Did you know… thousands of IMGs dream of wearing that white coat and living the big American dream. USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) is your gateway to live your dream of working as a registered doctor in the States. But how much does it cost? In 2025, testing fees have updated. Exchange rates wobble all the time and digital systems are changing how you register. Your big American dream isn’t far away if you know how much money you need to have in hand to crack the USMLE. We have given a complete breakdown of fees so that you are well-equipped:
USMLE Fees in 2025: Highlights
Here’s a table of your expected costs as an international student (specially curated for Indian candidates in ₹) in 2025. Take a screenshot or just bookmark it.
| Exam Step | USD Fees | Approx. ₹ Fees |
| Step 1 | $885 | ₹75,800 |
| Step 2 CK | $910 | ₹77,900 |
| Step 3 | $925 | ₹79,200 |
| ECFMG Certification | $160 | ₹13,280 |
| Optional Add-Ons | $200–$400 | ₹16,600–₹33,200 |
USMLE Step-by-Step Cost Breakdown (2025 Updated)
Step 1: The Basic Sciences Test
- Base Fee (2025): $680
- International Delivery Surcharge: $205
- New 18% GST (India): Applies on total fee
- Total: $885 → approx. ₹75,800
Step 2: Clinical Knowledge
- Base Fee (2025): $680
- International Delivery Surcharge: $230
- New 18% GST (India): Applies on total fee
Total: $910 → approx. ₹77,900
Ensure learning concepts on clinical scenarios and patient care. The assessment has real-life scenario based questions on these topics.
New in 2025: USMLE has replaced their legacy registration portal as of 10th of March’25. The process now offers a seamless navigation while creating new account and carrying out the registration steps forward.
Step 3: Final License Gateway
- Exam Fee (2025): $925 → approx. ₹79,200
- Only offered in the USA or Canada—so factor in:
- Visa costs
- Flights
- Accommodation
This test covers:
- Patient management
- Ambulatory care
- Emergency situations
Mandatory step: Register with ECFMG for Certification
Ensure that you register at ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates). It is a mandatory step before going for Step 1 and Step 2 mentioned above.
Fee (2025): $160 → ₹13,280
Other related costs:
- ERAS Token (Residency Apps): $165
- Additional Transcripts/Score Reports: $80 per request
- Translation of Medical Transcripts: $250 (if your documents are not in English).
Optional and Hidden Costs You Must Budget
Most students underestimate these extra charges:
| Service | USD Cost | Approx. INR Cost |
| Eligibility Period Extension (Step 1 or 2 CK) | $100 | ₹8,300 |
| Changing Testing Region | $90 | ₹7,470 |
| Score Recheck | $80 | ₹6,640 |
| Step 3 Eligibility Extension | $70 | ₹5,810 |
| Extra Score Reports | $80 each | ₹6,640 |
| Courier/Document Handling | $30 | ₹2,490 |
USMLE Rescheduling Fees – 2025
Life happens. Here’s what it costs to change your exam:
| Days Before Exam | US/Canada Fee | International Fee (e.g. India) |
| 46+ days | $0 | $0 |
| 31–45 days | $35 | $35 |
| 6–30 days | $100 | $100 |
| ≤5 days | Up to $403 | Up to $403 |
Rescheduling Step 3 is only allowed in the USA.
Refunds and Forfeiture
Important:
- USMLE fees are mostly non-refundable once you’ve registered.
- For Steps 1 & 2 CK, you might get $50–$100 back if you cancel before scheduling.
- Step 3 fees are not refundable at all.
- Unused funds in your ECFMG account expire after 2 years.
Payment Methods for USMLE in 2025
Allowed Payment Modes:
- International Credit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Discover)
- Wire Transfer (slower processing)
- E-Checks (USA bank holders only)
Not Allowed:
- UPI
- PayPal
- Wallets
- Cash payments
Pro Tip: Use an international credit card enabled for USD payments to avoid transaction failures and excessive forex charges.
How Can You Pay USMLE Fees in 2025?
| Payment Method | Accepted? | Notes |
| International Credit Cards | ✅ Yes | Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Discover allowed |
| Debit Cards (India-based) | No/Partial | Often declined due to forex rules |
| Wire Transfer / Bank Transfer | ✅ Yes | Slower processing (3–5 days) |
| E-Checks (US bank accounts only) | ✅ Yes | Only for US residents with US bank accounts |
| UPI / Google Pay / Paytm | ❌ No | Not accepted |
| PayPal / Digital Wallets | ❌ No | Not accepted |
| Cash | ❌ No | Never accepted |
✈ Other Costs: Travel, Stay, Visa
For Step 3, you must travel to the USA. Here’s an estimate:
- Flights from India to USA and vice versa would roughly cost you: ₹90k – ₹1.5 lakh
- Stay for 2 weeks to get used to, with the area and finding accommodation: ₹70k – ₹1.2 lakh
US Visa Fees: ~₹15,000
Pro Tips to Save Money on USMLE Costs
- Give enough time before scheduling your exam. Do not schedule it hastily.
- Always closely check the currency value because it keeps fluctuating.
- Use one credit card to avoid multiple international transaction fees
- Always check the ECFMG or NBME sites for the latest fees before booking
- Consider applying for NBME’s fee assistance if you’re a US citizen or DACA student (unavailable for most international students)
- Prepare for the licensure exam really well. Apply for the USMLE preparation course by Academically and take advantage of the self paced sessions, AI-based mock tests, community groups and more. A good coaching centre adds a lot of potential in you to ace the exam on the first attempt itself.
Is USMLE Worth It? Your ROI Explained
Absolutely, yes. USMLE is one of the best and the most preferred licensing exam. Overseas trained doctors who spend the above-mentioned fees for this exam and qualify them are guaranteed to receive double/triple ROI in their career. Not just that, the quality of life improves. You have a global recognition as a registered doctor in the USA.
Average Doctor Salaries in 2025- Based on Experience
- Entry-Level (0–2 years): $180k – $250k/year (₹1.5–2.1 cr)
- Mid-Level (3–7 years): $250k – $400k/year (₹2.1–3.3 cr)
- Senior (8+ years): $400k – $700k/year+ (₹3.3–5.8 cr)
Average Doctor Salaries in 2025- Based on Specialisation/Branch
- Neurosurgery: $750k+ (₹6.2 crores+)
- Cardiology: $500k – $650k (₹4.1–5.4 crores)
- Dermatology: $450k+ (₹3.7 crores+)
- Radiology: $400k – $550k (₹3.3–4.5 cr)
- Pediatrics (lower end): $200k – $250k (₹1.7–2.1 crores)
Average Doctor Salaries in 2025- Based on Region
- San Francisco: $330,000+ (₹2.7 crores+)
- Boston: $310,000+ (₹2.5 crores+)
- New York City: $295,000+ (₹2.4 crores+)
Whether you choose general practice or specialise, the ROI far outweighs the initial cost making USMLE a truly worthwhile path for aspiring doctors.
To Conclude With…
As you can see, budgeting for USMLE fees is extremely important if you want to stay ahead of the curve. USA has always promised for the best ROI with not just double/triple return of your investment but a great quality of life. So plan your finances carefully…and take the next step toward your American medical dream. Budget smart, dream big!
Note: All fees and conversions are approximate and subject to changes. Always confirm current rates on official USMLE, ECFMG, and Prometric websites before making payments.
