Dr Kola Tytler (MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP)|21 April 2026|6 min read
For the first time in the MSRA's history, the 2026 Round 1 recruitment cycle has split the exam across two sitting windows. This was driven by anticipated increases in specialty training applications. If you are applying for any specialty that uses the MSRA, understanding which sitting you are allocated to and what it means for your preparation timeline is essential.
The Two Sittings
The January 2026 sitting (6th–19th January) is open to applicants for all specialties that use the MSRA. The February 2026 sitting (12th–25th February) is reserved for applicants who apply exclusively to General Practice, Core Psychiatry, or both. If the number of GP and Psychiatry applicants exceeds capacity for the February sitting, some candidates will be moved to January.
Your allocated sitting is confirmed after the Oriel application closing deadline. You do not choose your sitting — it is determined by the specialties you apply for.
What Is the Same Across Both Sittings
The exam content, format, difficulty, and marking standard are identical. Both sittings use the same question pool, the same two-paper structure (CPS and Professional Dilemmas), and the same normalised scoring methodology. Your score from either sitting is directly comparable. There is no advantage or disadvantage to sitting in January versus February.
Practical Implications for Preparation
The key implication is timing. If you might be allocated to January, you must be prepared by early January. This means starting revision no later than November — ideally earlier.
If you are applying exclusively to GP or Psychiatry, you will likely sit in February, giving you an additional 4–5 weeks. However, since allocation is not guaranteed until after the Oriel deadline, the safest approach is to prepare for January and treat February as extra time for consolidation and mock exams.
Specialty-Specific MSRA Guidance
The MSRA is used by more than fifteen specialties, but the stakes and implications differ significantly.
General Practice
GP uses the MSRA as the sole selection tool for ST1 allocation. There is no interview. Your MSRA score alone determines which deanery and training programme you are offered. Every mark matters — the difference between a London placement and a less competitive region can be a few points.
GP applicants should prioritise the Professional Dilemmas paper, which is 50% of the total score. The SJT revision strategy guide covers this in detail. For clinical preparation, the overlap with the MRCGP AKT is approximately 60–70%, so MSRA revision also builds a foundation for the AKT you will sit during training.
Core Psychiatry
Like GP, Core Psychiatry ST1 assesses and ranks applicants based solely on MSRA performance. The SJT paper is equally critical here. Psychiatry trainees will eventually need to pass the MRCPsych, but for the application stage, the MSRA is the only exam that matters.
Surgery
Multiple surgical specialties use the MSRA as part of the recruitment process, though not always as the sole selection tool. A strong MSRA score can bypass the interview stage in some surgical programmes. Surgical trainees will also need MRCS during training — the clinical knowledge overlap between MSRA CPS and MRCS is moderate.
Radiology, Ophthalmology, and Other Specialties
These specialties use the MSRA alongside other selection criteria. A strong MSRA score is necessary but may not be sufficient. The clinical breadth of the CPS paper means that specialty-specific knowledge is less important than broad clinical competence.
Resources
For a comprehensive comparison of all MSRA question banks, see the Best MSRA Question Banks guide. For a week-by-week study plan, see the MSRA Study Plan guide.
iatroX offers a free MSRA Q-bank with AI-adaptive learning that covers both CPS and Professional Dilemmas questions. The adaptive algorithm identifies your weak areas and targets them automatically — efficient revision for candidates on a tight timeline.
Timeline Summary
If you are applying for any specialty using the MSRA, start preparation no later than November. Be fully prepared by early January. Use November and December for knowledge building and SJT framework development. Use the final 2–3 weeks for mock exams and consolidation. If you are allocated to the February sitting, use the extra time for additional mock papers and targeted weakness work — not for starting new topics.
Information based on NHS England publications and Oriel guidance as of 21 April 2026. Trademarks belong to their owners.