How to Crack the AMC Exam as an Indian Doctor: Complete Beginner-to-Expert Guide

Written by

Dr. Indu K

Reviewed by

Dr. Ssnegdha
How to Crack the AMC Exam as an Indian Doctor
Created On : Jan 22, 2026 Updated On : Jan 22, 2026 4 min read

Key Takeaways

  • Step-by-step roadmap to pass AMC MCQ and Clinical exams
  • Best books, question banks, and online resources
  • Practical tips to avoid common mistakes
  • Confidence-building strategies for first-attempt success

Cracking the AMC Exam can feel complicated for many Indian doctors. With countless books, online courses, and confusing advice floating around, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But here’s the truth: you can pass the AMC exam efficiently with the right strategy, resources, and mindset.

Whether you’re just starting your preparation or struggling to clear the exam, this blog is designed to crack the AMC exam on the first attempt. You’ll discover how to master both the AMC MCQ and Clinical exams, avoid common pitfalls, and follow a study plan that actually works for Indian doctors.

Understanding the AMC Exam for Indian Doctors

What Is the AMC Exam?

The Australian Medical Council (AMC) Exam is the primary pathway for international medical graduates (IMGs) to practice medicine in Australia. For Indian doctors, this exam evaluates whether your medical knowledge and clinical reasoning meet Australian standards.

To Crack the AMC Exam as an Indian Doctor, you must understand that it’s not about rote memorization. Instead, it focuses on clinical application, patient safety, and evidence-based practice.

Why Indian Doctors Choose Australia

Australia offers:

  • AUD 225,000 average annual salary
  • 5000+ job openings for doctors
  • Amazing work-life balance
  • Clear PR pathways

For many Indian doctors, AMC is a long-term career investment rather than just an exam.

Eligibility Criteria to Appear for AMC

Primary Medical Qualification Requirements

RequirementDetails
Medical DegreeMBBS from NMC-recognized college
InternshipCompleted compulsory rotatory internship
RegistrationValid medical registration in India

Your medical college must be listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.

English Language Requirements

You must clear IELTS / OET / PTE Academic before final registration.

ExamMinimum Score
IELTSOverall 7.0 (no band < 7)
OETB in all subtests
PTEOverall 65

AMC Exam Structure Explained

AMC MCQ Exam

This is the first and most crucial step.

FeatureDetails
Questions150 MCQs
Duration3.5 hours
PatternClinical scenario-based
Passing ScoreVariable (around 250)

AMC Clinical Exam

  • 16 stations (OSCE style)
  • Focus on communication, ethics, and patient safety
  • Higher failure rate if unprepared

How to Start AMC Preparation as a Beginner

Step 1: Focus on the AMC MCQ Exam First

The AMC MCQ exam is the first hurdle and sets the foundation for the Clinical exam. Treat it seriously:

  1. Understand that it’s not like NEET PG
    • Unlike NEET PG, AMC emphasizes clinical reasoning, patient safety, and application of knowledge rather than pure memorization.
    • Questions are often scenario-based and require guideline-based decision-making.
  2. Understand the syllabus and exam pattern
    • High-yield subjects include Medicine, Surgery, Emergency, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Psychiatry, and Ethics.
    • Familiarize yourself with the 150-question MCQ format and timing (3.5 hours).
  3. Practice more questions
    • Daily practice is key.
    • Focus on time management and eliminating obviously wrong options.
    • Track your performance and revise weak areas consistently.

Step 2: Move on to the AMC Clinical Exam

Once you pass the MCQ exam, shift focus to the AMC Clinical Exam:

  • Practice common clinical scenarios.
  • Focus on communication skills, ethics, and patient safety, which are heavily tested.
  • Use mock OSCEs with peers, role-play stations, and refer to the AMC handbook.
  • Polish systematic examination and clinical reasoning, as examiners evaluate approach and confidence, not speed alone.
  • Enroll in a structured AMC preparation course

Common Mistakes Indian Doctors Make

  • Ignoring ethics and communication
  • Studying Indian textbooks only
  • Not practicing MCQs daily
  • Underestimating time management

Avoiding these mistakes alone increases your pass probability significantly.

After Passing AMC: What’s Next?

Once you clear AMC MCQ:

  • Apply for jobs (RMO, SRMO, GP training)
  • Register with AHPRA
  • Start supervised practice
  • Progress toward PR and specialist pathways

Final Thoughts 

To crack the AMC Exam as an Indian Doctor, think beyond exams. Focus on clinical reasoning, communication, and patient safety. Start early, stay consistent, and treat this journey as a professional transformation rather than just a migration process.

Australia values safe, ethical, and competent doctors and Indian doctors, with the right preparation, fit perfectly into that system.

For more information and guidance, you can reach out to our AMC experts. They will help you out with everything you need to know.

FAQs

Q- How to start preparation for AMC?

Ans- Start by understanding the exam structure: AMC MCQ first, then Clinical (OSCE). Create a study plan that covers core subjects like Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Emergency Medicine, and Ethics. Gather the right resources — AMC Handbook of MCQs, Qbanks like AMCQbanks or Pastest, and Australian guidelines. Begin with conceptual clarity, then move to question practice and mock exams.

Q- Is AMC hard to pass?

Ans- The AMC exam can be challenging if approached randomly, but it is passable with a structured strategy. MCQs require clinical reasoning and guideline knowledge, while the Clinical exam tests communication, ethics, and systematic examination skills. Indian doctors often find OSCE harder initially, but consistent practice and mock scenarios make it manageable.

Q- How to prepare for the AMC?

Ans-

  • MCQ preparation: Focus on high-yield subjects, practice question banks daily, and simulate timed exams.
  • Clinical preparation: Role-play OSCE stations with peers, focus on communication and patient safety, and practice systematic examinations.
  • Guidelines: Learn Australian protocols from RACGP and Therapeutic Guidelines.
  • Revision: Regularly track performance, identify weak areas, and review them systematically.

Q- Is AMC more difficult than USMLE?

Ans- AMC and USMLE test clinical knowledge, but the focus differs:

  • AMC: Clinical application, Australian guidelines, communication, and ethics.
  • USMLE: Emphasis on theory, pathophysiology, and multiple-choice clinical reasoning.

Indian doctors often find AMC Clinical exam (OSCE) unique and more application-based, while USMLE is more knowledge-driven.

Q- What is a good score in the AMC?

Ans- AMC does not publicly fix a score, but generally:

  • MCQ: A score above 250/400 (approx.) is generally considered safe to pass.
  • Clinical OSCE: Consistently passing all critical competencies and stations is key.

Focus on accuracy, time management, and consistent performance, not just aiming for a perfect score.

Q- What topics should I study for the AMC exam?

Ans- High-yield topics include:

  • Medicine: Cardiology, Respiratory, Endocrinology, Infectious Diseases
  • Surgery: General Surgery, Orthopaedics
  • Emergency Medicine & ICU
  • Obstetrics & Gynaecology
  • Psychiatry & Mental Health
  • Ethics, Communication & Preventive Medicine

Tip: Use Australian guidelines rather than only Indian textbooks to align with AMC exam expectations.

Dr. Indu K
Dr. Indu K
about the author

Dr. Indu K is a dentist with one year of clinical experience. She seamlessly transitioned into content writing three years ago. Her passion lies in making complex medical information accessible to everyone. She uses her unique blend of medical knowledge and exceptional writing skills to bridge the gap between healthcare and the general audience.

Build a Successful Global Healthcare Career