FCPS Pakistan Quick Summary
FCPS is the specialist fellowship of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP). You enter by passing FCPS Part I, a computer-based exam of two 100-question papers held four times a year. You then register with CPSP as a trainee, complete four to five years of supervised training (with the Intermediate Module in most specialties), and finish with the FCPS Part II theory and clinical exams.
What is FCPS?
FCPS stands for Fellowship of the College of Physicians and Surgeons. It is awarded by CPSP, the body that runs postgraduate specialist training and examinations in Pakistan. CPSP offers fellowship training in 98 specialties and a shorter membership (MCPS) in 19; you can compare the two in our MCPS guide. Once you pass the final exam, CPSP elects you as a Fellow and the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council registers your qualification.
Who can sit FCPS Part I?
If you do not yet have your permanent house-job certificate, PMDC registration or degree, CPSP may give provisional permission on your temporary or provisional documents. Your result is then released once you submit the permanent certificates.
FCPS Part I exam format and fee
Each paper tests the basic sciences applied to your chosen subject group. You apply online on the CPSP website, with separate forms for first-time candidates and repeaters, and pay at any Meezan Bank branch or by card. Your admit card and result appear in your CPSP e-Portal account. For a study plan, see our guide to preparing for FCPS Part I.
FCPS Part I dates in 2027
FCPS Part I is held on 5 January, 6 April, 6 July and 5 October 2027. The computer-based exam may run over two or three days, and your exact date and time are on your admit card. Applications for the January 2027 exam are now open on the CPSP website.
How long is an FCPS Part I pass valid?
You can register with CPSP's Registration and Training Monitoring Cell (RTMC) as an FCPS Part II trainee if you start training within three years of passing Part I. If you find a training post later than that, you must get permission from CPSP's competent authority before registering. Once in training, Part I stays valid as long as you pass the Intermediate Module (theory and TOACS) within six consecutive attempts from the end of your second year. In specialties without an Intermediate Module, Part I is valid for seven years in a four-year programme and eight years in a five-year programme.
The FCPS route, step by step
- Pass FCPS Part I in your subject group.
- Get a training post in a CPSP-accredited institution and register with RTMC as an FCPS Part II trainee.
- Attend the mandatory workshops within 18 months of starting (Research Methodology within six months): Introduction to Computer and Internet, Research Methodology and Medical Writing, Communication Skills, Primary Surgical Skills, BLS, and ACLS for anaesthesia and critical care.
- After two years, sit the Intermediate Module (IMM): computer-based theory papers followed by a TOACS. The IMM fee is Rs. 15,050.
- Complete your training (four years with all rotations in major subjects), keep at least 200 approved e-logbook entries (150 core and 50 rotational), and get your dissertation accepted.
- Sit FCPS Part II: computer-based theory, then a TOACS and long and short cases held in Pakistan. After passing theory you have three attempts at the clinical exam within four consecutive sessions, and the first is compulsory.
- Pay the Rs. 10,500 registration fee and be elected a Fellow; the PMDC then registers your FCPS.
FCPS and working abroad
Many FCPS holders later work in the Gulf, where each health authority sets its own specialist requirements and licensing exam; start with our DHA Dubai exam guide. For a full overview of FCPS, the Intermediate Module and Part II, see the FCPS exam hub, and for answers to common candidate questions read our FCPS questions page.
Frequently asked questions
> What does FCPS stand for?
Fellowship of the College of Physicians and Surgeons. It is the specialist postgraduate qualification awarded by the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan.
> Who is eligible for FCPS Part I?
Doctors with an MBBS (or BDS for Dentistry) registered with the PMDC, a one-year house job completed before the exam date and valid PMDC registration.
> How many MCQs are in FCPS Part I?
Two papers of 100 single best answer MCQs each, with two hours for each paper, taken on computer at a CPSP centre.
> How long is FCPS Part I valid?
You should start training within three years of passing to register with RTMC directly. After that it stays valid if you pass the IMM within six consecutive attempts, or for seven or eight years in specialties without an IMM.
> Can I get exemption from FCPS Part I?
Possibly, if you hold a recognised foreign postgraduate qualification such as MRCOG. CPSP's College Council decides each case individually.
Questions about FCPS? Contact us.
Preparing for FCPS Part I?
Practise with exam-style MCQs and detailed explanations in our FCPS Part 1 Qbank.
Explore FCPS Preparation