If you are sitting MRCPsych Paper A in November 2026, starting now gives you a comfortable 12 weeks. This plan assumes a few focused hours most days around clinical commitments. Confirm the exact exam date and closing dates on the RCPsych website.
Weeks 1-3: build the base
Work through the more factual, high-yield domains first, psychopharmacology, neuroscience, and classification & psychopathology. Do questions daily, read every explanation, and read the matching textbook chapters to fill gaps.
Weeks 4-7: cover the breadth
Move through the clinical and science domains, general adult, old age, child & adolescent, forensic, behavioural science, human development, and research methods. Keep letting the weakness tracker steer you.
Weeks 8-10: consolidate and attack weaknesses
Switch to mixed question sets across all sections. Prioritise every subtopic flagged below 60%. Start timed mock papers to build stamina for the three-hour format.
Weeks 11-12: mocks and review
Do full timed mocks, review every wrong answer, and lightly revisit your notes. Taper in the final few days, sleep matters more than a last cram. Aim to be scoring above ~70% on mixed sets before you sit.
Start today with 5 free questions, or read the full Paper A guide.