CPSP FCPS Part 1 Syllabus 2026: What Changed? (Dates & Pattern Update)

If you are preparing for your FCPS Part 1 in 2026, you might have heard rumors in WhatsApp groups about a "New Syllabus" or a "Single Paper Format."

Before you panic and buy new books, here is the verified truth: Most of these rumors are false.

This guide clarifies exactly what has changed for the Pakistan (CPSP) exams in 2026, debunks the confusion with the Bangladesh board, and provides the official confirmed schedule for the upcoming sessions.

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The "Syllabus Change" Rumor: Pakistan vs. Bangladesh

The biggest confusion currently circulating among doctors involves a notification about a "Single Paper Exam" and "Syllabus Overhaul" starting in July 2026.

Here is the reality:

• BCPS (Bangladesh): Yes, the Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons has announced a single-paper format starting July 2026.
• CPSP (Pakistan): NO. As of December 2025, the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan has NOT changed the exam pattern for FCPS Part 1.

What does this mean for you?

• Your exam will still consist of Paper 1 and Paper 2.
• There is still No Negative Marking.
• The syllabus content (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology) remains consistent with the previous year.

Official CPSP Exam Schedule 2026

The CPSP has released the provisional timeline for the 2026 Theory Examinations. Mark these dates in your calendar now to structure your 3-month study plan.

FCPS Part 1 (Theory) Schedule

(Note: Dates are subject to moon sighting and official CPSP final notifications. Always check your admit card for the final venue and time.)

What Actually Changed in 2026?

While the FCPS Part 1 syllabus remains largely the same, there are significant administrative changes you must know:

1. Discontinuation of MCPS in Specific Subjects

Starting January 1, 2026, CPSP has officially discontinued the MCPS (Membership) program in the following disciplines:

• Oral Surgery
• Pulmonology
• Dermatology

If you were planning to opt for MCPS in these fields as a "backup" to FCPS, that option is no longer available. You must now focus solely on the FCPS (Fellowship) track.

2. Stricter Computer-Based Testing (CBT) Protocols

CPSP has upgraded its exam centers in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. The 2026 sessions will see:

• Biometric Entry: Mandatory verification at all centers.
• Randomized Question Shuffling: No two candidates sitting next to each other will have the same question order. This makes "cheating" or "asking a friend" impossible.

Is the Syllabus for Medicine & Surgery Same?

Yes. The core distribution for Paper 1 remains consistent.

Paper 1 Breakdown (Medicine & Allied / Surgery & Allied):

• Anatomy: ~40-50% (Focus on Histology and Embryology)
• Physiology: ~30%
• Pathology: ~15%
• Minor Subjects: ~5-10% (Bio-stats, Behavioral Science)

Paper 2 Breakdown:

• This remains specific to your specialty (e.g., Dentistry, Radiology, Gynecology).
• Note for Medicine Candidates: Paper 2 often contains deep clinical pharmacology and pathology questions.

How to Prepare for the 2026 Exam Pattern

Since the exam format is Computer Based, studying from static PDF files is no longer sufficient. You need to train your brain for the digital interface.

Recommended Strategy:

1. Stop Memorizing "Old Keys": Many PDF files from 2023/2024 have outdated or wrong answer keys. CPSP updates its question bank frequently.
2. Use Verified Mock Exams: Practice 75-question blocks in timed mode.
3. Focus on "Gold" Topics: In 2025, repeat questions were fewer than before. Concept-based questions from Guyton and Snell are increasing.