FCPS Part 1 Complete Guide
2026 — How to Apply,
Fee & Syllabus
Everything Pakistani doctors need to know about FCPS Part 1 — eligibility requirements, online application steps, current fee, syllabus by speciality, and the full FCPS training journey.
What is FCPS and Who Conducts It?
FCPS stands for Fellowship of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan. It is the primary postgraduate medical specialisation programme in Pakistan — equivalent to a specialty residency training in international systems. Furthermore, it is one of the most respected postgraduate qualifications in South Asia, recognised across multiple countries.
FCPS is conducted by CPSP — the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan, headquartered in Karachi. Additionally, CPSP has regional offices in Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Quetta. The college oversees both Part 1 and Part 2 examinations across all specialities, as well as training programme accreditation.
Importantly, FCPS is not an alternative to NRE — it is a next step after NRE. Therefore, you must have a valid PMDC registration number before you can apply for FCPS Part 1. Consequently, for foreign MBBS graduates, completing NRE is a mandatory prerequisite.
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FCPS Part 1 Eligibility Requirements — Who Can Apply
CPSP has specific eligibility requirements for FCPS Part 1 registration. Furthermore, eligibility requirements vary slightly by speciality — particularly for surgical specialities versus medical specialities. Always verify the current requirements on the CPSP ePortal for your specific chosen speciality before applying.
Core Eligibility Criteria
First, you must hold an MBBS degree from a PMDC-recognised institution — either in Pakistan or abroad. Second, you must have a valid and active PMDC registration number — this is the gateway requirement that cannot be bypassed. Third, you must have completed your mandatory one-year house job (internship) — CPSP requires proof of internship completion from a CPSP-accredited teaching hospital.
Furthermore, for surgical specialities — General Surgery, Orthopaedics, Neurosurgery, ENT, Ophthalmology — CPSP typically requires a minimum period of post-registration clinical work before Part 1 application. Consequently, check the specific time-in-service requirement for your chosen speciality before applying.
| Eligibility Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| MBBS Degree | From a PMDC-recognised institution — Pakistani or foreign |
| PMDC Registration | Valid and active — NRE mandatory for foreign graduates |
| Internship/House Job | Completed one-year mandatory internship at CPSP-accredited hospital |
| Time-in-Service | Varies by speciality — check CPSP ePortal for your specific speciality |
| CPD Hours | Some specialities require Continuing Professional Development hours — verify on portal |
| Age Limit | Check current CPSP policy — limits vary by speciality |
How to Apply for FCPS Part 1 Online — Step by Step
FCPS Part 1 applications are submitted through the CPSP ePortal — the online platform that manages all CPSP registrations, applications, and payments. Furthermore, CPSP opens application windows biannually — typically around March and September for June and December sittings respectively. Missing the application window means waiting for the next cycle.
FCPS Part 1 Fee Structure — What to Expect
FCPS Part 1 fees are set by CPSP and vary by speciality. Furthermore, fees are updated periodically — always verify current amounts on the CPSP ePortal rather than relying on older information. The following ranges reflect general patterns rather than guaranteed current figures.
| Fee Item | Approximate Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FCPS Part 1 Application Fee (Medical specialities) | PKR 8,000–15,000 | Verify current fee on CPSP ePortal |
| FCPS Part 1 Application Fee (Surgical specialities) | PKR 12,000–20,000 | Typically higher than medical speciality fees |
| CPSP Registration Fee (one-time) | PKR 5,000–10,000 | Paid once when first registering with CPSP |
| Preparation resources (books, question banks) | PKR 5,000–20,000 | Varies by speciality and resource choice |
| Repeat attempt fee (if needed) | Same as initial fee | Full fee applies for each resit |
| Estimated Total — First Attempt | PKR 20,000–50,000 | Excluding training programme costs after Part 1 |
FCPS Part 1 Specialities — Competition, Training Posts, and What to Consider
FCPS Part 1 is available across a wide range of medical and surgical specialities. Furthermore, the competition for training posts after Part 1 varies enormously between specialities — which makes speciality choice one of the most important decisions in your medical career.
The Complete FCPS Journey — From Part 1 to Fellowship
FCPS Part 1 is only the beginning of the FCPS journey. Furthermore, passing Part 1 makes you eligible to apply for a training post — but obtaining a training post is a separate and competitive process. Understanding the full journey helps you plan your career timeline realistically.
🎓 FCPS Complete Pathway
FCPS Part 1 Syllabus and Exam Format
FCPS Part 1 is a written MCQ examination. Furthermore, the exact syllabus and format vary by speciality — a surgical speciality Part 1 covers different topics to a medical speciality Part 1. Consequently, the first step in preparation is downloading the CPSP-published syllabus for your specific chosen speciality from the ePortal.
General Format Across Most Specialities
Most FCPS Part 1 exams consist of single best-answer MCQs covering the basic sciences relevant to your speciality. For example, Medicine Part 1 covers Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Pathology, and Microbiology in clinical application. Surgery Part 1 additionally covers Anatomy and Surgical Pathology in depth. Furthermore, basic science knowledge is tested at a deeper level than NRE — FCPS Part 1 requires genuine understanding of mechanisms, not just clinical application.
Preparation Resources
The most commonly recommended resources vary by speciality. However, across most FCPS Part 1 specialities, preparation typically involves a combination of standard basic science textbooks — Guyton for Physiology, Robbin’s Pathology, Katzung Pharmacology — combined with CPSP past papers and speciality-specific question banks. Additionally, CPSP past papers are available through the ePortal and are the most valuable single revision resource for any Part 1 sitting.
FCPS Part 1 — Frequently Asked Questions
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