About the FCPS-I Exam
Fellowship of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan – Part I
The FCPS-I Exam is the first stage of the postgraduate Fellowship program conducted by the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP). It serves as the entry point for doctors who want to pursue specialized clinical training in Pakistan.
From 2026 onward, FCPS-I will be held four times a year in:
January, April, July, and October.
Previously, CPSP conducted the exam in February, May, August, and November.
This exam evaluates a doctor’s understanding of basic medical sciences and their ability to apply these concepts clinically. It is a foundational milestone on the journey toward becoming a specialist.
Eligibility Criteria
To appear in FCPS-I, candidates must fulfill the requirements outlined by CPSP:
1. MBBS Degree
- Must hold an MBBS degree (or equivalent) from a PM&DC/PMC-recognized medical college.
2. Valid PMDC/PMC Registration
- Candidates must have a valid registration certificate.
3. House Job Completion
- Completion of a one-year house job in recognised teaching hospitals.
- At least six months must be in Medicine and allied OR Surgery and allied, as per CPSP’s general training rules.
4. Required Documentation
- CNIC/Passport
- MBBS degree & transcripts
- PMDC/PMC registration
- House job certificate(s)
- Any additional documents required by CPSP at the time of application
5. Application Via CPSP Portal
Applicants must apply online through the CPSP examination portal, upload required documents, and submit the exam fee through CPSP-approved channels.
Exam Format (CBT Mode)
FCPS-I is now a Computer Based Test (CBT) conducted at CPSP-designated testing centers.
Two Papers in One Day
The exam consists of two separate papers, both taken on the same day:
📌 Paper 1
- 100 MCQs
- 2 hours duration
- Focuses on Basic Medical Sciences, including:
Anatomy
Physiology
Biochemistry
Pathology
Pharmacology
Microbiology
Community Medicine
Integrated applied basic concepts
📌 Paper 2
- 100 MCQs
- 2 hours duration
- More application-based, covering:
Clinical correlations
Specialty-related foundational concepts
High-yield problem-solving
Disease mechanisms and applied reasoning
There is a break between the two papers, after which candidates return for the second session.
Why FCPS-I Matters
Passing FCPS-I opens the doorway to specialist training through CPSP.
Key advantages include:
1. Eligibility for FCPS-II Training
A passing score allows candidates to enroll in residency programs in CPSP-accredited hospitals across Pakistan.
2. Start of Specialization
Graduates can pursue training in areas such as:
Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Gynecology, Anesthesia, Radiology, Psychiatry, Ophthalmology, ENT, Dermatology, and many more based upon the FCPS I exam passed.
3. National Recognition
FCPS is Pakistan’s most respected and widely accepted specialist training qualification.
4. Improved Career Prospects
A strong performance improves chances of securing training seats in top government and private hospitals.
5. Solid Academic Foundation
FCPS-I strengthens concepts that later support:
- FCPS-II theory & clinical exams
- IMM
- MRCP, PLAB, USMLE (indirect benefit, if studied well)
- Day-to-day clinical decision-making
Exam Attempts & Validity
- FCPS-I has no attempt limit.
- A passing result does not expire for the purpose of entering FCPS-II training, as long as CPSP policies remain unchanged.
- Candidates must join training under existing CPSP rules applicable at the time of enrolment.
- FCPS I passing result remains valid for 3 years where a candidate need to be entered into the training (as per current policy)
What to Expect as an Applicant
The exam requires:
1. Wide Syllabus Coverage
Basic sciences + applied clinical logic.
2. Speed & Accuracy
200 MCQs in one day demands fast decision-making.
3. Conceptual Understanding
CPSP tests reasoning, not superficial memorization.
4. Consistent Preparation
Active learning and mock testing significantly improve performance.
