The first choice of international medical graduates (IMGs) and experienced doctors often happens to be Australia these days. Thanks to the moderate climate, work-life balance, family and medical benefits and a simple PR pathway through license exam and registration. Clearing the Australian Medical Council (AMC) exam is not just about medical knowledge. It is a test of resilience, confidence and pure strategy. Can you pass the AMC Exam easily? Let’s find out in this blog that sheds light on Dr. Lakshmi’s success story.
Dr. Lakshmi successfully cleared the AMC MCQ exam on her second attempt this November-December 2025. Just an hour after receiving her results, she shared her experience with the Academically team. In this blog, we have captured her raw emotions, a sigh of belief, relief and AMC preparation strategies. This is her story of perseverance, smarter preparation, and unshakable self-belief.
Insights into Dr. Lakshmi’s AMC Exam Success Story
When Dr. Lakshmi opened her AMC result, the feeling was surreal. After failing her first attempt in July by a margin of just four marks, the following months were filled with anxiety, self-doubt and emotional exhaustion. The pressure of re-attempting one of the world’s most competitive medical licensing exams weighed heavily on her.
“So finally to open the results and see that green line saying ‘Passed’. It really felt good,” she shared. For many IMGs, this moment is not just about passing an exam. It represents validation after years of effort, sacrifice and delayed gratification.
How is the AMC preparation schedule from July to November?
One of the most valuable aspects of Dr. Lakshmi’s story is how clearly she identified what went wrong and what she fixed.
Confidence Over Fear
In her first attempt, stress dominated her preparation and exam performance. Even when she knew the theory, she struggled to commit to an answer. “I was in constant doubt,” she admitted. The biggest change wasn’t just academic, it was mental. She trusted her preparation, made decisions with confidence, and avoided second-guessing herself during the exam.
Shifting from Theory-Heavy to MCQ-Driven Preparation
Like many first-time AMC candidates, Dr. Lakshmi initially focused heavily on theory. While theory is essential, the AMC exam tests clinical application, pattern recognition and decision-making under time pressure. In her second attempt, she transformed her strategy:
- Minimum 100 MCQs per day
- Attempted 150 question mock tests
- Deep review of explanations after every session
Completing 100 questions wasn’t quick; it took hours of focused effort. But the learning was far more exam-oriented.
This MCQ-first approach helped her:
- Identify weak areas faster
- Understand the examiner's logic
- Improve speed and accuracy
- Build confidence with repeated patterns
Learning Through Mistakes: Backward Study That Works
Rather than passively reading content, Dr. Lakshmi adopted a backward study approach, learning theory through mistakes made in MCQs. Whenever she encountered uncertainty:
- She reviewed the guideline links attached to the questions
- Revisited concepts only where gaps existed
- Saved incorrect questions for revision
This method ensured that her study time was aligned with high-yield, exam-relevant topics, not random or low-probability areas.
Dr. Ssnegdha, Academic Head of Medical Licensure Exams Abroad in Academically, interviewed Dr. Lakshmi. Let’s hear it from the candidate herself, unveiling all the deets.
AMC Exam Preparation Strategy [As Explained by Dr. Lakshmi]
The Power of a “Last-Day Folder”
One of the most practical strategies Dr. Lakshmi used was creating a last-day revision folder. This folder included:
- Frequently repeated AMC topics
- High-yield concepts from the last 2–3 months
- Commonly tested clinical scenarios
Instead of chasing rare or obscure questions, she focused on not making mistakes in areas that almost always appear in the AMC exam. This disciplined prioritisation made her final revision focused, calm, and efficient.
Balancing Work, Recorded Classes, and Preparation
Dr. Lakshmi began her academic journey with Academically in December, while she was working. Like many IMGs, she initially struggled to balance job responsibilities with exam preparation.
How did she mitigate?
- Leveraging recorded classes
- Starting focused preparation seriously from February
- Staying consistent rather than perfect
This flexibility allowed her to progress steadily without burnout. This is something many working doctors underestimate.
Asking for Help Is a Strength, Not a Weakness
Despite describing herself as a shy person, Dr. Lakshmi actively used:
- Live sessions
- Discord discussions
- Faculty support
- 1-on-1 doubt resolution
She asked questions even when she felt they might be “silly”, and that decision changed everything. “There are so many experienced people ready to help. I decided to make maximum use of it.” Her engagement didn’t stop there. She also helped fellow students whenever she could, creating a positive feedback loop of learning and confidence.
Faculty Support That Makes the Difference
Dr. Lakshmi credits Academically’s ecosystem. Especially, faculty guidance and prompt doubt resolution for keeping her motivated and on track. She specifically acknowledged the support of Dr. Swapnil Sharma, who consistently clarified doubts and strengthened her understanding. This mentorship-driven approach is often what separates struggling candidates from successful ones.
What’s Next After AMC MCQ Exam Part I?
With AMC Part 1 cleared, Dr. Lakshmi is now exploring her next steps:
- Preparing for AMC Part 2 (Clinical Exam)
- Applying for Work-Based Assessment (WBA) pathways
- Planning her entry into the Australian healthcare system
Like many candidates, she is taking time to evaluate the best path forward this time, from a position of confidence rather than uncertainty.
A Message for Those Who Missed It by a Few Marks
Her final advice is simple, honest, and powerful: “I lost the exam by four marks the last time. It broke my confidence. But if you believe you can do it, anybody can do it.” Failure does not define your capability. Your response to failure does. With the right strategy, consistent effort, and belief in yourself, the AMC exam is achievable.
You can do it too: Pass the AMC Exam 2026 today
At Academically, stories like Dr. Lakshmi’s are why we do what we do. Her journey reminds every IMG that:
- One setback does not define your future
- Strategy matters as much as hard work
- Support systems accelerate success
If you are preparing for the AMC exam, let her journey be your motivation and your success mantra.