cpsp · 2026 format

The complete FCPS Part 1 syllabus

Two papers on the same day, 100 one-best-of-five MCQs each, two hours per paper on the computer-based test, and a ~75% pass line. Paper I is identical for every candidate; Paper II follows the specialty you apply in. Below is every subject, chapter and topic we build questions against — the same tree the app filters by. Always confirm the official position against the current CPSP prospectus at cpsp.edu.pk.

18

subjects

118

chapters

449

topics

11

specialties

FCPS Part 1 exam dates

4 sittings a year · jan · apr · jul · oct

  • October 2026 sitting

    6 October 2026

  • January 2027 sitting

    Expected first week of January 2027

  • April 2027 sitting

    Expected first week of April 2027

Windows shown above are the usual pattern, not announcements. CPSP publishes the exact date and registration deadline for each sitting — always confirm on cpsp.edu.pk before you plan around it.

2

papers, one day

100

MCQs per paper

120 min

per paper (CBT)

~75%

pass line, unpublished

Paper I — basic sciences

7 subjects · 52 chapters · 250 topics

Common to every specialty. Anatomy dominates; the rest is applied basic science rather than recall.

Anatomy

The single heaviest subject — roughly 40–50% of Paper I. Gross anatomy, histology, embryology and neuroanatomy, with image-based questions common.

Physiology

Guyton depth across every system, heavily applied rather than recall.

Biochemistry

Metabolism, enzymes, molecular biology and nutrition at Harper's level.

Pharmacology

Mechanisms over doses — general principles, ANS, CVS, CNS and chemotherapy, Katzung level.

Pathology

General pathology first: cell injury, inflammation, neoplasia, haemodynamics — Robbins.

Microbiology

Clinically relevant bacteriology, virology, parasitology and immunology — Levinson.

Community Medicine

Epidemiology, biostatistics and study design — small but very scoreable.

Full Paper I topic list

Tap a subject to open its chapters and topics.

Upper Limb

  • Brachial plexus
  • Axilla & rotator cuff
  • Cubital fossa & carpal tunnel
  • Shoulder joint
  • Elbow joint
  • Muscles & spaces of the hand
  • Arterial supply of the upper limb
  • Nerve injuries of the upper limb

Lower Limb

  • Femoral triangle
  • Popliteal fossa
  • Sciatic nerve & gluteal region
  • Hip joint
  • Knee joint
  • Ankle joint & arches of the foot
  • Arterial supply of the lower limb
  • Nerve injuries of the lower limb

Thorax

  • Mediastinum & pericardium
  • Coronary circulation
  • Diaphragm & its openings
  • Lungs & pleura
  • Thoracic wall & intercostal spaces
  • Chambers & valves of the heart
  • Oesophagus & thoracic duct
  • Azygos venous system

Abdomen & Pelvis

  • Inguinal canal
  • Portal venous system
  • Pelvic floor & perineum
  • Peritoneum & mesenteries
  • Stomach & duodenum
  • Liver, biliary tree & pancreas
  • Kidneys & ureters
  • Branches of the abdominal aorta
  • Rectum & anal canal

Head & Neck

  • Skull foramina
  • Triangles of the neck
  • Cranial nerves
  • Temporal & infratemporal fossae
  • Parotid & submandibular glands
  • Thyroid & parathyroid glands
  • Larynx & pharynx
  • Orbit & contents
  • Nasal cavity & paranasal sinuses
  • Tongue & palate

Neuroanatomy

  • Ascending & descending tracts
  • Blood supply of the brain
  • Ventricular system & CSF
  • Spinal cord anatomy
  • Brainstem & cranial nerve nuclei
  • Cerebellum
  • Basal ganglia
  • Thalamus & hypothalamus
  • Cerebral cortex & functional areas
  • Limbic system

General & Systemic Embryology

  • Pharyngeal arches
  • Cardiovascular development
  • Gametogenesis & fertilisation
  • Germ layers & gastrulation
  • Development of the nervous system
  • Development of the GIT
  • Urogenital development
  • Common congenital anomalies

General Histology

  • Epithelial tissue
  • Connective tissue
  • Muscle tissue
  • Nervous tissue
  • Blood & haemopoiesis
  • Glands & secretion
  • Lymphoid tissue

Paper II — your specialty

11 subjects · 66 chapters · 199 topics

You sit exactly one Paper II, decided by the specialty you apply in. Pick your track once in the app and every Paper II question set, mock and drill follows it automatically.

Medicine & AlliedSurgery & AlliedGynaecology & ObstetricsPaediatricsRadiologyAnaesthesiaOphthalmologyENTPsychiatryDermatologyDentistry

Full Paper II topic list

Open the subject that matches your specialty.

Cardiology

  • Ischaemic heart disease
  • Heart failure
  • Cardiac arrhythmias
  • Systemic hypertension

Respiratory Medicine

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • Bronchial asthma
  • Community-acquired pneumonia
  • Pulmonary embolism

Gastroenterology & Hepatology

  • Peptic ulcer disease
  • Chronic liver disease
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Acute pancreatitis

Endocrinology

  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Adrenal disorders

Nephrology

  • Acute kidney injury
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Nephrotic syndrome

Neurology

  • Stroke
  • Epilepsy
  • Bacterial meningitis

Infectious Diseases

  • Enteric fever
  • Malaria
  • HIV/AIDS

Rheumatology

  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus
  • Gout

Haematology

  • Anaemias
  • Leukaemias
  • Bleeding disorders

Practice this syllabus, topic by topic

Filter the bank by subject, chapter, topic or specialty — or sit a full 100-MCQ mock under exam pacing.

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