A flexible revision framework that can be adapted for Paper A or Paper B alongside clinical work.
Who this plan is for
This 12-week framework is designed for doctors who already have some familiarity with the relevant syllabus and can study consistently alongside clinical work. It can be adapted for Paper A or Paper B by replacing the weekly subject blocks with the correct syllabus domains.
Twelve weeks may be too short for a candidate beginning from zero, working extremely demanding rotas or needing major improvement in critical review or basic sciences. Use a diagnostic test before committing. Extending the same framework to 16 or 20 weeks is better than forcing an unrealistic schedule.
Recommended weekly time
A practical target is 10-15 focused hours per week. For example, study for 60-90 minutes on four weekdays and use two longer weekend blocks. Candidates with less time should reduce the weekly syllabus volume rather than removing question practice and revision.
Protect at least one lighter evening or rest period. A schedule that causes exhaustion by week three will not support recall in week twelve.
The weekly learning cycle
1. Learn the assigned syllabus material using one structured core resource.
2. Convert the material into active recall, diagrams, tables or clinical pathways.
3. Complete topic-based questions and read all explanations.
4. Record errors and uncertain concepts in a revision log.
5. Revisit content from the previous week.
6. Complete a mixed test at the end of the week.
Weeks 1-4: build coverage and routine
| Week | Main target | Question target | Review target |
| 1 | Diagnostic test; begin first major syllabus domain | 150-200 topic questions | Create error log and resource map |
| 2 | Second major domain | 150-250 topic questions | Revisit Week 1 weak points |
| 3 | Third domain | 200-250 questions | First mixed 50-question block |
| 4 | Fourth domain or continuation of a high-weight domain | 200-300 questions | Cumulative review of Weeks 1-3 |
Weeks 5-8: complete the syllabus and integrate
| Week | Main target | Performance task |
| 5 | Next syllabus domain; continue spaced review | Mixed timed block plus error analysis |
| 6 | Complete remaining major domain | Half-length timed paper |
| 7 | Fill minor-topic gaps; revise frequent errors | Two mixed timed blocks |
| 8 | Complete first full syllabus pass | Full-length mock under exam conditions |
Weeks 9-10: turn knowledge into examination performance
Weeks 9 and 10 should be driven by evidence from questions and the first full mock. Group errors into a small number of themes and devote targeted sessions to each one.
For Paper A, this may mean receptor profiles, neuroanatomy, developmental theories or classification. For Paper B, it may mean clinical sequencing, specialty-specific management, statistics, bias or interpreting research outcomes.
Complete mixed timed blocks on several days rather than one large untimed session. Practise making decisions when the topic changes from question to question.
Week 11: full mock and corrective revision
Complete a second full-length mock at the beginning of the week. Review it in detail within 24 hours. Identify whether fatigue, timing, question interpretation or knowledge caused the errors.
Use the remaining days for high-yield correction. Do not restart the entire syllabus. Focus on recurring errors, high-weight weak domains and concise revision sheets.
Week 12: consolidate and protect performance
Complete one final timed paper early in the week if it will provide useful feedback. In the last days, review the error log, comparison tables, clinical algorithms and frequently forgotten facts.
Reduce intensity during the final 24-48 hours. Confirm examination identification, equipment, technical guidance and timing. Protect sleep and normal meals. The final goal is not to feel that every fact has been read; it is to arrive able to think clearly.
Paper A adaptation
- Weeks 1-2: behavioural science, sociocultural psychiatry and human development.
- Weeks 3-4: basic neurosciences.
- Weeks 5-6: clinical psychopharmacology.
- Week 7: classification and assessment.
- Week 8 onward: mixed integration, mocks and targeted correction.
Paper B adaptation
- Weeks 1-2: general adult psychiatry plus critical-review fundamentals.
- Week 3: old age psychiatry and critical-review interpretation.
- Week 4: child and adolescent psychiatry.
- Week 5: substance misuse and forensic psychiatry.
- Week 6: psychotherapy, learning disability and service organisation.
- Weeks 7-8: complete clinical gaps and deepen critical review.
- Week 9 onward: mixed integration, mocks and targeted correction.
How to survive disruptions
Clinical rotas will disrupt some weeks. Use a minimum viable study session of 20 minutes: review ten error-log items, complete ten questions or retrieve one topic from memory. This protects continuity.
When a whole week is lost, do not double the next week’s workload. Re-prioritise the highest-weight and weakest topics, shift the mock date and extend the schedule when possible.
Tracking progress
- Percentage of syllabus domains completed.
- Question accuracy by domain, not only overall.
- Number of errors repeated after revision.
- Timed-block completion and unanswered questions.
- Mock-exam endurance and concentration.
- Confidence explaining difficult concepts without notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 12 weeks enough for MRCPsych?
It can be enough for candidates with a reasonable starting foundation and consistent weekly time. Candidates beginning from zero or working highly demanding schedules may need longer.
How many hours should I study each day?
A sustainable routine may involve 60-90 minutes on several weekdays plus longer weekend blocks. Weekly consistency matters more than an identical daily target.
Should I finish the syllabus before questions?
No. Complete topic questions while learning and introduce mixed questions progressively.
What should I do if my mock score is low?
Analyse the causes. Identify recurring weak domains and process errors, then devote the next revision cycle to them. One early mock is a diagnostic tool, not a final prediction.
Can the plan be extended?
Yes. Repeat or spread the phases over 16-20 weeks while preserving the sequence of coverage, integration, mocks and corrective revision.
Sources and verification links
- Royal College of Psychiatrists – Preparing for exams
- Royal College of Psychiatrists – Papers A and B marking scheme
| Recommended conversion block Use the plan with a structured course and question bank. Begin the Medfortune free trial and map your first week to the official syllabus. |