Planning to take the MCAT in January 2026? Clearing the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is the first step to get admission into the best medical schools in the US, Canada, Australia, and the Caribbean. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) conducts MCAT and the exam evaluates the knowledge of candidates in scientific concepts, critical thinking and reasoning skills required in the medical profession. If you wish to take the MCAT exam in January 2026, you must begin with the preparation. This guide breaks down the study plan, tips, resources, MCAT preparation tips etc to help you score 520+ and get admission in top medical schools worldwide.
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Here is an overview of the MCAT exam 2026.
Exam | MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) |
Conducting Body | Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) |
Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
Duration | Around 7 hours 30 minutes |
Score Range | 472–528 |
Ideal Prep Time | 4–6 months (minimum 90 days focused prep) |
Next Major Attempt | January 2026 |
Here is the MCAT exam syllabus for 2026.
Section | No. of Questions | Time (Approx.) |
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems | 59 | 95 min |
Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems | 59 | 95 min |
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior | 59 | 95 min |
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) | 53 | 90 min |
Here are some reasons why candidates decide to take the MCAT exam in January.
January scores arrive before major spring deadlines.
Plenty of time to reattempt later in 2026 if needed.
Ideal for students applying in the 2026–27 cycle.
Utilize the winter break for uninterrupted study sessions
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Follow this study plan for the next 3 months and score 520+ to get admission in the top medical schools.
In the first month, pay attention to the core science subjects (biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology). Refer to the videos of Khan academy MCAT or Kaplan books for preparation. Appear for diagnostic tests to get an idea of your strong and weak areas. Stick to a fixed study schedule and make notes.
Keep practicing and applying concepts to AAMC-styled questions. Track your improvement by attempting sectional tests every week. Allot some reading time for CARS-opinions, editorials, and academic texts. Refer to UWorld MCAT sample papers and AAMC question packs and pay attention to experiment analysis and data interpretation.
Ensure to take at least 5-6 complete MCAT mock tests and sample papers to understand the exam better. Note all your mistakes and track your MCAT scores. You should focus more on high-yield exam topics for MCAT like amino acids, metabolism, reaction mechanisms, endocrine system, and experimental design. Sit for 7+ hours to get an idea of time management skills. Keep reviewing notes for the last week.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Getting an MCAT score of 520 is very strong and candidates securing it are placed in the 97th percentile of all MCAT test takers. So, it is very difficult to get a 520 on the MCAT.
For the majority of the students taking the MCAT exam, two months' time is not enough. Even the official prep resources of AMSA and Kaplan recommend at least 300-350 hours studying to get a good MCAT score.
If a candidate misses around five to seven questions in the MCAT exam, it would result in a score of 520 in the MCAT exam.
On Question asked by student community
Yes, you can appear for the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test for U.S./Canada) even after B.Tech in Biotechnology from India. However, note:
MCAT is primarily for entry into medical schools abroad.
You’ll still need prerequisite coursework and apply through recognized medical schools.
To pursue medicine in India, you’ll need to appear for NEET instead.
Hi rachna
Pursuing medical studies or MBBS in the USA or Australia can be a bit complex, but I'll break down the steps for you:
USA:
1. *Undergraduate degree*: Complete a bachelor's degree in a science-related field (e.g., biology, chemistry, or physics) from an accredited US institution.
2. *MCAT*: Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in areas like biology, chemistry, physics, and critical thinking.
3. *Medical school*: Apply to medical schools in the US that are accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). Some popular medical schools include Harvard, Stanford, and Johns Hopkins.
4. *Clinical rotations*: Complete clinical rotations in various specialties during your final two years of medical school.
5. *Residency*: Apply for a residency program in your chosen specialty after graduating from medical school.
6. *Licensure*: Obtain a medical license by passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) series.
Australia:
1. *Undergraduate degree*: Complete a bachelor's degree in a science-related field (e.g., medicine, health sciences, or biomedical sciences) from an Australian institution.
2. *GAMSAT*: Take the Graduate Australian Medical Schools Admissions Test (GAMSAT) to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in areas like biology, chemistry, physics, and critical thinking.
3. *Medical school*: Apply to medical schools in Australia that are accredited by the Australian Medical Council (AMC). Some popular medical schools include the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, and Monash University.
4. *Clinical placements*: Complete clinical placements in various specialties during your final two years of medical school.
5. *Internship*: Complete a one-year internship after graduating from medical school.
6. *Residency*: Apply for a residency program in your chosen specialty after completing your internship.
7. *Registration*: Register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) to practice as a medical practitioner.
Additional Requirements:
1. *English language proficiency*: Demonstrate English language proficiency by taking exams like TOEFL or IELTS.
2. *Visa requirements*: Obtain a student visa for the US or Australia, depending on your country of origin.
3. *Financial support*: Demonstrate sufficient financial support to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs.
Challenges:
1. *Competition*: Admission to medical schools in the US and Australia is highly competitive.
2. *High tuition fees*: Tuition fees for medical schools in the US and Australia can be very high.
3. *Different accreditation systems*: Medical schools in the US and Australia have different accreditation systems, which can affect the recognition of your degree in other countries.
I hope this helps! If you have more specific questions or concerns, feel free to ask.
Thanks
The MCAT exam is not conducted in India. Indian students must travel to nearby countries like Thailand (Bangkok), Qatar (Doha), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), or Singapore to take the test.
Yes, you can give the MCAT exam even if you have a Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS) degree. The MCAT is a standardized test used for admission to medical schools in the United States and Canada.
However, while a good MCAT score can be a significant factor in your application, it is not the only requirement. Medical schools also consider other factors such as your undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation, research experience, and personal statement.
To increase your chances of admission, it is important to:
It's also advisable to research the specific requirements of the medical schools you are interested in, as they may have additional criteria or preferences. While a BHMS degree is not a traditional pre-med requirement, a strong academic record and relevant experience can help you stand out in the competitive admissions process.
Yes, with a B.E. in Biomedical Engineering, you are eligible to take the MCAT exam. The MCAT does not require a specific undergraduate degree, but it's important to ensure you have completed the prerequisite courses in subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics. For tailored guidance on preparing for the MCAT and navigating the admissions process, Invicta Career Consultancy can provide valuable assistance and resources, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and get consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.
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