Latest update: AAMC has released Section Bank Vol. 2, featuring 300 new practice questions (100 per science section). These questions are written by MCAT exam developers and include detailed explanations for every answer choice designed to match official exam-level difficulty and scope.
The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is a key step for aspiring medical students, assessing knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The MCAT syllabus covers four main sections: Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills, Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems, and Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior. Each section tests specific skills, from understanding complex scientific concepts to analyzing social and behavioral sciences.
According to the AAMC, over 90,000 students take the MCAT annually, and mastering the syllabus is crucial for securing a competitive score. The exam is 7.5 hours long, with multiple-choice questions and passages that challenge reasoning under time constraints.
Familiarity with the syllabus helps candidates plan focused study strategies, allocate time efficiently, and identify high-priority topics, significantly improving the chances of achieving a Band-equivalent score that meets medical school admission requirements.
MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is a standardised, electronic test run by the AAMC (The Association of American Medical Colleges). It tests the level of scientific knowledge and critical thinking ability of a student, along with reasoning skills, which are really important to succeed in medical school. The test consists of four parts and lasts 7.5 hours of time with 230 multiple-choice questions.
How many sections are there in the MCAT?
The MCAT consists of four large sections with each structured to evaluate certain skill sets:
Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (CPBS)
Tests: Basic physical and chemical principles, particularly as they apply to human biology.
Subjects: General chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, biology.
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
Tests: Comprehension, reasoning, and analytical skills through passages from the humanities and social sciences.
Subjects: No prior knowledge required; focuses entirely on reasoning.
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (BBLS)
Tests: Understanding of the processes unique to living organisms.
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (PSBB)
Tests: Understanding of behavior, mental health, and the influence of sociocultural factors on health.
Subjects: Psychology, sociology, biology.
How long is the MCAT, and how many questions are asked?
Test length is about 6 hours and 15 minutes, with breaks, about 7 hours and 30 minutes. A total of 230 multiple-choice questions are involved.
This is how the section-wise division will be as follows:
Section
Questions
Time Allotted
CPBS
59
95 minutes
CARS
53
90 minutes
BBLS
59
95 minutes
PSBB
59
95 minutes
Total
230
~6 hr 15 min
Note: Two optional 10-minute breaks and one optional 30-minute lunch break are also given to you.
What is the scoring system in the MCAT?
All the MCAT sections are graded between 118 and 132. The total score means the sum of four sections, between 472 and 528.
Average Score: ~501
Competitive Score: 510 or higher
Top-tier Schools: Usually prefer 515+
Wrong answer is not penalised: hence, test-takers are advised to attempt all the questions.
Score Type
Range
Per Section
118–132
Total Score
472–528
Average Score (2023)
~501
90th Percentile
515
What subjects and topics are covered in the MCAT syllabus?
The MCAT is not a science test based or fact memorisation. It checks the extent to which you can apply your concepts in biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology by addressing real-life issues. It also has a section to determine how good you are at reading and reasoning. The syllabus has been developed to incorporate the knowledge base that forms the basis of achieving success in medical school.
Each of the sections contains topics and questions of a certain subject and nature, and they are the ones that pre-meds are likely to learn in their undergraduate years.
What topics are included in Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems?
This section of the MCAT is concerned with how biological and biochemical foundations sustain life. It checks to see how you can use the basics pertaining to the living systems, all the way up to molecular biology, to whole-system organ biology.
Core subjects tested:
Biology
Biochemistry
Organic Chemistry (light emphasis)
The key subjects have been discussed as follows:
Topic
What You Need to Know
Cell Biology
Cell structures, membranes, transport, division (mitosis/meiosis), and intracellular processes
Central Dogma, replication, transcription, translation, mutations, gene regulation
Organ Systems
Structure & function of nervous, endocrine, immune, respiratory, and circulatory systems
Note: This section is approximately 65% in terms of biology and biochemistry; thus, the importance of knowing these subjects well is to obtain a competitive mark.
What does the MCAT test in Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems?
This section assesses your understanding of physical sciences in biological contexts, testing the application of chemistry, physics, and biochemistry to human systems.
Subject-wise Breakdown for the Chemical and Physical Foundations Section:
Subject
Approximate Weightage
General Chemistry
~30%
Introductory Physics
~25%
Biochemistry
~25%
Organic Chemistry
~15%
Introductory Biology
~5%
What is included in the Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior section?
This part of the MCAT includes examining how psychological, social, and even biological factors affect understanding and behavior. It is made to determine how ready you are to work with a diverse patient population, what your mental health, social inequality, and behavioral change knowledge are.
Key Subjects Covered:
Introductory Psychology
Introductory Sociology
Biology
Research and statistical concepts
Core Topics Include:
Topic
Description
Cognition, Emotion, and Learning
Understanding memory, attention, emotion, and learning theories
Mental Health
Disorders, treatment approaches, and public health perspectives
Society and Culture
Social norms, stratification, and cultural influence on behavior
Research Methods
Experimental design, bias, and statistical reasoning
What is tested in the MCAT CARS (Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills) section?
The section does not assess science information. Rather, it tests how well you can digest and interpret dense passages, which are critical to succeed in medical school.
Focus:
Reading comprehension
Critical analysis of arguments
No prior subject knowledge required
Passage Sources:
Humanities (philosophy, ethics, literature)
Social sciences (sociology, political science, economics)
Skills Tested:
Skill Area
What It Involves
Inference
Drawing conclusions not explicitly stated
Tone and Author's Voice
Identifying attitude, perspective, and intent
Argument Structure
Understanding claims, evidence, and logical flow
Application
Applying ideas from the text to new contexts
What are the most important or high-yield topics for the MCAT?
All the topics on the MCAT are not equally weighted. There are areas that are more frequent in their appearance in sections. These popular areas are what the top scorers would look out to achieve better efficiency during preparation. And here is the way to get after them intelligently.
Which topics are tested most frequently in the MCAT?
The following is a list of high-value topics according to AAMC data and the top resources on MCAT prep. These are some of the points that come out frequently and should be noted more:
Learning theories (classical and operant conditioning)
Theories of emotion and motivation
Psychological disorders
Social identity, norms, and roles
CARS
Practice reading dense passages
Master tone, inference, and author intent
Note: Such are the most frequently mentioned topics in the AAMC practice exams, as well as topics in general across big test prep companies such as Kaplan and Princeton Review.
How can I prioritise topics while preparing?
Tips to prep smarter, not harder:
To begin with, high-producing topics: Start with Biology and Biochemistry, and accumulate your foundation as they comprise a huge percentage of the test.
Take advantage of the AAMC topic outlines: Use the AAMC official MCAT content outlines to ensure you are passing something.
Practice > Idly reading: Take practice tests in AAMC Section Bank, Question Packs, and full-length format to notice trends in topics and discover weak areas.
Suggested Priority Order:
Biology
Biochemistry
Psychology & Sociology
General & Organic Chemistry
Physics
CARS
Can You Complete the Entire MCAT Syllabus in 3 to 6 Months?
Absolutely yes, you can. A proper approach enables many students to get ready in 3 to 6 months to take the MCAT. The AAMC reported that the amount of time spent studying by most test-takers is 300 to 500 hours. You have to consider the time you have depending on your science degree, your comfort with reading driven sections such as CARS and the level of discipline in prep.
How Much Time Should I Ideally Spend on MCAT Prep?
A typical student spends:
300 to 500 total hours studying for the MCAT
That’s about 15–20 hours/week for 6 months, or 25–30 hours/week for 3 months
However, it is not only the time. You should also estimate:
Your understanding of major subjects such as chemistry, biology and physics
Speed accuracy of reading comprehension (for CARS)
How well you access and recall high yield content in crunch pressure situations
What Is a Sample 3-Month or 6-Month MCAT Study Plan?
You will find out you could schedule a structured route according to your schedule. This is a basic weekly outline:
3-Month Study Plan (Aggressive & Focused)
Time commitment: 25–30 hours per week
Weeks
Focus
1–4
Content review: Bio, Biochem, Psych/Soc
5–8
Add Chem, Physics, CARS + Section practice
9–10
Full-length mock exams + error analysis
11–12
Revise high-yield topics + test simulations
Daily goal: ~4–5 hours (2 subjects/day + review)
6-Month Study Plan (Balanced & Sustainable)
Time commitment: 15–20 hours per week
Months
Focus
1–2
Build foundation: 2 subjects/week
3–4
Add third subject + review + section practice
5
Begin full-length tests + in-depth review
6
Focus on weak areas + final full-lengths
Daily goal: ~2–3 hours (flexible schedule)
Is the MCAT Syllabus the Same for International Students?
Yes, the MCAT syllabus is universal across all takers, based on location. The content of the test remains the same no matter where you study either in the US, in India, in Canada etc. What does change is how comfortable you are with some of the topics and the English language, in particular, reading-heavy passages such as CARS.
Do Indian or Non-US Students Need to Follow a Different MCAT Syllabus?
No, and Indians/international students do not have a different MCAT curriculum. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) designs the exam that has a standard syllabus across the world.
This being the case they need to keep in mind the following as the international students:
The same core topics are biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, psychology, sociology and CARS.
It should not be dependent on the place of study but on conceptual understanding as to how you prepare.
In case English is not a native language, CARS section (Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills) may demand more practice, since it tests reading speed and inference, and logic (not memory or prior knowledge).
Are There Any Country-Specific Topics to Prepare for MCAT?
Absolutely not. There are no country specific questions on MCAT. However, the thing is that students of some countries (in particular, India or the UK) may be alien in the psychology and sociology parts as such courses are not always included in their curriculum.
Therefore, in case you have not read behavioral sciences at all, you should take additional time on:
Where Can I Download the Official MCAT Syllabus or Topic List?
When you are serious about preparing to take the MCAT, make sure you can get your hands on the formal syllabus. The exam itself has a detailed topic outline provided by the AAMC organisation that informs you exactly what to study, and what not to waste your time on.
Does the AAMC Provide a PDF Version of the MCAT Syllabus?
Yes. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) provides an extensive overview of the topic structure of the MCAT, the PDF guide contains the list of what and how is tested in each section, under which subject, and how each of these sections is structured. It is totally free. Print it off or have it bookmarked in a digital copy so you can mark off things as you go.
Can I Get a Simplified Topic List for the MCAT Syllabus?
The official list is highly detailed (and this is good), but seeking an easier way to reference, here is a simplified version by section:
The MCAT syllabus is extensive alright but it is predictable as well. Stay to the official AAMC list of topics, emphasise high-yielded concepts such as amino acids, enzymes, DNA and behavior theories and do complete length examinations repeatedly, you should be far ahead of most test-takers.
Whether they lasts 3 months or 6 what counts is structure. Avoid fumbling around with unrelated subjects that are not very productive. Use credible resources, revise your areas of shortfalls and be consistent.
And do not forget the syllabus is the same when you study in the US, India or any other place. The way you know the material is important-not the place you are doing it.
FAQs
Is MCAT tougher than NEET?
MCAT and NEET have different purposes. NEET primarily tests memorization of biology, chemistry, and physics, while MCAT emphasizes reasoning, problem-solving, and application of concepts. Many students find MCAT tougher because it requires analyzing passages, interpreting data, and applying knowledge to novel scenarios rather than just recalling facts.
What topics are on MCAT?
The MCAT syllabus is divided into four sections: Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems, Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior, and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills. Each section includes multiple-choice questions based on passages or data analysis, testing both knowledge and reasoning ability.
Can I write MCAT from India?
Yes. The MCAT is conducted internationally, including in Indian cities at authorized test centers. Registration is done online via the AAMC website. Indian students can prepare locally with online courses, books, and practice exams to gain the same level of readiness as international candidates.
Is a 90% on the MCAT good?
Yes. A 90th percentile score is considered excellent. It places you among the top test-takers globally and significantly increases your chances of acceptance into competitive medical schools in the U.S., Canada, or other countries that recognize MCAT scores.
How long is the MCAT exam?
The MCAT is approximately 7.5 hours long, including breaks. It consists of four sections, each with multiple-choice questions and passage-based problems. Managing stamina, concentration, and time is crucial to completing all questions accurately.
How is the MCAT scored?
Each section is scored between 118–132, with a total score ranging from 472–528. Scores are scaled to account for test difficulty, and percentile ranks show how you performed relative to other test-takers. There’s no negative marking, so attempting every question is recommended.
How often can I take the MCAT?
Candidates can take the MCAT up to three times in a single testing year, four times in two consecutive years, and seven times in a lifetime. Strategic scheduling allows time for preparation, retakes if needed, and score improvement.
Are MCAT questions mostly memorization or reasoning?
MCAT questions focus heavily on reasoning and application. Most are passage-based, requiring candidates to interpret scientific data, analyze experiments, and apply concepts rather than just recall facts. Strong analytical skills and critical thinking are essential.
What study resources are best for MCAT?
Official AAMC materials, full-length practice tests, prep books, and online courses are highly recommended. Combining content review with timed practice exams helps improve speed, accuracy, and familiarity with the question types.
Do I need a background in psychology or sociology for MCAT?
Yes, especially for the Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior section. You don’t need advanced coursework, but understanding core psychology and sociology concepts is important for interpreting human behavior and social influences in the questions.
How far in advance should I start preparing for MCAT?
Most students begin preparation 6–12 months before the exam. Starting early allows thorough coverage of all four sections, ample practice with passage-based questions, and identification of weak areas. This also provides time to take full-length practice exams under realistic conditions.
Pragya Sharma is a content developer and marketer with 6.5+ years of experience in the education industry. She started her career as a social media copywriter for NIELIT, Ministry of Electronics & IT,...
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