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MCAT Exam 2025: Dates, Eligibility, Registration Guidelines, Sections, Syllabus, Tips

• Updated on Aug 25, 2025 by Santana Banerjee

MCAT Exam 2025 is conducted approximately nine times a year across hundreds of test centers in the United States and its territories. The MCAT Registration 2025 for the upcoming test dates, 5th, 6th, and 12th September, is currently underway and will remain open until 3rd September. Candidates pursuing or planning to attend programs such as MD, DO, D.P.M., D.V.M., or any health-related course that requires MCAT scores are eligible to apply. To register, candidates must first create an AAMC ID in addition to a username and password. Following this, applicants must answer some eligibility questions, choose a test date and center, and complete the process by paying the registration fee of INR 30,176.

 

MCAT Exam Pattern 2025 includes four sections: Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems, Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behaviour, and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS). The syllabus covers core concepts from biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, sociology, and critical reasoning. Each section is scored on a scale of 118 to 132, with the total score ranging from 472 to 528. MCAT Results are typically released within 30 to 35 days after the test date, and scores are accessible at the candidate’s AAMC account.

 

Table of Contents
  1. MCAT Exam 2025: Key Highlights
  2. What Is the MCAT Exam?
  3. MCAT Exam Dates 2025
  4. MCAT Exam Eligibility Criteria 2025
  5. MCAT Registration 2025
  6. MCAT Exam Pattern 2025
  7. MCAT Syllabus 2025
  8. MCAT Exam Preparation Tips 2025
  9. MCAT Scoring Pattern 2025
  10. MCAT Exam 2025 FAQs

 

MCAT Exam 2025: Key Highlights

MCAT stands for Medical College Admission Test, which is conducted by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). This test is administered online and is conducted annually in January, March, April, May, June, July, August, and September. Check the table to know about the key highlights of the MCAT Exam 2025, including its exam format, sections, total score, and score validity.

Particulars

Details

MCAT Full Form

Medical College Admission Test

MCAT conducting body

Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)

MCAT Exam Purpose

Getting Admission in Medical Colleges of the USA, Canada, Australia, and other nations.

Frequency

January, March, April, May, June, July, August, and September

MCAT Exam duration

7 hours 30 minutes

MCAT Exam Format

Online

MCAT Exam sections

  • Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
  • Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
  • Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
  • Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behaviour

MCAT Total Score

472-528

MCAT Score Release Date

30–35 days after the test date

MCAT Exam Fees

  • $345 or INR 30,176 for standard registration
  • $120 or INR 10496 as additional fees for candidates residing outside the US and its territories.

MCAT Score Validity

3 years

 

What Is the MCAT Exam?

The MCAT Exam is a standardised, multiple-choice, and computer-based test that is taken by 85,000 students every year. Candidates who aspire to get into the medical schools in the United States and Canada are required to take the exam. The MCAT Exam tests candidates’ content knowledge in General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, General Biology, Biochemistry, Physics, Psychology, and Sociology, and checks their critical analysis and reasoning skills (CARS). The exam is conducted 9 times a year across hundreds of authorised test centres in the United States. Indian students can also take the test, but there are no test locations in India. Either they have to take it from the United States or from some other places such as Australia, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Qatar, Israel, and Thailand.

 

MCAT Exam Dates 2025

The upcoming MCAT Exam Dates are 4th, 5th, 12th, and 13th September 2025. Registration for these dates is still going on. So, don’t wait long, check the available dates below:

Test Dates

60 Day Deadline

30 Day Deadline

10 Day Deadline

Score Release Date

4th September

6th July

5th August

25th August

7th October

5th September

7th July

6th August

26th August

7th October

12th September

14th July

13th August

2nd September

14th October

13th September

15th July

14th August

3rd September

14th October

 

MCAT Exam Dates 2026

In 2026, the MCAT Exam will start from 9th January, but its registration window will open from 10th November 2025. Don’t miss out on the registration deadlines for the MCAT Exam 2026. Check the dates below:

Test Dates

60 Day Deadline

30 Day Deadline

10 Day Deadline

Score Release Date

9th January

10th November 2025

10th December 2025

30th December 2025

10th February 2026

10th January

11th November 2025

11th December 2025

31st December 2025

10th February 2026

15th January

16th November 2025

16th December 2025

5th January 2026

17th February 2026

23rd January

24th November 2025

24th December 2025

13th January 2026

24th February 2026

13th February

15th December 2025

14th January 2026

3rd February 2026

17th March 2026

7th March

6th January 2026

5th February 2026

25th February 2026

7th April 2026

20th March

19th January 2026

18th February 2026

10th March 2026

21st April 2026

10th April

9th February 2026

11th March 2026

31st March 2026

12th May 2026

11th April

10 February 2026

12th March 2026

1st April 2026

12th May 2026

24th April

23rd February 2026

25th March 2026

14th April 2026

27th May 2026

25th April

24th February 2026

26th March 2026

15th April 2026

27th May 2026

2nd May

3rd March 2026

2nd April 2026

22nd April 2026

2nd June 2026

8th May

9th March 2026

8th April 2026

28th April 2026

9th June 2026

9th May

10th March 2026

9th April 2026

29th April 2026

9th June 2026

14th May

15th March 2026

14th April 2026

4th May 2026

16th June 2026

22nd May

23rd March 2026

22nd April 2026

12th May 2026

23rd June 2026

30th May

31st March 2026

30th April 2026

20th May 2026

30th June 2026

12th June

13th April 2026

13th May 2026

2nd June 2026

14th July 2026

13th June

14th April 2026

14th May 2026

3rd June 2026

14th July 2026

26th June

27th April 2026

27th May 2026

16th June 2026

28th July 2026

27th June

28th April 2026

28th May 2026

17th June 2026

28th July 2026

11th July

12th May 2026

11th June 2026

1st July 2026

11th August 2026

24th July

25th May 2026

24th June 2026

14th July 2026

25th August 2026

31st July

1st June 2026

1st July 2026

21st July 2026

2nd September 2026

15th August

16th June 2026

16th July 2026

5th August 2026

15th September 2026

21st August

22nd June 2026

22nd July 2026

11th August 2026

22nd September 2026

22nd August

23rd June 2026

23rd July 2026

12th August 2026

22nd September 2026

September 3

5th July 2026

4th August 2026

24th August 2026

6th October 2026

September 4

6th July 2026

5th August 2026

25th August 2026

6th October 2026

September 11

13th July 2026

12th August 2026

1st September 2026

13th October 2026

September 12

14th July 2026

13th August 2026

2nd September 2026

13th October 2026

 

MCAT Exam Eligibility Criteria 2025

Those who are preparing to apply to attend a health professions program that accepts MCAT scores for admission can apply for the MCAT Exam. Refer to the information below to know about MCAT Eligibility Criteria in detail:

Parameters

Descriptions

Study programs

Candidates can only take the exam if they are applying to any of these programs:

  • MD.-granting programs
  • DO.-granting programs
  • Podiatric (D.P.M)
  • Veterinary medicine (D.V.M)
  • Any other healthcare or medicine-related program that requires MCAT scores

Academic qualification

Candidates must possess a valid MBBS degree or be currently enrolled in an MBBS program. (For international students)

Age Limit

No upper age limit

Number of attempts

  • No more than three times in a testing year.
  • No more than four times over two consecutive testing years.
  • No more than seven times in a lifetime.

 

MCAT Registration 2025

The MCAT Exam is offered multiple times a year, and the registration window generally opens 2 months before the test. It remains active until 10 days before the exam date. Now, let’s know about some simple steps to register for the MCAT Exam 2025.

  • Access students-residents.aamc.org/register-mcat-exam/register-mcat-exam
  • Click on “Register for the MCAT Exam
  • A login page opens
  • Click on “Create Account,” or if candidates already have an account, they have to log in using their email ID and password.
  • Enter personal details such as names, gender, email address, and phone number, and academic qualification details.
  • Choose a test centre and test dates
  • Confirm the seat booking with registration fees
  • Get a confirmation email of registration

 

MCAT Exam Fees 2025

The standard MCAT registration fees are $345 or INR 30,176. But, examinees testing outside the US, Canada, or US Territories need to pay an extra cost of $120 or INR 10496 as an initial registration fee, and this is non-refundable. Check the fee details in the table below:

Registration Fees

In USD

In INR

Standard Registration

$345

30,176

Fee Assistance Program Registration

$140

12,261.17

Initial registration fees for candidates who want to test outside of the US

$120

10496

 

MCAT Testing With Accommodations

The AAMC provides appropriate accommodations to individuals with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. However, applicants must submit their request through the AAMC website along with supporting proof of their disabilities. Check below to know the steps to apply for accommodations.

  1. Visit students-residents.aamc.org
  2. Select reasons for accommodations
  3. Submit required documents
  4. Select the type of accommodation required

Candidates must submit an online accommodation application in advance to provide a minimum time for approval. If candidates have not received a decision by 15 days before your test date, it indicates that the accommodations are not approved. They have to test under standard conditions or reschedule to a later test date.

 

MCAT Exam Pattern 2025

According to MCAT Exam Pattern 2025, the MCAT Exam is divided into four sections, and each section is scored on a scale of 118-132. The total exam content time is approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes, including break time. Refer to the table below to understand the section-wise MCAT Exam format and time.

MCAT Sections

Number of questions

Time

Test day certification

4 minutes

Tutorial

10 minutes

Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems

59 (10 passages, 44 passage-based questions, 15 discrete questions)

95 minutes

Break (optional)

10 minutes

Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills

53 (9 passages)

90 minutes

Mid-Exam Break (optional)

30 minutes

Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems

59 (10 passages, 44 passage-based questions, 15 discrete questions)

95 minutes

Break (optional)

10 minutes

Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior

59 (10 passages, 44 passage-based questions, 15 discrete questions)

95 minutes

Void Question

3 minutes

Survey (optional)

5 minutes

Total Content Time

6 hours, 15 minutes

Total Seated Time

Approximately 7 hours, 30 minutes

 

MCAT Syllabus 2025

The MCAT Syllabus 2025 contains four sections: Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS), Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems, and Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behaviour. Candidates need to answer 230 multiple-choice questions from these sections, and each section is further subdivided into some subjects listed below:

MCAT Sections

Subjects Tested

Contents Covered

Score Range

Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems

  • Biochemistry (25%)
  • Biology (5%)
  • General Chemistry (30%)
  • Organic Chemistry (15%)
  • Physics (25%)
  • Introductory Biochemistry and Biology Concepts Chemistry
  • Organic and Inorganic
  • Concepts of Physics Show Scientific Inquiry and Reasoning
  • Research Methods and Natural Sciences
  • Introductory Molecular Biology
  • Introductory and Statistics Concepts

118-132

Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)

  • Foundations of Comprehension (30%)
  • Reasoning Within the Text (30%)
  • Reasoning Beyond the Text (40%)
  • Ethics, Philosophy
  • Population Health
  • Social Sciences
  • Humanities Disciplines
  • Studies of Diverse Culture

118-132

Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems

  • Biochemistry (25%)
  • Biology (65%)
  • General Chemistry (5%)
  • Organic Chemistry (5%)
  • Chemistry: Organic and Inorganic
  • Biology: Cellular and Molecular, Biochemistry, Natural Sciences
  • Research, Reasoning, and Statistics
  • Basic Biochemistry Concepts, Statistics Concepts
  • Introductory Research Methods

118-132

Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior

  • Biology (5%)
  • Psychology (65%)
  • Sociology (30%)
  • Scientific Inquiry, Reasoning
  • Research Concepts of Psychology, Sociology,
  • Biology about the Behavioural and Socio-Cultural Health Determinants of Mental Processes
  • Behaviour, Concepts of Psychology and Sociology
  • Introductory Statistics Concepts
  • Research Methods of Introductory Science

118-132

Total Score Range:

472-528

 

MCAT Exam Preparation Tips 2025

To get a desired score in the MCT Exam 2025, candidates must understand the exam structure and its contents first. Besides, using prep materials by AAMC and solving practice tests can be helpful. Some important MCAT Preparation Tips are as follows:

  • Understanding the exam structure is the first step to learn what the requirements are from each section, how questions are presented, and the duration.
  • AAMC offers several free practice and sample tests and also provides buying options of official study materials, including additional practice exams. Students can use these resources to strengthen their preparation.
  • Candidates are encouraged to use the free online prep materials available through Khan Academy to take full-length practice tests.
  • Commercial test prep alternatives from Kaplan and The Princeton Review are also useful for the MCT Exam Preparation.

 

MCAT Scoring Pattern 2025

The MCAT Exam is scored on a scale of 472-528, and each section carries 118 as the lowest number and 132 as the highest number. For example, if candidates get several correct scores between 35 and 37, then their converted score will be 123. Accordingly, if the number of correct scores ranges between 46 and 48, then the converted score will be 128. MCAT Results are generally available within 30-35 days after the test date. Check the table below to know the total score-wise percentile ranking of the MCAT Exam.

Total scores

Percentile ranking

524-528

100

522-523

99

521

98

520

97

519

96

518

95

517

94

516

92

515

91

514

89

513

87

512

84

511

82

510

79

509

77

 

MCAT Exam 2025 FAQs

Am I eligible to take the MCAT Exam 2025?

Candidates are eligible to take the MCAT Exam 2025 who are planning to pursue M.D.-granting programs, D.O.-granting programs, Podiatric (D.P.M), Veterinary medicine (D.V.M), and any other health-related program that accepts MCAT exam results to satisfy a test score admissions requirement. International students must hold an MBBS degree program or equivalent to be eligible for the exam.

What is tested on the MCAT Exam 2025?

The MCAT exam measures candidates’ content knowledge in General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, General Biology, Biochemistry, Physics, Psychology, and Sociology, and tests their critical analysis and reasoning skills (CARS).

How often can I take the MCAT Exam?

The MCAT exam can be taken up to three times in a single testing year, four times in two years, and seven times in a lifetime.

What does an optional break mean in the MCAT Exam 2025?

AACM provides optional breaks for the MCAT candidates, but they are not required to take a break between sections of the MCAT exam. They may go on to the next section in the exam once they have finished the previous section, or they may take the optional 10 or 30-minute break.

How long is the MCAT Exam 2025?

On MCAT test day, candidates are expected to answer exam questions for 6 hours and 15 minutes. Including the optional breaks, the total MCAT testing time can be up to 7 hours and 30 minutes.

What is the scoring scale of the MCAT Exam 2025?

Each of the four sections of the MCAT is scored from 118 to 132. The total MCAT score ranges from 472 to 528, with the mean at 500.7.

What are the question types in the Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems of the MCAT Exam 2025?

Candidates must answer 44 passage-related questions, 15 standalone and non-passage-related questions, which indicates 59 total questions.

What is the exam pattern of the Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) section in the MCAT Exam 2025?

The CARS section tests candidates on how well they can analyse arguments and find the underlying assumptions and inferences. The section is 90 minutes in length, with 53 questions, all of which are connected to the passages.

What is a good MCAT score?

Scoring between 515 and 528 is generally considered a good MCAT score as it falls between the 90th and 100th percentile rankings.

How much does it cost to take the MCAT Exam 2025?

The cost to take the MCAT is $345 or INR 30,176. Students testing outside the US, Canada, or US Territories need to pay an extra cost of $120 or INR 10496 as an initial registration fee, and this is non-refundable.