. All MCAT exams taken from April 2003 onward are automatically released to the AMCAS program and included in future AMCAS applications, unless the exam was voided at the time of testing.
Do MCAT scores expire?
AAMC does not set a single expiration period for MCAT scores. However, medical schools set their own limits on how old an MCAT score can be.
Countries and Medical Schools That Accept MCAT
MCAT scores are used mainly by medical schools in the USA and Canada. Many other health professions programs also accept MCAT scores.
| Country / Program Type | How the MCAT is Used |
|---|---|
| USA | Most MD and DO medical schools ask for recent MCAT scores |
| Canada | Many medical schools ask for recent MCAT scores |
| Other health programs | Podiatric, veterinary, and some graduate health programs accept MCAT scores |
- Students can browse Canadian universities accepting MCAT on Collegedunia. You can also compare top medical universities abroad.
- Not sure which medical schools accept international applicants with your MCAT score? Get a free profile evaluation from Collegedunia Study Abroad counsellors. Get Free Counselling
MCAT Exam Pattern 2027
The MCAT exam pattern 2027 has 4 sections and 230 questions. Every section is multiple choice. See the detailed MCAT exam pattern for question types.
| MCAT Section | Questions | Format | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems | 59 | 10 passage sets + 15 independent questions | 95 minutes |
| Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) | 53 | 9 passage sets | 90 minutes |
| Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems | 59 | 10 passage sets + 15 independent questions | 95 minutes |
| Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior | 59 | 10 passage sets + 15 independent questions | 95 minutes |
Note: Students get an optional 10-minute break after the first and third sections. You also get an optional 30-minute break after CARS. The test ends with a 3-minute void question. Total content time is 6 hours 15 minutes. Total seated time is about 7 hours 30 minutes, without check-in. Each MCAT section includes some field-test questions. These questions do not count towards your score.
MCAT Syllabus 2027
The MCAT syllabus 2027 comes from first-year university courses. The science sections are built around 10 foundational concepts. CARS needs no subject knowledge.
| MCAT Section | Subject Weightage |
|---|---|
| Chemical and Physical Foundations | General chemistry 30%, introductory physics 25%, biochemistry 25%, organic chemistry 15%, biology 5% |
| CARS | Humanities passages 50%, social sciences passages 50% |
| Biological and Biochemical Foundations | Introductory biology 65%, biochemistry 25%, general chemistry 5%, organic chemistry 5% |
| Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations | Introductory psychology 65%, introductory sociology 30%, introductory biology 5% |
Every science question also tests scientific inquiry and reasoning skills. You will read data, interpret graphs, and judge experiment design. The AAMC content outline lists every topic in detail.
Is CARS harder for Indian students?
Many Indian students find CARS harder than the science sections. CARS passages come from humanities and social sciences. Science-heavy schooling in India gives little practice with this type of reading.
Must read about MCAT sections and practice:
MCAT Eligibility 2027
MCAT eligibility depends on your purpose, not your marks. AAMC lets you register if you plan to apply to a health professions program. Read the full MCAT eligibility rules for special cases.
| Criteria | MCAT Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age | No general minimum age, but special permission is required if you are under 18 |
| Education | No specific degree, minimum marks, or academic qualification set by AAMC |
| Purpose | Must intend to apply to a health professions school that accepts MCAT scores |
| International Students | No additional eligibility requirements; MBBS or equivalent students/graduates can register without special permission |
| Special Permission | Required if not applying to a health professions school or if currently enrolled in a medical program other than MBBS/equivalent |
| ID Required | Original, unexpired, government-issued physical photo ID in English; name must exactly match registration |
| Number of Attempts | 3 per testing year, 4 in two consecutive years, 7 lifetime |
Can MBBS students take the MCAT?
Yes. Students in an MBBS degree program do not need special permission to take the MCAT. Students enrolled in other medical degree programs must request special permission from AAMC first.
Your MCAT ID must match your registered first and last names exactly. If your passport shows initials in place of a first or last name, contact AAMC at least 30 days before your exam.
MCAT Registration 2027
MCAT registration 2027 is online only, through the AAMC MCAT Registration System. Registration for every 2027 date opens between 20 and 22 October 2026, by test centre location. Check the step-by-step MCAT registration process for screenshots.
Online Registration Steps
- Create an AAMC account and get your AAMC ID.
- Read the MCAT Essentials for Testing Year 2027.
- Sign in to the MCAT Registration System.
- Enter your name as it appears on your accepted ID
- Choose a test date and an international test centre.
- Pay $490 (₹47,241) by card and save the confirmation.
Offline Registration: MCAT registration is completed through the online MCAT Registration System. For registration-related assistance, candidates can contact the MCAT Program at +1 202-828-0600, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET, except Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m. ET.
Heads up: Book a seat early
International centres such as Singapore and Thailand have fewer MCAT dates than US centres. Log in at 9:30 PM IST on 22 October with your preferred dates and a backup ready.
MCAT Test Dates 2027
MCAT test dates 2027 run from 15 January to 11 September 2027. International centres have fewer dates than US centres. The table lists 2027 dates at centres closest to India. See all MCAT test dates for other countries.
| Test Location | MCAT 2027 Test Dates |
|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | July: 23, 30 August: 20, 21 September: 2, 3 |
| Singapore | January: 15, 16, 21, 29 February: 12 March: 19 April: 9 May: 7 June: 11, 12 July: 10, 23, 30 August: 14, 20, 21 September: 2, 3, 10, 11 |
| Thailand | January: 15, 16, 21, 29 February: 12 March: 6, 19 April: 9, 10, 16, 17 May: 7, 8, 13, 21, 29 June: 11, 12, 25, 26 July: 10, 23, 30 August: 14, 20, 21 September: 2, 3, 10, 11 |
| China: Hong Kong | January: 15, 16, 21 February: 12 March: 19 April: 9 May: 7, 21 June: 11 July: 23 August: 14, 20, 21 September: 2, 3, 10 |
| United Kingdom | January: 15 February: 12 March: 19 April: 9 May: 7 June: 11 July: 23 August: 20 September: 2, 3 |
Source: AAMC U.S. Territories and International MCAT Testing Calendar
Every MCAT date has three scheduling deadlines: 60 days, 30 days, and 10 days before the test. The 10-day deadline is the last day to schedule, reschedule, or cancel.
MCAT Test Centres for Indian Students
There are no MCAT test centres in India for 2027. Indian students must travel to an international centre. AAMC lists 15 international MCAT locations for 2027.
- Asia and Middle East: China (Hong Kong), Israel, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.
- Europe, Africa and Oceania: Australia, France, Germany, South Africa and the United Kingdom.
Read more on MCAT exam centres.
Is the MCAT conducted in India in 2027?
No. India does not appear on the AAMC 2027 international MCAT calendar. The closest options for most Indian students are the UAE, Singapore, and Thailand.
Qatar appears in AAMC's registration-opening list but not on the 2027 international calendar. Confirm Qatar dates inside the MCAT Registration System before planning travel.
Must read before choosing an MCAT test centre:
MCAT Sample Papers 2027
MCAT sample papers help you practise passage-based questions for each section. Download the free MCAT practice papers below, or visit the MCAT practice papers page.
The MCAT is the main entrance test for medical schools in the USA and Canada. The MCAT 2027 costs Indian students $490 (₹47,241) and is held only at international centres from January to September. Plan your MCAT registration for 22 October 2026. Pick a centre with spare dates for a retake. Give extra time to CARS and psychology. Strong preparation and early booking make the MCAT far easier to manage from India.
FAQs
Ques. What is the MCAT exam fee for Indian students in 2027?
Ans. The MCAT exam fee for Indian students in 2027 is $490 (₹47,241). This includes the $360 (₹34,708) registration fee and the $130 (₹12,533) international fee.
Ques. Which is the nearest MCAT test centre to India in 2027?
Ans. The nearest MCAT locations for most Indian students are the UAE, Singapore and Thailand. The UAE offers 6 MCAT dates from July to September 2027.
Ques. Can I take the MCAT after Class 12 in India?
Ans. AAMC sets no minimum degree for the MCAT. But US medical schools usually admit students after a bachelor's degree. So most Indian students take the MCAT during or after college.
Ques. Is the MCAT required for MBBS in the USA?
Ans. The USA does not offer MBBS. US medical schools award the MD or DO degree, and most ask for MCAT scores.
Ques. Can Indian MBBS doctors use the MCAT to practise in the USA?
Ans. No. The MCAT is for medical school admission only. Indian MBBS doctors take the USMLE for US licensure.
Ques. When does MCAT 2027 registration open for international centres?
Ans. MCAT 2027 registration for international centres opens on 22 October 2026 at noon ET. That is 9:30 PM IST.
Ques. How many times can I take the MCAT in 2027?
Ans. You can take the MCAT up to 3 times in the 2027 testing year. Voids and no-shows count as MCAT attempts.
Ques. Is there negative marking in the MCAT?
Ans. No. A wrong MCAT answer is scored the same as an unanswered question. So you should answer every question.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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