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 multiple-choice test widely used in the United States of America and Canada in schools offering medical education. It is administered by the AAMC, the Association of American Medical Colleges. The test involves testing your knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, sociology, and critical analysis.
It is composed of 4 parts, which total to 230 questions and 7 hours and 30 minutes (including breaks). The mean MCAT scores are set between 472 to 528, 500 being the mid-range score.
The MCAT syllabus 2025 is consistent with the primary competencies of AAMC, in problem-solving, scientific inquiry, and discipline-based reasoning.
This guide divides the entire section-wise MCAT syllabus, discusses high-yield content, and addresses other frequently asked prep-related questions such as time requirement, weightage, and resources. You can also locate a topic list and professionally endorsed studying hints so as to get off to the right start.
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 the MCAT harder than NEET or other medical entrance exams in India?
A lot of students perceive MCAT as being more reasoning based than NEET. It does not emphasise so much on rote learning, but rather on reading comprehension and analysis of passages. Science is just as hard and is not overly difficult in the same way. CARS may seem like the steepest learning curve to you, particularly in case you are accustomed to Indian exams.
Do I need to take coaching to complete the MCAT syllabus?
Not necessarily. Self-study discipline plans, free Internet sites, and AAMC materials may suffice. On that note, coaching could assist when you lack time or you need to have accountability. A lot of best scorers study alone in a big strategy.
How often does the MCAT syllabus change? Should I worry about updates?
The syllabus of MCAT does not vary yearly. AAMC makes minor changes in it from time to time but the main subjects remain. There is nothing to worry about, you just need to follow the latest outline made by authorities and you should be safe.
Can I skip low-yield topics entirely if I’m short on time?
Admittedly, it is tempting, but it is not a good idea. Even otherwise trivia may manifest themselves. The quality move is to focus on high yield material and skim the other. In the last month of your preparations, don t skip reviews.
Is math tested in the MCAT syllabus? Should I study algebra or calculus?
Nothing on math specifically, but you will do a lot of basic math-ratios, percentages, unit conversions. You do not have to have calculus. Simply, sharpen algebra, graph interpretation and data analysis.
How important is vocabulary for the MCAT CARS section?
A lot more than you would suppose. Direct testing on definitions will not be done, however words you have not seen before may slow down your reading. An attempt at reading articles such as editorials or philosophy would help understand complex language and develop a comfort level.
Can I complete the MCAT syllabus while working full-time?
It is hard, yet quite achievable with a 5-6 month plan. This will require discipline and weekly planning beforehand and spending weekends on taking long practice tests. Having an early morning or night study period is the means of many working professionals.
Is the MCAT syllabus the same for all test dates in a year?
Yes, so at any point of the year whether you are sitting the test in January or September, the syllabus remains unchanged. No matter what, the form of the test is different. That way your studying will never go to waste.
Do I need to know lab techniques or experiments for the MCAT?
To a certain degree, yes. You need to be conversant with fundamental settings of an experiment, variables, controls, and result analysis. They will not be demanded of you to do, but data interpretation is one of the most important skills to know in a study.
What’s the best way to stay motivated while finishing the MCAT syllabus?
Make weekly progress, check the progress and reward yourself after reaching a milestone. To be in the loop, join study discussion groups or Reddit subgroups. It aids in reminding the fact that you are doing it-it is not the goal but the future of your life to med school.
Do MCAT practice tests follow the syllabus exactly?
Most AAMC and major prep companies do full-length tests. They will mimic the actual exam in both subject scope and challenge. When your practice test seems vastly different, then it could be either an ancient edition or even an unreliable source.
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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