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For aspiring Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, MRCOG is the right pathway for a global career.  The MRCOG is a prestigious exam conducted by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), and it is divided into three parts: MRCOG Part 1, MRCOG Part 2, and MRCOG Part 3. As we know, the MRCOG Part 2 examination date has been announced and is scheduled to take place on January 15, 2026.

As we approach the upcoming exam, many candidates are feeling tense, especially those attending the exam for the first time. Worry not, as this blog will act as a comprehensive guide and explain everything you need to know about the MRCOG Part 2 exam.

The MRCOG Part 2 Exam Explained

The MRCOG Part 1 basically assessed your knowledge in basic science: anatomy, physiology, genetics, etc. Part 2 is different; it evaluates your ability to apply that knowledge in clinical scenarios.

The examiners determine how well you can make a safe, evidence-based clinical decision when a complex patient is sitting in front of you:

The MRCOG Part 2 tests your ability to:

• Interpret clinical data and history.
• Prioritise differential diagnoses.
• Formulate appropriate management plans in both obstetrics and gynaecology.
• Apply national guidelines, such as RCOG Green-top Guidelines, NICE guidelines, and TOG articles to clinical scenarios.

In short, the MRCOG Part 2 evaluates your mentality of becoming a UK OBGYN consultant.

The MRCOG Part 2 Exam Format

The Part 2 exam is a Computer-Based Testing (CBT) examination conducted in specific examination centres worldwide in partnership with Pearson VUE.

The exam is more difficult than Part 1, consisting of two papers taken on the same day, with each paper lasting three hours. Each paper includes:

• Single Best Answers (SBAs): 40% of the marks in each paper
• Extended Matching questions (EMQs): 60% of the marks in each paper

Each paper comes with 100 questions: 50 SBAs and 50 EMQs. There will be a 60-minute lunch break between the two papers. Candidates should understand that there is no separate pass mark for SBAs and EMQs; a combined pass mark is determined through standard-setting for each exam.

The Single Best Answers (SBAs) Section

In MRCOG Part 2, the SBA presents several options as answers, some of which might be plausible or partially correct. What you have to do is identify the most accurate out of them all or the best course of action based on current guidelines. This requires exceptional decision-making skills.

Extended Matching Questions (EMQs) Section

EMQs take up most of the total marks. You are given several clinical scenarios with a list of options. From the list of options, you are required to choose the best answer from the list. What’s difficult is that the options are long, and every one of them feels like they are correct, but you should select only the best-suited one, requiring a deep understanding of the guidelines.

What All You Should Know?

Your MRCOG Part 2 preparation should be deeply rooted in the RCOG core curriculum. Here’s what you should really revise:

• Green-top Guidelines (GTG): These guidelines not only give you the summary recommendations, but also the supporting evidence and the specific management flowcharts.
• NICE Guidelines: These guidelines are a must for areas such as antenatal care, intrapartum care, hypertension in pregnancy, and fertility.
• Scientific Impact Papers (SIPs) and TOG Articles: These cover emerging evidence and topics not yet fully addressed in GTGs.
• Consent Advice and Good Practice Papers: These are good for ethics and clinical governance questions.

The MRCOG Part 2 is Officially Scheduled!

The exam is officially announced to take place on January 15, 2026. If you are looking for proper prep, it’s not the time to go through a new 50-page guideline. So, here’s a proper strategy you can use:

• Avoid learning new materials: Stop learning new materials, and start revising the work you have put in over the past 6-12 months.
• Focus on high-yield revision: Review the notes you have prepared, flashcards, or guideline summaries. Re-read the flowcharts of major obstetric emergencies (PPH, Eclampsia, Sepsis).
• Mock exams: Practice with timely mock exams simulating the exact exam conditions to track your progress. Many candidates fail due to poor time management.
• Proper rest before the exam: It is crucial that you have an ample amount of rest before the exam, as it ensures your brain functions properly.

Bridging the Gap Between Knowledge and Success

The pass rate for MRCOG Part 2 can be notoriously unforgiving, often hovering around 30-40% depending on the global cohort. The primary reason candidates fail is not a lack of effort, but a failure to translate theoretical knowledge into the specific format the RCOG demands. It is about knowing how to answer as much as knowing what the answer is.

This is where structured guidance becomes invaluable.

StudyMEDIC: Your Partner in MRCOG Success

Whether you are gearing up for a future diet or looking for that extra edge to ensure this attempt is your last, StudyMEDIC offers premier preparation courses tailored specifically for the MRCOG Part 2 challenges.

We don’t just teach you the guidelines; we teach you how to apply them under exam pressure. Our MRCOG Part 2 courses provide:

• Extensive Question Banks: Thousands of SBA and EMQ questions meticulously modelled on recent exam trends.
• Guideline Summaries & Wisdom Shots: High-yield, concise materials to help you revise vast amounts of data quickly.
• Expert Mentorship: Learn from renowned mentors who understand the examiner’s mindset.
• Realistic Mock Exams: Simulate the Pearson VUE CBT environment to build stamina and perfect your time management.

To all candidates sitting the exam on January 15, 2026, we wish you the very best of luck. Trust your preparation and stay calm.

You can get all the latest updates about the exam through our Instagram. If you are interested in joining the MRCOG courses, please don’t hesitate to contact our team.

Written By: Muhammed Farzeen