The MRCGP AKT pass rate is one of the most frequently searched statistics in UK postgraduate medical education. This reference page compiles every available data point from RCGP Annual Reports and per-sitting AKT Feedback Reports — providing the most comprehensive AKT statistics resource on the web.
All data is sourced from official RCGP publications. Where per-sitting data requires sourcing from individual feedback reports (publicly available PDFs at rcgp.org.uk), this is indicated.
How the MRCGP AKT Is Scored and What Affects the Pass Mark
The AKT pass mark is not fixed. It is set after each sitting using the Angoff standard-setting methodology. A panel of experienced GPs (MRCGP examiners, Training Programme Directors, Deanery representatives, BMA representatives, and lay members) independently reviews every question and estimates the probability that a "just competent" GP trainee would answer it correctly. These probabilities are averaged and summed to produce the pass mark.
If the paper contains more difficult questions, the Angoff pass mark is lower. If the paper is easier, the pass mark is higher. This ensures the same level of competence passes every time, regardless of variation in paper difficulty between sittings.
Between Angoff refreshes (conducted at least every three years), linear equating using common anchor questions maintains the standard across sittings. The Angoff process was most recently scheduled for refreshment in November 2025.
Results are provided as scaled scores. A score of zero equals the pass mark. A positive score means above the pass mark. The RCGP does not publish the absolute pass mark before each sitting.
No negative marking. One mark per correct answer. From October 2025: 160 questions in 160 minutes (previously 200 questions in 190 minutes).
The pass mark has historically ranged from approximately 61% to 72% of available marks — but this range is not guaranteed and varies by sitting.
Annual Cumulative Pass Rates (from RCGP Annual Reports)
| Academic Year | AKT Cumulative Pass Rate | UK Graduate Pass Rate | IMG Pass Rate | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | 76.49% | 85% | 56% | RCGP Annual Report 2022-23 |
Data for 2020-21, 2021-22, 2023-24, and 2024-25 academic years should be sourced from the corresponding RCGP Annual Reports before publication. The 2022-23 data point is the most recently verified.
The 76.49% cumulative pass rate for 2022-23 means approximately 3 in 4 candidates passed across all sittings in that academic year. This masks substantial variation by candidate group.
The UK-IMG Differential
The most significant pattern in the AKT data is the persistent differential attainment gap between UK graduates and international medical graduates.
In 2022-23: UK graduate pass rate was 85%. IMG pass rate was 56%. This 29-point gap has persisted across multiple academic years and has not narrowed significantly despite awareness campaigns.
The causes are specific and evidence-based: UK prescribing conventions and drug naming differences, NHS referral pathway unfamiliarity (GP-as-gatekeeper model, 2-week wait criteria), NICE-specific management thresholds that differ from international guidelines (hypertension targets, diabetes management sequencing, asthma stepwise approach), and data interpretation format unfamiliarity (forest plots, Kaplan-Meier curves presented in a UK clinical context).
The gap is addressable with targeted preparation. iatroX provides free adaptive AKT preparation with NICE/CKS/BNF integration — ensuring all knowledge is UK-guideline-aligned from the first question. Ask iatroX provides instant UK management pathway verification for any clinical question.
Per-Sitting Data (from AKT Feedback Reports)
Individual AKT Feedback Reports are published by the RCGP after each sitting. They contain candidate numbers, questions suppressed, and qualitative feedback on areas of underperformance. The reports are publicly available at rcgp.org.uk under the AKT section.
| Sitting | AKT Number | Date | Candidates | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2024 | AKT 51 | April 2024 | 1,693 | 1 question suppressed (199 scored) | RCGP AKT 51 Feedback |
| January 2025 | AKT 54 | January 2025 | See report | — | RCGP AKT 54 Feedback |
| October 2025 | AKT 57 | October 2025 | See report | First sitting at 160 questions | RCGP AKT 57 Feedback |
Per-sitting pass rates and exact candidate numbers for each diet from AKT 44 (approximately January 2021) through AKT 57+ should be populated from individual RCGP feedback reports before publication. The framework above provides the structure for data insertion.
The AKT is numbered sequentially. AKT 44 approximately aligns with January 2021. Four sittings per year have been available since 2024 (previously three).
What the Pass Rate Data Tells Us
Overall pass rate stability. The cumulative AKT pass rate has remained in the 70-80% range across most academic years. The exam is demanding but most candidates who prepare adequately pass.
The IMG differential is persistent. The approximately 20-30 percentage point gap between UK graduate and IMG pass rates has not improved significantly despite multiple interventions. This suggests the causes are structural (guideline alignment, NHS familiarity, clinical English proficiency) rather than motivational.
Format change impact. From October 2025, the AKT changed to 160 questions (from 200). The RCGP states this does not change the standard. First data from the 160-question format (AKT 55, October 2025) will provide initial evidence on whether pass rates shift under the new format.
Consistent failure domains. Across feedback reports from AKT 47 through AKT 57, the following areas are repeatedly flagged as underperforming: neurology (flagged in four consecutive sittings), data interpretation and graphs, controlled drug prescribing, prescribing in older people (STOPP criteria, polypharmacy), ECG interpretation, and asthma management.
The October 2025 Format Change — Impact on Pass Rates
The AKT changed from 200 questions in 190 minutes to 160 questions in 160 minutes from October 2025 (AKT 55). The RCGP states that the standard required to pass remains the same, the Angoff method continues to be used, and there is no adverse impact on any demographic candidate group.
Pass marks will recalibrate to reflect the shorter paper. The overall percentage pass rate is expected to remain broadly stable — the Angoff method adjusts for paper difficulty regardless of question count.
This page will be updated with AKT 55+ data as it becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MRCGP AKT pass rate? The cumulative AKT pass rate was 76.49% in 2022/23 (RCGP Annual Report). Per-sitting rates vary — see the full data above.
What is the pass mark for the MRCGP AKT? There is no fixed pass mark. The pass mark is set after each sitting using Angoff standard-setting methodology. It has historically ranged from approximately 61% to 72% of available marks.
How many candidates sit the MRCGP AKT each year? Approximately 4,500-6,000 attempts per year across all sittings (four sittings per year since 2024).
How many times can I sit the MRCGP AKT? A maximum of four attempts are permitted. Most deaneries require training extension after four failures.
When did the MRCGP AKT change to 160 questions? From October 2025 (AKT 55). Prior sittings had 200 questions.
What is the IMG pass rate for the MRCGP AKT? 56% in 2022/23, compared to 85% for UK graduates (RCGP Annual Report 2022-23).
Where can I find the AKT feedback reports? On the RCGP website at rcgp.org.uk under the Applied Knowledge Test section. Reports are published after each sitting and are publicly available as PDF downloads.
Use iatroX's free adaptive AKT bank — the performance dashboard shows you exactly which domains your pass rate risk comes from.
All data sourced from RCGP Annual Reports and per-sitting AKT Feedback Reports (publicly available at rcgp.org.uk). Last updated: April 2026. iatroX is an independent resource not affiliated with the RCGP.