USMLE Exam Fees 2025

Recent Update: There’s a newly structured rescheduling fee schedule: changes made 46+ days before are free; for changes 6-30 days prior the fee is $100 (₹8,800); within 5 days.

The USMLE exam fees are a major part of the planning process for Indian medical students aiming to practice medicine in the United States. As of 2025, the Step 1 and Step 2 CK fees for international candidates, including those testing from India, are $1,020 (around ₹89,500) each. Step 3 costs $935 (₹82,000). In addition to these base fees, Indian applicants must account for regional test delivery surcharges of $205–$230 (₹18,000–₹20,000). When you add essential costs like study materials, domestic travel to test centers, optional prep courses, and rescheduling charges, the total expense for completing all USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) steps can fall between $2,500 and $5,000 (₹2–₹4.5 lakh). Knowing these numbers early helps you budget with clarity and avoid last-minute financial pressure. 

This guide will cover the stepwise USMLE fees, additional costs like study materials and travel, accepted payment methods, budgeting tips, and answers to 20 frequently asked questions. By the end, you’ll have a complete roadmap to plan and manage your USMLE expenses efficiently. 

USMLE Exam Fee Structure 

Planning for the USMLE from India in 2025 requires a clear understanding of the exam fees to manage your budget effectively. The total cost depends on the exam step, regional surcharges, and optional expenses such as rescheduling, travel, and study materials. 

Below is a step-wise fee breakdown based on official 2025 figures: 

1. Step-Wise Exam Fees 

USMLE Step	Fee (USD / INR)
Step 1	$1,020 (~₹89,500)
Step 2 CK	$1,020 (~₹89,500)
Step 3	$935 (~₹82,000)

2. Regional Surcharges 

International candidates taking USMLE in India must pay additional regional test center fees: 

• Step 1: $205 (~₹18,000) 

• Step 2 CK: $230 (~₹20,000) 

These surcharges are automatically added during registration. 

3. Optional Costs to Budget 

Expense Type	Estimated Cost (USD / INR)
Rescheduling / Special Accommodations	$100–$250 (~₹8,500–₹22,000)
Travel (Flights)	$400–$1,000 (~₹35,000–₹88,000)
Accommodation (per night)	$50–$150 (~₹4,500–₹13,000)
Study Materials (Books)	$50–$150 (~₹4,500–₹13,000)
Online Prep Courses	$300–$1,200 (~₹26,000–₹1,05,000)

Note: Costs vary depending on your city, test center, and study preferences. 

4. Total Estimated Cost in India 

Including exam fees, surcharges, study materials, and travel, Indian candidates can expect to spend approximately: 

$2,500–$5,000 (~₹2–₹4.5 lakh) for all three steps. 

Note: Students testing from the US or Canada pay lower fees: $680 for Step 1 and Step 2 CK, and $935 for Step 3, with no regional surcharges. Travel costs are minimal since the exams are taken domestically. 

Also Read: USMLE Exam Dates 2025: Complete Schedule and Updates 

Payment Methods for USMLE Exam Fees 

Paying your USMLE exam fees correctly is essential to secure your registration and avoid delays. The USMLE offers multiple payment options, depending on whether you are a US/Canadian candidate or an international candidate. Understanding these methods ensures a smooth registration process and helps you plan your finances effectively. 

1. Accepted Payment Options 

Payment Method	Details
Credit/Debit Cards	Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are widely accepted for US and international candidates. Ensure your card has sufficient funds for the total amount, including surcharges and optional fees.
Wire Transfer / Bank Transfer	Primarily used by international candidates who cannot use credit cards. Wire transfers should be completed according to the instructions provided by USMLE or ECFMG.
Online Payment Portals	Payments are processed securely via the official USMLE registration portal. Candidates receive a confirmation email once the transaction is successful.

2. Payment Timing 

• Early Payment: Pay at the time of registration to secure your exam slot and avoid late fees. 

• Late Payment: Delayed payments may result in late registration fees of $100–$150 (~₹8,500–₹13,000), depending on timing. 

• Refunds: Partial refunds are possible if your registration is cancelled under USMLE guidelines, but last-minute cancellations (less than 7 days before the exam) are non-refundable. 

3. Important Tips for International Candidates 

• Currency Conversion: Payments in USD may involve foreign currency conversion fees from your bank. 

• Regional Surcharges: Include the extra fees for international test centers when calculating your total payment. 

• Confirmation: After payment, always check your email for confirmation. Keep a copy of the receipt until you have completed your exam. 

• Avoid Third-Party Payments: Only pay through the official USMLE or ECFMG portal to prevent fraudulent charges. 

4. Budgeting for Payment 

• Calculate the base exam fees + regional surcharge + rescheduling or accommodation costs. 

• Prepare for transaction fees and any currency conversions if paying from outside the US. 

• Keep funds available for potential retries in case you need to reschedule. 

For a more detailed breakdown of USMLE Step-wise fees, surcharges, and additional costs, check out our comprehensive guide on USMLE Exam Fees for Step 1, 2 & 3.  

How to Budget for USMLE Fees 

Proper budgeting is essential when planning for the USMLE exams. The total cost can vary significantly depending on the exam step, location, prep materials, and travel requirements. By understanding all possible expenses in advance, you can avoid financial stress and focus on preparing for the exam. 

1. Break Down Your Costs 

When budgeting, consider these main components: 

Expense Type	Estimated Cost (USD / INR)
USMLE Step Fees (Step 1, Step 2 CK, Step 3)	$935–$1,020 (₹82,000–₹89,500) per step for Indian applicants
International Surcharges	$205–$230 (₹18,000–₹20,000) per exam
Rescheduling / Cancellation Fees	$100–$150 (₹8,500–₹13,000) depending on how close the exam date is
Study Materials & Prep Courses	$50–$1,200 (₹4,500–₹1,05,000) depending on books, Qbanks, or full courses
Travel & Accommodation in India	₹3,000–₹10,000 per trip depending on the exam city (domestic travel only for Indian centers)

2. Step-Wise Budget Planning 

• Step 1: Include the base fee, regional surcharge, and study materials. For international candidates, this may total $1,200–$1,500 (~₹1.05–₹1.3 lakh). 

• Step 2 CK: Similar to Step 1, but consider additional prep courses or question banks if needed. 

• Step 3: Budget for travel and accommodation, as Step 3 is typically taken after graduation, possibly in a different city in the US. 

3. Tips to Save Money 

• Register Early: Avoid late registration fees. 

• Use Official Materials Wisely: Stick to essential prep books and question banks. 

• Choose Affordable Test Centers: Regional surcharges can differ; select a center that minimizes extra costs. 

• Combine Travel with Exam Schedule: If taking multiple steps in the US, try to schedule efficiently to reduce repeated travel and lodging expenses. 

• Track All Payments: Keep receipts for all exam-related transactions to manage your budget effectively. 

4. Estimating Total Cost for International Candidates 

For international candidates, the total estimated cost for completing all three USMLE steps, including exam fees, surcharges, study materials, travel, and lodging, is roughly: 

Expense Type	Estimated Total (USD / INR)
Step Fees + Surcharge	$2,000–$2,500 (~₹1.75–₹2.2 lakh)
Travel & Accommodation	$1,000–$1,500 (~₹88,000–₹1.3 lakh)
Study Materials & Prep	$500–$1,000 (~₹44,000–₹88,000)
Total Estimated Cost	$3,500–$5,000 (~₹3–₹4.5 lakh)

Also check out: List of USMLE Exam Centers in India 

Conclusion 

Planning for USMLE exam fees is a crucial step in your journey to practicing medicine in the United States. The total cost varies depending on the exam step, whether you are a US/Canadian or international candidate, and additional expenses such as rescheduling, study materials, travel, and accommodation.  

By understanding the step-wise fees, factoring in additional costs, choosing the right payment method, and keeping track of annual fee updates, candidates can create a realistic budget that prevents financial stress. Proper planning ensures you can focus entirely on exam preparation. 

Ultimately, being well-informed about USMLE costs allows you to take control of your medical licensing journey, ensuring both financial readiness and smooth registration for all steps. 

For personalized help, Book a 1:1 consultation with our expert consultants to help planning for USMLE expenses in 2025